It's gonna be a wet weekend!

Saturday 30th October 2021

Love what makes you unique.

Well I got all my housework done yesterday, walked Alfie, had my flu jab, nipped in Aldi, finally bought a dustpan and brush (needed one since July!), had a nice long shower than sat listening to my music, I dug out my cds and played a few.  The man didn't come about the machine my member had put the wrong day in his diary so he's coming today. 

The rest of the day was spent snuggled up in front of the tv with Alfie insisting on prime position on the settee, he's a funny little dog, he really is, gets stressed out if I take him in the car, but barks like mad if I leave him at home, you can't win.  I opted for leaving him at home because I think he calms down eventually. 

Last one of Elle's soup demo's this morning and I have to say I think soup is the future for helping with the weight loss, even if I only opt for soup Monday - Thursday lunchtime, that's got to help with the veg intake and also be a low calories meal, I have some cans of soup already so I'll eat those next week plus the bit I froze yesterday.

Well the weather forecast is WET so I'm thinking a weekend of chilling out and watching tele, not sure what's on the menu at all yet, yesterday was pork loin chop in a maple syrup sauce, garlic bread and peas.  I resisted ice cream and chewy sweets - GO ME!  I did have a bowl of grey peas, so my digestion system has worked wonderfully over the last few days as you can imagine! TMI?

Right I need to get ready for the huddle this morning, just had a watsapp natter with my bestie, started my day off lovely that has, but now I need to get some clothes on and get my act together :)

Have a great day, see some of you this morning, 

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx

We're having a SOUPer week!

Friday 29th October 2021
Feel that, that's Friday!  

We're having a great week in our huddle meetings, talking all things soup, there's more to it than you realise!  Nat last night mentioned she makes a soup with the peelings of the veg, here's the recipe she shared in our group, Potato Peel Soup | Love Food Hate Waste really good way of using everything and saving waste and money.  I've enjoyed soup every lunchtime this week, yesterday's was the best so far, they've got better as the weeks gone on and we've experimented with what we put in the soup maker.

I'm going to start having a mug of soup instead of a cup of coffee when I'm at the huddles because I just want something wet and warm and it's a great way to get my 5 a day.

I did indulge last night and ate the rest of the ice cream in the freezer - big mistake buying that!  I'll buy him a flavour I don't like in future, as soon as I put rum flavoured ice cream in the basket, I knew it was a huge mistake, I probably ate 750 calories worth!  OUCH!  Thankfully I'd not ate much all day, shreddies for breakfast, soup for lunch and grey peas and bacon bits for tea which were delicious and very, very filling.  I'm going to pot up the rest of them for quick meals when I can't be bothered, there's finally some space in the freezer for stuff. 

I need to replace the ice cream now, just looking at options; 

I wonder if the difference in taste between these two is noticeable as the one one the left is a third of the calories?  

I can't have stuff in the house that I like, so I've got to find a middle ground and thankfully I can resist strawberry I reckon, I've got it out my system now hopefully.  

Back to soup, here's a healthy recipe plus a link to lots more ideas on Tesco website Search | Tesco Real Food

Super lentil and vegetable soup

Serves 2, 275 calories each

1 onion

1 carrot

1 leek (or onion)

1 potato

2 celery sticks

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp plain flour

1 tsp stock powder

500ml boiling water

50g red lentils

This warming vegetarian soup is packed full of goodness - perfect for keeping you warm on chilly evenings! Serve with crusty bread for hearty winter meal.

Top and tail the carrot, then peel, dice and wash it.

Also top and tail the leek, remove the outer layer, then peel, slice and wash it.

Peel and cube the potato. Wash the celery, before cutting it into pieces around 2cm in length.

Heat the oil in a saucepan and fry all the vegetables, except the potatoes, for 5 mins. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 mins.

Dissolve the stock powder in boiling water, before adding it to the saucepan and bringing it to the boil.

Add the potatoes and red lentils, before putting a lid on the saucepan and allowing all the ingredients to simmer for 30 mins.

Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread.

Tip: You can replace the leek and carrot with other vegetables.

That's my lot for this morning, I'm off to do housework stuff - boo!  Got my flu jab this morning too and a man coming to look at the washing machine this afternoon, all happening in my world!  I do have a wonderful, cosy night in to look forward to though, all about balance!

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx

Thursday! Friday tomorrow, the start of the weekend!

Thursday 28th October 2021

The start is what stops most people!

Another good morning at the huddle yesterday, a different flavour soup made, it's making me want to eat more soup for sure, just need to find flavours I really like, canned is easier but home made is a winner too!

I enjoyed a cooked breakfast followed by a delicious late lunch / early dinner, I did have a mug of the soup we made too.  

 

Alfie and I sneaked a power nap after eating that dinner, we'd driven to Birmingham to pick up a light for the car because the cover had fallen off at the weekend driving down the motorway, the lovely man fitted it for me too, so was worth the drive.  I'm glad I don't have to do a drive like that every day, it's tiring sitting in traffic!

Luckily Bloxwich is only 4 mile away for me this morning, another reason I love my job, looking forward to my day ahead, got huddles this morning and this evening, then I'm working on the Christmas/Winter journal this afternoon.  Hoping the weather stays dry enough for me and Alfie to have a good walk this afternoon, I've noticed my steps are going down on my Fitbit, I was easily doing 10k but the last week, I'm lucky to hit 7k! 

