I Love a Good Challenge

This year I'm going to take part in Carolyn's 12 months of sewing challenge. Well at least I'm attempting to.....

The first one is "something for me". I think I might go for the Valeska skirt by Farbenmix. It looks like a sweet pattern and I'm in need of a new skirt. This is going to be a bit of a challenge to complete as I'm going away on a massive big Girl Guide camp in a few days, and although I get back on the night of the 11th of January, I'm sure I'll be greeted with "the washing pile to end all washing piles" along with a fair amount of catching up to do in the sleep department.

On the up side, the skirt does look fairly simple to construct. Stay tuned. :)

Links to Share

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The Background Fairy has backgrounds and banners for your blog, as well as a few tutorials to get them on your blog too.

The Graphics fairy has graphics that can be used for various things.

Because I'm Worth It

Well it has been a while hasn't it...... I kind of fell off the wagon and all the great lifestyle changes went out the window and the weight has crept back on. Whilst on my 'diet' I got down to 87 kg and I was feeling great. Now I'm up at 94 kg and not feeling so good.

So what happened.....I guess family stress got in the way, along with uni and a busy lifestyle. It was too easy to feel unmotivated and to comfort eat. It was also easy to slip into the thought mode that "hey I'm losing weight, I can afford to have a treat".

Well enough of that! It's time to get back on the wagon. We bought a Wii along with a Wii Fit for christmas for the family and I was disgraced to find I'm in the obese category with a BMI of 36. According to wikipedia , I fall into the severely obese range. This is sad.

So it is time to do something about it, and being the end of the year and the traditional time to set goals and make life changes, I am starting my "Because I'm Worth It" Challenge.

(I'm going away on Sunday for a week, so this post applies for the next two weeks.)

Goals for the Fortnight

• Drink 2 bottles of water (min) per day.
• Eat breakfast everyday
• Eat at least one piece of fruit per day
• NO Iced Coffees or Coke or any beverage that has to be bought (water being the exception).
• from today through to Saturday, do one 45 min session on the Wii Fit.

I think that will do for now. :)

Now being part of a team can really work wonders in getting you over the finish line, so in the spirit of team work, I've set up a Mr Linky. If you want to share you health goals and/progress, please do! I would love to read them.

Foodie Friday

(4 posts in a week! Don't fall off your seat Cathy!)

Once upon a time BK (Before Kids), I really enjoyed cooking. I was vegetarian for about 4 years and I use to have to cook separate meals for myself and nothing delighted me more than finding new recipes to try out. Enter the joys of parenthood, with it sleep deprivation, fussy eaters and operating as the family short order cook, and well.....my enthusiasm kind of dropped off.

So I'm starting a meme of sorts in an attempt to get my cooking mojo back and hopefully to expand my recipe collection. . I would like to state that I thought I had an original idea, until I did a google search and found Designed by Gollum has already started one! Never mind. So come join us for Foodie Friday.

Honey and Garlic Corn on the Cob

Ingredients

Fresh Corn Cobs

2 Cloves Garlic, peeled and crushed

2 T Honey

1 T Olive Oil

Method

Peel the corn and place in a pot of boiling water for 12 minutes.

In a small bowl, combine garlic, honey and oil.

Drain corn and pat dry.

Place under your grill or on the grill plate on the BBQ, baste with honey and garlic. Grill for several minutes on each side.

(Don't mind the spelling mistake..woops!)

Verdict: Yummo!

My Ceative Place

I'm participating in Kootoyoo's Creative Place.

Clockwise from the magazine

*Ottobre magazine, I made Lily a cute skirt and my other daughter has requested one too.

*Pink fabric for the cute skirt.

*Snap press. I've been playing with this nifty toy. Beats doing button holes ;)

*Letters. I saw in a home decorating magazine a lovely decoration for christmas trees; Oversized Letter. So I bought one each for my children (first letter of their names) and we'll decorate them this weekend as a christmas craft activity.

:)

My Creative Place

This week I'm joining in My Creative Space over at Kootoyoo. This is my first time in participating too :)

(Clockwise, starting top left hand corner)

1. Stack of fabrics waiting to be ironed. All from Crafty Mamas.

2. Apron. Xmas pressie for Lily. Just need to iron and trim off loose threads. I've got her a book of crafty things to do, and I'm going to make her up a 'craft kit' to go with the book and apron.

