From Domestically Challenged to Domestic Goddess

Leaving Home

2011-07-06T10:14:00.000+01:00

I knew the day would come. It's a huge part of parenting. One of our major purposes. That doesn't change the fact that it is hard.

My baby is leaving home. He's going away for a year. Moving 84 miles away to the other side of London.

OK right now I know many of you reading this will have had your offspring move so much further than the measly 84 miles mine is. For a longer period too. I think you're amazing to have coped with it.

I'm pleased for him. His flat sounds great. The internship is perfect and was most welcome after the Pfizer fiasco (how dare Pfizer close down the site a week after my baby accepted their job offer?!!). His flatmate sounds nice, sensible and very grown up plus he appears to be full of common sense. Of course the fact that he has supplied most of the furniture courtesy of a deceased relative and older siblings is great too;)

I know I'm being pathetic. Too motherly. Too protective. I miss him already. Besides having spent all this time attempting to show him how to cook proper meals, clean, wash his clothes etc I have a feeling all my lessons have been in vain. They don't have a dishwasher. We're providing the microwave. Ready meals for a year?! Really?

Having not seen this flat yet or met his flatmate or his family does nothing to ease my anxiety. I wonder if I'll be allowed to accompany him and his dad in the move tomorrow. Last Saturday I was left to Dan and Millie sit while contracts were finalised, families met, furniture was moved in and the flat checked out. Yes I feel that I missed out.

Still the upside of the move is there won't be a 3rd male in this house to tell me my housekeeping skills are way below par and perhaps once he's settled away I can really try and cut our budget even further. There will be one less person who doesn't seem to realise that while dishwashers do the washing up they don't empty or fill themselves the humans have to do that part. Any and all humans. Not just female, mother humans.

I know the year will go quickly and he'll be home for holidays. In fact if he comes to visit/stay at the end of August he will be amazed at the transformation of our home as my kitchen is being created in mid-August.

Of course I've yet to face the Dan and Millie crisis when they have to cope with the change, the absence etc.

Oops! Almost missed it again!

2011-05-22T22:16:00.000+01:00

The 2nd blogoversary of My Healthy Frugal Home or From Domestically Challenged to Domestic Goddess is in 10 days. I've given the blog a gorgeous new look (it's this coming Friday's Freebie Friday design over at Adori Graphics and was created by... me!) It's a shame that the code won't let me credit myself!!

I've decided that I must factor in some 'me blogging' time each week which will mean that this blog will once again become active.

So with a new look we're back:)

Why I've Been AWOL!

2011-04-26T22:53:00.000+01:00

Scrapping Fairytales’ Grand Opening!
Join us May 1st-7th for our grand-opening
*Fun Challenges
*Speedy Scraps
*Super Sales
*Mystery Prizes

Join us for Fairytale Bingo Friday May 6th!

Earn a ticket in our store raffle for every $5.00 you spend in the store.
Find more information and get your bingo card here.

Super exciting stuff as my NEW digiscrapping store opens at Scrapping Fairytales as I'm a guest designer there for 3 months from 1st May. I've created some awesome kits and I'm running a couple of fab challenges with freebies.

If you join the mailing list you get a discount coupon to the store free too!

Join us for lots of fun and goodies.

Why a Clean Toilet is Essential!

2011-02-07T19:52:00.000Z

Don't read any further if you are squeamish!

A clean toilet is essential because you really don't want to be hanging over a dirty toilet (or even bathroom floor) whilst throwing up. Tip: if you do find yourself in that situation - try not to breath in too often!

I'll give you a big hint: swish and wipe every day. Especially those places that males seem to reach I'm assuming unintentionally but fairly regularly! Oh and a reminder about toilet brushes, strategically placed cleaners etc. might jog certain people's memories.

I really don't think I need to say anymore except it was a mistake to not swish and wipe for a day before I got ill!

Blessings,

Amanda x

Love Me!

2011-01-31T08:02:00.002Z

Seriously, Love Me, despite all my faults (of which there are many). Forgive me too.

Today's post is from the heart. Yes it is to introduce a new digikit entitled Love Me from Adori Graphics and part of the Love Me release blog train but it is dedicted to my dearest, dearest friend Clarice who puts up with me despite my many faults. The worst of which is forgetting to ring, text or write and being late with her birthday wishes every year. This year though takes the biscuit as not only have I still not thanked her for the wonderful Christmas present (I'll post about it later) but I bought her birthday present last year (yes, THAT early) and it was an outing as in going out together to see and hear one of our favourite authors, Anthony Browne. Only I never got to go as I was whisked away to Devon for a holiday.

Now to add insult to injury I've forgotten to ring her again to wish her a very happy birthday.

Clarice, my darling friend who I love dearly, I do miss you and I am so, so sorry. This brag book page is for you. I need photos of you, your family and us together to create a brag book so that I can brag about my wonderful friend. I'm sorry I missed your birthday again. I will try harder. Promise:)

Now if you've read this far, admire this quick page, download

it and use it to display a picture or pictures of your dearest friend. Friends, true friends are more precious than money, jewels or physical possessions. They are true treasures and precious beyond our wildest imaginings.

Love Me Blog Train Brag Book 6x4" Quick Page

You came from ATALW, Tiffany's blog where she writes about her life as a wife and mum to two boys, the youngest of whom has spina bifida. Check out her blog design which was created by Louise at Adori Graphics. Isn't the custom drawn, 100% original (not from stock images) header design amazing?

You are here at From Domestically Challenged to Domestic Goddess which is the end of the blog train. I and the rest of the CT at Adori Graphics hope that you've enjoyed the blog train and collecting all the freebies. (Oh and if you want to see the layouts I made with the kit then you need to head on over to my new digiscrapping blog, Amanda & Millie Designs.

The blog train started at Adori Graphics so if you get lost or started here at From Domestically Challenged to Domestic Goddess you can go back and see the whole itinerary, take the train and collect all of the freebies which will enable you to collect an awesomely lovely 6"x4" brag book complete with front and back covers. Perfect for printing out with your favourite photos included and carrying around in your bag to show to anyone and everyone!

Don't forget to leave some comment love to say 'Thank you' to the creative team and Louise who've been generous with their time and talents to create these awesome freebies for you.
Blessings,

Amanda x

Life... but Not as I Expected!

2011-01-27T10:57:00.000Z

There are B I G changes happening in my life. Changes that I'm welcoming but ones that are quite unexpected in a different sort of way! Sound cryptic? Good as I'm not yet ready to share the specifics but I will be able to tell you all about them in about a month and you want to know as they are BIG and brilliant!

In other news I am still domestically challenged. My journey towards becoming a domestic goddess or another Martha Stewart isn't going too well. However, I'm not going to throw in the dish towel, cry, mope or give up. Instead I'm going to go and clear up the wreckage (Millie stole all the fresh eggs and ate them off the kitchen floor), the male members of the household have not helped keep the bathroom or kitchen clean and tidy, and no one else but me puts the washing away! Aaaaaaaaagh:(

To make myself feel even better I'm going to complete two (my choice) of the 21 Day Organisational Challenge (ok I know it is over officially but I'm ready and so is the thumb to get started).

Printer and laptop are now talking to each other so I'll be printing out my morning checklist to stick on the fridge. FLY Lady would be so impressed that I'm actually ready to Finally Love Myself (although she'd say Finally Love Yourself = FLY) and to get myself and my home sorted;-D

However, first things first and most importantly I'm off to have a steaming hot, strong mug of tea.

Blessings,

Amanda x

Brightening Up Miserable Days

2011-01-24T08:02:00.001Z

Since my garden resembles a quagmire and the sky is still grey I need cheering up. It's just as well then that the latest digiscrap kit, I Heart Spring, is the newest digikit to be released over at Adori Graphics. It is vibrant and sure to brighten up these miseraable wintery days we're suffering at the moment.

Find out more about I Heart Spring.

I made these layouts with the kit:

The blog train

You came from Pavei Photos, Larissa's fab photography and digiscrap blog
From Domestically Challenged to Domestic Goddess - You are here at the end of the line

Don't forget to go back to Adori Graphics if you get lost along the way!

A free quick page for you to download. I've deliberately left it fairly simple so that you can embelish it as you want with elements from the I Heart Spring digiscrap kit.
Enjoy! Download QP.

Don't forget to leave some comment love on your journey to say 'Thank you' to the wonderfully creative ladies of the CT for their efforts.

If you're interested in digiscrapping then you'll want to check out my new digiscrapping site, Amanda & Millie Designs, when it's unveiled in the next few days. Keep your eyes peeled for the announcement coming very soon;-D

Blessings,

Amanda x

Join 4Shared Now and forget about the wait time!

Morning Routines

2011-01-19T09:53:00.000Z

When I was teaching full-time morning routines were so much better and simpler. I'd leap out of bed in a panic, jump straight in the shower, get dressed, mascara on, downstairs to feed animals, have breakfast and get lunches ready. Then it'd be panic to get the boys sorted and out of the door and me to work. Of course I'm leaving out all the arguments, stress etc but it was relatively quick and went the same way every morning.

Since I've been at home, especially as Dan is homeschooled, morning routines have gone by the wayside. Yet they are so important. I actually miss them and with FLY Lady's help I'm starting to drag my life back into a routine. Mornings first.

This is FLY Lady's recommended routine for the morning:

-Get Dressed to Shoes including Hair/Face, Brush Teeth
- Make Bed
-Swish & Swipe
-Empty Dishwasher
-Reboot Laundry (a Load a Day Keeps CHAOS Away)
-Check Your Calendar
-Check Your Control Journal
* What's For Dinner?
* Drink Your Water
* Declutter for 15 Minutes
* 15 Minutes of Loving Movement (exercise)

This is what I managed to do this morning, it's a work in progress and there's definitely a lot more work to come on this. I'm baby-stepping it;-D

Got up (this was very difficult as my new bed and mattress and wonderfully comfy)
Made bed
Had a mug of tea (while brewing/stewing tidied kitchen and put crockery in dishwasher that'd been left lying around by male members of family!)
Had breakfast
Got washed (cleaned shower, mirrors and wiped sink & toilet)
Got dressed
Had a mug of tea
Hung up washing that couldn't be tumble dried and started another load
Checked emails
Dinner? One pot chicken (already cooked just needs reheating)

So what's missing? Need to get up and get washed & dressed before the tea. Remember not to go to bed before the male family members as they don't clear up crockery or kitchen so I have to when I get up! Lounge floor (courtesy of Millie ALWAYS need cleaning up as she hates tidy and clean floors). Washing - once I've conquered the piles that have appeared... again I can then follow FLY Lady's a load a day rule. Check calendar (I've got a wonderful diary that my dearest friend gave me for Christmas) but no calendar so I need to make one. Control journal - hmmm need to go and read up on that one again! De-clutter - I'll do at least one of the 21 Day Organisation Challenges for this one. Exercise - there's time to get that sorted. Drink water - did that with my morning meds.

Of course once my new office is built and I have to go 'out' to work I can really think I've got a serious morning routine! When I say out to work I mean out of the back door and a couple of steps across the garden path to my new home office. How exciting is that? An office. A proper office. My own little domain. Privacy. Peace and none of my 'work' in the house!

So, do you have a morning routine? Does it work?

Blessings,

Amanda x

Domestically Challenged

2011-01-18T09:04:00.001Z

I think I read somewhere once that one of the first stages to recovering from a problem (or was it an addiction, habit...?) was to own it. Have you heard that one? Am I dreaming it?

Regardless, I'm sticking with it. Phase 1 for recovering from a problem and overcoming it is to TAKE OWNERSHIP. So here it is ownership. I AM DOMESTICALLY CHALLENGED. I feel so much better for having said it. Shouted it. Admitted it. Owned it. Problem gone! Hey, that was so quick and easy.

Seriously though. The problem isn't gone. It's just... out in the open, public knowledge, owned and recognised by me. I think actually I'm the last person to recognise fully that I actually have this problem! Ignorance was such bliss. Messy. Inconvenient. Overwhelmingly obvious to everyone but me. Perhaps the ignorance thing would be much easier?

So there it is. Today I stand before you ready to acknowledge that one of my biggest failings is that I am domestically challenged. Now that I've owned that particular problem I have to figure my way to conquer it.

Step 1: Rename blog. CHECK
Step 2: Redesign blog.
Step 3: Adapt Fly Ladies daily checklist to suit me and PRINT IT OUT and DISPLAY prominently.
Step 4: Create a menu plan for the week (healthy, frugal and slimming) and display it.
Step 5: Complete the Bowl of Lemons 21 Day Organising Challenge.
Step 6: ~~Eat some of the delicious chocolate fudge I made last night before I went to bed~~ Learn some basic domestic skills e.g. how to change a fuse, hang a picture.
Step 7: De-clutter. This is a major step in my 10 step program for recovering domestically challenged homemakers. Major step. Incredibly important step. Possibly the step where I will come unstuck.
Step 8: ~~Remember that failure is no longer an option. Eat more delicious chocolate fudge I made last night before I went to bed, have a mug of tea, surf the net for a while, prevaricate, eat more fudge...~~ Clean. Swish and wipe. Clean. (Sidenote: I've realised that there are no such things as faieries, pixies or elves who come in the night and do it for you. Even teenage sons don't either. It's up to me. I know I was so devastated when I realised the truth. It was almost as bad as when I finally realised that Father Christmas wasn't going to visit me anymore. I still believe - you can still come F.C. I love you!)
Step 9: Do not prevaricate. Ever. See it, think it, DO IT ASAP!
Step 10: Remember that Rome wasn't built in a day. The CHAOS, clutter and dirt weren't accumulated in day (ok sometimes they are, particularly when dog is involved) and this is something that needs to become a habit.

Seems so simple doesn't it?

Anyway just so you know that I really mean it. Here it is again. I am Amanda and I'm domestically challenged.

Blessings,

Amanda x

2011-01-17T08:02:00.003Z

What a wonderful way to start my week and yours!

A new, exciting, vibrant and colourful digiscrap kit is released and I'm participating in another blog train. I'll admit now that I'm addicted not just to digiscrapping but to blog trains too;-D If you want to find out more head on over to Sew Retro, So You.

You can see previews of the elments (on the left) and papers (to the right). We were making two layouts each but I'll admit that I got slightly carried away and made 5! I can't help it. The kit was fun, I wanted to have a go at the template challenge on Sew Retro, So You and two of my layouts are based on one of the templates.

To the Stars and Back Digiscrap Kit by Adori Graphics

Picture credits: all images are free stock images from http://www.sxc.hu/

Many thanks to the following brilliant photographers for sharing their talents and pictures:

Melbia http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1207555 Children with balloons
ArminH http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1187578 Playful Spring Time 3
http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1187576 Playful |Spring Time 1
coachen http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1018758 Kiss in the sunset
hhsara http://www.sxc.hu/photo/784497 Graduation
anissat http://www.sxc.hu/photo/602205 Picture Day 102
etcmaster http://www.sxc.hu/photo/613998 University Graduation 2

The To the Stars and Back Blog Train

Here are two free quick pages made with the To the Stars and Back digiscrap kit for you to download.

