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Monday 8 September 2014

Blog Hop

Thank you to Miss Beatrix for passing the Blog Hop on to me.



Why do I write?

I have always been a writer. I have collections of books from my primary age self with lots of stories and pictures. I remember creating little jotters for all my teddies and dollies so that we could all write together. As I grew up I still had a passion for writing and during my teenage years I had many penpals and often my letters would be my own stories to them.

Fast forward to more recent years, in 2002 I embarked on creative writing and poetry courses... sometime before 2002 (I can't quite recall the year) I had two poems published in anthologies.

Over the years since then I have written for many websites (from craft to medical) and I still do to some extent.  Present day I don't write as often as that ole devil called work takes up a lot of time. Although I promise myself often that I will write more.

There's a book in me, maybe even two.  Who knows, I may write it one day,  I hope you buy it.


What am I working on?

Lots of things, all unfinished... piles of fabric just waiting to be made into curtains for my littlest bedroom, our office and a window dressing for my bedroom.  More fabric crying out to be fashioned into a Princess Sofia costume and a Tiana (from Princess and the Frog) costume.  A lovely white jewled cardigan on my knitting needles that just needs another sleeve and the collar. A Cath Kidston bag weeping to be sewn together...and lots of new recipes to try out.  I must make time!


How does it differ from others of its genre?

There's a lot of variety in my blog, from cooking to crafts to lifestyle.  I do wish I would post more.


How does my writing process work?

For being such an organised person in my day to day life: working full time, managing my own small graphic design and photography business and also working (when time permits) as a service assessor for various companies, I don't seem to have a scheduled process of writing for my blog.  Often I'll jot some ideas down then I leave it too long to write about it. I really enjoyed the 'Blog Every Day..' project I signed up for as it gave me a goal to write more.  I need to focus on a plan and put it into action.


I'm now going to pass the blog hop baton on to Youngonesfive, I look forward to reading your Blog Hop.

Thanks for reading,
A

Friday 1 August 2014

Changes

...there's been a few changes around here recently. First, my big girl {my middle child} has flown the nest! She has moved in with her boyfriend. We knew it was on the cards as she seemed only to visit home and stay for just a few days a week but it's official now and she has moved out all her things. At 20, I still see her as my little girl, now she's my little girl who has grown up!

A few weeks after she moved all her things out, we started working on her room. We had planned to convert the garage at the end of the year into an office {might not do that so soon now} but for now we've given the room a lick of paint and put in a desk and some shelves and tada we have an office.

before we moved my huge amounts of stationery in

I have a lot of stationery... a lot! Now that I've carted it upstairs and into the fitted wardrobes {great storage place} I wonder how on earth I fitted it downstairs into my bureau! I'm planning on a blog post to show you the crazy amount of things I have! It's like Paperchase's stock room!

stocked up!

It's a bittersweet moment, it's so good to have a place to work, {I work from home at least one day a week, and add in some hours at night if my work load is crazy and I also run my own business from home} but I do miss my girl. She's happy, so I'm happy that's how it works right? {brave face}

I ignored the insensitive comments on social media suggesting {ok blatantly saying} I had rushed into changing the room, like I was some heartless Mother who threw a leaving party once my girl had gone... I'm not the type of person who can sit about when I know something needs doing. What would have been the point of leaving the room unused?

So, changes... that was a big one!

A x


Monday 23 June 2014

AWOL

I've been AWOL. The truth is, I've been here but I've been angry with the world so that's probably not the best time to blog {as I would have probably swore, still might}. I've not been angry about one specific thing just lots of things bottling up and bringing me down. But I'm going to kick it in the ass...

My milk allergy has gotten the better of me again... boo! I had suffered terribly for many years with numerous health problems and had years of tests for breathing / throat / swallowing problems, gastric problems and skin problems... even the medical professionals didn't think to put them all together but eventually someone did {my new Dr when we moved house} and voila, I'm allergic to milk... which can be quite serious {think nut allergy but with milk}.. please do not confuse this with being lactose intolerant it's like saying night is day, plus is gets me mad as they are so different! {rant over}... anyway, after I had the littlest (2011) I accidentally tried a piece of twix.. it was tiny but I really really had to try it and I wasn't ill, I could still breath and the tummy didn't growl to richter scale proportions. {Note that I wasn't on a mission to be ill, I had been advised after the birth to try something with milk as a shock to the body such as having a baby can shift an allergy that had appeared suddenly}.