3. Two hats. Made from Ottobre 4/2007 #25. More xmas gifts.

4. Enig Gilchrist pattern book, Ikea 'Hearts' fabric. Making cotten p.j.'s.

5. T-Shirt for Cadel all cut out ready to go.

6. Make it Perfect Little Explorer Overalls cut out ready to go.

Felt Fun

Over at Crafty Mamas, Lisa is running a special buy on eco felt. At 5oc a square, I've felt(haha) the urge to buy, but then wondered what I'm going to make with all my yummy felt. So I've been doing some searching and thought I might share.

First off, Felt Food.

Felt Food Tutorial from One Crafty Place has some wonderful ideas.

Bperry042 check out direct link: Felt Food Tutes

Yummy enought to eat!

Source: http://www.bhg.com/crafts/kids/rainy-day/kids-felt-crafts/?page=9

Aren't these letters cute? They would also make a sweet gift for a child with an unusual/uncommon name.

And baby booties, Heather Bailey share her Bitty Booties PDF, and these are so darn cute. Toddler booties are not made from felt in the tutorial, but you could easily make them from felt.

Source: http://juicy-bits.typepad.com/juicy_bits/2008/09/32-felt-birthday-crown-tutorial.html

What little prince or princess would like crown.

source: http://craftlog.org/craftlog/?p=2145

Or you could use your felt to get organised!

The possibilities are endless!!

What you Reading

It has been a trying couple of weeks with extended family relationship problems causing much stress, angst and tears. Sometimes I think some people could even list 'stirring up family drama's' as their hobby.

So to console myself I have been keeping busy, sewing lots, pottering about and enjoying the company of some good books. I thought I might share my latest stack of good reads with you.

The "Sew What!" series continues to impress me. I think what I love about this series is that it deviates from teaching people a recipe for making something, instead the series sets out to show readers

how to draft a pattern to fit your proportions then go on to make the garment. I own a copy of Sew What! Skirts and I was excited to find a copy of Sew What! Fleece at my local library.

Bend-the-Rules Sewing is another library gem. I've borrowed this book before, but decided to borrow again for a little bit of inspiration.

Talking of inspiration, Caft Inc. is a very how to guide on starting your own crafty business.

Choosing Eden came free with Gardening Australia magazine and I'm looking forward to curling up with a cup of tea and getting into this book.

On the edge

What puts me on the edge....

1. People with double (seat) trolleys with NO CHILDREN. Like hello people??? They are for people with multiple small children. And don't give me this "I need more trolley space, because I buy lots of food". I have 4 kids and a hungry husband. I shop fortnightly. I buy lots of food. And when I shop with no kids, I use a normal trolley, and you know what? I manage.

2. Tailgators. Seriously, do you want me to brake suddenly, because take it from me, my insurance people will chase your insurance people and they will make you pay.

3. Family members. Need I say more.

4. People who think they are so special that they have to park their special cars in two parking bays (line going up the centre of the car). Your just asking me to park my special car 2cm away from your special car. Park properly or leave it at home.

5. Check out chicks at Myer. An ongoing bugbear. Lovie, I don't really care where you work, I'm the one with the money, I'm the customer, the customer is always right and get off your pedestal. You are no different to the check out chick at Coles.

I think I'll leave it at 5 !

What puts you on the edge?

I Have No Words

I have been reading Jeanette's blog for some time. She is a lovely lady and shares warm tales of her family and her sewing.

Back in July I read her post about Florence. It has taken some time for the intensity of grief to subside enough for her to resume blogging, but I am ever so grateful that she has returned to the blogging world.

I have no words to adequately describe the sadness I feel for Florence and her family. However I feel grateful that she is sharing Florence with us.

Read a little more about Florence and her short life.

I'm Still a Loaner

Just made my third Kiva.org loan.

Ndèye Sophie Mbodj will be using her loan to bolster her business which involves dyed cloths. Ndeye, with her husband, supports five children, one of which is at school.

"Give a Man a Fish, Feed Him For a Day. Teach a Man to Fish, Feed Him For a Lifetime"

I Made a Nice Top

My little sister needs some maternity clothes, but she is a big girl, making it hard for to find any. So I made her this top; Jalie 2788 Twist Tie Top.

Front

Back

Ta Da!!

