Ten on Tuesday...................

I haven't done one of these post for a while so I thought why not today:

1.      As previously mentioned I am struggling with my weight loss focus - so I am going to turn the focus off the scales and onto loving me.

2.      This is a good website to help me with that

3.      And this lady has awesome art work featuring bigger ladies

4.      And here are some great tips on how to be skinny.

5.      While trying to achieve this ………. I must remember that it does not mean it’s a free for all with food!

6.      I need to get on my bike as the second duathalon is getting closer

7.      I have also been productive in my scrapbooking and have finished nearly 20 pages in the last couple of weeks!

8.      I am off to my BFF’s house this weekend and hope to complete at least another 10

9.      The children’s soccer starts on Saturday – Winter has arrived for me!

10.  I am planning on biking to my sons first game as it is local

Time to Reflect.....................

Add caption

Times are tough at the moment

My focus has gone away!

So

I am going to use

this time to

learn to love the body I have

NOW!



Message of Love....................

Head on over to Goddess Leonie for your free Message of Love Poster

Personal Style..................

I recently viewed/read Ms Bitch cakes latest Vblog (which I loved by the way) instalment that covered Personal Style and it left me thinking...........................

I love her style, the silhouette of her figure that is created by her clothes is very feminine, she always looks "perfect" and the time she invests in her hair and make-up is impressive, although she has it down to a fine art now that it takes her no time at all now to get ready.

You should check out her blog and see how great she looks while out running, biking, or stair climbing - awesome!

I have long wondered if I could reproduce it - but have had trouble locating the gorgeous pencil skirts that she wears here in NZ

Its not that they don't exist - they do - it is more that they don't appear to exist in my size! (or at least I can't seem to locate any in my price range!)

So this lead me to think more about Sheryl's post about personal style and how someone asked her why she gets dressed up for errands and she basically said WHY NOT!!!

She listed the following points in that post:

1. When you look good, you feel good.
2. Knowing you look good improves your mood and outlook.
3. You never know what that day has in store for you or who you might meet, or run into.
4. Looking good gives you a sense of confidence and self assurance.
5. And finally, seriously, why wouldn't you want to look good?

These points above are so true - and something I need to remember when preparing for my day - whether it is at work, watching the kids sports or popping down to do a spot of shopping!

 I know I have been caught out in my trackies and old t-shirt while running an errand by my more fashionable friends and felt about 1 foot tall! - Not a nice feeling at all

 So the questions I need to ask myself  are:

What IS my personal style???

What do I really want to wear everyday?

What look do I want to portray to the world?

These can't be answered overnight and require a bit of thinking and research into exactly the look I want which at the moment is a bit  muddled!

So stay tuned for the follow up!

Happy St Patricks Day..............

Top of the Morning to ya

Wishing you all a wonderful St Patricks Day and hope that you are all wearing a little bit of green to celebrate!

Me..................

My green is in my blood!

My mother was born in Coleraine, Northern Ireland.

Mid Month Goal Update.................

1.      Loose at 3 kg per month towards the 20kg Year Goal

I am back on track so am hoping that this will  be met!

 

2.      Make a minimum of 2 cards per month
Opps- no crafting this month yet - so busy!

 

3.      Complete a minimum of 2 crafts per month off the computer list
Opps- no crafting this month - a bit busy!

 

4.      Have fish for dinner once a month
Completed - and as usual it was Yummy!

 

5.      Go evening swimming in March at least once a week
This has not been achieved yet this month - other commitments have been popping up - will try harder for the remainder of the month!

 

6.      Complete at least 4 new pages for each child’s scrapbook album
Not yet completed but have big plans for the weekend of 19/20th so confident it will be achieved!

 

7.      Continue walking four days a week to work
Last two weeks I have only managed three days - will work on getting this back to 4

 

8.      Get eyes re-tested
This is scheduled for today!

ABC's............

The lovely Amanada over at Total Disclosure had this post recently that I thought was a fun way to let readers know a little bit more about the writer so here are my answers:

A. Age: 42 Just turned
B. Bed size: Queen
C. Chore you Hate: Scrubbing down the Shower/bath
D. Dogs: No, I have a cat
E. Essential start to your day: A shower.
F. Favourite colour: Funny enough I love Pink – Always have!
G. Gold or silver: Gold
H. Height: 156cm
I. Instruments you play: None
J. Job title: Accounts Receivable Administrator
K. Kids: Two – Girl 13 and Boy 9
L. Live: Auckland, New Zealand
M. Mum's name: Iris
N. Nicknames: None
O. Overnight hospital stays: 2 x Caesareans, Asthma Attacks  x 3
P. Pet peeve: Rudeness
Q. Quote from a movie: You can do it Waterboy!
R. Righty or Lefty: Righty.
S. Siblings: One older Brother
T. Time you wake up: 6am Mon- Fri. 7am Weekends
U. Underwear: Always
V. Vegetables you dislike: Brussels Sprouts, Cooked Cabbage, soggy Cauli!
W. What makes you run late: I prefer to be early everywhere but if I am late it is due to “browsing” on the internet
X. X-rays you've had: Ankle x 1, Chest x 2, Teeth - numerous
Y. Yummy food you make: Not one of my strengths!
Z. Zoo animal favourite: Kiwi!