Since then I gradually introduced milk back into my diet {scoffed truck loads of chocolate!}. The symptoms were not gone completely but I thought it was worth a little discomfort to have a normal diet again and not spend hours in the supermarket reading labels.

Two and a half years have passed since that bite of twix in the Tesco carpark and probably for the last year the symptoms have been growing... I can recognise them now having suffered them for years before but not knowing what they were. So, I'm milk free again and so far {this is week two} I feel heaps better already, still a long way to go before I feel normal again but I know it will happen.

Swedish Glacé ice cream - delicious


So much has changed since my last milk free diet, there are literally tonnes of more products to buy, I spent a fortune in Sainsbury at the weekend and have eaten fudge, cookies, cake and heaps of Oreo.. Oreo weren't milk free before, this excited me! I did have hopes of losing a lot of weight by changing my diet as I lost a good few stone before but now, with all the goodies there's no way the weight will drop off! {although I have lost 5lb, I think it's a fluke}.

Do you have any allergies?

Ax


Wednesday 7 May 2014

{#BEDM} gadets!

I love my gadgets!! A lot make my life easier, such as a smart phones {yes, I have two}, iPad, laptop, android tablet, smart TV.. but having a think, my two most favourite gadget type things are...

CCTV

CCTV we have in littlest's room. We initially bought the camera to install outside our home but we tried it out inside to set it up and we've not put it outside yet. It is secured to the ceiling and can turn 360 degrees, can pan and tilt, has night vision and you take a snap shot or even record footage. It has sound and you can even talk through the camera! It has been fantastic to use, when littlest goes to bed we set up the iPad or tablet {you can also access via webpage, smart tv or any smart phone by downloading an app} and we know that she's still in bed, or when she's asleep or when she's climbing up to get a book... Big Brother is watching!!


Hive

The HIVE... have you got the Hive? It's brilliant! It's a Scottish / British Gas product and it connects to your WIFI router and you can control your heating system remotely from anywhere using your smart phone. Hopefully I'll explain this correctly as I tried to before to someone and they didn't get it...

Our heating system is modern as we stay in a new build. We have a thermostat in the living room and have a digital system that we could set temperatures for the house and if the temperature at home dropped below the pre-set then the heating would kick in. It was also programmed for set times of the day for different temperatures and it also controlled the hot water, set times when it would be on to heat the water.. blah blah.. does that make sense?

Well now with the Hive we still have all that but say we were all out working and the temperature in the house was set to 18 degrees but it was frozen outside and snowing and you wanted the house to be really warm for you coming home from work... no problem open the app, flick up the temperature setting and the heating kicks in, drive home and go inside to a warm and cosy house. I guess it's the same as if you're sat at home and your cold or warm so you need to actually get up off your chair and go change the temperature setting of the heating at the heating control unit {ours was in the Utility Room at back of house}... you can be even more lazy now and do it from your phone. 

Another great feature is the thermostat, it's portable! So you can take it off the wall and take with you to whatever room your in so it will then gauge the temperature from that room!  And the controls are on the thermostat too. It really is remarkable. Looking forward to zoning being introduced then I can control the temperature of each room separately. That will be a great tool and bound to save more money on utility bills.

What's your fav gadget?

A x

{#BEDM} passion project

My passion lies in design and creating. From a young age I was always drawing and making things, I'd save my pocket money up and go on a spending spree to John Menzies (like WH Smith) and buy tonnes of stationery. Now I'm just the same, and I buy tonnes of stationery!

You may {or may not} know that I have my own graphic design and photography company called AEM Photography and Design and when time permits I sell personalised prints {mostly from my Facebook page}, I always have an order or a project on the go to keep me sane.

Two of my best sellers and my favourites are...

personalised home print

This is the home print that I had displayed in the hallway whilst I was pregnant with the littlest now the McBump has been changed to her name. I have sold loads of these, great for a wedding gift or a new home gift and great for a family gift for a new baby.


baby bunting

The baby bunting prints are so cute, they have 3D bunting and can be personalised with date of birth, weight, time of birth and in any colour... this one pictured sits on top of my TV cabinet.

I'd not be able to retire on my earnings from my passion project or give up my full time job but it's a hobby that earns me some pocket money and I love creating.

A x

Monday 5 May 2014

{#BEDM} Cinco De Mayo

It seems there's a lot of history behind 'Cinco De Mayo'...

