What iv’e been up to.
10 May 2012 Leave a Comment
I have not blogged for a while because I felt like there was nothing going on in my life that was very interesting, there never really is. I have been card making,baking catching up with TV that I have recorded, still following Slimming world and am now planning my gifts for Christmas, yes I know, Christmas already but with three boys and their partners and 9 Grandchildren plus parents, Neice and Nephew, and friends, I have to start planning and buying early.
So I have had a few weeks off Slimming world and gained 3lb which is not good, I am back on track today and there is a wonderful aroma coning from the kitchen as I have a beef stew in the oven for tonight. last weekend I had 11 people for lunch and I baked these for after, they were so nice, peanut butter and chocolate brownies and carrot cake muffins with cream cheese frosting.
These Brownies were a hit and I had one or two, not good for the scales though.
A friend of mine makes re-born baby dolls ( the dolls that look like real babies) and is having a stand at a Doll and Teddy fair and as asked me to make some cards to sell on her stall, I have made a few and have to crack on and get some more done, I have a facebook page pretty vintage cards by Dawn if you fancy having a look, here are just a few of the cards I made .
just a few teddy cards.
I have been baby sitting Millie my beautiful 1 year old Grandaughter
I know I am biassed but isn’t she the cutest?
The weather here has been horrible, windy and raining, I can’t wait to pack away my winter clothes and get out my flip-flops but can’t see that happening anytime soon. The school runs have been horrible and we end up soaked despite a massive brolly. I have a mac, water proof jacket and a thicker padded jacket and they have all been drenched over the past month, in my office/craft room I have 2 clothes horses which are permanently full, I love line dried washing and have managed 2 lots in as many months. I do however hate ironing, a friend of mine has an ironing business and I could think of nothing worse that spending every day slaving over the ironing board.
I have been catching up with made in Chelsea and I admit I addicted to the show, I so wanted Louise to be with Jamie and I think Spencer is a tosser! I do not like Kimberly the new girl in the show she is so sickly sweet.
The lads from Made in Chelsea, I love Francis and Ollie , I just can’t believe that there are people like that in real life! Posh, very very Posh!
Housework calls and I can’t really ignore it any longer. So there you have it, nothing exciting at all.
x Dawn
11 lb off
23 Feb 2012 2 Comments
in Chatter and rants, Slimming World
I lost 2 and 1/2 lb this week and feel great, It means I have lost 11 lb so far, I have a long way to go but I am going at a steady pace and not putting too much pressure on myself. I can get into a size smaller jeans which I am really happy about, I can sit down in them too.
I love going to class and enjoy the talks we get and tips we pick up, I have had one meal out this week, we went to the harvester and had steak, baked potatoes,salad and a bacardi and diet coke. I have cooked a beef stew, shepherds pie, roast chicken and all the trimmings and lots of baked potatoes with various fillings. My treats (syns) have been chocolate and crisps, oh and the bacardi. I have not felt deprived at all and if you saw the size of my meals you would not think I could lose weight and eat that much food.
Emily has been so good , we had a nice Valentines day, she had heart-shaped pancakes, chocolate spread and strawberries, she had a heart logo t-shirt and we decorated cup cakes.
On Sunday we watched One Day, I had read the book and although I enjoyed it I did think it dragged on a bit. I want to see The Vow which is on at the cinema now but have read and heard some bad reviews so I might wait until it is out on DVD. I watched Sarah Millican’s live tour on DVD and she is so funny, it is quite a lot ruder as it is the stage show live but I really like her comedy style.
This week I aim to lose another 2 lb and am planning to cook some more lovely SW meals, I am making herb crusted cod, chilli,burgers,chicken tikka masala and more, I have to laugh when I see the list because I can’t think of any other eating plan that allows you to actually eat real food!