Weekly Weigh In Results!

Starting Weight: 112.0

Last Weeks Weight: 109.7

Todays Weight: 108.8

Loss this week:.900gm

Review of the week:

The week started off a bit bad – we attended a combined 40^th and I got a little happy shall we say!

So food choices weren’t the best for the weekend!

But the week saw me back on track and my snacking is getting under control and overall I think I am getting abck into the groove of this new lifestyle slowly and surely!

Focus for next week:

I really want to knock this mindless snacking on the head and since I have some crafts to do, this hopefully will help towards it.

I need to get a bike ride in this week – the second duathalon is getting closer very quickly!

I AM FABULOUS.........................

Without feeling fabulous and excited about life I could not possibly do what I do everyday. Let Annette explain to you what “I AM FABULOUS” can mean to you:

I – means IMAGINE – just imagine for one moment that you could achieve anything you set your mind to, no fear of failure, no doubt. Realise that your fears are what could be holding you back. Be careful what you wish for because you might not wish hard enough.
A – Means ARM YOURSELF with as much knowledge as possible. A common belief is that knowledge is power. I disagree. It’s only when you use your knowledge that you create fabulous things. I bet you know what you should be eating and what you should be doing to be the healthy person you want to be? SO JUST DO IT!

M – means MAINTAIN a lifestyle that nurtures a healthy and happy life now and in the future.
F – means FOOD – eat healthy low-fat foods that have moderate calories. Don’t be boring with your food choices either, eating grilled fish every night is unnecessary. Experiment and cook my recipes and be satisfied and enjoy your food guilt free.
A – means ATTITUDE is everything. Say to yourself that you are committed and going to be the best you can be, no matter what. Don’t let negative thoughts or anyone stop you.
B – means BELIEVE in yourself. Have the belief that you can achieve great things. Don’t let old negative thoughts stand in your way for another moment. Have faith in yourself and you will be a winner in life.
U – means UNBEATABLE and let nothing deter you on your journey to good health. Don’t let anything or anyone sway you from your goals and let nothing stop you now.
L – means LOVE yourself, because how can you give to others if you are not giving to yourself. Be your own best friend, take time for the number one person in your life – you.
O – means OFF AND ON dieting – give it up, yo-yo dieting only makes you fat and miserable.
U – means UNLEASH the power within and be the best you can be.
S – means SUCCESS will be yours if you do everything it takes and believe that it will happen.

This all spells I AM FABULOUS so be fabulous and enjoy life to the fullest every day.

Happy Birthday To My Little Man

Here he is already to head off to school

Today is my little mans 9th Birthday!

So I thought I would share 9 Fun Facts about him:

He is a very talented little soccer player
He is showing alot of promise with cricket as well
He is doing brilliantly at school and is currently reading at the level of 11 year old.
He has a great sense of humor.
He has a sensitive side that he tends to only show his mummy!
He can't stand to stay inside for too long and is happiest when playing outside.
He is a typical kiwi kid that is happiest in barefeet
He has broken his arm once and did not cry at all,but he has stubbed his toes numerous times and cries every time!
He still believes in Santa, The tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny 


For his gifts Mr B and I got him a scooter and his sister is giving him a skateboard.

He was spoilt by the in laws with a cricket set and he also got some more Lego from an aunt!

On Saturday, I am taking him and three of his friends to Extreme Edge for a spot of  rock climbing!

Adding in Steps to your day..............