Spanish for "fifth of May". It is celebrated in the United States and in Mexico, where the holiday is called El Día de la Batalla de Puebla (The Day of the Battle of Puebla).

It originated with Mexican-American communities in the American West as a way to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War, and today the date is observed in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. (Source Wikipedia)


Chilli Nachos

Today I'll be celebrating with a feast of Chilli Nachos for dinner, it is one of my favourite meals. Here's how I make mine:

Ingredients
lean minced beef
beef melting stock cube
onion
peppers
garlic
mixed herbs
tomato puree
mild chilli powder
worcester sauce
tin of kidney beans or mixed beans
tin of chopped tomatoes
a carton of passatta

Method
brown the minced beef with a little water, once brown drain off all excess liquid. Add garlic {2 cloves if fresh or a good sprinkling of dried garlic granules or some garlic puree}, mixed herbs and mild chilli powder {to taste}, mix to combine. Add the beef melting stock cube {love these, they are so tasty}, worcester sauce and tomato puree. mix to combine. Add onion and peppers {you can also add celery, mushrooms.. whatever you fancy}. Cook for a few minutes to combine all the flavours then add in the tin of chopped tomatoes, passatta and the beans.  Stir until all combined.

I cook mine in a big pot and let it cook slowly for a few hours stirring every 20mins or so.  OR, you can toss it all in a slow cooker and leave it to cook all day whilst you're out.

{I don't season mine with salt until it's cooked then I decide if it needs salt or more chilli... we could all do with less salt in our life right? Plus the nachos are salty enough}

Serve
Serve over nachos, sprinkle with grated cheese and if you like add some salsa, guacamole and sour cream {or natural yoghurt}

Is it dinner time yet?

A x

Sunday 4 May 2014

{#BEDM} Star Wars Day...nah

Oh dare I say I am not a fan of Star Wars, although most likely only because I've never seen a Star Wars film... yeah, never! {go on, hit me with your light sabre}

So due to that fact {me being oblivious to Star Wars} I'm declaring the post about one of the most beautiful woman I have ever seen... chic, iconic and an inspiration.

Audrey Hepburn - image source

Audrey Hepburn {would have been} 85 today. Not only beautiful and such a talented actress but fluent in 6 languages and her work with UNICEF... I tip my hat to you Audrey!

A x

Saturday 3 May 2014

{#BEDM} weekend morning routine



Today... my alarm sounded at 6.30am, I silently swore. I dragged myself out of bed and limped to the ensuite {I limp as my legs are not yet awake}. I'm not the type to read the daily newspaper on the loo, no way, I read my Facebook timeline, check Twitter then ponder over Instagram...

Marginally more awake, I then washed, brushed teeth then plonk two velcro rollers in my fringe {I really need a hair cut... tomorrow}. Then make up time, Picasso or Michaelangelo? You decide.. it's an intensive routine, I tell you.

I got dressed for work,  black M&S skater dress, green tights {yup green today} and heels {not too high, I'm getting old}.

Breakfast.. {always} a matcha green tea shot. Porridge with soya milk and dried fruit.

I made some lunch - tomato, tuna and feta salad.

Emptied dishwasher and left for work.

Ax

{#BEDM} five favourite posts


My five favourite posts are:


I'm a PostCircle Angel - I love being a part of PostCircle, I can say without doubt that I've made some lifelong friends being part of this great community.




{teapigs} matcha green tea - I love it! It has changed the way I feel and my health {for the better}! I a matcha shot daily. If you're feeling rundown then give it a go!



Home sweet home - I love my home, there really is no place like home... your own bed, your favourite cup / mug, lounging about... and relax.



Smitten Saturday - My village.  I love the walks, the animals you see each day... my little bit of heaven.



My Kiddos - I love them...


I hope you enjoyed my five favourite posts.

A x

{#BEDM} what's my blog all about?

it's me - anneeapple

Blog Ever Day in May {#BEDM} is back!  You may remember it's appearance in the age old year of 2013 with #BEDN! I am a very busy lady but I did really enjoy it last year, so I am happy to give it a go {okay, let's not notice that it's the 3rd of the month and I'm just jumping on the band wagon}....

My blog is about everything, anything and sometimes nothing. I've blogged in many places over the years, about many different subjects.

My first ever blog {although it might just have been an information page all those years about} was about the sleep disorder Narcolepsy and I had my own pages on the website for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons. Back then I also owned a website named Sleepy Scotland {also Narcolepsy / Sleep Disorder related... yes, I suffer from a sleep disorder}, which I've since released into cyber space, so I don't even know what the URL points to now.