I'm going to cook grey peas today, they've been soaking all night, I didn't have bicarb but they'll be okay I don't think I used it last time either, will put them on when I get back from the huddle this morning, I've bought cheap gammon joints instead of bacon bits, I'll make a bit wad and fill a shelf in the freezer now I've made some space.  They're a bit like a thick, chunky soup really, you either love or hate them, I love em and they're healthy and filling.  

I'm thinking a bowl of cereal for breakfast, I have lots of that home made coleslaw left so maybe a jacket spud with it and tuna mayo for lunch. 

All this talk of food is making me hungry, I better get moving and get ready for work, I need to buy a new washing machine, no idea which to go for, but mine is leaking and it's getting worse every time I use it, need an integrated one as I have the door to go on the cupboard, it's been sitting in the shed for 4 years waiting for the machine to die! 

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx 

The scales were on pause this week :)

Wednesday 27th October 2021

You didn't wake up today to be mediocre.

It was a long but good day yesterday, two huddles with Elle doing a little cooking!  I worked on our Christmas / Winter journal in the afternoon, then V and I finally went to visit Lucy last night, she's overwhelmed by all the kindness and sends her thanks. 

In normal Be Happy Owls life, I maintained on the scales which I was okay with, I'd have loved a loss don't get me wrong, I even took my leggings off to get 1/2 off but then realised what I was doing, that it wasn't the way to lose weight, so I put them back on and settled for the maintain - no shame in a maintain!  I'm living and losing, I'd had the best weekend, it started Thursday night after the huddle really, so it was an extra long one not ending till I got back from down south on Monday lunchtime.   I indulged this weekend, had ice cream, popcorn, meals out, was mindful with my eating, didn't go into 'sod it' mode which is most likely why I didn't get a gain.  I had a great time, got to see my brother and Alexis and spent extra time with someone who makes me very, very happy so yeah it's all good!

I did a little shop, so have a bit of veg in the fridge, today I'm going to start the day with egg, mushrooms and tomatoes nom nom, I'll have a crumpet with it too, I took that out the freezer yesterday.  I'm thinking soup for lunch again, this week is going to be a SOUPer week in and out of the huddles, I can see me buying a soup maker soon but I'll eat the cans and cartons of soup I have first.

What will I have for my evening meal, mmm not sure, I've got a coleslaw mix which I want to enjoy so need to decide what to have with it - any suggestions?  Maybe fish in breadcrumbs with a couple of onion rings, think I might have potato waffles in the freezer too, want to get that down more still. 

Managed to fit in helping a UW customer yesterday too, we do phones as well as sims and if the customer is a gold talk or double gold customer and has a phone, it includes the mobile protection which is a great add on.

My Sky tv contract ends next month so I'm going to cancel it completely, the only thing I won't be able to do then is record stuff and that's okay, now moms not watching it all the time, I can live without that option.  I'm mostly watching netflix and prime these days anyway, plus if I change my mind in the new year, I can do a new contract I guess but I've been paying £38 a month for something I'm not using, the cinema package is crap, I never watch the movies so that's £11 a month on the offer, when the contract finishes it's all going up to £55 a month and the only way to bring that down is to sign up for another 18 months, meh I ain't doing it!  

Right, let's get this day started, let's make it a great one, 2021 has been one hell of a year, I didn't think 2020 could be beaten in the crappy stakes but 21 gave it a run for its money, but then after those first 3 worse months of my life, things got calmer, I got happier, my life started to come back together and now, well I'm living my best life again and I'm not taking a moment of it for granted xx

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx 

All about making memories

Tuesday 26th October 2021

Don't stand in your own way.

Well I had a great weekend involving driving lots of miles, being stuck on the M25 at 7/8am on a Monday morning ain't something I'd want to do often but it was worth it to see my brother Terry and his wife Alexis, we had a wonderful, long lunch and a great catch up.   The Travelodge bed was comfy too, so at least I got a good nights sleep, I was still tired when I got back, it was great to see Alfie had been absolutely fine with Carol, he didn't even jump off the settee or bark when I walked in!  Such a relief to have someone who he likes and who is amazing and will look after him for me in my house, how blessed am I!

It was nice not to have to think about the dog for 24 hours, he hasn't been far from my side since mom died in March, he woke me up at 4am this morning, wouldn't mind but he didn't go up the garden so I think that was payback!  

Right last week in our huddles we talked motivation!  Why are the members there, why do they want to lose weight, whats it all about, I loved that there were so many reasons, most coming from a place of positivity and self love.  Our members are much more relaxed in their approach, accepting it's for life these changes, not just a quick fix.

Everything from getting back into clothes, to health reasons, to wanting to be able to skydive!  We then looked at what we needed to focus on to make it all happen, for some it was planning, others tracking, maybe adding a little activity or sorting out the kitchen so it was healthy to start with. 

The kitchen sorting is me!  I was led astray on Saturday, buying bloomin popcorn and ice cream, I never buy that stuff at home, especially when I saw the price of Ben and Jerry's etc, £5 a tub, what is that all about!  Well I ended up with a small bowl of Haagen Daaz rum with biscuit ice cream which was possibly the best sweet thing I've eaten in a very, very long time, it was incredible!  I was impressed with myself for only having a small bowl and putting the rest in the freezer.  266 calories for 100g, so not bad, a little of what you fancy does you good.  Unfortunately I think I might have had too much of what I fancy this week, so the scales might not go down this morning! 