Download QP Download QP

You came from ATALW, Tiffany's blog where she writes about her life as a wife and mum to two boys, the youngest of whom has spina bifida. Check out her blog design which was created by Louise at Adori Graphics. Isn't the custom drawn, 100% original (not from stock images) header design amazing?
You are here My Healthy Frugal Home which is the end of the blog train. I and the rest of the CT at Adori Graphics hope that you've enjoyed the blog train and collecting all the freebies.

The blog train started at Adori Graphics so if you get lost or started here at My Healthy Frugal Home you can go back and see the whole itinerary, take the train and collect all of the freebies.

Don't forget to leave some comment love to say 'Thank you' to the creative team and Louise who've been generous with their time and talents to create these awesome freebies for you.

Blessings,

Amanda x

Join 4Shared Now!

Digiscrapping CT Call!

2011-01-11T15:49:00.000Z

Do you love to digiscrap, traditionally scrap, create hybrid or papercraft projects? Want a way to access digiscrapping kits for free to increase your personal stash and help fuel your passion? Then this could be the opportunity for you!

Adori Graphics is going to be growing its digiscrapping business in 2011. Louise, the owner of Adori Graphics and creator of digiscrap kits, is looking to increase the number of CT members. Why am I involved? Well, I'm a CT member and I am also the CT admin/leader!

Who are we looking for?

Creative and motivated individuals who love to craft and create with high quality downloadable kits. On average there will be two kit releases a month and you'll need to create 2 layouts that we can use to promote the kit as well as a quick page (sometimes a brag book page) that you can offer for a free download from your blog as part of a blog train. You will obviously need to create a post about the release as part of the blog train showing your layouts and quick page (with download link) that will be linked to the Adori Graphics release post.

In return you will be given access to the digiscrapping kits (past, present and future) produced by Adori Graphics for your personal use only. As Adori Graphics is a growing business there will be other benefits to be added in the future.

The Adori Graphics CT is a small but expanding, friendly and supportive team. We have our own blog where we share ideas, resources, chat and participate in challenges.

If you are interested in joining or want to find out more please email adoriteam@live.co.uk with your name, email, blog address, links to your work/main online gallery and any other information you feel may be relevant.

We're looking forward to hearing from you and hope that you'll join our team!

Blessings,

Amanda x

Getting Organised - The Start

2011-01-11T11:18:00.000Z

2011 is the year of the CHAOS free home... finally. It is. Honest it is!

I'm taking part in a 21 day organisational challenge. The fact that I'm already a week behind is in no way going to deter me. Why? Well, simply because 2011 is the year that I'm finally, irrevocably and totally going to have a CHAOS free home. Visitors will be welcome at any time; Daniel allowing of course;-D

I revisisted Flylady who coined the CHAOS motto. I must admit I stopped reading the emails last year as there are so many each day. I'll confess that they irritated me. I can cope with the daily routine, chore list. I can cope with the odd message recommending resources, with testimonials but SO many each day? No, I couldn't cope and switched off. However, I returned to my inbox and am collecting the information from the 1st day of this new year.

The first piece of information I took from Flylady was her daily chore list. Here it is in full. I shall read it and adapt as necessary but this is a great starting point.

Daily Chores/Reminders (from Flylady)

* Morning Routine:

-Get Dressed to Shoes including Hair/Face, Brush Teeth

- Make Bed

-Swish & Swipe

-Empty Dishwasher

-Reboot Laundry (a Load a Day Keeps CHAOS Away)

-Check Your Calendar

-Check Your Control Journal

* What's For Dinner?

* Drink Your Water

* Declutter for 15 Minutes

* 15 Minutes of Loving Movement (exercise)

* Before Bed Routine:

-Lay out Your Clothes for tomorrow

-Check Your Calendar

-Put things needed for tomorrow at the Launch Pad

-Where are your Keys?

-Spend Two Minutes Clearing off a Hot Spot

-Shine Your Sink

- Wash face/Brush Teeth

-Go to Bed at a Decent Hour

I'm looking forward to getting to grips with the list above and making it my own. I'm also looking forward to posting my starting point later. You'll be able to follow my progress or lack of as I shall be holding myself accountable here.

Blessings,
Amanda x

Getting Organised Challenge - Backing Up Fast!

2011-01-06T18:03:00.000Z

Ok hands up! I confess! With all the best intentions and will in the world I haven't managed to start the Getting Organised Challenge quite yet. I could list the reasons/excuses and at least one of them would make you laugh.

Oh! I see. You WANT the laugh? You asked for it.

1. Broken thumb - yes it's healing but it is still painful when used or overused and certain actions are still nigh on impossible.
2. *Blushing* I had a slight accident (yes, you heard or rather read right, ANOTHER accident whilst walking Millie). I took her out yesterday morning at 6.00 am and somehow ended up lying on the pavement with a twisted ankle, sprained wrist and sore hand (same right hand with the broken thumb which is more painful again) and a grazed and very tender left knee. Doing anything at the moment is VERY VERY sore and uncomfortable:(

I'm ready to take the before photos though for all 5 days. I can even create the posts and start them off. I just don't know if I'm able to complete them this week until the pain subsides.

Sorry. I feel so pathetic and useless.

My darling hubby very kindly said that he knew I shouldn't have gone out with Millie as he had 'a feeling' I was going to have an accident! I won't tell you what Dan or Matt said.

Typing hurts so I do it a bit at a time. Tomorrow I'll create the posts for each day with a before photo for each task and some comments. Please be kind. The challenge is to help people like me become tidier, more organised and the possessor of less clutter. The fact that I have the most cluttered areas, disorganised areas and... well, you get the picture. It's not pleasant but at least you and I and the entire world will see a radical difference in the each of the after posts and pictures!

Remember! If you decide to look at the posts and the before photos: be brave, be strong, be kind and most of all be forgiving. I promise I'll change.

Blessings,

Amanda x

Oh No! Not Again!

2011-01-05T11:09:00.000Z

I did it again. At 6.15 am this morning I was out walking Millie, in the dark and on my own, when I twisted my ankle, fell over, grazed my knee, and hurt my wrist. Luckily I didn't fall on the broken thumb. However, I'm in lots of pain especially when I type!

I'll try and post my before pics for the 1st 3 days of the organising challenge but I won't be working on completing them just yet... sorry!

Blessings,

Amanda x

The Sew Creative Reading Challenge - January 2011 Edition

2011-01-02T21:12:00.000Z

Are you participating in the Sew Creative Reading Challenge? Let us know what you are reading and making by linking up your post in the linky below. Can't wait to see what you're up to.

Want to know what the Sew Creative Reading Challenge 2011 is all about?

You can link up your current project and book even if you aren't participating by linking to your post below (links to homepages will be deleted).

So come on and show off your talents by linking up below. This is for January projects and books only. February's post will be available 00:01 GMT on 1st February.

To all our talents!

Amanda x

The Sew Creative Reading Challenge 2011

2011-01-02T20:46:00.001Z

So I would love to sew using a sewing machine, embroider properly and craft like never before in ways I've never tried. I'd also like an excuse to indulge my crafting and sewing passions with a legitimate excuse! Hence I created the Sew Creative Reading Challenge.

In 2011 I'm going to read (not word for word, or in order) 12 different books and create 12 different projects as a result of reading each book (one project per book). At least 6 of my projects must contain sewing in some way but the other 6 can be any craft. Sewing includes machine stitching, embroidery, quilting, applique etc. There will be a post each month for an update on our latest book and project plus a linky that you can join in with your current project.

January         February           March              April              May
            June                 July             August         September
October         November        December

There will be a prize for this challenge (to be announced later).

Rules for entry:

1) You must enter by leaving a comment below and putting your blog link in the linky below.

2) You must snag the badge and display it on your blog for the duration of the challenge. This will be checked throughout the year.

3) You must post a link to your round up post which details all 12 books with a mini-review and pictures of your completed project for each book (a minimum of 6 of which must include some sewing) in the linky on this round-up post. Your post must be linked (the post not your homepage) to the roundup/completion post by midnight GMT on 31st December, 2011 to be eligible to enter the prize draw. No entries will be accepted after this time. Entries that do not link to the completion post on your blog will not be valid.

4) The winner will be announced on 5th January, 2012 and has until midnight GMT 12th January, 2012 to email me to claim their prize. No claims will be accepted after this date.

Grab the badge, display it on your blog, join the linky below and leave a comment to tell me what you're planning on doing this year.

Blessings,
Amanda x

The 12 Murders to Christmas Reading Challenge 2011

2011-01-02T20:04:00.001Z

I love a good murder (in a book or film that is!). So I've decided to read a different crime author each month until Christmas 2011. That way I know that I'll have the chance to read some exciting murders, use my little grey cells to see if I can solve the crime before the detective(s) and get to know some new detectives and authors. Of course, I can include some old favourites as well. I shall chart my progress and would love some of you to join in. That way we can all find some new authors and detectives.

Want to join in? Snag, grab and display the badge and join up in the linky below so that I can follow your progress and perhaps, pick up a brilliant recommendation for a new book to read.

There will be a prize for this challenge which will be announced soon.

Rules for entry into the prize draw:

1) You must sign up with your name, email and blog address by joining the linky below and leaving a comment below.
2) You must display the badge on your blog. (Checks will be made throughout 2011.)
3) You must create a post about your 12 Murders to Christmas 2011 including the title, author and a brief review of each book by 31st December, 2011. Entries close at midnight GMT. You need to link your post (not blog but the actual post) in the roundup post here. If you link to anywhere but the actual post it will not count!

The winner will be announced on My Healthy Frugal Home 5th January, 2012 and must contact me by email by 12th January, 2012 to claim their prize. No claims made after midnight GMT on 12th January 2012 will be met.

Here's the badge to snag, grab and display.

Blessings,

Amanda x

The Everyday Reader Challenge

2011-01-02T18:45:00.000Z

I felt so disappointed that I'd not managed to complete any of the reading challenges that I'd signed up for in 2010. Not only that I felt a failure. I shouldn't though as I read everyday just not the materials for the challenges.

I've decided this year that I'm going to record something about my reading every single day. Any reading. I read recipes, messages, notes, mail, emails, ebooks, websites, books, newspapers, tv captions... An endless list of reading and each piece matters and counts.

My Everyday Reader Challenge is for me to show myself just how much I read and what I've read throughout the year. I'll be creating a way of recording the reading that will be posted here to download.

If you want to join in please grab the image to display on your blog or site and sign up in the Linky below so that I can follow your reading journey too.

Don't worry it's not onerous. I'm not going to journal every single piece of reading but I do want to know what I've read and sometimes, my thoughts on it.

Up for a challenge? Snag, grab, display and link. Together we can succeed;-D

Blessings,

Amanda x

The Sew Creative Reading Challenge Round-Up/Completion Post 2011

2011-01-01T20:46:00.001Z

Final entries here please! Note the linky does not start until 1st December, 2011 so that means you can't enter your final round-up until then and to qualify for entry into the prize draw your round-up post of all 12 projects and books must be submitted into the linky here by midnight GMT 31st December, 2011.

There have been 12 chances to show off your projects, one a month, throughout the year so I really hope you've been showing off your reading and your projects to inspire me and anyone else reading the blog and entering the contest.

Full details of the reading challenge and contest rules are in the Sew Creative Reading Challenge post.

Please be sure to link to your round-up post which includes details and a mini-review of all 12 books plus details and pics of each project (remember at least 6 must include sewing in some way, shape or form!). Good luck!

Winner will be announced 5th January, 2012 and must email me to claim their prize by midnight, GMT on 12th January, 2012. No claims will be met after this deadline.

Reading Challenges for 2011 - This Year I Will Succeed!

2011-01-01T20:23:00.000Z

So last year I signed up for some amazingly wonderful reading challenges and... failed to succeed at any of them. I know, I am ashamed to admit such a serious neglect of such a wonderful inspiring and relaxing hobby.

However, 2010 was a busy and stressful year with lots of changes.

This year is new, fresh and full of hope.

My personal reading challenges for this year are below (I'll do another post for each challenge just in case anyone else wants to join in plus I'll create a graphic to display). The posts will be up in the next few days.

The Everyday Challenge

I am setting myself the goal of reading everyday. It doesn't matter what as long as I read and record what I've read. I can achieve this one with no effort at all as I read (as do you) all the time: blogs, emails, post, recipes. I just have to record at least one thing I've read each and every day - books (physical page turnable books) will get a special mention as I have 'thing' for books;-D I think this challenge will give me a big sense of positiveness and success which will help me achieve in other areas. I'm considering making this a very creative challenge by creating a weekly or monthly resource to enable me to enjoy recording my reading.

Sew Creative Challenge

This one is to keep me creating and inspired. I have to read 12 different sewing and/or craft books and create one project from each. Now I'll admit now that I'm not going to read them from to start to finish but the point is that I will have to look through and read enough to create a project. I will have to write about my creation with pics and a review of the book too. I must admit to being incredibly excited about this one. I'm considering offering a prize for this one if anyone else wants to join in.

Twelve Murders 'til Christmas

Now this is another one I'll enjoy as I LOVE a good murder. The point of this one is to read 12 books each with a murder in by different authors. So 12 authors, 12 books and at least 12 murders to carry me through to next Christmas. I failed last year's Marple, Holmes, Christie Challenge in the year it was set but I can partially meet it through this challenge.

So there you have it. 3 challenges that I know I can meet. Anyone want to join me?

Challenging myself to achieve success in all I do in 2011,

Amanda x

12 Murders to Christmas 2011 - Completion & Competition Entry

2011-01-01T20:05:00.001Z

So you signed up in this post by leaving a comment and entering your link in the linky to say that you were participating in the 12 Murders to Christmas 2011 reading challenge. You snagged, grabbed and displayed the badge on your blog. You made sure that you read 12 books by 12 different authors, each including at least one murder, you also created a post with the author, title and a brief review of each book. Congratulations! All you need to do now is link your round up post in the linky below and you will be eligible to enter the prize draw. Good luck!

The winner will be announced 5th January 2012 and must email me to claim their prize by midnight GMT 12th January, 2012 or they'll forfeit their prize.

2011: New Year & Fresh Start for Me... and my Home

2011-01-01T17:01:00.000Z

It's here. A new year and a better year. 2011 is definitely THE year that will be the beginning of the definitive me. I have thought long and hard during 2010. I have missed deadlines and goals. I've organised and tidied yet managed to create disorganisation and chaos. I've had closure on chapters in my life that brought joy and pain. Through it all my family, my true friends including my new online friends and my Lord have been there with me and for me. Finally, I am truly ready to move on and begin my new chance at life that I've been given.

So my reading challenges were sadly not met due to factors way beyond my control. I'm sorry I let myself down and disappointed myself. However, I will be joining some (possibly) if I find any that take my fancy and I will meet them and journal them here. I've missed reading. A lot.

My home still suffers from CHAOS at times but it is SO close to being ready for visitors at any time. It is also almost finished being renovated and there are plans for some MAJOR changes. You can follow the final chapters of this journey here through 2011. However it starts today with this:

I've only just found this challenge which starts today but I'm definitely in, definitely participating and will be finishing even though I have a really stupid broken thumb. I just need to get the containers to enable me to start. I'll be late achieving Day 1's challenge but it will be done and I will get on track.

2011 is going to be an incredible year and I really can't wait to share everything with you; the good, the bad and the downright ugly. However, by the end of 2011 there will only be the good, the stylish and the truly beautiful.

Happy New Year dear friends!