Now-a-days my blog is simply a reflection of things going on in my everyday life, things I want to document and things that I think people may be interested in.

I do hope you enjoy some of my nonsense and do come back again.

A x

Sunday 30 March 2014

Frozen {Queen Elsa}

Has it really been 20 days since I last blogged? Life has been pretty hectic and I've been caught in a flurry of unorganised chaos! No meal planning, routine blowing in the wind.. just not like me. But... all that changes this week {fingers crossed}.

I start with a new working rota tomorrow, full time hours but all more streamlined and a promotion! I'm ready for my new challenge.

This weekend I promised my little Princess that I'd make her a Queen Elsa costume. I'd never made a costume before {apart from a no sew tutu} but I thought I was up for the challenge. I had planned it out... Elsa as the Ice-Queen is quite a sexy character, so I had to adapt her dress to suit a 2 year old who loves to dance around all day long!

Queen Elsa - the costume plan

As I'd not made a costume before I thought I had better ease myself in and I attached the skirt to a plain white vest. I then jazzed up the vest with some ribbon, tulle and a snowflake charm. The hardest part {for me} was working out which way round the vest went as I was sewing the skirt to it, as it was outside in, upside down and had gazillions of pins in it! It was very confusing, but thankfully it worked out! I then added an underarm cape which was white tulle with sparkly jewels...

I have one very happy Queen Elsa... she won't take it off!


What have you been up to this weekend?

A x



Monday 10 March 2014

Meal Planning {monday}

 Meal Planning Monday


I'm getting back on plan {or trying to}, this week we'll be dining on...

Monday 
Chicken fajitas with rice

Tuesday
Sausage, bacon and eggs
Although I'm dining out with work for our Christmas night out {yes, I said Christmas}

Wednesday
Spaghetti bolognese {with Turkey mince} and garlic bread

Thursday
Sausage, mash and beans {we've got a lot of sausages to eat!}

Friday
Salmon, wedges and veg

Saturday
Baked potatoes, slimming world quiche and coleslaw

Sunday
Chicken and veg curry with rice

What's on your plate?  To link up with Mrs M just click the image above.

A x

Friday 7 March 2014

Missing {not me}

Oh dear, I seem to be missing in action but rest assured there is a wonderful excuse... we have been in Disneyland, Paris!

Lunch with the Princesses at Auberge de Cendrillion, Paris
What a wonderful {but exhausting} break. Little Miss had a wonderful time meeting all her favourite Princesses. I'd love to bombard you with lots of more photos but I've still to sort through all of them. There will be a new post all about Disneyland and some tips and tricks for your visit. Let me know if you've been and if you've got any tips you'd like to share? We're already thinking about planning a trip there next year.

So, we're back to work and back on the healthy eating, thankfully I only gained 1lb {a miracle} when I was away, considering the pastries I ate for breakfast I am chuffed at just 1lb gain. I've not been fully committed to my diet this week, still a little naughty so I need to have a word with myself.

This weekend is all about lists.. to do lists for the home, cleaning schedules, meal planning and convincing the Mr to purchase a Mamas and Papas Armadillo... I'm lusting after this pushchair {our existing pushchair is too small for our {big} Little Miss now}.

What's your plans for the weekend?

A x

Tuesday 11 February 2014

daily diary doodles

My love for doodling has returned in the form of #dailydiarydoodles {search for the tag on Instagram and Twitter}. I do love doodles and can be lost for quite some time on Instagram pouring over some and wishing I had the time or notion to doodle again. Well, I found some time a few days ago and loved it! 

I created my first doodle on a postcard that I've included in a #happymail to one of my new penpals. I had the perfect sketch book to use for this new project... my monologue A6 hard back sketch book, it's so luxurious! The cover is bright orange and has a suede like texture. The paper is fantastic! I've used various pens / inks and nothing has leaked through!

The generous people at Grandluxe / Monologue sent me a wonderful package of books to review, I really do love them all... each one I use I decide there and then it's my new favourite {until I try the next one}. A full review of them all will be coming to the blog real soon.

Here's a snippet of my #dailydiarydoodles



Do you doodle? Show me!