I am off to cook the tea, a big portion of cottage pie and slimming world chips .
x Dawn
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8 1/2 lb lighter…
13 Feb 2012 Leave a Comment
So I am now 8 1/2 lb lighter, I have had to wear a belt on my jeans and trousers and it is on the tightest notch, I can get into a smaller size and have got 1 new pair of trousers.I am working hard to get my first stone off and it will be the first of the 5 I plan to lose. I am not giving myself anymore pressure by saying it has to go by a certain date but I just want it gone. I am drinking 6-8 glasses of fluid a day and am still peeing for England! the one thing I am struggling with is exercise or the lack of it. I have always hated exercise but I have to build some form of exercise into my day, I plan to do it but it never happens. I can’t stand the thought of walking in the cold, going swimming and coming out into the cold, I could make excuse after excuse and I am sure you have heard it all before.
I am really enjoying the plan and am not getting bored because I always try to vary my diet. John may even lose his little podge, he is not fat but has a little beer belly coming and I am sure he will benefit in the long run too.
I really really want a treadmill, not some fancy hi tech thing that costs thousands, a basic electric one in Argos is £195 so I better start saving. I know if I had it I would be using it a lot because I do enjoy the treadmill.I will swim when it is warmer. I am watching quite a few diet shows on TV to give me inspiration and am looking on fashion sites for ideas of outfits for when I am slimmer that I can’t wait to wear. I buy clothes that fit me at the moment and not because I love them.
It is Valentines day tomorrow and I have a few things planned for Emily, I am making her heart-shaped pancakes with strawberries for breakfast, I have got her a pretty heart motif tea shirt to wear and have some heart-shaped lollies too, I made her a card and we are going to decorate cupcakes too. John gave me One Day on DVD and a mini box of chocs and a mini bottle of wine ( for a special treat) he gave them to me this evening because he will be at work early tomorrow, we only usually do cards but I do get him a big bar of Bournville as he loves dark chocolate. I have just made his packed lunch and have left little messages in his lunch box and work bag for him to find during the day.
Not sure what we are eating yet, I think beef bourguignon ,SW friendly with baked potatoes and veg, followed by strawberries dipped in chocolate, we have to have them on Valentines day ( I will have 2).
We never eat out on Valentines day , they hike up the prices , we are going out for a pub meal (Harvester) on Saturday and I am looking forward to a big bowl of salad, steak and baked potato and fruit salad, no booze though because I will have my mini bottle of wine that John got me for Valentines day,
I have another weigh in on Wednesday, wish me luck!
I hope you all have a great day tomorrow if you celebrate Valentines Day or not x Dawn
Got my half stone award
02 Feb 2012 Leave a Comment
I got my half a stone award last night, I lost 1lb despite having a really bad sore throat,irritating cough and cold, I had been having cough syrup and throat sweets and they are all syns . I have lost 7 1/2 lb in 3 weeks. I wanted a little more but at least I lost and not gained. When Emily saw my certificate this morning despite her being ill she clapped and said oh good girl nanny.
I have Emily at home today she has a tummy bug and has been sick this morning, she is lying on the settee with her blanket, she is trying to sleep but can’t she said. She looks really pale again but earlier she had two rosy cheeks and was quite warm so she had some Calpol and has cooled down a bit. She is feeling very sorry for herself bless her.
I have managed to do a menu plan for the week ahead and my shopping list as I do the main food shop on friday’s, I refuse to do the food shop on Saturday’s because wherever we decide to shop is always so busy and I can’t handle it.
It is still rather chilly here in the West Midlands and the weather man/women have been saying there is a risk of snow most days.
I feel so very tired , I think the cough and cold is taking its toll, my kitchen and utility room floors need sweeping and mopping but I honestly can’t find the energy, I have been running up and downstairs with Emily to the loo for one reason or another and to be honest it has worn me out. I carried some washing up and got out of breath and had a coughing fit.
John and I were going out to the Harvester on Saturday but they way I feel we won’t be going anywhere. Emily will be staying here over the weekend as I don’t want her passing any nasty bugs on so I won’t get the usual weekend break, I know as soon as she is in bed tonight I will be in the bath and then bed myself.
x Dawn
Pleased with my weight loss
26 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
I had my weigh in last night and was pleased to find I had lost 3 1/2 lb so that is 6 1/2 in 2 weeks, I will be getting my half a stone award next week. I always stay to class as it is fun and you learn loads of hints and tips from other members and see that you can lose the weight because we have quite a few target members.