Here are some extra suggestions for how you can easily add more steps to your day at home and work:

• Focus on walking distance over speed, it’s better to get in more steps at a comfortable pace than to burn out quickly
• Walk on a treadmill on rainy days or when it’s too dark to walk outside
• March in place while watching your favourite TV show
• Reverse your walking routine — start in the direction where you usually end
• Catch up on the day’s events with your partner, children or friends on an after-dinner walk
• Sleep more soundly at night by taking a walk a few hours before you go to bed
• Go for a walk before you go to work, you’ll energise yourself for the day
• Accompany your children on their walk to school
• Take your dog for a walk
• Start a walking club in your community
• Walk to a nearby store, post office, or dry cleaners to accomplish errands
• Benefit a good cause by joining a charity walk
• Mow the lawn
• Pace around your house while talking on the phone
• Buy a walking video so you can get in your steps on rainy days
• Experience the splendour of a sunrise on an early morning walk
• Exit the bus 1 or 2 stops early and walk the remainder of the way
• Walk to work if you live close enough
• Refill your coffee cup at the machine farthest from your workstation
• Visit the restroom on the far side of the building
• Use work as a way to exercise, for example hold a meeting while you go for a walk
• Listen to music or books on tape while walking
• Park in the far reaches of the parking lot
• Escape the stress of a difficult day by excusing yourself for a few minutes of walking
• Designate 10 minutes of your lunch break for a quick walk
• Start a staff walking club
• Walk to co-workers desks to speak to them instead of sending an email

Duathalon Photos

I only have pre race photos to show you since I was all alone -hopefully at the next one hubby and the kids will be there so I can get more "action shots"

Just about to head to the starting line

Here I am at home - trying my first mirror photo - its a lot harder than I thought

This is the top that we get supplied as part of the entry fee for.

Here is my bike ready and waiting!

 

 

Apologies for the sideways photos I need to learn how to change them before posting.

Weigh In Results

Last Weeks Weight: 109.8

Todays Weight: 109.7

Loss this week:.100 grams

Review of the week:

Overall the week has been good but with TTOTM arriving towards the end of it - my resolve was weakened slightly.
I only managed to walk 3 days this week and not all food choices have been the the best option.
So to have recorded a loss of any sorts is good!

But onwards to another week and lessons to learn from the last week will be taken aboard and dealt with!

The upcoming week sees my stress levels rising as my big big boss from Australia is here on Thursday and I am not sure what she is going to be reviewing, so I am making sure all my work is up to date and I know what is happening with all my debtors!

I am also changing things up in my "purchased" meals on Tuesday night and Wednesdays -as I have a few bills to pay this month I decided to not eat out - so no sushi or subway this month for me :(
It will be interesting and I will have to make sure I am prepared with additional salad items for the week.

What are your favourite lunch time meals?

Happy Anniversary.................

Today is my 18th Wedding Anniversary!


Wow - that is a long time to spend with someone isn't it - But I can say it has been great. Mr B is a wonderful man, an awesome father, and a valuable member to our community with all that he does.

Today we will be spending the morning together before picking up the kids from my sister in law, and then doing our own thing this afternoon as he has work to do a the local sports club!

Oh well thats life!

Excercise Verses Movement

I found this amongst my many notes from the 28 Day Challenge and thought it was another good piece from Annette that I would like to record on my blog and share with you all:

Most people over estimate their activity levels. Just because you move, that doesn’t count as exercise. What you need to do is something else apart from normal activity, such as to go walking for an allocated time each day. If you want to have loads of energy and have a toned and fit body then exercise is the answer. When you exercise endorphins are released into the body that will give you a rush of energy and help combat fatigue. If you like the sound of this and want to bounce through the day with loads of energy then I suggest you get off the couch and hit the pavement.

Here is a reminder of some of the different ways you can exercise

-  Walk briskly
-  Jog
-  Join a health club, use the workout room with gym equipment and try lots of different classes
-  Do laps in your pool or local council pool
-  Do water aerobics classes
-  Learn how to belly dance
-  Learn how to roller blade
-  Play squash
-  Do the Wii Fit program
-  Hire workout DVDS and use them at home
-  Play some funky music and dance around the house
-  Go up and down the steps in your house and around your back yard
-  Use a skipping rope
-  Join a boot camp (group training sessions)
-  Learn how to dance
-  Do line dancing
-  Set up a small gym in your house
-  Use a rebounder – mini trampoline
-  Weight resistance exercises
-  Squats and floor exercises
-  Hiking or bush walking
-  Yoga
-  Pilates
-  Bike riding
-  Gardening or yard work
-  Thai chi
-  Hire a personal trainer
-  Canoe or kayak if you live near water.

21 Suggestions for Success

Annette also gave us this list which I thought would be fun to share:

21 SUGGESTIONS FOR SUCCESS
by H. Jackson Brown Jr.
1.    Marry the right person. This one decision will determine 90% of your happiness or misery.

2.    Work at something you enjoy and that’s worthy of your time and talent.

3.    Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

4.    Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.

5.    Be forgiving of yourself and others.

6.    Be generous.

7.    Have a grateful heart.

8.    Persistence, persistence, persistence

9.    Discipline yourself to save money on even the most modest salary.

10.  Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.