Blessings,
Amanda x

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T18:57:00.000Z

Hope you all had a really wonderful and peaceful Christmas and that 2011 brings you peace, love and joy.

I will be back shortly. Thumb still hasn't healed properly and is incredibly painful whenever I do anything hence the lack of action here. However, a new year starts tomorrow and I have plans. Big plans.

Blessings,

Amanda x

Giveaway Time!

2010-12-13T09:27:00.001Z

I'm still alive, kicking and hurting. Who knew thumbs could hurt that much? Who knew the perils of walking dogs in woods when it's dusk and the light is fading rapidly?

That's all beside the point. This thumb is hurting because I'm crafting and creating. I'm loving the creating and crafting bit but not the thumb hurting. However, I'm so carried away by the joys of Christmas and the fact that there were two lucky winners of the giveaway Sew Retro, So You sponsored last week on Adori Graphics, that I'm having another one.

Blink and you'll miss it which would be a real shame as the prize is awesome (if I say so myself... which I do!;-D)

Here's a sneak peak at some of the possible contents of the gorgeous Christmas Goodie Bag that is up for grabs. The giveaway closes at midnight GMT on Wednesday, 15th December so be quick and enter. Don't make my thumb hurt for nothing!

I'll post a proper update here shortly all about my failings in the homemaking, mother, wife... everything departments!

Blessings,
Amanda x

PS Don't forget to check out our new range of Christmas decorations at ridiculously low introductory prices in our Etsy shop. Get started for next Christmas now if you're already sorted for this one!

It's SO Quiet

2010-11-04T14:25:00.000Z

Because I had an accident whilst walking Millie in the woods. I can't type for long periods at a time and I'm pretty useless with regard to anything else at the moment. However, I am on the mend and should be back to full strength and mobility by next week.

Blessings,

Amanda x

Nuthouse Scraps is Having a Sale!

2010-10-29T23:06:00.001+01:00

I'm super excited to announce this sale as I've just become one of the new members of their creative team. In fact there soon to be released Mixed Nut has some quick pages created by me as part of the quick page album.

Nuthouse Scraps

On Vacation!

2010-10-13T11:05:00.000+01:00

I know it's been quiet here but at home it's been busy, busy, busy. Now I'm working my way through piles of laundry so that I can pack our cases ready for our holiday (yes, I said holiday) in Devon. Exciting isn't it. I'm nervous about leaving Matt. I'm worried about taking Dan. I'm excited about having Millie with us. I'm exstatic that I'm being given this wonderful gift for my silver wedding. Of course, Lee doesn't realise that whilst I'm really looking forward to our week away I'm also looking forward to our return as he's buying me the Adobe Master Suite, Windows 7 and Office 2010 and an mini 1TB external HDD for our anniversary on our return. Oh such IT bliss!

I doubt he'll allow me to blog while we're away so you'll have to wait now until we're back to hear from me.

If you want a peek at the anniversary gift I'm giving Lee you can see a preview over on Sew Retro, So You.

Blessings,
Amanda x

I Was Here!

2010-10-08T17:45:00.001+01:00

Well, not here! Not here on My Healthy Frugal Home that is. I was here over there on Adori Graphics. I was the featured writer over there yesterday. I would have told you yesterday but I've been laid up on and off for a while now with migraines and the last 3 days I've had the most awful one and have spent time in the dark in bed asleep. So if you want to know 5 common mistakes that bloggers make (I know them because I've made them!) then you can read all about them over on Adori Graphics.

Blessings,
Amanda x

Shame on Me!

2010-09-22T17:08:00.000+01:00

I'll confess. I'll confess to you but only you and no one else. Certainly not to a certain pair of young men who are currently surfing, gaming or whatever they do all day online.

There was I tidying the kitchen (again) whilst having a break from creating a website when I felt peckish. I'd managed to have 3 bites from an apple but then Millie took that off to play with and eat so I was still peckish. OK I'll add more to this confession. I was moping, feeling sorry for myself and miserable. I feel so much better for having admitted to that now! Anyway I remembered that there were 4 squares of plain chocolate in the cupboard just waiting to be added to the next batch of brownies. Except that wasn't their destiny. Not today anyway. They were destined for my mouth and then to rest in my tummy.

The boys were upstairs. Millie was still marauding with the apple and any recycling she could get her paws and jaws on so I snuck the chocolate out of the cupboard, out of the wrapper (which I craftily hid in the bin) and I took a bite. Yummy. (I am SO desperate that the cheapest plain chocolate you can find is yummy!) I decided that I would savour each and every mouthful, allowing the chocolate to melt and be indulged and luxuriated in and then it happened. Dan appeared at the bottom of the stairs and there I am mouth full of chocolate and even more in my hands.

PANIC. Remember Dad's Army and 'Don't panic Captain Mainwaring!' Well that was me. Cool, calm and collected on the outside and like a chicken without a head inside. Bear in mind I'm down the other end of the house. I whip around and grab hold of a cat biscuit box (the cats at this point are thinking Wow! We're onto a winner here!). With my back to the hallway, Dan and Millie with my mouth firmly shut and chewing furiously and frantically, I manage to swallow the first bit whilst trying to open the box. However, I still have another 3 pieces (and they aren't exactly small) in my hands. Have you ever tried to open a box without dropping the chocolate you're trying to hide, whilst eating chocolate without allowing anyone to know you're eating it? I'd rather not have to experience that scenario again.

Upshot? Forget lingering over the chocolate, it was stuff it down you girl. You'd have thought I was starving or had never seen chocolate before.

Once I had disposed of all the evidence I turned round, smiled sweetly as a dutiful mother should, asked Dan how he was and proceeded to carry on cleaning up the kitchen. Thank goodness there isn't a breathaliser for chocolate or that he didn't actually come over to see me.

Thanks for listening!

Blessings,
Amanda x

Autumn

2010-09-16T18:36:00.000+01:00

Is one of my favourite seasons. OK I'll rephrase. It IS my favourite season. I love it. I love the sights, sounds, smells, feelings, memories just everything.

It's a time for warmth, comfort food and more comfort food. Casseroles. Pies. Baking. Food. Lots of food. Oh and tea. Hot, steaming mugs of tea (not that I save those for just autumn you understand) but autumn just gives you the excuse to boil that kettle some more! (Sorry I'm not really worrying about saving the planet when I'm in need of a mug of tea.)

So this evening to celebrate autumn I'm going to make an orange cake, bake some carrot cake muffins (the last lot didn't last very long and were amazing especially considering I'd never made them before), cook chicken strogonoff with rice and peas for dinner and hope that I spoilt the girlies enough today that they all lay tomorrow so that I can bake some more donut muffins as I've a craving for cinnamon and nutmeg smells.

Apart from all the food oriented thinking and doing that I'm involved in I'm also incredibly busy creating stunning educational resources. I've almost finished the most wonderful file folder game and resource kit for learning number bonds to 10. It really is gorgeous and the boys are totally in awe of my talent (for once!). I'm sending it out for free to newsletter subscribers once it's finished because I love to give freebies. Eventually once I've worked out how automate the process I'll be selling it through My Personal Tutor's shop but until that time the only way to get it will be for free via the newsletter. The newsletter is monthly with the occasional extra edition when I have some wonderful resource to give away - like later today (or early tomorrow depending when I finish it).

I'm also in love with the autumn themed word banks/mats I created. They're available on the Monthly Downloads page of the free membership site.

If you want to find out more about My Personal Tutor and the fabulous resources I'm giving away for free then click here. The newsletter and membership are both FREE and I am really looking forward to sharing my resources with you all;-D

Now I must go and cook as I'm desperate to eat!

Blessings,
Amanda

So Proud!

2010-09-09T11:07:00.000+01:00

You know how Matt's been working in London during the summer doing an internship at an IT company? Well his internship finished on Tuesday. He's worked incredibly hard these past two months. Every morning he's got up unusually early to catch the train and he's arrived home just before 8.00 pm every evening. Long days, hard work, huge learning curve yet doing something he loves. It's been a great two months for him. With my parent's kind help with the travel costs he's managed to save a bit of money towards the next year so he can buy books and supplies for uni.

On his last day off they went to the pub after work and hey presto he was told that they were so impressed with him that despite his being a first year (they were looking for a second year student with more knowledge and experience) he has proved himself trustworthy, hardworking, dedicated, loyal and incredibly talented, so impressed that he's been offered a contract to work at home during this coming year.

How cool is that! ~~I am~~ We are SO PROUD of him.

Blessings,
Amanda xx

Finally! My Personal Tutor is OPEN:-D

2010-08-27T09:06:00.000+01:00

I can't believe how long it has taken me to get this project up and running. Not only has it been a long haul but it has also been a very steep learning curve. The new site building software I'm using is absolutely brilliant.

Now, to cut down on spam and content copying I decided to put all the really good, terrific and utterly brilliant goodies inside a membership site which is an offshoot of the main site. Membership is free and at the moment anyone who joins before 1st November, 2010 gets access to over £49.99 worth of MPT resources for free. (Mad I know as I desperately need to actually earn some money but this opening is so worth celebrating;-)) I also decided to have a Freebie Friday on the last Friday of the month and hey that's today! So today there will be 3 free resources.

I wrote a Guide to Private Tuition and Choosing a Private Tutor which is free from the site. I'm actually going to publish it in print (which won't be free of course!) but that is on hold just at the moment.

The membership site is just going through its final checks and will be uploaded later today. You fill in the form and then click in the activation link in the email sent to you and voila - you are a member. 'Simples,' as the meerkat would say;-D

As my financial situation is so dire I've finally started selling my hoard of resources. It is SO hard to part with them! I've listed a few on Ebay and two have sold already. As I'm new to all this I'm not actually making a profit yet as I forgot to factor in all the selling costs etc!

If you've got this far then please, please, please, pretty please visit My Personal Tutor and join. Download the free stuff, chat in the forums, sign up for the newsletter and most of all support me as I try to build a successful online career that I can wow the employment tribunal with in December. Oh yes! I forgot to mention the judge threw out the other side's request for a postponement until next year and it is still the beginning of December.

Blessings,
Amanda x

PS And this is free with this month's newsletter.

Dear Diary

2010-08-11T08:59:00.000+01:00

I have a diary for Sew Retro, So You. I have a diary for My Personal Tutor. I don't have a diary for me.

That is I don't have a personal diary in which I can record my important dates, events, outings etc. Why? Well, I don't actually have anything to put in it. I could record Matt and Lee's comings and goings I suppose but for me I don't think I need a diary to record my weekly trip to the supermarket.

Until now that is. I have two dates for my diary (that I don't have). Two important dates. Dates that involve social activities for ME;-D

My darling friend is coming for lunch on Monday. She's bringing her younger daughter. Two visitors... for me:-D I am SO excited.

Just as exciting is another event in October. Not only does it involve seeing my darling friend again but it also involves going out. Yes, I said OUT. Out in public to an event. I've booked tickets for us to see Anthony Browne (children's author and illustrator) as part of the Canterbury Festival. We are going to meet him. I am going to have to buy another of his books. I'm going to have to get his autograph. The other reason I'm so excited is that it means that finally I've got my dearest friend's Christmas present in advance. That's a first! I've wanted to do something exciting like this as a present for her for years as years ago she took me to see an extremely hilarious Abridged Shakespeare play for my birthday. Another reason to feel excited about this particular day is that it is the 31st anniversary of my first date with Lee and just two days before our silver wedding anniversary.

I need a diary for me... at last.

Blessings,
Amanda

PS Thinking about Anthony Browne has reminded of the two books above. I have done the most fantastic lessons based on these books in the past. I miss not teaching them to a class so I've decided to create learning materials for My Personal Tutor based on them.

Oh the Calves!

2010-08-09T13:54:00.000+01:00

If you are reading this thinking I'm about to go ga-ga over some doe-eyed calves then think again! I'm going to wimp and whine about my aching calf muscles;-D

Yesterday morning, late, we did our duty with love and took Millie on a nearly 3 mile walk in the woods. I worked out the way I figured would be less taxing on my pathetic body. It didn't take Lee long to work out why we were walking the route backwards! However, it was longer than normal and took us on unfamiliar paths during what was becoming the hottest part of the day as well as uphill on a slightly less steep gradient.

Still by the time we got back to the car I was sweating (yes, SWEATING, not glistening or glowing but streams of sweat pouring down well everywhere) buckets and hot flushing and craving water and tea. Apart from that I was fine. Oh and did I mention breathing heavily? It was definitely a work out.

Oh and I need to mention that my wonderful new best walking friend, my pedometer that goes with my Nintendo DS, was saying 5876 steps. I felt good.

Today my calf muscles are sore. I'm now trying to work out the easiest woodland walk for this evening.

Sorry to disappoint those of you who were hoping for frolicking farmyard cuties!

Blessings,
Amanda x

We're Partying ALL Weekend!

2010-08-06T08:54:00.000+01:00

Yes we are! Party, party, party time.

Sounds exciting doesn't it? Sadly, it's not partying like you think. It's LAN partying. Dan's friend George is coming to stay as his Nan is going away and he doesn't want to be on his own. Instead he asked if he could come and stay. Now, of course we said 'Yes' as this is a big deal for Dan and he has taken residence in the dining room since their last LAN party so it's not a big deal really. However, I've put my foot down.

There will be NO sleeping on the dog bed. When the party is over normal routines MUST resume as well as normal food consumption.

Remember this post where I explained that George is a picky eater? Well, it seems they plan on surviving his stay on pizza, crisps, biscuits and chocolate. Being big spenders (NOT) Lee's off to Poundland to see what deals and bargains he can get in the junk food dept.

Now, it just so happens that this Sunday sees Matt celebrating his 19th birthday. He wants a BBQ.

So you see there's LOTS going on here this weekend and so today is MAJOR housecleaning day. You all know how much I LOVE housework and cleaning.

Harvest Time!

2010-08-02T11:51:00.000+01:00

Now my dearest friend Clarice left a comment telling me about how well her fruit and veg harvest was going and wondered how I was getting on.

This, my 2nd year, growing fruit and veg has been a year of mixed fortunes.

Blueberries: zero - the dog ate the bush. Luckily it is now regrowing.

Herbs: some thyme has survived and mint. Bay tree going strong. Everything else kicked the bucket.

Sprouts - eaten by anything and everything apart from dog and chickens (until I gave the girls the remnants of the plants).

Cabbages - same as sprouts.

Rhubarb - bumper crop just harvested and ready to deal with.

Tomatoes - growing well.

Peppers - 3rd attempt. Plants growing but no sign of offspring!

Quince - LOTS of blossom but no sign of fruit yet (I don't think).

Onions - harvested.

Strawberries - not doing much so far.

Beans - growing well. Yet to flower.

Salad leaves - did well until cheaky slugs snuck in and tucked in. Girls enjoyed the leftovers.

Courgettes - most of my plants died once transplanted outside. However one yellow courgette plant survived and is producing lots of wonderful yellow round courgettes. Gorgeous. A traditional courgette has just started producing.

Pumpkins - only two plants survived but aren't doing much. Disappointing.

Aubergines - died

Squash - died

Broccoli - died

Turnips - cropped well

Parsnips - disappeared!

Carrots - ok did one meal

Spring onions - eaten by something

Beetroot - eaten by something

Radishes - eaten by something

Cauliflower - leaves being eaten but heads doing well

This weekend I planted more beans, radishes, beetroot, chard, carrots, spinach, peas (taking a chance), broccoli raab and salad leaves.