I've finally finished my sewing space! Kind of. Well enough to be happy to post pictures anyway. J I still need a sewing table as the one I had in mind was sold out when I went to Ikea. Very disappointing, especially as I wasn't able to get the table before the price went up by $129!!

Corner study unit. The doors all close up, so everything can be shut away, nice and tidy. Also keeps little fingers out. This room also has to double up as a home office, so this corner unit was the perfect piece of furniture.

Storage!

Two Expendit shelves put together to make a cutting table with storage underneath. This cutting table is not quite tall enough, but that's ok. I'm going to eventually get a glass panel and get hubby to raise the level so it is more comfortable. I got the idea from someone posting on the Crafty Mamas Forum where someone (sorry couldn't find the forum post) commented on this blog post.

A Blank Slate

Alright, the before shot was a cluttered horrible mess, so here is the 'blank slate' shot. ;)

Stay tuned !

I’m Nesting

Before Shot

Can you not be pregnant and still be in a nesting mood…..

I'm definitely not pregnant, but lately I have been increasingly frustrated with my home. I live with an enormous amount of clutter and I take on so many roles that I never have enough time to clean properly. This is a bad combination. Add to that my love of buying fabric and patterns, together with my lack of suitable storage and you can imagine how my home looks most days.

I don't actively invite people over because I'm embarrassed by the state of my home. This is insane.

So I decided to either suck it up and get over it, or do something about it and get over it, and happily for me I've chosen the latter. I've decided to tackle two rooms, the front room, which I use as a study and I'll use as a sewing space and the games room.

So far:

• donated unwanted/unused furniture to freecycle
  




• booked carpet man
  




• made a list of what I want for both rooms
  




• bought curtains for study/sewing room
  

To do:

• Go to Ikea to buy items to fit out the rooms
  




• Organise fabric, patterns, laptop
  

So I'm kind of in nesting mode. J

Pay It Forward

I will make a handmade gift for the first 3 interested people who comment on this post. I have 365 days to do it in…What it will be and when it will arrive is a total surprise!The catch is that you must participate as well: you must have a blog and before you leave your comment here, write up a pay it forward post on your blog to keep the fun going.(just cut and paste this one if you like!, which I did.

Pay it Forwards are fun, go on, comment, you know you want too ;)

Little Giveaway from Little Munchkins

Little Munchkins is a delightful blog and she has a giveaway going on.

Two Oliver + S patterns are on offer, just leave a comment in this post.

Sew Mama Sew Meme

Sew Mama Sew have made June "Sewing Machine Month" and this is my meme (better late than never hey!)






What brand and model do you have?
Janome My Excel 18W

How long have you had it?
5 years

How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
$299

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
Mostly children's clothing, some bags, toys and sometimes I use my sewing machine for scrapbooking

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
I lost my ‘sew-jo’ for a while, but now I’ll use my machine at least every few days.

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
I love my machine. It is basic but perfect for the level my sewing is at. It doesn't have a name.
What features does your machine have that work well for you? I love how the lid flips up with important information printed on it. Like what foot to use with what stitch type and recommended stitch length/width as well as tens
ion.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
Button hole. I can’t seem to get the hang of doing button holes nice and neat.

Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!
Not with this machine, but I would like to share the story of my first machine.
I got my first machine, a Pinnock (brand), when I was 15 years old. My teens were are challenging time and were also years spent finding myself and (sometimes) being angry with life experiences I could not change. One of those experiences was watching my cousin deal with grief and depression associated with the murder of her two children. Her children, Rachel and Shane, were my play buddies, and were killed by their father in tragic circumstances. Needing a way to deal with all this I wrote a letter to Rachel and Shane, mostly just letting know how much I missed them and what sort of things we would be doing together if they were still alive.

Then I sent the letter to a magazine which paid a fee for true stories. I was paid $250 for my letter which I used to buy a sewing machine. I don’t use the Pinnock anymore, but I often think of Rachel and Shane when I sew and this makes me happy.

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
Definitely. I would recommend this machine to all beginner sewers as it is a great first machine. It also comes with several feet, which as you grow in knowledge and confidence, can really improve your sewing.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
Does it come with a hard case? This is important for protecting your machine from bumps, dust and small children. How much and how readily available are the machine feet? Have a look at the user manual, does it have pictures/diagrams and easy to read language? Does the shop you buy it from offer classes in how to use your machine?