A x

Monday 10 February 2014

{I'm a} loser

I am a loser. I've lost 10lbs in 4 weeks, great huh? Number 1 and 2 of my 14 goals in Twenty 14 are in progress! I've still got a long way to go {around 67lbs more to lose to be at my 'ideal' weight} but small steps in the right direction. I'm not strictly following any one diet and I've not signed up to anything, but I am following the premise of Slimming World and have gathered knowledge from friends who have tired the plan and are currently on it. To be honest, it's not rocket science, it is common sense and planning... oh yes planning and home cooking! I was never one to buy any ready prepared meals so that part has been no problem for me.

eggs, my new friend! love boiled eggs!


So, to planning - here's the plan for this week's meals. Also trying to control the spending as we're going to Disneyland, Paris in two weeks time!!



Tuesday - veg curry {butternut squash, peppers, onion, mushroom and spinach} with rice

Wednesday - spaghetti carbonara {sauce made with quark and eggs}

Thursday - out - I'm at the Scotswoman of the Year Awards in the City Chambers

Friday - homemade burgers with paprika wedges

Saturday - quorn sausages, mash, peas and gravy

Sunday - omlette, homemade {slimming world recipe} chips and beans

What's on your plate? Click the image above to join in with Mrs M's Meal Planning Monday

A x

Friday 31 January 2014

I'm an Angel {a PostCircle Angel}

You know I love writing, right? Writing that is snail mail, the best kind of mail.

I joined PostCircle {which is the brain child of Miss Beatrix} sometime in March 2013 and when Anna asked for volunteers to be PostCircle Angels I jumped at the chance. I'm loving my new, very important role.

Do you love happymail?  You can click here to find out how to sign up!

Here's some PostCircle HappyMail that I sent out recently...






I hope you get some lovely happymail through your letterbox soon!

A x

Thursday 16 January 2014

{teapigs} matcha green tea




Hello, hello! Have you heard of matcha green tea, or more importantly teapigs matcha green tea? I was kindly sent a modern matcha kit to try it out for two weeks in January. Perfect as I was tackling this year with my new 14 goals in Twenty 14.

To give you a little snippet of matcha green tea, it's been shown to increase energy. It's also high in antioxidants and lots have seen benefits in their skin and also their performance when training.  It so versatile that it can be drunk hot or cold, in water or juice or in smoothies! You can also add it to your porridge or bake with it!  Gulp.. I was keen to try out this little pot of green goodness!

In the kit there was a 30g pot of matcha green tea {which you store in the fridge once opened}
A measuring spoon {little cute thing}
A teapigs shot glass
An electric hand held whisk
And a cute little badge!

teapigs matcha shot

I opted to take a shot each morning, so I measured out my half a spoon of match green tea {around 1g} and my shot glass of water and whisked {I did try this in the shot glass and it went everywhere, so the next day I whisked in a bigger glass then poured into the shot glass}. It didn't taste of anything much, just a mild taste of green tea and it wasn't unpleasant. I've been taking my shot each morning with breakfast without fail for two weeks.. how do I feel?

I do feel a little more refreshed, anyone who knows me will know how busy my lifestyle is... working full time, running a small business, three kids {make that four if you count the Mr}, lots of travelling and I'm a clean freak so always busy and I've not even mentioned my total obsession with #Postcircle.

Usually on my days off, the mornings will be hectic with laundry, cleaning, prepping dinners / lunches and also entertaining the little one with painting or playdoh or something creative {she takes after me, loves the arts}, by mid afternoon when we have a little chill out time I am usually zonked and can easily doze off when littlest naps. But since taking matcha I've not been flagging, I feel I can keep going for longer... ok by 7pm I'm ready for my bed, if only I could go! So I can relate to the increased energy, although it's not instantly obvious, you are most definitely not buzzing or high in any way. 

I've also been thinking about the benefits of matcha being high in antioxidants... Now I can catch a cold at the change of the weather, the change of season and sometimes I can catch the cold just by thinking about it and when I do, I suffer quite bad. In the past three months I've had two bad bouts... right now {touch wood}, I'm feeling fine so I am hoping that the high levels of antioxidants are working in keeping any germs at bay. I'm going to keep going with the matcha shot each morning for a while now and let's see if the cold arrives and if it does how it is compared to previous bouts!

I've not noticed any changes to my skin yet, but it is only two weeks in. 

One thing I really have noticed is... how to describe this... an inner calm? I'm quite a stressed out person {although in the public eye I might look calm and collected}, I am a born worrier. Lately, I've felt a kind of stillness inside and can quite happily just sit and collect my thoughts. Is this related to taking the matcha shot? Who knows, but I like it!