Now the best bit is that my neighbour appeared on my doorstep last Friday clutching a huge marrow and an almost marrow sized courgette for us. He was off on holiday and I can harvest whatever is ready while they are away! So yesterday I harvested: peas, runner beans, a courgette, redcurrants and blackcurrants.

I'm now trying to decide what we are going to eat this week based on all the wonderful fresh produce we have.

How are you all doing with your gardens?

Blessings,
Amanda x

Go! Go! Gadgets...

2010-07-30T09:18:00.001+01:00

Living with a geeks is bound to rub off on one. I'll admit that even I can sound quite geeky (surprisingly to me and the boys!) at times. Alright, possibly not many times but I can.

One way in which it has rubbed off is in my love of technology and gadgets. I am a sucker for them. Any of them. I've always wanted an e-book reader. Don't know why as I still prefer traditional books and tend to print out anything I need to properly. However, I confess that when you are obsessed by books and reading then if you are going to continue this habit then e-books must be the way to go. Imagine if all my teaching books were digital I could keep them all and they wouldn't take up much room. Scratch that. Any physical room in my home apart from the digital space on the e-book device.

I've been busy writing and writing and creating. I have pdf files coming out of my drives all over the place. If I say so myself the teaching resources are gorgeous. I'm in love with my newest creation that I designed late last night. It isn't finished but it will be gorgeous and amazing. I can't wait to play with it when it's finished.

So with regard to the actual books I've been toying with the idea of publishing them and selling them via sites like Amazon. I did wonder about producing e-book editions for e-book readers. So imagine how excited I was when I heard how Amazon are releasing new versions of their Kindle and the fact that they have extended storage for fanatic book collectors (like me) as well as a reasonable price tag.

I am hereby officially declaring publicly that this is top of my new gadget wishlist. I'm being a VERY good girl Santa... *smiles & bats eyelashes*;-D

After all Santa an e-book reader, especially a Kindle, would be so much more useful than an I-Phone (after all I don't have enough people to call or text to make it worthwhile... just now).

I could start collecting e-book readers. Start with a Kindle, then go Sony and then I-Pad...

Off to dream of gadgets, Amazon Kindles in particular and the thought of having my own books available to read on a Kindle. *Sighs*

Blessings,
Amanda x
Kindle DX Wireless Reading Device, Free 3G, 9.7" Display, Graphite, 3G Works Globally – Latest Generation

To Do

2010-07-28T08:24:00.000+01:00

Clean and tidy kitchen... AGAIN!

Hoover lounge floor... AGAIN since someone left the recycling sack on the kitchen floor and a certain young lady decided to drag it into the lounge and chewing up its contents!

Baking

Dinner (thanks so much to my darling hubby who did NOT remove the rind from the pork roast like I asked 3 days ago and every single day since)

Finish creating resources for MPT to give away

Cook dog food

Washing

Drink tea

Plant more veg seeds (spinach, chard, beetroot, carrots, peas, beans, broccoli raab, spring onions, salad leaves, basil)

Create more resources for MPT

Take site live (go for it Amanda, stop prevaricating and procrastinating, stop worrying and panicking and attempting to achieve perfection... just DO IT)

And that it is just the short version;-D

Still better make a start. First things first then. Tea. The most important task of the day!

Blessings,

Amanda x

Tastes Change

2010-07-26T08:35:00.000+01:00

How many times have you cooked a wonderful meal only to be told by one of your darling children that they absolutely, positively hate that and always have?

It is one of the major bug bears of being a parent! It can happen so quickly and frequently.

So imagine my surprise when I hear the words, 'Please can we have mushroom strogonoff?' and 'I LOVE strogonoff. Can we have it every week?' and even 'I'll have rice'. You could have picked me or even Lee up off the floor.

Sometimes the fact that tastes change can work in your favour;-D

Now I just need to get him to re-like stir-fries. I have also worked out a way to get him to eat Spanish Chicken. I've created my own recipe for the sauce which works well.

I made Spanish Chicken from scratch one evening last week. Dan thought the meal looked disgusting but was happily munching into the 'chicken' as it was the only nice thing in the dish until Matt burst out laughing and admitted the chicken was actually quorn. Of course Dan then stopped eating completely and went and got a different dinner. We love Spanish chicken. I've been considering how to try and get Dan to eat it. I think I have found a way. Stay tuned.

Blessings,
Amanda x

Hopeless!

2010-07-22T08:47:00.000+01:00

As in without hope. Oh and is in me and mine.

I have to confess. Sorry. I just need to dump and you are the lucky recipient.

I HATE housework. Well! I don't really, as I love the feeling of a freshly cleaned home. The fresh smell. The appearance. The transformation. The beauty. The pleasure.

What I hate is the monotony of having to keep doing it because my darling family forget that the House Fairy, Pixie or Brownie DOES NOT exist. Dishes that are left on the side, in the lounge, in bedrooms or anywhere but the dishwasher do not develop legs and feet and magically take themselves off to plop themselves into the correct slot in the dishwasher. Plus I don't have a dish collection and dishwasher use qualification, or a sole use contract nor do I have the titles serf, slave, servant, housekeeper or MUG anywhere in my name or title.

The shower screens only stay streak free if someone physically sprays them after they have used the shower with the special spray. It takes seconds. It doesn't require much thought or much effort. It also doesn't do itself. Nor do I have a special qualification in shower spraying/cleaning that means that I am the only one who can perform said task.

So here I sit looking out of the bay window in the front room. I see blue sky, green leaved trees swaying in the breeze and I'm yet again surrounded by dirty crockery of which I am responsible for one mug that is currently in use. In front of me I have a floor strewn with dog debris and a teenager who has taken to sleeping on the dog bed and all our cushions in front of the fireplace. Don't ask! Let's just say that his pc is currently residing in the dining room (which is beginning to resemble his bedroom in terms of mess, piled up crockery, snack debris....) and you can't possibly sleep upstairs if your pc is downstairs. Can you? Apparently the dog bed is very comfortable to sleep on. Millie doesn't agree as she normally sleeps on the sofa!

So guess how my day goes. Again. Yes it starts with emptying the dishwasher, rounding up all the dirty dishes...

Oh to finish on a positive note. I made the MOST absolutely wonderful, delicious brownies yesterday morning at 6.00 am. They are THE BEST I have ever made and I only made a slight tweak to the recipe.

So without more ado I'll say adieu and go about my housewifely duties.

Blessings,
Amanda x

I'm a Loser! In the Best Way Possible

2010-07-20T21:40:00.000+01:00

Now I'm at 14st 8.5 lbs. So the last time the diabetic nurse weighed me I was 15st 9lbs so I've lost just over a stone. My next target is 13st 13lbs - hey I don't think of 13 as unlucky!

I know that I need to get a move on in terms of weight loss and my silver wedding in October but I also need to get totally back in shape for the New Year. I may have an important (incredibly important) meeting in the New Year. I need to look good. Not just good. Fabulous. Gorgeous. Slim. Attractive. Chic. Successful.

I'll settle for chic and successful but I'd love the slim to go with them;-D

You see I may be a loser (slowly) in terms of weight but I am NOT a loser in any other way. I am a fighter. I am a dreamer. A believer. I'm also resourceful.

I'm still here... just. Busy doesn't begin to describe my life at the moment.

Blessings,
Amanda x

My Home This Week

2010-07-05T12:56:00.000+01:00

Last night I had THE biggest shock. We ate dinner and were sitting altogether watching a film as a family when I started to feel really light headed, nauseaous and quite strange. I got a drink of water. I started having chills. I was clammy and sweat was absolutely pouring down my forehead. I really didn't feel right. I took my blood sugars as a 2 hour post meal reading to discover that somehow I was too low and actually having a hypo! Scary stuff. How it happened I've no idea as I ate dinner and had some ice cream for dessert. Two hours later I should have been ok with the sugars not too low. I'm monitoring myself very closely today. I've never had a hypo before so it was a very new experience for me.

Dan's birthday was an awesome success. He's so easily pleased. The icing on the cake would have been if Matt had been home all day but we saved dinner for his return even though it was late. Crockpot roast chicken is now a firm family favourite; so succulent, tender, tasty and easy. No smoke alarm;-D

The birthday cake was baked in silicone cases and turned out great I've been told. I have to confess I don't eat it as the icing is incredibly sweet and sickly. The boys and Lee have been tucking in though.

Matt's internship is going well. He seems to have survived his 13 hour days just fine so far. Let's see how a full week goes though!

I've posted this week's menu over on The Healthy Frugal Home. We are extremely strapped for cash and so it is really based on ingredients I already have. The shopping list is amazingly short. I think Lee will be impressed. I hope so anyway. Menu Plan Monday: Slimming on a Budget

Millie isn't very impressed at having two of her pack out all day. This morning she headed off with Lee's packed lunch. Luckily I managed to corner her and get it back.

It seems to be a bit cooler here... thank goodness. I've cleaned the bathroom and kitchen, done the rubbish bins, hoovered and I'm working my way through the washing pile.

Our bedroom now has wardrobes:-D *grins from ear to ear* and tonight I'm going to start sorting the clothing mountain in our bedroom. Once that has been done I'll be able to get to the school stuff that made its way into our room and that can go. Lee can then move onto other areas. It is so exciting that we are finally going to have a gorgeous bedroom (9 years on). I can't remember what it was like to have a proper bedroom with storage, space and comfort.

This week over on The Healthy Frugal Home I'll be posting my Donut Muffin recipe, releasing A Month of Healthy Frugal Breakfasts Cookery Book and some other tasty recipes from this week's menu plan.

I shall be harvesting my turnips this week. We had some last week and they were so good. Fresh turnips smell so different to shop bought. They taste even better too! I also need to plant more salad crops as my current leaves are reaching the end. I've given in and bought some slug pellets to protect my beetroot, radishes and spring onions. I shall also be planting more radishes, beetroot, spring onions as well as more beans, peas and broccoli raab.

Blessings,
Amanda x

Happy Birthday Dan! Good Luck Matt!

2010-07-01T01:28:00.000+01:00

My baby is 16 today! He's planned the menu and his day. Computer games and eating. Cooked breakfast, steak sandwiches for lunch and a H U G E roast chicken dinner in the evening. Of course, I mustn't forget the fabulous, best ever chocolate cake that he wants as his birthday cake.

Am I panicking? Oh no! I have secret weapons in my arsenal. They are:

steaks in the freezer
chicken in the fridge
a crockpot to roast the chicken in (like I did on Sunday to rapturous praise from Dan himself)
my mum's chocolate cake recipe (Dan's favourite & supposedly foolproof) with frosting recipe
I've designed the cards and just need to print them out early in the morning
Lee has promised to take me to the supermarket VERY early in the morning to buy tea bags as although I've managed 36 hours without a mug of tea I will not survive much longer. Or it might be that I'll survive... just - but other people won't!

Of course the 16th birthday is not the only celebration tomorrow. It is Matt's first day of his internship. Good luck Matt! Knock 'em dead with your awesome techie skills.

I'm off to bed now as it's 1.22 am and I need to be up and about by 5.30/45 if I'm to go shopping for life saving essentials (tea bags) and certain other supplies (bread, mushrooms, bacon and the coffee that Lee and Matt drink which ran out a few days ago). Notice how caring I am. Tea is essential. Coffee isn't. Not having coffee in the house really doesn't bother me. Not having tea does though. A lot. It causes me stress. It causes tension. It actually causes withdrawal symptoms. I really can't go on much longer.

Tea. I need tea. Help... m e... p l e e e e a s e........

Woo Hoo! We're Celebrating;-D

2010-06-28T12:16:00.000+01:00

He got the internship;-D Woo hoo! Yippee! Oh oh!

The positives:
1. REAL work
2. Techie/geekie/real programming/new web technologies experience
3. Great on CV
4. Has to get up and WORK 5 days a week for a full day
5. He wants it
6. Experience
7. 1 less person to say, 'What's for lunch?' every day
8. New clothes

The not so positives:
1. Dan will miss him and this will lead to mood swings etc. (guess who'll be here with him to get the benefit?)
2. Millie will miss him more than usual (however, I can live with that)
3. Cost of travel is more than he'll get in expenses
4. New clothes

My parents have offered to help towards travel for his birthday BUT they haven't heard the cost.

I now need to earn some money EXTRA FAST so I'm off to finish my sites and get them live asap.

Blessings,
Amanda x

Roast Dinner on the Hottest Day of the Year... So Far?

2010-06-27T14:08:00.000+01:00

Am I mad? Yes. No. Possibly. I don't know but I'm beginning to wonder.

Why?

I fancied a Sunday roast. A roast chicken. NOT one of my girlies I must add. You see I've got turnips. Fresh turnips. LOTS. Growing beautifully in my veg patch. I've never grown them before. I didn't realise they'd be so successful. I needed to start harvesting and using them.

I cannot stand the heat. It makes me feel really nauseaous but then again, that might just be the Xenetide. Anyway I'm struggling to eat and I just thought roast chicken with veg might be yummy and just the trick.

My cooker smokes. Badly. NOT cigarettes, pipes or cigars of course. It smokes because it probably needs a jolly good clean and the oven cleaning fairy hasn't shown up here... yet.

Solution? The crockpot. I'm roasting a whole chicken with veg in the crockpot. No additional heat or smoke in my kitchen and hopefully a delicious dinner.

I'll let you know how it turns out.

Of course I forgot that roast potatoes need the oven and Dan will have to have roast potatoes or there will be trouble, noise and pain... for the rest of us.

Oh and don't forget... 'Come on, England!' Don't let us down boys;-D

Blessings,
Amanda x

Still Hopeful

2010-06-24T12:17:00.000+01:00

I've resisted the urge to email or ring certain people and to give them a piece of a mother's mind. To remonstrate with them on how cruel it is to keep candidates waiting for an answer; the answer. It's probably just as well I did.

Having ~~nagged~~ asked every day for nearly a week, Matt eventually emailed the agency about the internship. One candidate is out of the running and it is now between Matt and one other. The company are struggling to choose. Considering they are just paying travel and lunch why not just take both? Two eager and incredibly tech-savvy geeks for less than the cost of one employee. It's a no brainer, surely? Besides, they'll make two mothers incredibly happy.

Now onto other things that I'm STILL hopeful for. The boys will mow the front and back lawns (ROFL). The boys will hoover the downstairs (still ROFL). I'll become motivated enough to go and round up their dirty crockery, do the dishwasher and clean the kitchen... again.

I also continue to hope that one day they will realise that by putting their dishes in the dishwasher straight away and clearing up any spills etc straight away will mean that the kitchen doesn't look a mess and my job is easier.

Blessings,
Amanda x

I Confess!

2010-06-23T19:58:00.000+01:00

I did it. I sat through the ENTIRE match. I watched England V Slovenia with Matt. Dan joined us for a while but he found my shouting, jumping up and down, arm waving and words of encouragement too annoying. He told me so. Often. Very frequently.

I'm sorry I gave in but I'm not sorry that they won. At least they looked like they knew how to play football... finally.

Just don't ever start me on footballers, money and role models.

I'm now sitting through Germany V Ghana simply because I'm too tired to move and the laptop is here.

I still don't like football very much.