I have not stopped eating again and drinking loads of water which I think has been a help, when I was dieting before I struggled with the water but now my body has been getting used to it and if I don’t drink for a while I get really thirsty, I have been peeing for England ! Dawn my consultant told someone that it will slow down when the body gets accustomed to more fluids. I am waking in the night which I never do to visit the loo!
I have been sorting out my wardrobe and have a few things that do not fit me ( too small) so I will be using those as an incentive, I have also been looking on-line for some outfit ideas, it seems to spur me on and anything to help is good in my book. My Sister is smaller than me, she had lost quite a bit of weight on her own, she has will power! she has given me bags full of clothes, quite a few re a few sizes smaller and I can’t wait until they fit me.
I had a friend for lunch today and we had stuffed baked potatoes and a nice desert all slimming World friendly and you would bot tell it was diet food, it is not a diet it is healthy eating.
I have a new mobile, I got a Blackberry Torch and I love it. It is on a contract and I was due for an upgrade.
I feel so tired and could quite easily curl up on the sofa and have a snooze but I have to pick Emily up at 3 , an early night is in order I think.
x Dawn
Weigh in
19 Jan 2012 1 Comment
Last night was my first weigh in at Slimming World and I lost 3lb, considering it is the time of the month and I can quite easily gain a few pounds I was really pleased.
I have really enjoyed my food and have eaten everything I wanted to including crisps and a fudge bar or too. I have planned all of the meals and made sure I had snacks and drank loads too. The one thing I miss is on a Saturday night I loved a plate of cheese and biscuits a few olives and a glass or two of wine.
John is amazed at what I can eat and I admit I can be quite greedy and he isn’t , he looks at my plate and I say ” It’s free and I can eat it so don’t say a word” I stayed to class and really enjoy that, you get tips and inspiration .
I told Emily when she got up this morning that I had lost 3lb and she said “Good girl Nanny” ,
One of the parents at Emily’s school asked if I would like to go walking with her twice a week and I said I would , I did some walking a few years ago and the weight just fell off so we are starting next week. I am also starting swimming next week too. I know exercise will boost the weight loss.
My friend is coming for brunch today so I am cooking scrambled egg, bacon, mushrooms and granary toast, fruit and yogurt and coffee, which is in my plan, I would have done bagels and bucks fizz if not on the plan but we will enjoy it anyway.
I have just done a quick tidy up and I am off now to start the food.
Emily had a trophy and certificate for Gymnastics today and she is so proud.
I hope you have a lovely day x Dawn
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Slimming world and more
14 Jan 2012 2 Comments
in Chatter and rants, Slimming World
Wednesday was a very sad day, it was my dear friend K’s Mum’s funeral, we had been out on Tuesday running around getting the last things she needed and she also asked if I would go with her to the chapel of rest to see her Mum, put some photos in her coffin and say her goodbye. I was really proud of her because she did so well and was so brave. The funeral went as well as it could have the songs played were very emotional . It brings it home to you that life is too short and you should live every day to the full. R.I.P Joan xxxx
I re joined Slimming World this Wednesday too, I had it in my head that I wanted to go this week and nothing was going to stop me, I had a voucher out of the paper which meant I joined free. D my consultant welcomed me back and I felt right at home, I always stay to group because you get to hear others tips and find out new foods and recipes. I have a lot of weight to lose and want to get fitter and lower my blood pressure.
I have been shopping and filled my trolley with loads of meat ,veg and fruit, my treats (syns) will be a vodka and diet coke on a weekend and a fudge bar during the weeks along with other goodies as long as I stay within my syns I can have pretty much what I like, the food is great too because there is no calorie counting and as long as the food is cooked the Slimming World way I can eat loads and I am! if you saw my plate you would think there is no way she can eat all that and lose weight….oh yes you can!
I have done a menu plan as usual and in fact I eat more when I am on plan , and am doing what SW call body magic, exercise. I am playing on the wii for 40 mins twice a week, Zubma fitness once a week and walking the rest of the week. I am not good with gym type exercise so I think the stuff I chose is more fun, also I am looking to do aqua aerobics when I find out when the classes are on.