Have you tried matcha? I'd love to hear what you think. I'm going to keep going and I'll report back in another two weeks time!

Oh... this product won a slimmer award!! Here's hoping it helps my weightloss!

Thank you to teapigs who sent me the matcha kit to review. The review above is my honest opinion of the product.


Monday 6 January 2014

Meal Planning {Monday}


 Meal Planning Monday

Hello! Here's to the first meal plan of the year... incorporating number 1, 2, 4 and 6 of my 14 goals of twenty14 I've got some new recipes to try out and some below that I've already tried {yum!}

This week we're planning to eat:

Monday - slow cooker meatballs with spaghetti {homemade meatballs made from turkey mince}

Tuesday - chicken tikka, riata and rice {using this Schwartz packet}

Wednesday - roasted veg pasta and garlic bread {homemade sauce}

Thursday - lamb leg steaks and veg stir fry rice

Friday - chilli, wedges and cheese

Saturday - slow cooker ham with mash and veg

Last week we tried some new things, which were all very tasty!

Roast Veg Lasagne - ready to bake

Roast Veg Lasagne

I had some mozzarella that needed used up {I hate waste} and some limp peppers in the fridge... I roasted the peppers with some spray oil and herbs and layered them with lasagne sheets, a carton of Sainsbury chopped tomatoes with basil and chilli and the mozzarella.. baked for 20mins. Such a filling dish, I'll be making this again.

Roasted Veg and Chicken

I had a whole cauliflower to use up and one of those limp peppers so I chopped them up along with a carrot, added two cloves of garlic and sprinkle of herbs and roasted for an hour. Topped with a chicken breast and a splash of Nandos medium sauce {still a bit spicy for me}. The roasted cauliflower was a nice change, didn't really taste like cauliflower which was strange but nice.

Homemade Turkey Burgers
Homemade Turkey Burgers and Piri Piri Fries

We had these yesterday... amazing! I had a huge pack of turkey mince in the freezer which I had no idea what to do with {I picked it up at supermarket and was reduced to 10p from £3.50}. I defrosted the mince and added some frozen onion and mixed herbs, shaped the mixture into burgers and gave a quick fry in the griddle pan {with spray oil} to seal. I then covered them with foil and baked in oven for 15 mins. The fries were home fries and when cooked I sprinkled with Nandos piri piri chip sprinkle {Yeah I got a little Nandos gift set from a colleague, love it}. I served the burgers with melted cheese, mayo and salad.. on a roll. Everyone loved them and they were so juicy and simple to make. I'm using the other half of the turkey mince for today's meatballs. Two hearty meals for 10p! Can't beat that!

Healthy Lunches

It's Monday {as you know}, so that means the diet starts healthy eating starts, so I'm going to try and pack a healthy lunch each working day. The one above was from Friday - ham salad with raisins and grapes, it was so tasty and I used the leaves as wraps! Today I have king prawn salad and I made my own thousand island sauce {Will let you know if it's a hit!}

I'm now following the Meal Planning Monday board on Pintrest if you want to join in click the image at the top to go to Mrs M's page!

Look forward to reading all your meal plans.

A x






Thursday 2 January 2014

14 goals in Twenty 14


Happy New Year!
14 goals for 2014... I'm rubbish at NY resolutions, rubbish! So this year, I'll try goals...

1. Eat healthier
{this I need to do}

2. Lose weight
{hoping this goes hand in hand with number 1}

3. Don't stress
{so much}

4. Plan
{I often stress when I have lots to do but can't seem to get my head around it all}

5. Pamper
{make time for me, at the very least once a week.. hoping to squeeze in a spa day!}

6. Try more
{new crafts, new recipes... I'm stuck in a rut and repeating crafts and recipes}

7. Get out more
{a walk, a pub, the cinema... just GO OUT!}

8. Read
{I'm averaging on 4 books a year... that's total rubbish as I love to read}

9. Say No more
{I often agree to things I don't want to do / have no time for.. I'm a sucker}

10. Buy less
{I have too much stuff.. I need to de-clutter}

11. De-clutter
{the house, my clothes, my life}

12. Piano
{play more, learn more.. our piano sits there unplayed!}

13. Charity
{plan a charity event, fundraiser}

14. Relax more
{chill out, smile, breathe in the fresh air, watch a movie}

There you have it. The healthy eating begins tomorrow, I'm actually looking forward to making a start and feeling quite motivated! Long may it continue.

A x