Blessings,
Amanda x

Pleas!

2010-06-18T23:52:00.000+01:00

This post is full of pleas (and that is the correct spelling!).

Dear Interviewers,

When you invite students for an interview please offer to reimburse their fare. That's a huge chunk of our weekly budget gone on travel!

Oh and if you say you are going to ring to let them know the result of the interview on a certain day. Do it because us mothers get incredibly anxious and worry about our young people.

Thank you,

The Interviewee's Mum
PS It really wasn't worth sneaking off home early to watch the England match was it? They sucked!

Dear Millie,

It's nearly midnight and you've excelled yourself this evening. Three sausages stolen and eaten in the time it took me to hear you in the kitchen and run through. Then you slept taking up an entire 3 person sofa which didn't matter too much as I was busy working on my education site. However, I want to go to bed now as it is nearly midnight so please stop whining as everyone else is actually in bed.

Oh and I'm not sure how your daddy is going to feel in the morning when he sees the mess you have created on the dining room carpet. Please don't chew the packaging from the wardrobe runners. I'm just thankful it was empty.

Sleep well,

Love you lots,

Mummy xxxx
PS Please don't come to bed and sleep on my head before 6.00 am tomorrow as it's Saturday.

Dear Daniel,

You went to bed before we had dinner. We saved you some sausages but Millie found them. They're in her tummy. She must have swallowed them in one gulp. You must tell her to chew her food;-D Please go back to bed, sleep all night and get up with the rest of us in the morning... please!

Love you lots,

Mummy xxxx

Busy Doing...

2010-06-17T14:54:00.000+01:00

~~Nothing!~~ Only joking. I'm busy. Very busy. I'm cleaning like a mad woman, drinking water like there's about to be a drought and WORRYING.
Do you clean when you are worried? Do you sort? Give in to the urge to throw things out? Or is it just me?

Why am I drinking so much water? Ladies, you KNOW why and if you've ever suffered this particular ailment I know you'll understand how I've been feeling the past few days. The second round of over the counter remedies seems to be helping as does flooding the internal waterworks system.

Now to the worrying. At this moment my young man is in London on his own. He travelled all the way there on his own (first time ever). He's dressed up in a smart casual dressed up way. He's got his pen drive with his programming examples on it (of a game that he's designing). He finally rang me to say that he'd made it, negotiated trains, the underground and walking through the City to his destination.

In fact, right this minute he is entering the building of the company where he has an interview for a summer internship as a programmer. Cross your fingers. Pray hard. Hope that I get a phone call soon to tell me everything went well and that he got the job.

I'm off back to my worrying. Millie's joined me. She's lying on the sofa by the window on her back, snoring. She's VERY worried about and for him. I can tell;-D

Blessings,
Amanda x

Interview Nerves - A Prolonged Case

2010-06-15T16:13:00.000+01:00

He's got an interview. This Thursday he's off to London for a technical interview. He's got to take samples of coding. My little boy is now well and truly grown up. I'm now going to worry for days.

Sleepless nights. Worry full days. Of course it's so hard being the mother to a young man because they just don't get the whole interview clothes 'thing'. Do you think I should have a new interview outfit in honour of his interview even though I'm staying home with Dan? I won't get away with it will I?

Please cross your fingers and pray that he gets the placement. It means so much to him and it would be so good for him.

Blessings,
Amanda x

Interview Nerves!

2010-06-15T15:58:00.000+01:00

...And I'm just the mother!

My baby, well ok my eldest son who used to be my baby years ago, is at this moment having his first job interview. He's upstairs in his room having a phone interview for a summer programming job in London. It's a placement for students so he gets a maintenance allowance which will cover travel and lunches with perhaps a bit left over. However, in experience terms it's priceless. It's all to do with Java and other techie things that mothers just 'don't get'!;-D

I'm crossing my fingers, toes and everything else. I'm praying hard. After all it would be so great for him to be able to get away from our precious little you know who (despite the fact that said person is currently in full nocturnal mode).

It is SO hard being a parent. There are so many times when you can only be there, watching, feeling, supporting and loving but without the actual power to help.

I Missed it! Did You?

2010-06-11T12:11:00.000+01:00

My Blogoversary. I can't believe having waited all this time for it to come around I actually missed it! I am so sorry. I meant to celebrate with you.

All I can say is 'Thank you' for being here for me over the past year and helping me through difficult and dark times. Blogging has been a real blessing to me, as have all the friends it has brought into my life.

Of course, in the usual, inevitable and traditional Amanda-style, despite my best intentions, efforts etc. I still haven't managed to post my dad's birthday card or present. However, I have them. Here. Original. Delightful. Frugal. Lovingly crafted. I shall ring him tomorrow and wish him a wonderful day. I'll create an e-card and email it (he's techie, he'll love that) and I can post the package tomorrow knowing it will arrive Monday and only be 2 days late. Hey! 2 days late is so much better than 2 weeks, 2 months or even longer. I'm improving. (BTW Clarice I found a present from I can't remember which Christmas or birthday that I'd saved just for you... oops! Sorry! Love you xxx)

I'll be posting the details of the goodies I created over on The Healthy Frugal Home once the camera is charged up and ready to go.

Thanks again for sticking by me, putting up with me and listening, sharing and caring.

Love you to the moon and back (which book is that from?),

Blessings,
Amanda xx

Trivia

2010-06-11T11:58:00.000+01:00

Oh to be young again! Son number 1 has just appeared and it is only 11.45 am! Of course he's a student so he's allowed to do that;-D Only one more exam to go and then his first year at uni is done. I've offered to employ him over the summer doing various programming and web design projects if he can't find an internship or other summer job.

Muffins. I made the best, most wonderful lemon blueberry muffins the other day. Out of one small punnet of blueberries and by small tweaks to my normal muffin mix I managed to get double the number of muffins;-D 24 scrummy, delicious delights.

Cookies. Cowboy Cookies to be exact are the best. Foolproof and delicious. I make them and they are lovely but don't spread. Lee makes them and they are lovely AND they have the audicity to spread for him. I'm nearly over my sulking.

Lee has finally started working on our bedroom. I've agreed to remove all of the educational stuff which will actually clear an enormous amount of space. We may even be able to get to the window. I really must get the shop part of my education site up and running as there are resources everywhere.

Slugs and snails are enjoying the wet weather and my young tender veg plants:-( I saw some organic repellent in the Wiggly Wrigglers catalogue so I'm doing my best to persuade Lee to buy it for me.

My tomoatoes have died, as have the cucumbers, aubergines and peppers. My radishes disappeared and I don't think that had anything to do with Peter Rabbit! Courgettes this year seem to be a hit and miss.

I'm not going to be defeated. I shall resow some seeds and see what happens.

The salad leaves are generally doing well if you don't mind the odd hole!

The Xenetide is going really well. Inches are falling away and my blood sugars are NORMAL:-D

I'll try and remember to give you a peak into my study and my book/resource store later this week.

Blessings,
Amanda x

Neglected!

2010-06-08T17:19:00.000+01:00

I know that's how you may feel. I realise that you may be thinking that I'm cruel for abandoning you. I haven't. I wouldn't. I can't.

So here's a synopsis of my life recently:

Housework
Cooking
Walking the dog
Building a website
Writing
Sleeping

Not in that order of course but you get the picture. Don't you?

Oh and I forgot to mention... losing inches;-D

See you aren't neglected you are spared. Spared the monotony of my daily life at the moment. Tell me how I ever managed to go out to work full time? There aren't enough hours in the day for everything I'm doing at the moment and we aren't even schooling this week.

If you have THE POWER I'd appreciate it if you could
a) add some extra hours to each day
or
b) stop the world for a while so that I can get caught up.

However, if you want to read some of my recent scribblings then head on over to The Healthy Frugal Home where you can read about smoothies, dieting (for dogs), celebrating on a budget, this week's menu plan and superfoods to name just a few of the topics.

Here links to a couple of great posts that you may be interested in. Or not.

Natural Beauty: Scalp Care
Smoothies – Increasing the Nutritional Benefit

Oh and did I mention that I'm writing a cookery book? I am. It's due to be published on the 25th of June and a free ebook copy will be available to all subscribers of The Healthy Frugal Home. Membership is free and you can join by completing this simple form. If you don't want to join I won't sulk for too long but you can still get a copy of the book as it will be available to purchase online through Lulu and Amazon; it just won't be free:-D

I'll try and spice up my life so that I can post something really interesting, inspiring and original here very soon.

Love you all,

Blessings,
Amanda x

Flooding Can Kill

2010-06-01T14:56:00.000+01:00

But you know that from the news of various severe floods over the years don't you.

Well the flooding that I'm referring to is even more deadly. In fact it is explosive.

We (by we I mean Lee because I sat in the car, as usual, I don't do filling up like I don't really 'do' driving!) went to fill up with petrol. It was very quiet and so seemed the ideal time. Lee started filling the car with petrol when a man suddenly started yelling. When everyone, including Lee, realised that it was directed at him it was too late. The petrol was flooding out of the fuel pipe and onto the forecourt.

The kind bystander had noticed the petrol emptying onto the forecourt. The whole filling station was suddenly shut down. Our car was pushed off the forecourt. The helpful bystander pointed out the hole in our fuel pipe leading into the tank!

The calm, helpful and very courteous staff and patrons helped push our car right out of the petrol station and onto the road from where we could start it and hopefully not blow up the petrol station. Luckily we didn't and made it home.

It wasn't until Lee got it to the garage the next day that the reality of the situation sank in when the mechanic was overheard telling a colleague that he would not drive a car in that condition as the slightest spark could make it explode.

Luckily it is now fixed, working and safe. However, I won't be buying any birthday presents this month for any of the 3 birthdays I have coming up. I shall, instead, be getting creative.

Blessings,
Amanda x

Weight Loss Journal Weekly Round Up Week 7

2010-05-17T17:33:00.000+01:00

After 7 weeks I'm pleased to say that not only am I 10lbs down but I'm down inches off everywhere as well. Even more exciting is the fact that my BMI is now below 40. Woo hoo;-D

So the Flab to Fab Challenge may be ending next week for the contestants but I'm still on a roll.

Over on The Healthy Frugal Home this week's menu plan is storecupboard slimming. We are broke this week so all expenditure is extremely limited. It is time to delve into the frozen depths of the freezer, grope into the depths of the cupboards and use what we have.

Oh and the other exciting thing that is happening this week is that I'm organising my wardrobe and clearing the clutter from our bedroom. That final room will be revamped this summer.

Blessings,
Amanda x

My Weight Loss Journal Week 7 Day 3

2010-05-12T08:15:00.000+01:00

Finally a reading below 15 stone. Ok I know it's just 1lb but what a 1lb it is. 14st 13lbs sounds so much better than 15st anything.

I'm getting used to the new diabetes regime. The injections are no problem. The blood sugar monitoring hurts more! Lots of mixed readings but so many that are normal. NORMAL! I even had a 4.9 before a woodland walk. I actually had to have a snack before we went.

I took my bloods this morning and it was 6.9. Amazing.

Byetta has the unfortunate side effect of not only lessening the appetite but lessening my enjoyment of meals. I also have to make sure that I eat a much smaller portion (and being on a diet I wasn't pigging out before).

I need to remember to fit in my snacks to regulate my sugar levels. It's hard though as I don't feel hungry nor do I feel like eating anything.

I know I posted a menu plan on The Healthy Frugal Home but I've seen a simple recipe that I feel like trying: Healthy Egg and Chips.

Getting With the Times

2010-05-11T18:03:00.000+01:00

I've gone high tec! I'm now on Skype. Of course in true Amanda style it's not that problem free as at the moment I don't have my own headphones! I have to negotiate time on a borrowed headset from Matt. Still I'm working on getting my own pair.

I had a very long chat much to the annoyance of the boys with a blogging friend/mentor last week. He found it quite funny as he doesn't normally get to talk business with someone with an English accent.

Do any of you Skype? What do you think of it?

Blessings,
Amanda x

My Weight Loss Journal Week 6 Day 3

2010-05-05T15:17:00.000+01:00

I've gone off my scales. They say something different EVERY single day. I'm going to try the Wii for weighing myself later. After I've worked out how to use it.

I started the Xenetide (Byetta) on Monday and (touch wood) I'm not suffering any side effects - the yucky ones that is. I want to suffer the weight loss one and soon. Big time.

Still walking the woods. Some days we do the walk twice giving a total distance of 3-4 miles depending on which route we take. Other days it's just once (1.5 - 2 miles again depending on the route).

Millie loves the woods and enjoys searching out rabbits as she now recognises their scent. She never catches them she just loves tracking. Her nose goes non-stop.

I tried a pair of size 18 trousers on yesterday (everything was in the wash so I had to get them off the ironing mountain). Eventually I managed to get the done up. I had to lie on the bed and suck my stomach in and in and in. Wriggling and squirming helped. However, I could barely breathe or bend. I'm now happily back in my skanky holey jogging bottoms while a decent pair of trousers dries over a radiator.

My blood sugars have been all over the shop the last couple of days but I can see that the twice daily injections of Byetta are having a positive effect. After all before bed I got a reading of 5.4 yesterday.

My new blood testing meter should be arriving soon. It's a little pen drive that slots into a USB slot and uploads all your data so you can track trends, meals etc. It's also got 4GB capacity so you can add notes and an alarm so I need never forget to take a reading.

Here's an amazing fact. Injecting yourself DOES NOT hurt.

Blessings,
Amanda x

My Diet Journal Week 5 Day 4

2010-04-30T00:59:00.000+01:00

OK I know I've been quiet re the diet etc but that's only because I've been unwell and suffering from water retention.

I've lost another 1.75 lbs according to the scales today which takes my total loss to 8lbs. That's over half a stone.

I'm really pleased for myself but also for my diet buddies who are helping, supporting and motivating me through this journey. Thanks ladies;-D

Tomorrow is the day re the diabetes treatment. Big changes. LOTS of needles ahead and hopefully only positive side effects (I'll take the weight loss but am praying hard I don't get the nausea). I don't do vomit (ask my boys!).

Blessings,
Amanda x

The Latest News

2010-04-28T16:25:00.000+01:00

My First layout (Competition)

The diet is still on. I forgot to weigh myself last week and this week I'd gained 2lbs thanks to water retention, some sinful edible temptations that I let myself give in to (courtesy of my dear hubby!) and not feeling too good.

I'm unwell at the moment. Matt and Lee have had some horrible bug for a few weeks now and I've now come down with it. Eating is troublesome as it hurts to swallow so I guess the diet is going well!

As you can see I've given my home on the web another new look. This one is courtesy of Jess of A Blog to Brag About and comes with different hair, skin and eye colour options so that you can personalise it. You can see another of the personalised blog designs over at my homeschooling journal blog.

I've become hooked on photography and digital scrapbooking. In fact I'm so hooked that I've started a competition which will have a great prize (or maybe prizes) over on Sew Retro, So You. Here's my second layout. Both my layouts were created using kits by Louise of Adori Graphics (Spring Zing and Spring Showers).

I'm off back to my sick bed. I will be blogging more frequently and inspirationally when I'm feeling better;-D

Oh and the kitchen here is so much cleaner and tidier than my real one. I'm unwell and everything seems to have gone to pot again!