11.  Commit yourself to constant improvement.

12.  Commit yourself to having a good quality of life.

13.  Understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power or prestige, but on relationships with people you love  and respect.

14.   Be loyal.

15.   Be honest.

16.   Be a self-starter.

17.   Be decisive even if it means you’ll sometimes be wrong.

18.   Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life.

19.   Be bold and courageous. When you look back on your life, you’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than the ones you did.

20.   Take good care of those you love.

21.   Don’t do anything that wouldn’t make your Mum proud.

Duathalon Finishing Certificate

Here is the Offical Time

Not to bad I thought for a first timer and it gives me something to improve on when I do it all again on 17th April.

Yup I entered two at the same time.

The offical photos are not that cheap so I am still trying to work out the one that I want and will post it when I can.

Since I was there by myself I don't have many photos but I am going to go thru them and see what I feel is blog worthy!

28 Day Challenge - Final Day

Well it has finally arrived!
Apologies for it taking longer than 28 days but hey these things happen

Todays posts has a few lists to it so I will spread them out - cause I can!

So Annettes 12 tips to becoming a healthy person:-
1.   Think and act like a healthy person.
2.   Take control of food – do not allow food to control you.
3.   Reduce the stress in your life.
4.   Reduce or better still omit salt (sodium).
5.   Reduce or better still omit caffeine.
6.   Reduce or better still omit alcohol.
7.   Reduce the fats, especially saturated fats, in your diet.
8.   Exercise at least five to six times a week.
9.   Stop smoking.
10. Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day.
11. Eat the quantities of food that your body needs, not what you want.
12. Be happy and enjoy the journey – think positively and live life to the fullest every day.

Changing habits is not always easy but if you make small but significant changes as you go along you will be blessed with abundant energy, good health and pride in yourself

28 Day Challenge Day 27.................

Well we are nearing the end of the challenge and I personally have learnt a lot of great things from it.
So to recap todays words of wisdom from Annette:

Two roads you can take

One of the most important messages you need to heed today is - if you fail to plan you plan to fail.

Giving up will only cause more weight gain and health concerns. Imagine just for a moment that you could see a picture of yourself at your ideal weight. How would you look? I bet you would be smiling from ear to ear and feeling very proud and happy. Let’s imagine right now that you are going to take the right road to success. As with a street map, you will need to get yourself a map of what you want to achieve so you know where you are going, how are you going to achieve this and how long will it take. A good idea when making goals is to set a time frame on the goal but be realistic. Sometimes when we take our eye off the target we get side tracked or hit a bump in the road, but it will only be a problem if you stop and don’t continue on the journey. Think about it - what must you do to make what you desire so much a reality:

1. Keep using your food diary and write everything down that you eat and how much you eat
2. Clean out your pantry and refrigerator so that when you are feeling hungry you won’t be tempted.
3. Have lots of healthy snacks and make recipes from my cookbooks so that you have tasty food you enjoy.
4. Focus on the positives. Forget about what are you missing out on i.e. pizza and a beer on Friday nights. Instead think about how good you are going to look and feel, if instead you make your own healthy pizza and a large salad and have a light beer instead. You won’t feel like you are missing out, guaranteed.
5. Don’t give up. No matter how bad your day or week has been, get back on track as soon as possible and keep going. If you never give up you will eventually get where you need to be.


Great advise!

March Monthly Goals

I have started setting myself monthly goals to hlep me keep focussed on what I need to complete in my life to help make me a happy little chappy!

Here is my Goals for March 2011

1.      Loose at 3 kg per month towards the 20kg Year Goal

2.      Make a minimum of 2 cards per month

3.      Complete a minimum of 2 crafts per month off the computer list

4.      Have fish for dinner once a month

5.      Go evening swimming in March at least once a week

6.      Complete at least 4 new pages for each child’s scrapbook album

7.      Continue walking four days a week to work

8.      Get my eyes re-tested



Here is a recap of February Goals
1. Loose 3kgs this monthNot the best month but slowly getting there!
 2. Swim 3 times this month (Part of the 43 List)
Have been keeping up to date with this so all good.
3. Complete at least 2 crafts this month (Part of the 43 List)
1 down - 1 to go
4. Make at least 2 cards this month (Part of the 43 List)
1 down - 1 to go
5. Have fish at least once this month (Part of the 43 List)
    Completed 25.02.10 - Yummy as always.
6. Complete at least 5 Scrapbook Pages
    I only managed to complete three this month
7. Begin one of the longer task from the list
Well while it is not a longer task - I did complete a task - Attend a concert at a local park!
8. Reduce overdraft
9. Reduce Visa debt
Since I get paid monthly and at the beginning of the month - I was able to reduce this considerable today - woo hoo