Do you have a dream machine?
My dream machine is a super dooper Janome Memorycraft 11000. It also happens to be $8499......My realistic dream machine is probably a Janome Memorycraft 9700.

Enid Sew Along

I finished the Enid Sew Along on Crafty Mamas

The fabric I used kind of needed some bling so I added the heart.

Enid was one clever lady

I'm participating in an Enid sew along on crafty mamas . Enid Gilchrist was a very resourceful woman, who via New Idea, publish many magazines for the home sewer from 1950-1970's. And I personally think she rocks!

So anyway, the first part of the sew-along is to pick out the pattern. I chose a basic sun dress in size 5. The next part was to draft the pattern. I've only ever done this once before and it can be a little tricky. Basically Enid has the pattern drawn up with corresponding measurements in inches. Starting at the nominated point you use the various measurements to get the pattern shape and then sort of fill in the gaps. I found it easier with my cutting mat as it has inches all drawn up, and along with my ruler I was able to draft the dress in no time.

Next step is to choose some fabric :)

Some other Enid lovers are Alesha and Tracy and a group Enid Blog

Because I'm Worth It Update

Food
Not a bad week, I've been snacking on fruit, making nice dinners and drinking water. I had to buy lunch two days in a row but I chose a healthy option. I'm finding the tea drinking is up, probably because the cool weather has finally arrived, but I'm continuing the sugar ban, so I'm not to concerned.

Exercise
I wasn't able to do the fitness class this week, due to some volunteer work that took up all of last week. But that (the volunteer work) was quite full on and I was on my feet almost all day, so I'm sure I burnt up some calories that way.

Thoughts and Actions
The volunteer work I did was organise the school bookfair. So each day, I dressed the part and I also put make up on. And I felt really good about myself. I looked professional and felt professional. I did a really good job, and I received many compliments for the job that I did, so this was a huge self-esteem boost. I didn't get to spend my bra voucher or get my nails done, but that's ok, hopefully next week.

Goals
*Go to 2 fitness classes this week
*Spend my vouchers!
*Weigh myself and see how I'm going weight wise.

Because I'm Worth It Update

I have been majorly majorly slack. I haven't abandoned my "Because I'm worth it Challenge", I'm still progressing really well. I just haven't been inspired to blog it lately. :)

Food

Food has been doing well. I'm now down to no suger in my tea! I've gone from 3 cups back up to 4 or 5 cups a day, but thats ok. I'm comfortable with this. I now can not stand drinking full cream milk, and it only gets bought if we run out and my DH has to get it (he hates HiLo). Take-aways are fortnightly for the kids, sometimes I get some, sometimes I don't. If I do get it I try to select healthier options or at least find out what the nutritional panel says and try and opt for a meal that has 10g fat per 100g or better. I have been looking at nutritional panels a lot lately.

Exercise

Ok get ready for it.......I HAVE BEEN EXERCISING!!!!

At the moment it is just jogging around the backyard and walking the kids to and from school, but today I started a fitness training class. It works out to be a real bargain. A parent (fully trained in fitness stuff) has started classes down at my kids school for only $8. The classes are small, and she gives heaps of one on one help, a bit like having your own personal trainer.

Thoughts and Actions

I have broken through the 90kg barrier, which I am super please about! So far I have been losing weight but it has been slow and steady. I know that's what health professionals recommend but....well I guess it just takes a long time. I am now about a size 16/18 and this is even more exciting than the weight loss! This week I'm off to spend my Mothers Day gifts ($100 voucher to bra shop and $50 voucher to get my nails prettied up). I'm really excited about the bra's as I've been wearing my maternity bra's....they aren't very supportive and they are really quite ugly.

Goals

* Keep a tally of the 5 veg and 2 fruit. Make sure I get the 5 serves of veg.

*Continue with the workout class and aim to participate twice a week.

Because I'm Worth It Update

Ok this time I'm really back into it!

Food
Hmm progress so so. I'm not being strict enough with the breakfast, however water intake is good. I haven't had an iced coffee for 9 days!! So that's really good, but then I've had extra tea (craving caffeine/sugar maybe?).

Exercise
I'm still walking to and from school when I can. And I'm starting to think about going for walks again with the dog.....