Blessings,
Amanda x

Tempt Me Tuesday: Itching to Stitch

2010-04-27T11:59:00.000+01:00

So what is tempting you this Tuesday?

Today I'm really, really itching to stitch. I have been sorely tempted to delve into sewing for a long while but have never been brave enough to take the plunge. Perhaps because I fear that I can never live up to my own expectations or that I'll never be as good at making things as my mum.

However, it is wrong to let fear hold us back. Particularly fear of failure or disappointment. The only person who will be disappointed is me. No one else will mind if my creations aren't perfect as I'm a beginner. We learn from our mistakes.

So this Tuesday I'm choosing to start my sewing journey by exploring my sewing machine and hopefully starting to make a mini tote bag. Yes I am backing down from my over ambitious plans and starting small. After all I love the fabric I chose for the bag I want to make and it would be a shame to ruin it if I don't know what I'm doing. A small version trial run seems a much better option with a greater chance of success.

The fabric I've chosen for my mini tote is the celestial design which is 2nd from the left. I love the fabric and the colour but don't really have anything to tone with it so it is ideal for making a one piece bag.

I'll let you know how I get on. Meanwhile I want to know what is tempting you this Tuesday. Is it a craft? Maybe a place to visit? A new recipe? Head on over to The Healthy Frugal Home and share your temptations by linking up your post on the McLinky.

Blessings,

Amanda x

Tempt Me Tuesday: A Quick & Tasty Breakfast perfect for those of us who want to lose some weight or just want to eat more healthily;-D

Tempt Me Tuesday: A Digital Scrapbooking Kit

2010-04-20T16:45:00.000+01:00

I'm taking part in Tempt Me Tuesday which is hosted by The Healthy Frugal Home.

What's tempting me this Tuesday? This Tuesday I am extremely tempted by a gorgeous new digital scrapbooking kit by Louise of Adori Graphics; Spring Showers. It has some wonderful hand drawn illustrations that are just SO cute and fill me with lots and lots of ideas (creative ones of course). What's especially tempting is the fact that the kit is extremely good value with a great price and is immediately available to download and use upon purchase. So go check out the kit here and come back and tell me what your favourite element is and what you would make with the kit if it was yours. Louise, has also created some really cute new blog templates using the Spring Showers scrapbooking kit.

What's tempting you this Tuesday? I really want to find out what's getting you all motivated so head on over to this post and link up your Tempt Me Tuesday post with the McLinky.

Blessings,

Amanda x

Tempt Me Tuesday: Whoopie Pies

My Diet Journal Week 3 Day 6

2010-04-17T14:36:00.000+01:00

I'll admit it now. Straight up. I've been bad. I've been really bad.

1. I haven't tracked for the last 3 days which was a B I G mistake.
2. I have partaken of homemade cakes too many times which was a H U G E mistake.
3. I have been in a very negative frame of mind.

On a more positive note. I am extremely disappointed with myself but determined not to beat myself up continuously over it. I'm just going to acknowledge the error of my ways and move on.

On a brighter note. Millie was one on Wednesday. We spent the day spoiling her with love, attention and walks.

'Please! Another one. I love treats!''Look! I found a stick. Let's play fetch!'

'I love my cuddly toy!'

Yes I know I'm a doting puppy mummy. I was a cat person now I'm a cat and dog person. People can change.

I also want to say 'Belated Happy Birthday Millie!' here on my home on the net. I also want to say a huge thank you to Millie who has been my constant companion since her arrival last June. She has kept me company and loved me when I have felt down.

Have a great weekend!

Blessings,

Amanda x

My Diet Journal Week 3 Day 2

2010-04-13T23:46:00.000+01:00

I think there is something about following a 'real' diet plan that sets me up for failure. When I was just doing my own thing using a variety of tools, monitoring food and exercise etc I was not feeling particulalry hungry or deprived.

This week I'm Weight Watchering (did I just invent a new term?) and I am HUNGRY. I am OBSESSED with food. I am NOT giving in to it. Instead I'm going to go off and bake bread. I reckon the 5 minutes or so of kneading the dough should work out some of the desire to eat plus my hands will be fully occupied and unable to put anything into my mouth. I want to eat. I want to eat anything. Everything. Lots of it. NOTE TO SELF: It is at this point that you should go off on a long walk, jog, run or break out the Wii Fit.

Breakfast: 2 weetabix & skimmed milk (2.5)

Lunch: cous cous & salad (6)

Dinner: ham salad with oven chips (7)
Fruit pot in juice (0.5)

Snack: Donut muffin x 2 (8)

Points allowance: 24
Bonus points: 4
Points used: 24

Balance: 4 points

Didn't achieve my target of twice around the woods as the woods were full of runners! Kids, adults there were people running everywhere. Yesterday we only saw 2 people. It was peaceful. Today it was busy, busy, busy and Matt came. Once round and he'd had enough and no he was NOT waiting in the car while we went round again!

Still tomorrow is Millie's 1st birthday so lots of treats (including walks) in store;-D

Blessings,
Amanda

PS Oops I just remembered my bread dough is rising (or rather has been rising in the oven for 4 hours now!) and I must punch it down, reknead, divide into two loaf tins and leave to rise overnight. Voila I can then bake two fresh loaves when I get up in the morning. Yummy;-D

Tempt Me Tuesday: Just Dance

2010-04-13T16:13:00.001+01:00

So I've decided to participate in my meme over on The Healthy Frugal Home! Hey it's my blog so my rules... ok?

Another thing that is tempting me today is not another recipe (although food is on my mind). It's actually sort of fitness related. I want to try Just Dance for the Wii!

Not that I have a desire to look like a complete idiot but I've seen the ads and it looks like fun. So after the 3 mile walk in the woods I think I'll head off and get it. I've got a gift card from Argos. I've got guts (too much plus they wobble). I wonder if they have a belly dancing routine on there? I've got the perfect body for that!

So yes I'm tempted by Just Dance for the Wii and I'm going to give it a go! Don't wait for a vlog of it though.

Blessings,
Amanda x

A Meme!

2010-04-13T15:48:00.000+01:00

I've created a new meme! Tempt Me Tuesday. It's going to be for all those things, you know the ones, recipes, crafts, tips etc that you think, 'I've just got to try that!' and then probably forget about. No more. I'm going to add a McLinky and hope that others will share their temptations!

It started because I came across a brand new blog with a deliciously simple recipe idea that I have the ingredients for, takes little time or effort and will fit in with my Weight Watchers diet.

If you want to check it out then please do as it's on The Healthy Frugal Home.
Blessings,
Amanda x

Spring Fling ONE Day Only Giveaway

2010-04-13T13:34:00.000+01:00

Celebrate spring with a great giveaway. Be quick you need to leave a comment on THIS post by the Tip Junkie.

Here's some details about this wonderful ONE day event.

To celebrate our new communities on the BlogFrog, the SITSgirls, Today’s Creative Blog, Skip to My Lou, and Tip Junkie are hosting a Spring Fling!

We will be hosting a giveaway every hour on all 4 of our blogs on April 13th from 5:00 am to 8:00 pm (CST). Which will total over $6,000 worth of products given away in one day!

Now hurry on over and enter. GOOD LUCK!

My Diet Journal Week 3 Day 1

2010-04-12T20:45:00.000+01:00

Weight: 15st 2.5lbs (NO CHANGE from last week)

Breakfast: 3 Weetabix (3)
                 1/4 pint skimmed milk (1/2)
                 [3.5]

Snacks & extras: 1/2 pint skimmed milk (1) [4.5]

Lunch: 3 Weetabix (3)
            1/4 pint skimmed milk (1/2)
            [8]

Snack: Low fat doughnut muffin x 2 (6)
            [14]

Dinner: 1 gammon steak (6), pinapple (1/2), mixed salad leaves (0), mixed salad veg chopped (0),
                mixed sprouting seeds (0), low fat oven chips (6)
             [26.5]

Millie has to jump in every puddle, ditch, stream or pond whilst walking in the woods.

Exercise: 1.5 mile walk in the woods (3)

Points allowance + bonus points = daily total
24 + 3 = 27

Points banked = Daily Total - Points Used
0.5 = 27 - 26.5

Target for day 2 = 2 x 45 minute walks

Watching My Weight With Weight Watchers

2010-04-12T15:19:00.000+01:00

Having decided to follow Weight Watchers for at least a week I need to work out points, targets and more.

I have old versions of WW materials and I am SO happy to stick with them. I know they work and I don't feel the need to spend more money on the At Home materials at the moment; basically, because I don't have any money!

So how many points do I get each day? Based on the Switch materials I have 24 points a day.

To have a BMI of 25 my target weight would be 9st 6lbs and for a BMI of 20 it would be 7st 8lbs.

My 10% target is 14st 1lbs from my weight at the last official medical weigh in for my diabetes (15st 9lbs). I've gone with that weight as that is what they will measure me against at each check I have for the diabetes and the new medication I'm going on at the end of the month.

Of course if I hadn't let myself go these past few months I'd never have put on those 22lbs in the first place but there's no point in crying over spilt milk or gained weight is there?

Bonus Points for Exercise
Having studied the materials I've decided that my intensity level during our walks is moderate 'active' and that if we walk for 45 minutes I earn 4 extra points.

So provided I do the walk I'll earn 4 bonus points each day giving me 28 points to spend. Of course if I doulbed my time spent walking I'd earn 6 points a day which would give me 30 points a day.

My Diet Journal Weekly Round-Up Week 2

2010-04-12T12:58:00.000+01:00

So the second week is over. What did the scales say after a week of healthy eating and walking, walking and more walking? N O C H A N G E

So the old me (as in the younger before this me) would have taken refuge in chocolate, biscuits and jelly sweets in limited quantities of course as she was diabetic too! What did I do? I had 3 weatabix with skimmed milk for breakfast and 4 mugs of tea.

Of course, the me before I was diabetic would have done the 'other' in unlimited quantities and not given a stuff... until after the last mouthful.

So I'm proud of my attitude. That I'm not down. Not out. Still going.

Last week was stressful. Dan was a handful. The pc issue coloured our whole week & most of the weekend too. After all a new pc brings new issues because it is change.

I think part of the problem was with the walking. A few times we met some other dog walkers and ended up in conversations that involved slower walking at times. Of course Millie enjoyed the playtime with other dogs and it was nice to speak in person to other human beings. I found out that I can still make conversation.

So to up the ante on the exercise front we went to Blean Woods three times this weekend and did the dog route 3 times for a total 4.5 miles over the weekend. The time we took Matt we even did it a rapid speed.

Mood swings were rapant last week and are still happening. I'd say that it is a hormone thing because I think it is. It could be THAT time of the month except I don't have a clue when THAT time of the month should be. I am so irregular I can go months in between. However, I recognise the symptoms: mood swings, fluid retention, bloating, migraines... There should be weight gain so I'm waiting on that one to add itself into the mix.

Bearing all that in mind I'm so glad of a no change reading. I'm also thankful for the massive loss last week which really is the equivalent of 3-5 weeks of normal diet weightloss.

In this frame of mind I'm going to stay cool, keep walking and monitor my weight carefully.

Looking ahead to week 3 what changes am I going to make to improve my chances of success? More walking, especially in the woods because then I know the exact distance I've walked. I'd say monitor my blood sugars more carefully but I keep forgetting. I'll TRY to monitor my blood sugars regularly. This week I'm going be following Weight Watchers as I have all the stuff from the numerous occasions I've tried it before in years gone by. I like variety and I think my metabolism needs it as well.

Blessings,
Amanda x

My Diet Journal Week 2 Day 3

2010-04-07T21:20:00.000+01:00

I remembered to check my blood sugars! 8.6 before breakfast. YAY! Alright I know it's not wonderful and still too high but for me it is a good reading. Sad but true.

Despite having a houseful full of junk food (not really it just seems like it) ready for the LAN party I am not interested. I don't want biscuits. I don't want pizza. I don't want crisps. I don't.

Much much later on the same day.

I did want pizza. I did want crisps. I did want biscuits. I was stressed. Mega-stressed.

So for lunch I had a slice of pizza and for dinner cold meat, salad and jacket potato.

My treat for today? 4 jaffa cakes and LOTS of mugs of tea.

Had a lovely walk in the rain with Lee and Millie which allowed me to chill and return damp but calm.

Following a day of stress with Dan, new pc (or rather the no show of the new pc) and the LAN party saga I am now feeling ready for bed so I can face yet another day tomorrow.

LAN party on hold until next week when the new pc will be here. So now Dan is eating his way through the treats we bought for it (or rather the essentials for George to eat).

May try working out how to use the Wii tomorrow so that I can try out the Just Dance disc we got at the weekend.

Sleepily and slightly less stressed yours,

Amanda x

My Diet Journal Week 2 Day 2

2010-04-07T08:40:00.000+01:00

Worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but doesn't get you anywhere.

- Anonymous

Well that is almost so true because worrying does actually get you somewhere. It gets you to the edge of your seat, a near nervous breakdown or just a state of extreme anxiety and tension. That isn't all though. It also gets you to a state of poor health if you let it take over your life.

So although today is Tuesday it feels like a Monday. The sun is shining. There is a breeze blowing the trees and there is a sense of calmness and peace outside. It feels like spring.

I'll admit that I forgot, and yes I do know that my target for this week was not to forget, to measure my blood sugars. So tomorrow is Wednesday and I'll start tracking first thing in the morning.
I was up before 7.00 am and fixed a cooked family breakfast. Due to severe pain from the stupid and pathetic wound that is leaking yuck still and completely OPEN, I fixed pizza for lunch and because Dan realised that I wasn't going to eat any I ended up eating some.

However, in my desire to appear organised I stuck the joint of beef we got on special offer from Morrisons into the slow cooker with steak seasoning and a cup of soup mix (you know the pearl barley, lentil etc mix) and stuck it on low. After a couple of hours I added some frozen casserole veg and left it all to cook. It was deliciously scrummy and the leftover veg gravy will make a yummy lunch tomorrow.

Having lost her harness yesterday when out with Lee, Millie has spent today searching for trouble. Bin diving, catfood stealing, sugar pinching (luckily Matt grabbed it bag before significant damage was done) and soft toy pinching. We have a petty thief living among us! Yesterday she helped Lee clear the caravan for my school stuff. Millie ended up with a stuffed leopard and a huge stuffed penguin plus a much beloved stuffed dog from Matt's younger days. We took her for lovely evening walk across the university grounds earning me some well needed extra calories for dinner.

Not such a bad day after all.

Uh Oh! I Spoke Too Soon!

2010-04-06T20:05:00.000+01:00

Me and my big mouth. As if 3 days of Dan's LAN party wasn't bad enough it is now starting tonight. Not only do I have to pop to the supermarket for milk and junk food supplies for this LAN thing but we've then got to head on over to Herne Bay to collect George, his screen and pc.

SO just imagine one hyper Dan who struggles to socialise for 10 minutes let alone 3 days!

Still George says he'll eat pizza, crisps, chocolate and nuts. He also admitted that he'll drink anything but ginger beer.

So if you are wondering what a LAN party is I'll fill you in on the details later!

Blessings,
Amanda x

PS I have will power. I am strong. I will not eat the crisps, pizza, chocolate... and I won't want to (ok the last bit might have been a bit of a fib;-D)

Torture!