So here I go , I am wanting to be fitter, healthier and slimmer and I want to have a whole new wardrobe full of stylish smaller clothes. I always try to go out looking nice but never feel nice, I wear smart clothes but I wear clothes that fit nit because I love them. I have an image in my mind of the type of clothing I want to wear, I am 50 now and am trying not to look like mutton dressed as lamb. I have been looking online and have found some sites that give style advice . I go round the shops and choose outfits I want to wear when I am a few sizes smaller and it gives me an incentive to keep on plan and work harder, I have a jar that I am saving a few pounds here and a few there and when I reach my mini targets I am going to treat myself, maybe a scarf, nail polish etc.
My weigh in is on a Wednesday evening and will report back when the deed is done. I look forward to reporting my losses each week so pop back and have a look.
It is Saturday today and I am freezing! I have been food shopping today,doing the laundry and once I put this lap top down I have to get the house work done, I am cooking Lamb steaks with baked potato, salad,savoury rice and home-made coleslaw for dinner tonight and making a 1/2 syn roulade, a whole cake for just half a syn !
When I told Emily I was going to Slimming World she said nanny you’re not fat you are just a bit big! she watches me like a hawk and questions everything I eat which is ok at home but when you are in public she says can you eat that on Slimming World Nanny?
I hope you will come back soon x Dawn
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This week I ..
08 Jan 2012 1 Comment
Did a meal plan for the week and did the food shop using a list which I always do now ( saves money and waste), I brought only 2 things that were not on the list one was a substitute and the other I had forgotten
Watched the launch of so-called Celebrity Big Brother and am baffled, so having an affair with a famous footballer who also happens to be your Brother-in- law for 8 years and selling your story to the papers makes you a celebrity?
Started reading Cecelia Ahern’s The Time of my life, love her, although a couple of her books got a 3/10 from me, I will give this one a go
Started my Christmas savings
Decided to go back to Slimming world (starting this Thursday)
Drank a bottle of White Zinfandel over the weekend and had a chinese takeaway (a treat before the healthy eating plan)
Got a tax refund (very welcome thank you Mr Tax man)
Went to breakfast with my dear Friend K who lost her Mum over Christmas and her funeral is on Wednesday
Watched series 2 of Caroline Quinton’s Life begins, started series 3 this afternoon, I liked series 1 and found series 2/3 on e-bay
Sorted out paperwork and tidied my office desk, which I also use for card making, it had become a bit of a mess to say the least
Am now watching Dancing on ice
x Dawn
To do….another list
05 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
This week has become a bit blah for me so far, Emily was supposed to go back to school on Tuesday but the heating was broken so she went back Wednesday. John went back to work on Tuesday. I spent most of Tuesday trying to keep Emily entertained with craft projects and a DVD and her room full of toys, I did manage an hour or so in my craft room ans made some more cards. Even though I plan all of the weekly meals I did not feel like cooking, Emily wanted pizza and waffles which she had ( no veg…bad Nanny) but I waited until John came home and rang the takeaway, I had a beef chow mein, the last one for a while because I am from Saturday back on the healthy eating and exercise plan. I didnot really enjoy it and felt relly tired, I picked up a book and put it back I was not in the mood, Once Emily was in bed I tidied up had a glass of wine (gift from Sister) and went to bed to eatch TV.
I have not seen my dear friend K since her Mum passed away, we have spoken on the phone and I sent a card. I have arranged to meet her Friday for a catch up over breakfast once the kids have gone to school, I really don’t know what to say to her other than sorry but have offered to help with anything she needs doing.Her Mum’s funeral is on the 11th.
The cupboards and fridge are looking rather bare, I have food for the rest of the week but want to do a big healthier shop on friday when Emily goes to her Dad’s as she is a nightmare to take food shopping she gets bored and makes it such hard work. I want to drink more water and eat more fresh fruit and vegetables, I have loads of cookbooks and websites that I will use for inspiration, I have no excuses because I love fruit and veg. I want to do one or two meat free meals a week too.