It's not a race, I've had a lovely weekend making memories, it was the first time I've eaten inside a pub since before lockdown, we've eaten in the pub garden but not inside, the food was delicious too, pork is fast becoming my favourite choice of meat and I never used to eat it at all! 

The heating is turned up this morning, I'm not showering until this house is warm enough to take clothes off!  That's another first for me this year, I don't usually bother with the heating in the morning, but being woke up at 4am is not a great way to start your day, especially when the little shih tzu is fast asleep again now!  Thankfully I had an early night so I've had seven and a half hours.  

With it being Halloween this weekend, I've found a recipe for pumpkin soup to use up all that flesh, only 5 ingredients and can be cooked in the slow cooker, here it is; 

Crockpot Pumpkin Soup (5 Ingredients!)

Creamy crockpot pumpkin soup is velvety smooth and delicious. It's just what you crave on a cool fall evening!

Prep Time 15 minutes Cook Time 4 hours    Servings 8 servings Calories 109kcal

Ingredients

• 1 small pumpkin, around 2 pounds, scrubbed clean (see note)

• 1 small onion, roughly chopped

• 2 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon pepper

Optional Flavour Add-ins:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder, or to taste, for a zesty pumpkin soup. Add a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes, for added spiciness

• 1 tablespoon curry powder and ¼ cup packed brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice and a couple tablespoons of maple syrup or honey

• 1 teaspoon orange or lemon zest and 1/4 cup juice instead of the cream + 1 teaspoon of ginger, if desired

• 1 -2 peeled and chopped apples - cook with the rest of the ingredients, stir in a teaspoon of cinnamon with the cream

Instructions

1. Cut the pumpkin in half and remove seeds with edge of a spoon. Cut into 2-inch chunks, roughly the same size.

2. Add pumpkin, onion, and potatoes to the slow cooker, along with vegetable broth, salt and pepper. Cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4 hours.

3. After the soup is cooked, carefully use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. To avoid splatters, partially cover the crockpot with a clean towel while you process the soup.

4. Slowly stir in the heavy cream. Adjust seasonings, and serve.

Notes

• Pumpkin peel: You can leave the peel on the pumpkin for this soup! It will soften and puree with the rest of the soup ingredients. It's so easy!

• Diary-free or vegan: Use coconut milk or apple cider instead of heavy cream. 

• Make ahead tip: cut up pumpkin, potatoes, and onion the night before. Put the pumpkin and onions in a zip top bag. Cover the potatoes with water so they don't get discoloured.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 of 8 | Calories: 109kcal | 

Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 608mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g

On that note, I'm off to get ready for my day, looking forward to seeing everyone at the huddles this week.  

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx

It's the weekend!

Saturday 23rd October 2021

Greet each day with a hopeful heart. 

I've stopped blogging every day, partly because I either don't have much to say or I want to turn off my laptop and focus on living, but yesterday I didn't feel I could write, it was supposed to be such a happy day for Lucy and Phil, their wedding after 21 years, it had originally been planned for Mexico, then covid and lockdown happened and well you know the rest if you've been reading my blogs and Facebook posts.   The fundraising is going well, but there can't be too much in the pot because if she has no money worries for a month or so, she can grieve and take care of her family.  

Now I've spent the last few years being cautious with money and not spending anything in case I had to stop working to care for mom or I lost my job, then because of covid and not knowing what the future holds, but I'm so glad Lucy and Phil didn't do that, I'm glad they had those couple of extra family holidays they really couldn't afford at the time, I remember having the conversation with her saying should you really be going on another holiday when you're skint!  Well I'm glad she did now!  It's also make me realise, I can stop being quite so careful about the future and it's okay to spend a bit and live a little! 

I've had my car for 17 years and it's been a workhorse really but yesterday I got to drive a Range Rover, oh my days what a difference it is driving a nice car, the comfort in comparison was insane, even Alfie was all proud in the back seat!  I'm not saying I'm about to nip about and buy me a big fancy car but maybe next year, it will be time to start thinking about replacing the car I have that has it's wing mirrors held on with gaffer tape, we shall see.  For now I'll be happy with the money I've spent on some new clothes, I haven't done a food shop for two weeks so that's saved me hundred quid easily, just need to remember to get Alfie some food today as we're out of his stuff. 

I've got a lovely weekend to look forward too, we drove to Ironbridge for breakfast and a walk yesterday, I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at the huddle this morning.  Then tomorrow I'm off down south to see my brother and his wife, who are here for the week to see her family for the first time since lockdown.  Thankfully my lovely Carol is going to stay at mine and look after Alfie so he doesn't have to do the long drive and we don't have to worry about pet friendly pubs etc, it'll be a good test to see if he'll stay with her and settle for the future.

My cold is well and truly on it's way out, thankfully I haven't felt poorly, it's just a head cold, I've done a couple of covid tests just to be sure, but I knew, I get one every year, except last year when we weren't going anywhere at all to share our germs!

Here's to a good day, be thankful for everything you have, smile when you can, love lots and take care of you. 

Mwah, luv ya

Love me xx

Appreciate what you got!

Thursday 21st October 2021

Avoid comparing yourself. 