Thoughts and Actions
I've started at Tafe, so every Thursday I make a special effort to dress up nice and look like I'm off to work. It makes me look forward to Thursday. I realise I could do this everyday, but why bother, I mean, dressing up to hang out the washing is not really to appealing. I've also started (externally) at uni. It feels great to be doing something for me, something that is challenging my mind and to be doing something to develop my post-SAHM goals.
I had a friend comment to me this week that I look good (she commented on a Thursday though) and this felt nice.

Goals
*get back into morning breakfast.
*go for two walks besides school drop off/pick up

I love Fabric!

48m of fabric goodness for $50. !!!!

Because I'm Worth It Update

I'm getting back into this challenge after being on hiatus due to illness. I lost 2kg whilst being ill, not really good, but hey I'm not complaining. Not being able to eat for 4 days and throwing up will do that to you ;)

Food
I've been getting back into the 'eat something, anything for breakfast' routine. If I don't have cereal, then I try to have toast and a cup of milk. Apparently studies have shown that a cup of milk with breakfast will help curb the 'i'm hungry' feeling you get mid-morning. I'm still going strong with the water.

Exercise
I'm happy to report that I have been out walking! Well to and from school anyway. And as the kids want to ride their bikes, I've been trying to set a brisk pace and keep up with them. It's not enough, but it's a improvement on what I have(n't) been doing.

Thoughts and Actions
Well I had to cancel the beautician appointment for my hairy legs due to illness, but I'm going to re-book it soon. I've bought some moisturiser with a SPF15+ in it and I've been trying to remember to apply that each day. I've also started weaning my son off the breast. When he's all finished I'm going to go and be fitted for some decent bra's.

Goals
*Get back to eating a healthy lunch each day.
*Continue to walk kids to and from school.
*Re-book that appointment.

How has your week gone?

Back to Basics Update

Well I'm back! I have been really sick with a nasty bout of Mastitis, but after a course of anti-biotics I think I'm on the mend. However I've come to the traumatic (well for me anyway) decision to wean my baby off breast and switch to bottle. I've had several blocked milk ducts this time around and this time a full blown infection resulted. I've exclusively fed my baby for 6 1/2 months now, so an introduction to solids is now due, but I don't think it will harm him to have a bottle for a little while.
So anyway on to my update!

Not much has been done due to illness, in fact, in some areas we seem to have gone backwards :(

In the Garden
Sowing
Nothing new planted.
Harvesting
The very last tomatoes have been picked.
This week I feel a little discouraged as it seems I don't harvest nearly as a much as I sow. Not even close. If it's not the slugs/snails it's the slaters. If it's not the unrelenting heat then it's a bout of frost. Or I forget to put the bore on, or one of the kids leaves the gate open and the dog tramples through. Know what I mean?
But it is all a learning experience and I have had some success (tomatoes, zucchini, potatoes). So I guess I'm learning what really works and what doesn't.

Planning for the Future
Prior to getting sick I set up several direct deposits with my bank to make fortnightly contribution to my utilities, land/water rates and some other regular bills. The idea is that when bills come in they are either paid or almost paid, resulting in better family finances. This is the good news. The bad news is that while I was sick, nothing else got done and my husband did the shopping. (Can you hear my kids whoop with joy over this?). In other words lots of junkfood, heaps of junkfood was bought. The kids were happy. And whats more, much of the 'frozen dinners' and stores I have been saving up, have been used up. Oh well, I guess thats what it's there for.
So this week, it's get back on top of the budget week.

Working for the Future
I ended up enrolling in that Business course at Tafe. It's 6 months full time (I'll be part-time), and will build up and recognise my computing skills. I started last Thursday.

Building Community
Myself and another girl guide leader are helping our guide unit organise a massive garage sale to raise funds for the Victorian bushfire survivors.
I have also rung to make an appointment to give blood.

New Skill
none to report.

Sick

Due to illness I haven't been able to blog, nor have I been able to follow my challenges. :( I'm almost back to my normal self.

I hate being sick.

Because I'm Worth It Update

Possibly to much information, but no graphics. Promise.