2010-04-06T16:18:00.000+01:00

So my darling little hideaway wants to have a friend (ok his only friend) over for a LAN party. Ask your father I tell him.

So we're all sitting eating when he announces that his friend is coming on Wednesday until Friday. Well we all (apart from Dan) exchange looks. We remind him that Lee is working.

'That's ok. George is fine about being picked up at 7.'

'7pm. After dinner?' I asked expectantly.

'No. In the morning when dad leaves for work. He can get George on his way. Can't he? George doesn't mind getting here early.'

Dumbstruck silence surrounds us. George lives a few miles away by the sea. A 20 minute journey at least. Lee works in Maidstone. 45 miles away. An hour's journey if he leaves after 7.30 am.

Mornings are not my best time.

I work at home in the room where they'll be LANning it up! I won't be able to work. I won't be able to tidy or sort or upload bits to my sites.

But the biggest issues of all are: George doesn't eat and where will he sleep? To get all the education resources into the study we had to remove the spare chair bed. However, I'm just so concerned that it will be 3 full days of Dan trying to socialise and a teenager that does not eat.

I can't tell you how stressed I'm feeling. *Deep breathing.* Chill. Breathe. Relax. They can survive for 3 days on crisps, pizza and chocolate. If he still eats those things. Not that I have any of those things. I don't know that we have the money for any of those things. Oh well I didn't need the pocket money my mum left for me to go shopping with. I was only going to spend it on frivolous goodies like a new top, or shoes or bloggy stuff.

Oh and did I mention that Dan is finally getting his new pc with my parents help. Tomorrow. During the LAN party that appears to be going to start before I'm ready to start my day. I wonder if I can drink enough tea to appear human by the time he gets here?

I can feel a migraine coming on with all of this stress! Hey perhaps I can hide in bed for 3 days? After all Dan finally confessed that he searches the baking cupboard every day for edible goodies. Today it was my bag of pecans for muffins and cookies. Previously it was the chocolate chips.

Hey ho! Thanks for listening.

Blessings,
Amanda x

My Diet Journal Weekly Round-Up 1

2010-04-06T09:54:00.000+01:00

So I didn't post a journal entry for the final part of the week. I'll grovel later. Big time. That's what happens when you have a family, businesses, visitors and life quite simply just gets in the way!

OK I'll confess. I also have a very infected open wound too boot! Quite frankly it is disgusting and requires constant cleaning and redressing. It hurts like **** and is impacting on my life quite dramatically for such a small wound.

My exercise last week consisted of walking. Lots and lots of dog walking. On Saturday we spent over two hours walking. We even went to the beach. It was a lovely peaceful day. Bliss;-)

I wasn't a martyr to the diet last week. I was good on the whole with what I ate. I learned a lot about why it is important to record what you eat. Additionally I did have chocolate for Easter as my mum made little bags and filled them with mini eggs of different types. They're all gone now and with them so have any cravings or desire I had for chocolate. I quite simply don't want it. I want fruit.

My mum brought with her LOTS of cakes. Why you may ask does any one bring cakes (and lots and lots of them) to the home of a diabetic who is also on a diet? Don't ask. My mum just doesn't seem to notice that my family are on a healthy eating kick. Her cakes are quite delicious but incredibly decadent. I allowed myself ONE (yep, you read that right, just ONE) mini cupcake. I'll admit before eating one I had intended on having more than one or maybe trying a sticky toffee cupcake (not mini), or the different kind of Simnel cake, or even the mini tarts. However, one mini cupcake with icing was just too much. You see I'm not really an icing fan as I have always found it quite sickly. The little cake was quite simply delicious but enough.

Anyway there you have it. My first week rounded up in a nutshell (not literally you understand) and the final coup de gras? The icing on the cake as it were? My weight loss was 6.5 lbs!

April Showers? No, It's a Downpour of Amazing Prizes on Day 1

2010-04-02T01:22:00.000+01:00

If you are going to have a month of giveaways then why not do it big and in style?

Imagine, today, I headed over to see what was on offer only to find 3 MASSIVE blog design packages on offer. Not just from one amazing designer but THREE!

I am not going to tell you more as you MUST, MUST, MUST go over and see it yourself to believe it.

Oh and did I mention that I am also a sponsor through two of my blogs? Watch out for announcements from Sew Retro, So You and AD Freelance.

Now, are you still here? Go press here, read and enter.

Blessings,
Amanda x

My Diet Journal Day 4

2010-04-02T00:33:00.000+01:00

It's Day 4! Surprisingly, I'm still positive, motivated and planning ahead. It's amazing. I'm impressing myself. I'm sure the daily food and exercise tracking on My Fitness Pal is really helping. I can see how much fibre, sugar, protein, cals etc. as well how many calories I've earned through exercise. I think what is so stunning is that just a simple exercise like walking Millie earns a significant number of calories.

I've joined a group on My Fitness Pal, 52 in 52 ie a pound a week for a year. It is so nice having targets. Simple targets. Friends as well. I've made so many brilliant diet buddies through Flab 2 Fab and My Fitness Pal. Of course I've still got my secret, one and only original diet buddy and I'm going to be an excellent buddy and start posting on our shared blog more frequently.

So thinking of exercise I'm being bold and brave. I am going to start the Couch to 5K running programme. I know that is such a big decision. I've announced it now so I'm going to have to do it. It may have to wait to start until after next week when my wound has been checked and is given the all clear as free from infection. (I knew it was infected. Now the stitches are out it's also open!)

So on to today's report. I'm under my calorie target, over fibre by 4g, under sugar, protein and fat.

Only one walk though and I forgot, due to being busy ALL day, to check my sugars.

However, I'm happy;-D

Blessings,
Amanda x

8 Weeks to 5k Training Program
The Beginning Runner's Handbook: The Proven 13-Week Walk-Run Program

My Diet Journal Day 3

2010-04-01T01:24:00.001+01:00

OK no blood testing today as I've got sore fingers (but not from testing!).

Breakfast: porridge
Snack: apple
Lunch: Go Ahead cereal bar (not good I know but I was SO busy working and celebrating the sale of our first pattern it kind of slipped my mind!)
Snack: low fat natural yoghurt
Dinner: chicken & veg stir fry with rice noodles

Two walks with Millie today for a total of 342 calories used (if I remember correctly) according to My Fitness Pal

May need to include a treat tomorrow as it's stitches removal day:-( as I can't stand the feel of them coming out but :-D for the fact that they'll be gone. It may mean mobility is easier and that the pain lessens. Woo hoo;-D

Showers of Giveaways on April Showers

2010-03-31T23:58:00.000+01:00

Instead of raining every day in April (no that isn't a prophecy but I guess it could rain every day!) there is a veritable shower of giveaways going on at April Showers.

Tightly kept under wraps, who knows what wonderful prizes await the entrants. All I know is that they are bound to include gorgeous graphics and possibly blog makeovers from April herself. Now April is a long month and to ensure that she doesn't burn out and to share the excitement, April has invited other businesses to provide prizes.

The exciting part of this giveaway for me is that a) I can enter and maybe win a prize but, also b) AD Freelance is sponsoring a giveaway!

So the big giveaway starts tomorrow. Head on over to April Showers every day in April for another giveaway. As they say 'Miss it. Miss out.'

Blessings,
Amanda x

PS Good luck!

My Diet Journal Day 2

2010-03-30T19:37:00.000+01:00

I'm finding My Fitness Pal to be a really useful logging tool. It tracks my carbs, fibre, fat and salt as well as calories and exercise which is brilliant for the diabetic me.

Blood sugars before lunch 9.5 (so much better than yesterday).
I've had my 3 meals. Sadly breakfast was a real no no as it used virtually my entire sugar allowance for the day and despite being very careful I'm in the red!

I did use 246 calories through walking Millie.

Even though the day's not over I've had such a good day and I'm feeling really pleased with how everything went.

By the way, My Fitness Pal is totally free and simple to use.

Blessings,
Amanda x

My Diet Journal Day 1

2010-03-30T00:55:00.000+01:00

So here I am on Day 1 of ~~yet another diet~~ the final diet. The diet to end all diets. The start to a new beginning. Ok if you know me well, or if you're just like me, then you've been on THIS day quite a few times before. However, this time it is different. After all you only get one silver wedding and I don't think I really want to wait until ruby or gold etc to get myself back in shape.

Today the union said that they are putting in a protective claim so that I may yet go to tribunal. They don't want to let it go as they feel I was treated wrongly, very wrongly. They understand it isn't about money. It's about feelings.

So this is it. The time to grab life by the horns, kick that middle aged looking, fat frump out of the window and become a successful, confident, slimmer ME. After all I exist as a 'me', an individual outside of the roles of wife, mother, homeschooler, tutor, freelancer etc. Here's my chance to finally chase my dreams.

The old me would never have shared this journal or even the journey. That me would have said I can do it on my own. That me had a social life of sorts through work so that she met 'real life' people in the flesh during work hours. It was a sad life that revolved around my job.

The new me still has a few dear and very close 'real' friends who can be seen occasionally (Dan willing) but who has lots of lovely, supportive and 'true' virtual friends. Friends who will not turn their backs on me when I stumble or fall and whose help I do truly need. So I must be open and share. Hard. Very hard but I can and will do it.

I also signed up to Sparkpeople as they offer online diaries to monitor weight, exercise and a pretty ticker tape to show progress (it's on the bottom of my blog, I so must remember to update and check it regularly).

Blood Sugar Diary:
Before breakfast: oops I forgot!
Before lunch: 15.7 (way, way, way too high. Monitor as may indicate wound infection?)
Before dinner:
Before bed:

Meals:
Breakfast: porridge made with milk and water, 1 tsp Agave
Snack: forgot as busy sorting tribunal paperwork
Lunch: missed due to filling in legal forms & checking legal paperwork (not good I know!)
Snack: Go Ahead cereal bar
Dinner: lean roast pork, dry roasted potatoes, mixed vegetables, tsp apple sauce, tbsp gravy
Snack:
Drinks: strong tea (only a look at the milk!)

Exercise:
Watched a cool dance workout on Sky! Recorded it so I could actually do it after the stitches come out on Thursday.)
Walked Millie - 45 minutes

State of mind:
Committed (as in to the journey and reaching target & NOT as in to the loony bin!)

I'm going to try and remember (ok teach myself yet again) how to use the webcam on this laptop and I will then be able to post a video diary and just write the stats (sometimes). I like writing. It's therapeutic.

Flab 2 Fab Challenge Starting Stats

2010-03-29T01:11:00.000+01:00

If you are squeamish don't read on! I know that I don't want to write it let alone read it;-(

Height: 5ft 1" (actually it's 5ft 1.5" but no one ever takes any notice of the half an inch except me)
Age: 46 (and in dire need of feeling young again, with energy and a zest for life!)
Bust: 47"
Waist: 39"
Hips: 49"
Upper arm: 17"
Upper thigh: 27"
Oh and of course that statistic, the main one, weight: 15st 9lb
Fitness level: minus whatever, pathetic, non-existant!
HBA1C 9.9 (far too high and a main reason to get fit and slim)

Pics? Maybe if I muster up the courage!

I'll think about my weight goals later. For now my target is to reach 12st 13 lb with an HBA1C of 6.5

Blessings,
Amanda x

Flab 2 Fab Challenge News

2010-03-29T00:54:00.000+01:00

I'm still not sure whether I'm feeling sad or relieved that I'm not an official member of the F2F Challenge. I am an official member of the F2F Blogtourage though and as such I will be dieting seriously, getting fit(ter) and slimmer.

I am involved in the Challenge in an official capacity as one of the Flab 2 Fab Challenges Official Sponsors via Sew Retro, So You. I think it's a great and incredibly exciting way to really kick off the SRSY venture. Hey! There's also a Facebook page for SRSY and we're on Twitter. Do join up with us.

In addition to the F2F Challenge I also set myself another couple of personal challenges. Why? This year is a special year and I want to celebrate in a unique way.

I shall post my stats and personal progress re the weight and fitness here but all resources, menues, recipes etc will be posted and uploaded to The Healthy Frugal Home.

I hope you'll support me in my personal Flab 2 Fab Challenge. My target date is 19th October 2010. Do you know why?

Blessings,
Amanda x

Ouch!

2010-03-26T15:32:00.000Z

Minor op. Fast. Not serious. In and out. It still HURTS... a lot.

I have a high pain threshold. Pain doesn't bother me... normally. This pain is a pain, literally.

Sorry. Just had to whinge. I'm in need of sympathy, tenderness and a bit of love;-D

Blessings,
Amanda x

Wye?

2010-03-24T23:21:00.000Z

No that isn't a spelling mistake. It's the real name of a place. In fact Wye is a village not far from Ashford. It's where we had to go to get the unpronounceable and unspellable growth removed. It is also a question as in read on and find out how to take your mind of impending growth removal and cauterisation.

There's only one GP surgery in Wye. The health care team sent us a map with the surgery marked on it. We had a book of maps for Kent. I knew where I was going. Generally.

Why get me to navigate? Why trust me with a map, a book of maps and a torch? I can't navigate in daylight. What hope did we have in the dark? I knew where the turnoff was. I pointed it out. We sailed past. Some **** was on our bumper so we couldn't turn. We took the next signposted turn to Wye.

The planners in Wye obviously don't believe in street signs. We visited nearly every street most of which weren't on the maps I had. Eventually after touring Wye from various directions we stopped outside a pub and asked some incredibly friendly and helpful people who pointed us in the correct direction. In fact we had to take the ONLY road we hadn't tried so far!

You'd think the journey home would have been simple. Think again! 'Just go in the opposite direction to the way we came,' I said confidently. According to my map reading skills that should have taken us straight to the A28 to Canterbury.

Simple! Not with me navigating. We went miles down narrow country lanes. We ended up in Ashford miles out of our way. 'Oh I know where we are! Just down the road we come to that corner with the hotel.' I was so full of confidence. There was the corner and the hotel. Only it wasn't the corner or the hotel I was thinking of. We did get to that one eventually.

Moral. Don't ever get me to navigate. I'm ever so enthusiastic and absolutely rubbish;-D

We got home safely though and Millie was so glad to see us.

Blessings,
Amanda x

Bring it On!

2010-03-24T18:00:00.000Z

That's it. Enough is enough. Rising blood sugars despite increasing exercise levels and the diet. I have one last drug to try and then it is the big I.

Both of these final two drugs involve injections. So April 30th I'm having a one hour session with the diabetic specialist and a diabetic nurse to show us how to use the pens, change needles, store the pens etc.

The benefits, aside from improved blood sugar control, are that we will have to routines. I have to inject twice daily an hour before I eat and the meals must be main meals at least 6 hours apart.

So here it is. Just over one month to organise, lose some weight, increase my fitness and ready myself to win the war and finally take back control over my body and my blood sugar levels.

It's a good job it's injections and not blood tests as I have a real phobia about blood tests!

Blessings,
Amanda x

Well That's Torn It!

2010-03-23T18:35:00.001Z

Did I say that I wanted to be held accountable? I was wrong. So wrong. No, I take that back I was just plain S I L L Y (there was a different word but it was ruder... sorry!)

I sat and did that thing with the word I'm fascinated with. Yes. I pondered. Then emailed April of April Showers and asked whether they'd consider an outsider, a non-US resident. Apparently they would. They will. I have to fill in the form. I may have to actually do this... officially and publicly.