"Life is not fair & things do not happen for a reason!"  Those were the words of Lucy's sister on Instagram at the news of Phil's death and how true are those words! I've been overwhelmed by everyone's generosity so far on the Go Fund Me Page I set up yesterday to try and help Lucy as much as is possible.  

There is no upside to this situation, my very, dear friend has lost her soul mate . their beautiful children have lost their father.  Look how happy they all were just this last week, that's the only thing that eases the pain a little, knowing he was obviously in the happiest place, knowing he was going to marry his sweetheart. 

The rest is just too damn cruel!  

It would be easy to go into 'sod it' mode where food and taking care of ourselves is concerned and think well we could all be dead tomorrow, but we know that's not really logical!  We have to take care of ourselves as best as we can to be able to live our best lives.  Phil and Lucy lived life, they knew how to enjoy themselves, Lucy also did everything she could to keep the family healthy and we need to do the same right now.

Of course I was preoccupied by my friends world yesterday but I have to continue with my life, so I went to our huddle yesterday morning which was great, certificates a plenty handed out and a brilliant topic talked about.  Food wise because I've got a stinky cold, I had a sausage sandwich for brekkie, for lunch I was planning on having the other sausages with mash and beans but ended up with mash and beans as Alfie ate my sausages, then for tea I had noodles and an egg.  Simple food, eating the kitchen contents ain't I, but not all at once.  

I think I'll take the leftover curry out the freezer I made last month, that'll be delicious and it'll also help to unblock my nose :) the other benefit of it is there's no preparation necessary, just stick it in a pan, warm it up and have with microwave rice!  

I'm looking forward to a weekend at home relaxing, my life really has changed so much and Lucy's will too and myself and all her friends (because she has so many because she is loved so much) will all be here for her to support her through it all. 

Apologies for not being ra ra and uplifting as I like to be, normality will be restored soon I promise, I just feel a little helpless right now not to be able to make it all better for her, I'm a doer, a sorter, a fixer and this can't be fixed can it, which is a big pile of poo! 

On that note, let's have the best day we can shall we.

Mwah, luv ya

Love you xx

Sometimes nothing makes sense!

Wednesday 20th October 2021

Goodbyes hurt the most, when the story was not finished. 

Yesterday started so good, I stepped on those scales and lost a pound, jumped off screaming 'GET IN', which was a silly thing to do as I have a bad throat!  

Then I received a text message an our later that was like being hit by a hammer!  We were just about to start our chat when my phone rang, it was my bestie V, so I cut her off knowing she'd realise I was at work, but then I spotted I'd had a message from Lucy too and I instantly knew something was wrong, reading the text, I left the room and Elle in charge and went out to call V.  Lucy's husband had passed away that morning from a heart attack, it was his birthday, they were in Greece and due to get married this Friday coming!  I was just stunned, feeling helpless because I couldn't be with her to support her, knowing how broken she'll be, it's just shit, there's no other word for it. 

They were a true love story, the kind that I envy whenever I hear one, she met him at 16 at the Fair where he worked, and they'd been together ever since, 21 years of pure love and laughter.  They'd planned to marry in Mexico after a holiday there a few years ago, but covid stopped it, then when the rules were lifted the holiday company suggested Greece, so they said yes and now he's gone.  A wonderful man, with a face that lit up when he smiled that cheeky grin, they truly were a perfect match. 

I've been awake since 4am, not slept great, I can't stop thinking about Lucy and what she's going through, I'm just relieved her sister is with her as well as the family that were there for the wedding. 

I don't know what else to talk about, maybe how important it is to not put things off, to not delay anything, to go out there and live life to the fullest, but also to take care of your body as it's the only one you've got!

I've set up a  Go Fund Me Page as I've learned their insurance is void because they didn't tell them about his medication!

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx

Weigh day - I won't hold my breathe this week.

Tuesday 19th October 2021
 Encourage one another and build each other up.

9 hours 21 minutes I've slept according to my Fitbit, I went to bed at half seven last night, I was shattered and I didn't feel 100%, did a covid test, that's clear, I've just got a bit of lurgy thankfully.  Alfie was happy to go up too and we've both slept through, I woke once for the loo, but he didn't move bless him, driving tires him out for sure. 

Busy day ahead though, I've already put a load of washing in, got the huddle this morning, looking forward to this weeks topic, it's going to get us all motivated to continue going through the last part of 2021!  

Dinner is sorted today, I've got lamb tagine made by my very dear friend Chantel, it was so lovely to see her yesterday, we had a couple of hours catching up and she sent me home with my dinner :).  Parking outside her house is parallel parking so I was very pleased to see her husband come out to do it for me, I cannot parallel park and thankfully it wasn't part of the test when I past mine, I wouldn't even attempt it if I'm honest, I just find somewhere else to park!

I might have porridge for breakfast, I need some healthy goodness in my body right now so I get well quickly, I do feel better this morning than I did last night though so that's a good thing.

My house needs a good tidy and clean but I may leave that for today, see how I feel when I get home this morning, it'll all still be there tomorrow won't it or even Friday!

I wonder what the scales will say today?  I'm not hopeful but I really don't want the numbers going up, I want to lose 10lb to be in the stone below, I'd like half stone by Christmas.  I'm not too worried about gaining loads over Christmas as I don't think we'll be having that kind of Christmas, if we don't buy it, we can't eat it can we!  Or drink it come to that, I won't be drinking this week at all so that always helps, a few more early nights too, if you're asleep - you ain't eating!