Now I am going to use the E word….exercise! Oh I have said it! Why am I so allergic to it?, I know it speeds up weight loss, I have the equipment, dvd’s and it costs nothing but my sweat and tears.I have time on my hands because I do not work and I am on my own 5 days a week from 9-3, I know once I start I will get into the habit and it will become part of day but it is getting started that is my problem, finding something I really enjoy. I love swimming but don’t drive and unless a friend who drives comes with me then I would have to wait for John to come home from work and then it would be too late ( I have all the excuses in the book). I have a Zumba fitness plan on my media box and have never watched it! I have a Pilates machine in the garage a mini trampoline under my bed , had weights ..somewhere? I have just one word to say and It is true, I know it is….Lazy! So I need a good kick up the bum…go on you know you want to, feel free to give me a virtual kick, I need it! I am 50 years old, over weight, have high blood pressure, and need to lose the weight and get fit for my health so why is it so hard?
So here is my meal plan for Saturday onwards , main meals and cooked in a low-fat or fat-free way.
Saturday - Quorn chilli and rice
Sunday – Roast Chicken , roast potatoes, steamed veggies and gravy
Monday - Spicy chicken wraps (using left over chicken) with homemade wedges, homemade coleslaw and salad
Tuesday – Minted lamb chops, baked potatoes and veg
Wednesday – Homemade roasted butternut squash and red pepper soup and sandwich
Thursday – Homemade spicy turkey burger on wholemeal roll with salad and corn on the cob and homemade coleslaw
Friday - Thai style fish cakes with sweet chilli dipping sauce, homemade chunky chips and salad
Weather is terrible here and the school run was horrendous, hope it calms down for when the kids come out of school.
x Dawn
Happy New Year
03 Jan 2012 2 Comments
We had an eventful 2011, my beautiful Grandaughter Emily came to live with us, not sure how long she will be with us but we love having her, some days are better than others because she can be a handful, I have enjoyed buying girlie things as we had 3 boys, she loves being here and is doing so much better now she is settled, she is above average in most lessons and is enjoying having her own space and things to come home to, we have been doing lots of girlie things and we had a lovely Christmas.
My dear friend K lost her Mum a few days after Christmas which is heartbreaking .
We had lots of financial issues last year and we are struggling to keep our heads above water but are slowly paying off our debts, John misses having his own business and being his own boss , he lost his haulage business after 25 years, we lost everything but thank god we owned our home outright and no one is taking that away, we had to sell our beloved little caravan to raise funds and I miss our weekends in Devon so much. We have not had a holiday in 2 years , maybe next year .
So 2012 is here and we are going all out to change our lives for the better, we are planning to spend more time doing things together and having a life again, even if we only go out once a month we will. I am hoping we will play badminton once a week ( ha ha me running after a shuttlecock will be a sight for sore eyes! ) and go on bike rides and walks together.
I am going to make big changes at home, I want to be more organised, I am terrible at time management and blame the computer for that, I can waste hours on e bay/facebook/twitter or pinterest. I am going to be clutter free , I want to be slimmer and healthier and make sure exercise will become and daily habit. I want to make more cards and try to sell them to fund my hobby, I want to be a better, Daughter, Sister and friend and spend more time with my family and friends . I want to take time out for me, to read, take long bubble baths, do my nails or listen to music.
I am a lists person and have a planner in my kitchen, a small pocket diary and a larger notebook, and a small notebook for my handbag, I find it so satisfying crossing things I have done off my lists and have already done all the 2012 Birthday list, easter list, Christmas list. I have lists of books I want to read, films I want to see, places I want to visit, events throughout the year etc. One thing I don’t do much is journal and I want to get into the habit, random thoughts, things I am grateful for and rants etc all private of course.
I want to be a better blogger because I feel I am terrible, I love reading other people’s blogs but why would anyone want to read mine? I have such a boring life so I am thinking of topics to write about in order to get people interested.
I want to volunteer at school and share my love of crafting with others, I am not sure how yet so watch this space.
I have a lot of I want’s don’t I ? I think they should be I am going to…..
thanks for stopping by and I hope you will come back. Happy 2012 to you x Dawn