Food
Breakfast is still going good. Lunch, hmm so so. I haven't had as much salad in my sandwiches as I would have liked. I guess the biggest reason is that I haven't had salad foods pre-prepared, ready to go in the fridge. I must get on to this. Water intake is going well. I'm drinking 1.5-2L a day and it is a comfortable amount. Snacks...not bad but could be better. I've tried cut fruit, popcorn and muffins. I like the muffins, the popcorn just makes me hungry but the fruit is good too.
Exercise
Oh man do I hate formal exercise. So I thought "hmmmm what can I do that could count as exercise". Which leads me to the 'to much information' bit. Did you know for 1/2 hour of sex you burn 13o calories. Not much but about the same as a half hour walk. And I know which one gets my heart racing more ;) Hehehe. So anyway, hubby is liking this new health fad I'm on and I can say I 'exercised' several times this week.
On a more serious note, I have been trying to make an effort this week and although it's still not 'work up a sweat' exercise, it's better than nothing.
Thoughts and Actions
This week I got my eyebrows waxed and I've booked an appointment for my legs to be done too. It's funny how I baulk at spending $10 on an eyebrow wax, yet don't think anything on a $30 splurge at Spotlight..... But as I've said before, this challenge isn't about loosing weight. It's about feeling good about myself. Tomorrow I'm going to the city with a friend to shop for something to wear on Sunday for church. The kids are being massed baptised and I want to look nice up there in front of everybody.
I've cut out several 'projects'. But haven't been able to finish anything yet (see other update post). Will post pics of creations when I've completed them.

Goals for this Week
*Continue moving. Try and get in 2 walks with the kids.
*Get my legs waxed.
*Continue with healthy breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinking water.
*Eat 1 super healthy dinner.

Back to Basics Update

In The Garden
Sown: None to report
Transplanted: More sunflowers, Giant pumpkin, tomatoes
Harvesting: Potatoes, various herbs
Applied a soil wetting agent to back lawn. It's looking very sad, and not surprising with the heat wave Perth has been going through. General weeding.

Planning for the Future
I borrowed a copy of 'Peak Oil Survival' by Arie McBay, and I have been reading through that to see what self-sustaining changes we can make around our home. I'm entertaining the idea of enrolling part-time into a course at TAFE. It's only 3 hours per week, and it is in Business Administration, which would really help me not just to have my skills certified, but in helping me do my husbands bookwork better. Enrolment is next week.....

Working for the Future
Tidying up around the house continues. Cleaning out the pantry, using up old/forgotten food. Still sewing away. Making clothes for winter and also handmade gifts, so they are on hand when I need them. Made some games (Bingo based), for the kids to help them in language areas that they aren't so good at.

Building Community
Gathered up some clothes that my daughter doesn't need to donate to a family in need.

Because I'm Worth It Update

Week Two! been and gone. Wow that went quick, here's my check in:

Food
Again, a couple of slip ups but some progress too. Breakfast is going well and I'm eating a healthy lunch too. I've added more fruit to my diet and my water intake is up to 1.25 (a water bottle size) per day. In fact my body is craving that water. Yesterday I went out and left my water bottle at home, so from 9am till 2pm I didn't drink any water, and had such a terrible head ache by last night.
I've cut my tea and sugar (in the tea) right down. In fact, I'm consuming around 3 tsps of sugar now instead of 6-8 tsps. If I continue this for a whole year I will be cutting out 5kg of sugar from my diet. Pretty cool hey.
I'm not doing so well in the snack department. As soon as 3-4pm hits I'm ravenous, so this week I'm investigating healthy snacks. I also need to be better prepared for when I go out. I need to remember to take my drink bottle with me and I need to remember to take healthy snack/lunch alternatives, so I'm not forced/tempted to buy unhealthy food.

Exercise
Arrgghhhh. I hate exercising. It's set to hit 40 degrees today. Only crazy people seek out exercise in that sort of weather. I bounced on the trampoline a few times, and walked to the deli for milk instead of driving. But again nothing to be proud of.

Thoughts and Actions
I've started on a multi-vitamin supplement this week. Just a general all rounder. I've also been cutting out sewing patterns and getting a list of projects happening. I don't generally sew clothes for myself, I never look like the chick on the pattern envelope. So I've banished the self-hate talk this week and I'm determined to make stuff for me. One item of clothing that is a must is a hat. The essence of this challenge for me looking after myself as a whole. I could loose all the weight in the world, but it wouldn't really matter if I'm looking old and crusty because I don't wear a hat or apply sunscreen.

Goals
*Cut my sugar content in my cups of tea to 1/2tsp.
*Find some healthy snack alternatives
*Be prepared when I leave the house. Make taking a water bottle just as important as taking my purse.
*Include 3 x 30min exercise sessions in my week
*Apply sunscreen and wear a hat if I go out in the sun.