I know I've said I'm having porridge but I could really eat a couple of slices of toast, something scratchy on my throat, mmm maybe I'll wait till I get to the huddle and do just that.  This is the danger isn't it, I like to feed a cold but with things like toast, I need some soup maybe later for lunch, thankfully there's no bread in the house, so I can't be tempted by it. 

Here's to a quick recovery, I don't feel poorly in myself which is a bonus, just a scratchy throat which is causing a bit of a cough, hey ho, let's get on with the day!

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx

 

4000lb!

Monday 18th October 2021 

Keep moving forward 

Well I've had a wonderful weekend, started at the huddle Saturday morning with our usual busy get together, made better by Elle announcing that our members have lost 4,000lbs (286 stone) WOW just an  incredible achievement by all and long may that number continue to grow. 

I then went home, walked Alfie, then got in the car and drove down south to enjoy a couple of nights away.  I've managed to lie ins till after 8 which is amazing for me, so now I'm all caught up on my sleep, Alfie's been golden if not lazy, he really didn't want to walk yesterday when I went for a walk in the woods. 

Food wise there's been KFC and Chinese but hopefully it won't upset the scales too much as I haven't overeaten, having said that I really want to try the McDonalds Double Big Mac, but I'll resist for now, I've got to drive home still so will eat a little better for the rest of the week.  No shopping again this week, will live from the kitchen so frozen veggies all the way, saving £'s  whilst losing lbs hopefully. 

We talked about that last week in our huddles, if you were to know £10 or £20 a week off your weekly shop from now till Christmas, you could have up to £200 in the kitty for Christmas, most people have lots in their kitchen cupboards and could easily live for a few weeks from them!

Right the rush hour traffic has hopefully calmed down, I'm going home via my mates to have a catch up, not seen her for months, then I'll take my time driving back the rest of the way.

Here's to a great week, remember to enjoy the journey.

Mwah, luv ya

Love me 

10 weeks today......

Saturday 16th October 2021

Don't let your past define your future

I spent the morning on a shopping trip to get boots yesterday, went to that new Mcarther Glen outlet, my lovely sister had a whining Alfie for me!  Next was a zoom appointment for a UW customer and once I'd done all that it was about 2ish, so I went and had me a lovely long bath, followed by something to eat, then I feel asleep on the settee and had me an afternoon snooze!  I must have needed it, that's all I can say, I'll probably want one today now thanks to Alfie who woke me up at half four to go up the garden and I couldn't get back to sleep, little shih tzu his is! 

So here I'm sat typing away at 5.15am on a Saturday morning, house filled with music and a dog that's gone back to sleep, at least I don't have to rush round to get ready for the huddle this morning, I can take my time.  I'm going to take my time with everything today I think, no rushing in me at all. 

I resisted food shopping whilst out yesterday, I don't need anything, I've got a freezer full which I intend to live from for the rest of the month easily I reckon.  I've two of those part baked baguettes in the kitchen that came back from my holiday with me, they need using today, so I might cook them this morning and I've got some ham and cheese, that's breakfast and lunch sorted, or I could put scrambled eggs in on for breakfast because I think the eggs are past their best before date too!  I'll put em in a bowl of water to check they're fresh as long as they don't float they're fine to eat. 

I posted that on Facebook yesterday morning and I mean it, I hope that anyone going through a bad time in their lives right now reminds themselves it won't last forever.  I used to do that on a daily basis when mom was ill, I'd just live in the now and not think about what was to come.  I thought when she passed I knew what my future looked like, turns out I got that wrong too, you just never know what's ahead of us, which is one of the reasons I don't think about it too often, live in the now. 

Maybe that's why I struggle to plan my meals for the week ;) 

Here's to a great weekend, whatever you've got planned.  I have worked out how I can limit the damage this weekend, I think I'll be okay, I want to lose more weight before Christmas (10 weeks today - eek!) so I'll think before I eat!  Plus the boots I bought yesterday will now let me gain weight if I want to get the zips up! 

Looking forward to seeing lots of you this morning, if you've missed your regular huddle, come join us today, we have tea and toast! 

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me.

Yay to Friday

Thursday 15th October 2021

Be the reason someone smiles today.

Another very great day yesterday, loving work, loving life, surrounded by BeYOUtiful people but damn wasn't it cold!  I'm putting my fleecy leggings on next week for sure :) I'm not liking the drop in temperature at all, brrr to colder weather.  If that's the worst thing in my world right now, I'll take that, especially when I look in my Facebook members and see what was going on this time last year!

10 weeks today is Christmas Eve - EEK!  I'm glad I'm going away, nothing to do at home, no comparisons to the last few years stuck in the house with mom and somewhere completely different to where we've spent so many previous Christmases.  Of course I'll think of her, but I won't do it with sadness, I'll remember the good times, like the video I've just watched in my Facebook memories of her singing in my car, she really was a one off, I was so lucky to have her as both my mom and best friend and I miss her so very much, I have things I want to tell her, this is when I wish I believe in the afterlife etc because I'd then be thinking she knows because she's watching me, but I struggle with all that if I'm honest. 