What HAVE I done?

Please take pity on me and don't laugh. Too much. Or in public. Especially not in my face. Or in my hearing. Laugh WITH me. Oh and if I'm one of the chosen ones. Cry with me too!

Blessings,
Amanda x

PS Did I mention that Lee and the boys will kill me after they've disowned me?

Flab 2 Fab

2010-03-23T17:10:00.000Z

Hmmmm! I posted the other day a somewhat amusing, if not embarrassing, post that reflected on my weight but more significantly my shape. Only trouble was it wasn't here, it was on one of my other blogs. Needless to say I deleted it pronto.

Basically, I announced that I look (from the side) as if I am expecting... an elephant. Big. Very big. Too big.

I've been eating healthily. I've been exercising more. Yet my blood sugars are rising... again and so is my weight.

Enough is enough.

I don't think I'm eligible to enter Flab to Fab the blogosphere's biggest loser style weight loss challenge. It involves strength, vlogging, exercise and serious determination. I'd love to do it though as I would truly be accountable and maybe my diabetes would be really controlled.

If I can't enter I'll just have to settle with following and going it alone *sob, sob*

Blessings,
Amanda

Bad News? Good News? That's Life!

2010-03-16T11:35:00.000Z

So instead of baking and cupcake decorating in London whilst staying with parents and wearing my new clothes, I'm here at home but no longer waiting for one of the calls!

The NHS have come through today with an emergency minor op appointment for 8.00 pm NEXT Wednesday! It's at the surgery in Wye. Needless to say I took the appointment as I'm fed with my skin itching from the allergic reaction I have to EVERY type (even hypo-allergenic) dressings and the constant bleeding. Heck I even bled over one of my new tops 20 minutes after putting it on! Luckily Ariel gel came to the rescue.

I'm now just waiting to hear from my doc about the other matter. Cross your fingers, pray hard and hope.

Blessings,
Amanda x

Separation Anxiety and Agrophobia

2010-03-12T10:37:00.000Z

I'm used to separation anxiety and cope with it fairly well. After all I've had to these past 15 1/2 years. I get to visit the supermarket once (sometimes even twice) a week. Occasionally I'm allowed to go down to town to wander around the shops. I used to be able to go to work on a daily basis (although it was a serious bone of contention and Dan hated it with a passion).

So having been at home for the past year I've got used to being inside with my boy on a daily basis. Since having Millie I'm used to being her constant companion and confidante and having her as mine.

I long for a break from caring. I dream of a holiday. Sometimes I long for solitude.

So when faced with the prospect (actually an offer) of three days away with the added excitement of icing and decorating 500 fairy cakes and a trip to the theatre to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with a press do afterwards, I'm filled with dread.

Imagine no homeschool for 3 days (Dan will be ecstatic), no one willing and cheerful about cleaning and feeding my girlie chicks or collecting their eggs, no one to be Millie's constant companion, no one to remind the boys NOT to raid the fridge and cupboards constantly (OK it's really only the one boy!) and no blogging.

I want to say yes. I can't. Three days away when I've not left their sides for over a year. It's too much. It's too sudden. Besides I have NOTHING to wear not even on my feet. I really don't think that my mum would appreciate me turning up at her beloved theatre in jogging bottoms with holes in and my new walking shoes. My hair's a mess; it needs cutting and... anything.

It seems probable that I am now the one suffering from separation anxiety and possibly agrophobia.

I tried saying that I'd go for the day but I think my mum misunderstood.

Your thoughts on this dilemma?

Blessings,
Amanda x

Frugal Shopping This Week

2010-03-08T14:03:00.000Z

Iceland! Short, succint and true.

We went yesterday after purchasing walking shoes for me and chicken supplies. It's been quite a while since we'd been to Iceland but I was impressed. Lunches for the boys as they are addicted to having a ready meal or at least something that feels substantial and this week is going to be tough as I'm in dire need of my B12 shot.

£1 for a lasagne and various other ready meals. 4 pints of milk for £1. Part-baked bread (ciabatta, baguettes, mini baguettes) two for a £1. Pizzas were £1.50 and tasted yummy (especially the med veg). We also treated ourselves to a KFC-like meal (40 piece mega-box with hot wings, popcorn chicken, breast strips and chicken pieces), southern fried waffle cut chips, coleslaw and onion rings for a total of £8... wow! That's £2 a head and we still have half a tub of coleslaw left and half a bag of onion rings.

Now I'm off to nap... again. Oh roll on Friday I can't wait to have some energy and to be awake (fully awake);-D

Blessings,
Amanda x

My Top 3 Frugal Shopping Tips!

2010-03-04T10:27:00.000Z

1. Don't ask your teenage son put the shopping away and cook the dinner. Result: only cold stuff gets put away and the rest of the groceries are left in a bag for the dog to remove at will.

2. Don't leave shopping bags within a dog's reach. Result: becomes a source of 'toys' and food.

3. Don't buy anything that doesn't come in reinforced tank grade metal. Result: chewed, mangled, eaten.

You live and learn. On the other hand I guess I should have known what would happen. After all if you want a job done properly...

Luckily the dried beans weren't too expensive (2 bags). The chopped tomatoes were the basic variety and I thought buying them in a carton was a great frugal and eco-friendly choice.

Muffins - The Secret to Staying Calm

2010-03-02T18:22:00.000Z

Or maybe it was the chocolate chips?

My darling student has gone rogue on me. Did I crumble? Double dose the anti-depressants? Contemplate suicide by chocolate or Haribo overdose? No. I stayed calm and controlled. I made Banana Choc Chip Muffins and ate two hot with a mug of tea (or two). Yummmmmy.

I did say don't bake muffins when you aren't well. I was so right. Now I'm better I'm baking up a storm. My muffins are risen and ... muffiny (is that a word? It is now!). They are delicious. They saved my sanity. My temper. My ~~son's~~ life (Freudian slip!).

Who said homeschooling or being a SAHM was easy? However, it may not always be easy but it can and often is really delicious;-D

Blessings,

Amanda x

Crockpot News!

2010-02-27T16:17:00.000Z

Now I know this will come across a little sad but hey this IS my life!

Although today I have managed to go out twice! Once to take Matt to his clarinet lesson during which Lee and I walk Millie by the sea, and then we went to B&Q to buy some stones for the garden! Oh I know I just lead such an exciting life. Out twice in one day.

Why am I excited? I have just found (whilst I'm sneaking a trip around blogs on the internet) a slowcooker meme; Crockpot Wednesdays which is hosted by Dining with Debbie. Oh I'm so thrilled now I will have to use the slowcooker EVERY Tuesday. Woo hoo!

Now the big match between England and some other country has just started. The boys are transfixed and getting hot under the collar so I shall probably have to disappear all of a sudden if I don't want a severe telling off! I'll be left alone to blog surf etc to my little heart's content while England's rugby team are doing well but should they start to lose they'll start trooping in and the complaints will start. They'll be hungry, thirsty and mad at me for blogging;-D

So from now on you need to look for this button on a Tuesday/Wednesday post to see what I'm using my crockpot for that week. I'm going to have to use the American term as most of my online friends hail from that wonderful country. I really am going to have to try and visit all of my American relatives one day. Perhaps Dan will let me when he's in his twenties, thirties or perhaps even older?

Apparently England are playing Ireland. They're 5 nil down at the moment and so Matt is making us a drink. Will wonders never cease?

Hope you're all having a great weekend:-D

Blessings,

Amanda x

When Good Homes Go Bad!

2010-02-26T15:55:00.000Z

Great dramatic title right? Kinda grabbed your attention and you're wondering how on earth a home can go bad? Read on.

I'm not perfect. In fact if I'm entirely honest I am imperfect. However, I know it, acknowledge it and ~~get on with it~~ try to improve. After all that IS what this blog, my home on the web, is all about. Me striving to be ~~perfect~~ better at each of my roles.

Now my darling little (ok not so little as they all tower over me) darlings think that as I'm home all day 24/7 without an 'official' job that I should follow them around picking up, cleaning up and generally run around doing everything.

I will be the first to admit that I am not the type of housewife who wants perfection, flawlessness and a spotless home. I do want home that doesn't suffer from CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome as Flylady would say).

Now I know it's not just the boys and Lee that affect the mess (don't worry I'm not forgetting me), the dog plays a huge part too. She is one of the worst offenders but her mess is generally confined to the floor and chairs.

This week I have been exceptionally well behaved. I have served breakfast a la famille 3/5 mornings (all hot). I have shopped wisely. Kept on top of the washing up, dishwasher, surfaces, study, kitchen, chickens, animals, washing (most of it)... I have followed around the male members of this home and put their dirty mugs etc. in the washing up. The slow cooker has helped with the cooking chore and when not in use stir fries are an excellent alternative! One extreme to the other - that's me;-D

So imagine. Wednesday, I wasn't very well. I wasn't on top of things. The house started to slide. Mugs, glasses etc everywhere. Washing up. Hmmmm. Still the dishwasher came to the rescue and it didn't look too too bad. However, yesterday the migraine hit. I didn't get out of bed for hours. Not until late afternoon. I wish I hadn't bothered.

I know I'm not perfect but it proved to me that I'm not the useless housewife that certain people make out. In fact without a doubt my miniscule contribution to the running of our home is what keeps the state of this place tolerable. Just remind me not to have a migraine and stay in bed for a day again. It took hours to tidy up today and Millie is doing her best right this minute to return the floor to her preferred state!
So imagine.

Simple Truths

2010-02-24T18:19:00.000Z

I've said it once but I'll say it again. DO NOT do baking when you don't feel well. Although I got comments such as 'Awesome!' and 'It's amazing!' which when taken completely out of context look like fabulous compliments that I would love to have any day... they weren't. In context they were actually:

'It's amazing! Two days in a row. How can you ruin muffins like this?'

My reply. 'It was easy.' So simple. It took very little effort in fact. Probably less than 5 minutes.

Of course, the 'Awesome!' came when he looked at the said muffins for the first time. I prized them all out of the muffin tray today whilst they were still warm. Six of yesterday's are still ~~stuck~~ sat in the tray. When I feel slightly less queazy later I may just attempt to remove them.

The one redeeming feature was that they didn't sink in the middle. They were, in fact, remarkably flat.

My second simple truth is one that I was going to post with photos. Except they would be incriminating and could be used as evidence in a court of law. It's so simple: I CAN'T be tidy. It is impossible. I shall do a fuller post with some photos and a full explanation but the really incriminating ones don't exist.

Blessings,
Amanda x

Warning!

2010-02-24T00:07:00.000Z

Don't do any baking when you aren't feeling well. That's it. Simple. Concise and true. I know. I've been there and done that. I've had the moaning, groaning, whingeing and whining.

The muffins weren't burnt they were well done. Yes they'd sunk and overflowed but the edges were crispy. I could eat them. Well, I'm not well and I wanted comfort food. Sunken, crispy, overflowed yet still edible comfort food.

I didn't use the slow cooker today. I think the boys wanted a rest from delicious smells wafting through the house the whole day or a mother who was so relieved to be able to produce delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Stir fry. Simple. Quick. No fuss. One pan.

From one extreme to the other. Super fast or super slow. I want to do a roast. I'm searching for a slow cooker recipe because although I love doing roasts I'm busy throwing years of collected papers and resources away. 5 sacks of recycling. Cupboards full of things to sell. A new shed on the way to hold the resources from the garage so that they don't get ruined.

So remember: DO NOT bake when you aren't well. The results will not be valued by anyone but the dog... and you;-D

Blessings,
Amanda x

Super Housemum!

2010-02-22T11:06:00.000Z

OK I might be exaggerating slightly. However, I feel worn out from being so busy these past few days. I've also been so organised it's almost too much to believe.

I have a study (not particularly perfect but usable) and I must thank Lee for his wonderful help with that. The dining room is now back to being a dining room. Success. Now I just need to get my resources listed and sold then I'm good to go as I can fit in the students comfortably.

Dan's homeschooling is going well. I can actually give positive reports to anyone (including his dad) who asks.

Yesterday I made the Oriental Honeyed Pork. It sounded yummy and tasted good. However, being healthy and frugal I served it with the brown basmati rice I got cheap from Approved Foods. The taste was not robust enough to overpower the rice so it kind of got lost a bit. Tip: use white rice. I think it should have been cooked on low rather than high but as I didn't have my glasses on when I was cooking it I don't know whether it actually gave the heat setting or not. However, low it will be.

To show everyone (for everyone read Lee and the boys) that I'm really ok and feeling positive etc etc I announced that breakfast would be served at 7.30 am! (It's because they can't have cereal as we're almost out of milk). Instead I made a cooked breakfast in the slow cooker - I LOVE LOVE LOVE that slow cooker;-D I made bread rolls and left them rising overnight. I made biscuit mix to simplify baking. I put a portion into the fridge along with the buttermilk substitute ready to mix up and bake this morning. I also got the muffin dry ingredients ready in a bowl and the wet ingredients ready in a jug. Almost instant muffins this morning.

Breakfast left them gobsmacked. It was huge and we all struggled to eat our portions and there's leftovers. It was yummy!

Lee headed off to work with a packed lunch of homemade ham and salad rolls, almond berry muffin, choc chip muffin and a drink. Matt had a ham salad roll and a choc chip muffin to see him through his long day (10-4).

When people feel peckish or need lunch then there's left over Oriental Honeyed Pork, biscuits, rolls, cold meat, salad and two types of muffins.

Oh and I forgot to say that I made natural yoghurt... from scratch.

I'm now off to feed the chooks with leftover porridge, rice, chinese leaf and some bread. It's freezing cold and pouring down with rain. I really don't want to venture out the back garden is just mud. I literally sink and struggle to pull my feet out. Despite all precautions the ground in the coop is wet and so stinks. Yuck! I want spring, some sun and a bit of warmth. I need to get my veg going.

I should be able to get photos up and added to posts this week.

Of course, I need (or perhaps it's more of a compulsion) to use the slow cooker again. I've decided to do minced beef in it as I won't really be cooking it and should be able to eat it! I'm going to create a new recipe I'll let you know if it works. Fingers crossed.

Hope you're all rested after the weekend and looking forward to the week ahead.

I am (not rested) but looking forward. It's a year now since I went off sick and I'm feeling stronger, more positive and raring to get on with things. Alright anything but venturing out into the cold and rain!

Blessings,
Amanda x

Slow Cooker - It Was Worth the Wait

2010-02-18T17:49:00.000Z

I found so many different ways to cook a joint of gammon in the slow cooker that I felt quite bemused and slightly stressed.

In the end simplicity won. I put in the gammon, an inch of boiling water, a stick of cinnamon broken into two pieces and 6 cloves. It was cooked on high for 5 hours. When I took the gammon out I put it into a Pyrex dish, covered the top with honey and baked it in a hot oven for 20 minutes. It was left to rest covered in foil for 20 minutes prior to carving.

I cannot describe the succulence of the meat. It was so moist and tender it practically melted in your mouth. The honey and spices had imparted a delicate flavour and I can safely say the slow cooker is a wonderful invention and a brilliant, essential addition to any kitchen.

Next up: Honeyed Oriental Pork.

Blessings,

Amanda x

PS Thank you again Scott and Lexi. The boys are so thankful for this wonderful gift as it has made their mum a very happy mum and inspired her to try more recipes.