Anyway, moving on, let's talk food!  I enjoyed gammon, egg, chips and beans last night and it was amazing!  Some days you just need something really filling, I could've eaten the world yesterday and I realised it was because I'd been trying to be 'too good' the few days before, because I'd lost so well and I wanted another loss Tuesday, I was cutting back a little too much, situation rectified, I'd rather the weight come off slowly as I enjoy life. 

My weekend plans have completely changed, so I've got to rethink my 'food' plans too, I'm going shopping this morning for boots, not bought any food this week so can spend that money on footwear :) I may nip in M&S for something nice for my dinner though, but then I shouldn't because I'm using up the stuff in my cupboards and freezer.  I'll be eating out all weekend too, so I need to behave a little and make wiser choices, yeah I can do that!   

But first to shop, then a Utility Warehouse appointment, then I'm going to have an indulgent evening, nice bubble bath, watch a bit of tele before an early night so I'm full of energy tomorrow at the huddle. 

Here's to a fabulous Friday - you in? 

Mwah, luv ya

Love me xx

Yay, it's Thursday!

Thursday 14th October 2021

Happiness is always an inside job.

Another great day, enjoyed the huddle lots, then nipped to Jessicas Boutique (I shouldn't be allowed in there, it's too nice).  Next I drove to do a Utility Warehouse quote for a couple, but I've told them to get back to me at the beginning of December because they're okay until them safe in a fixed contract.  I then did another appointment over zoom and saved Liz £888 a year, a lovely £74 a month, she was more than happy to sign up, I'd spoken to her back in April but she was locked into a crazy BT broadband contract that would cost hundreds to get out of, now we cover up to £200 of exit fees but this was 3 or 4 times that.  Got there in the end though and she's a very, happy customer. 

My afternoon was spent making a delicious simple fish pie, 

All that's in it is white fish, mash, fried onions and a cheese and mustard sauce I knocked up, did the job for sure.  For tea though I fancied something a little tasty so had one of those little pizzas and added some sliced pepper, black olives and a little ham, it did the job for sure. 

I enjoyed a couple of episodes of Peaky Blinder, before enjoying an early night, had a good eight hours sleep, so ready for the day ahead!  

Everything is easier when you're in a good place isn't it!  Hopefully it will continue, don't get me wrong, I'm not smiley happy 24/7, I have my moments, my hormones still get involved and I have a grumble, still getting my hot flushes in the middle of the night, but I remind myself how blessed I am if these are my biggest issues right now.

On that note, I'm going to get ready to go to my great job with Elle.  I'll probably eat more fish pie today, save me cooking, but I know I won't fancy it when I get home tonight, so I need a plan because it could get very ugly otherwise and I want to lose weight next week again. 

Mwah, luv ya

Love me x

19lb gone now, feeling good.

Wednesday 13th October 2021

If you stumble make it part of the dance.

Well I was proper chuffed when I stood on those scales yesterday morning, 3lb off, 19lb in total, which means I lost my holiday gain and a little bit more - I'll more than take that, it's given me the motivation to keep going, I want another half stone by Christmas, I'd love 10lb though.  It's doable, there's 10 Tuesdays left before Christmas!  

I tracked 100% yesterday on my app, I had Farley's rusks for breakfast, got them today too, love em, plus I already have them in the cupboards - no online shopping this week being done in this house!  For lunch I ate a packet of stuffed pasta from the fridge, I'm over that stuff now but it had to be eaten, there's one pack left too.  It's filling don't get me wrong but I'm not sure it's worth the calories it costs.  I wasn't hungry when I got home from huddles so had a pack of melba toasts with cheese spread and tomato on, plus slices of orange pepper.  I need to up my veggie intake again, I've let it slip, but now I've got that weight loss goal in sight, I'm on it.  

I've just taken some white fish out the freezer, going to make a fish pie later, already have the potatoes to use up.  I've got a busy day so need to make sure I get myself organised, huddle this morning, got to drive over Warstones to pick something up and then doing a Utility Warehouse appointment in Walsall, going to help sort their energy out, it's a scary situation out there right now and energy companies are trying to lock people into a 2 year contract with crazy monthly costs and exits fees - don't do it!

Loved yesterday's huddles, was flying solo on the morning because Elle had to wait for her daughter to get a clear covid test, which she did thankfully, it was good to have her back on the evening, everything's better together.

So many certificates handed out at the scales too, I love getting feedback from people who were unsure about switching from WW or SW to calories and now they are absolutely loving calories because it's giving them control of how they eat and live their lives and giving them the power to be their own experts.  

Well my rusks are all mushy and ready to eat so I'm off to enjoy them before I brave the shower, it's a bit nippy this morning, do I whack the heating on for half hour, or be hardcore! 

Have a great day, I plan too. 

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me 

Happy Tuesday

Tuesday 12th October 2021

You always have a choice!

Had my productive day yesterday, got stuff done, love Mondays like that, cleaned the fridge out, now to use up the stuff in there and not do any shopping this week.  Spent half hour or so in the garden doing the weeding, filled a big black bin bag, which felt good, especially as the weather was lovely and autumnal yesterday, even Alfie was happy to have a couple of walks, one was a decent length for him too, bless him.

Did a cooking and catch up video in our Facebook group and the result was delicious Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic (behappyowls.com) other than a bit of toast it was all I ate yesterday. 

OH hold on I lie, I had the last slice of bread with a bit of chicken on later.  This is why I need to get back to using my app, starting today!

What else did I do yesterday?  My fitbit says almost 14k steps, 90 active minutes and 2.5k calories burned so I didn't sit around much.  The first time I did sit down was to sign a UW customer up for energy and sim cards around 4pm, until then I'd been doing housework and stuff.

Alfie's had me up a couple of times in the night to go up the garden, but he only does it when he really does need to go out so I don't mind, plus we went to bed at 8.30, and I slept through till 6, so had a lovely sleep, apart from the two times he went out, at least I went straight back to sleep. 

Looking forward to this weeks huddles, hoping to get lots of ideas from our members to help me with my meals for the next week or so, 'to eat' list at the ready!

I'm contemplating taking some fish out the freezer this morning, will go see what's in there that I fancy, whatever I have this week, it's coming out of that freezer outside!  I know there's a pot of my curry in there that can be eaten at the weekend, save cooking, just add rice or chips.

Lots of people are starting to struggle now and we all need to remember and remind ourselves of the things that make it more difficult to stay on track and not give ourselves a really hard time about it!  We don't take care of anything we don't love - so start loving yourself first!  I don't have a size 10 body anymore, heck it's not even a 14 these days but when I look in a mirror, I see me, I don't focus on my excess fat and my size.  Yes I'd love to be a stone or so lighter but I'm not going to hate what I've got whilst I work on getting there.  I love me, I'm happier than I've been in a very, very long time, oh plus the people helping me be happier don't see to mind what I weigh either, and if the do and they haven't said, then I don't want them in my life because I'm more than a number on a set of scales and SO ARE YOU! 

Here's to taking care of ourselves, making ourselves a priority, giving ourselves a break and accepting we don't have to be perfect but w do have to persist. 

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx                  

Shall we shine?

Monday 11th October 2021

If you're going to rise you may as well shine!

Monday morning and I'm about to conquer the day and do battle with the house work, I'm feeling like a declutter kind of day, starting with the wardrobes!  

I've had another lovely weekend, drove to Ironbridge yesterday morning had a walk and some breakfast, mmm to bacon, brie and cranberry ciabatta!  That kept us going until tea time when we had my sisters epic cheese pie with some veggies, no clue to the calories of it but come one some days you just enjoy the food.  On a positive I had an alcohol free day yesterday and I've enjoyed a cracking nights sleep, getting up just before 7, went to bed early too, so I'm feeling all refreshed, no wonder I'm ready to conquer the day.

I'll be interested to see what the scales say tomorrow as I haven't been tracking but I haven't been ridiculously bad either, so it'll see if I'm getting better at controlling my food intake or if I still need to sort myself out a little.  I think possibly the latter, I'm remembering the chocolate that was consumed that I don't normally have, plus the takeaway Thursday night!  

Today I'm making my 40 cloves of garlic chicken, Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic (behappyowls.com) might even do it as a live in our FB group for our Huddle members. 

I need to go get stuff done, I need to get ready for the meetings this week before I start on the house, that's more important, priorities and all that, good old to do list about to be started I think. 

75 days to Christmas, that's truly crazy!  10 weeks and 5 days, I'm glad I don't have to buy lots of gifts, even better that I'm going away now so don't have to decorate or any of that lol. 

Let's not think about that, let's focus on today, not having a supermarket delivery this week, going to live off what's in the fridge/freezer and kitchen cupboards, I reckon if I try and make it to the end of the month without shopping that'll pay for Alfie's jab and pet certificate for his holiday. 

Here's to the 3 meals ahead of me, one meal, one day at a time.  We got this!

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me x

Here's to the weekend.

Saturday 9th October 2021

Take time to do what makes your soul happy.

Looking forward to the huddle this morning, catching up with everyone, it's a great way to start the weekend.  I didn't blog yesterday, I had a lie in instead and a tech free / work free Friday.

Instead I took Alfie to the vets for his health check and annual vaccinations, found out it's going to cost me a fortune to take him to Ireland, he'll need a rabies shot £75 and a pet certificate about £150!  The certificate has to be redone every time you go out the country too - boo!  

Once we'd done there, we went to Chase Water for a walk round, was really impressed he made it the whole way round too.  Seeing the red deer was awesome especially the stag keeping is eye on is family, such beautiful creatures.  

Food wise, had a sneaky Indian takeaway Thursday night but I opted for Tandoori chicken and a sheesh, plus shared the rice and naan so not too bad.  Then yesterday I declined a bacon and mushroom sandwich for breakfast, that was a win right there.  However on the way back from the chase we stopped at the garage and I did something I never do!  I bought chocolate!  I spotted creamy peanut butter snickers - oh my days!  70p, but then I spotted 3 for £1.20, and I fell for it. 

They were so good though and the only upside was I shared them so halved the calories and I hadn't had the sarnie :) 

The rest of the day wasn't too bad, stew and two slices of bread and butter - nice.  Plus I did have my wine, hey ho, there's always tomorrow.  I've got chicken thighs to make my 40 cloves of garlic chicken recipe and a joint of pork for a roast dinner with lots of veggies.  

Looking forward to hearing all about Elle's trip to the theatre, it's wonderful to see some normality coming in the world again.

Right I need to get ready for work, had my shower but sat here with soaking wet hair.  

Have a great weekend, enjoy yourself but remember it's not all about the food. 

mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx

Life really is good...

Thursday 7th October 2021

Smile more, worry less.

I had a very, busy day yesterday, the huddle was great, we had lots of new members thanks to the Wednesfield magazine article, so pleased it's helped us reach more people to help.

I then walked Alfie a couple of times in-between doing Utility Warehouse appointments and attempting to get some housework done!  I was so pleased to be able to help Annmarie about a grand a year, more once she starts using her cashback card, I loved what she said as we were chatting, she's spent months if not years doing more overtime to earn more money then the other day she saw one of my posts and thought to herself, instead of working more why don't I look at saving money!  Wise words there!  It was also lovely to hear her tell me how pleased she was to see me so happy again, and she was right, I'm happier than I've bene in a very, very long time. 

I got my washing done, changed my bedding and put a higher tog quilt on the bed, I've had a 4 tog quilt for the last 4 years because of mom having the heating on full blast constantly but now I don't have to, it's getting chilly at night, the quilt felt heavier last night though compared to what I'm used too.

I finally hoovered too, it's been driving me batty not getting round to it - what has happened to me!  It was gone five by the time I finally got my stew on to cook so I didn't get to eat any last night, instead I had these (201 calories each) that were recommended by Laura with sweet potato fries and red cabbage.

I'd had egg, mushroom and tomato on a breakfast muffin for my breakfast and a tin of big soup for my lunch, so a much better day had.

I was active, almost 12k steps, 72 active minutes so although I didn't do a YouTube workout, I did move and that's the main thing.

Another busy day today, huddles this morning and tonight at The Mem in Bloxwich, one appointment at lunchtime, trying to keep that work/life balance, will have the day off completely tomorrow apart from a vet trip with Alfie for his health check / booster stuff.  I really look forward to the weekends these days ;) 

Right let's get this day started, I woke up at 5 so I've got time not to rush, nice long, hot shower and I was just about to say I might make me a bacon sarnie but I sent the bread back in my delivery as they sent me thick bread - boo.  I have got out of date breakfast muffins not quite the same lol, but if I soak them in egg, I could have eggy muffins ;)  I don't like waste at all!

Here's to a tremendous Thursday, I don't know what the weather forecast is and I don't care, I'll make my own sunshine, I've got the best job, the best work wife, the bestest friends and members and people in my life who are bringing me happiness - you can't ask for more can you, well a big win on the lottery maybe but I don't do that so, I'll stick to being able to pay the bills.

Mwah, luv ya

Love me x

Make Wednesday Wonderful shall we?

Wednesday 6th October 2021
Mistakes are proof that you're trying.

What a brilliant day yesterday in the huddles, new members, happy existing members, a great feel to the room and as always plenty of giggles and success, loved them.   I wasn't even bothered by my 2.5lb gain from my holiday, I used to put a pound a day on when I went away, so I'm much better than I was, progress see.  I'm still 16lb lighter than I was when I started when we launched the huddles. 

I didn't track yesterday but I ate better, today I intend to track, get some idea of calories being consumed again, I'm thinking a tin of big soup for lunch (242 calories), I'm going to make a stew later but that probably won't be eaten till tomorrow, so I need to look to see what to have for my main meal later.  For breakfast I'm thinking egg, tomatoes and mushrooms, I need to up my veggie intake again!

I've just been looking through the recipes on our website and I haven't made Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic (behappyowls.com) for such a long time, I need to add that to my to eat list, I'll put the ingredients in my basket for my next delivery, it's one of my favourites for sure. 

I've also seen parsnips cooked in an air fryer in our group and they looked delicious, I'm thinking do I need an air fryer in my life now!  

Moving on, my brain hasn't got time for that today, I've got a busy day, morning at the Wimborne Road huddle, afternoon of Utility Warehouse appointments, I'm trying to fit in as many as I can because people out there are being ripped off, I'm happy in the knowledge that as a multi service provider, our customers are safe and we're the cheapest out there right now too. 

I need to wash up as soon as I've finished my blog, I was a lazy bird yesterday and left it on the side, was too busy catching up with my bestie who I hadn't seen for months, so we had lots to catch up on and we've promised not to leave it so long now, hopefully lunch next Wednesday.

Portion control!  I've written that because now the temperatures dropped and we start to want different food our portions can creep up, especially as we make popular cold weather foods in big batches, like stews, curries, casseroles etc.  I know the stew I'll make today will be a massive pan full Bev's Stew (behappyowls.com) now I know I'll probably make double what my recipe says, so I need to calorie it up accordingly!  

On that note, I better get a wriggle on or the washing up will not get done and I want to start my day as I mean to go on - productively - I need to hoover my house and mop the floors.  I want to tidy stuff away, it's getting a bit messy.  At the moment there's a massive dog carrier case in the middle of the living room that arrived yesterday, I'm leaving it there for now though as I'm hoping he'll keep going in there, he went in once yesterday; 

We're off to Ireland for Christmas and I've found a ferry that will let me take him up on deck with me as long as he stays in that carry case for the duration, he would go mental being left in the car on his own so this is a good compromise, it means driving to Cairnryan which is a trek but then we're only going to be on the ferry for 2hrs 15mins which is better for Alfie. 

Going now, time to stop waffling!  

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me x