How did your week go?

Just Tricking You

I had an interesting conversation with my son (he's almost 8 years old) which started off with him asking why does Cricket Australia advertise with KFC if KFC is a sometimes food, and if all the cricket players ate KFC they would be big and fat.
I was so proud of him as, it lead on to me pointing out that many foods and products are endorsed by characters and famous people. He commented in a rather annoyed tone "But they are trying to trick me into buying stuff"
Finally! My parenting is paying off and he realises why I refuse to buy many of these products.

Then today we had another conversation about slogans and jingles and how companies use them to try and get you to remember their products, and we had a go at making our own.

I'm not anti-advertising or against slogans and the like, by the way. But I'm not a fan of companies using children to manipulate them into pestering parents to buy stuff.

1 down, 3 more kids to go :)

Back to Basics Update

Another slow week. Swimming lessons is now over, so I'm hoping to get a bit more done this week.
In the Garden
The seeds I've sown from my last post have germinated (mostly) and coming along well. The sunflowers will need to be transplanted this week though to a sunny spot. They are in jiffy pots so that should be easy done.
Harvesting: More zucchini, tomatoes and potatoes.

Planning for the Future
We (my husband and I) have been discussing future plans for our house. We live in a 4 x 2 home which, size wise is fine for us at the moment. But it concerns me that when the kids get to their teens they will be living on top of each other, in particular my daughters. They share and their room size is not big enough for single beds (they sleep in bunks). I want all my children to stay at home as long as they need to, and I don't want them to feel they have to move out because they need privacy or space to study etc. I had to move out of my home when I was 16 and support myself and it was so hard sometimes. So we've decided on a long term goal/plan. Our goal is to re-visit this issue in 5 years time. By then we will have no debts (apart from the house) and should have a sizeable savings account. Then we look at renovating and extending upwards. My husband is a roof carpenter, his dad is an electrician and two good friends of ours are plasterers, so the cost of this project could potentially be greatly minimised. And my husband has done many of these sorts of projects so he knows a great deal about doing ourselves.

Working for the Future
My husband has been given a whole heap of pavers, so we can pave a section in our backyard that is to shady for grass and not ideal for garden beds. We have also been cleaning out broken junk that can't be re-purposed, as it is almost bulk rubbish time in my area.

Building Community
Continued to clean out old children's clothes. Borrowed out the crib :( (My baby is growng up so fast). Acquired some more age appropriate toys for my baby in return. Set some dates to babysit so a friend doesn't have to pay for daycare, and so my kids can have a play.

Learn a New Skill
Learnt how to gather properly! I was very pleased with myself!

I'm Feeling Proud

Today I witnessed an older gentleman topple off his bike, stagger a little, then collapse. So I pulled over and offered assistance. He was disorientated and had a medic alert bracelet indicating he was diabetic. I called the ambulance then and continued to give 1st aid. Fortunately he didn't pass out as a) he was bigger than me and I'm not sure if I could of managed him and b) My baby was in the car with the air con running. But all in all I feel proud of myself and hopefully the gentleman will have a good outcome.

Because I'm Worth It Update

From Family

Before Shot! Please don't mind the 'around the house clothes' or the toys or the baby.

Week One
Well week one has been good, several positive changes but also a few slip ups. But overall I'm happy. I think I need to set my goals out though, so they are more measurable. At the moment I'm feel what I'm hoping to achieve is a little vague. So here is a update;
Food
I've eaten breakfast each morning for 6 out 7 days. I feel much better by mid morning and I'm not getting a 'oh my I'm going to pass out if I don't get a sugar fix' feeling by lunch time. I've tried to have a healthy lunch, but I still need to work on this. I've cut down how much tea (and therefore sugar in my tea) down to 3 cups a day (3 tsps sugar). I'm also getting in the 6 glasses + of water too. I have slipped up a few times though. I have had take-aways twice and I've had 5 x 500ml iced coffees this week. So thats something I need to work on.
Exercise
Hmmm does it count as an excuse that we have been having 35 degree + days and thats why I couldn't formally exercise this week? Ok, probably a crap excuse. It has been hot, so instead of sitting on the beach during swimming lessons, I have made an effort to get in the water for a splash. I really need to work on this area.
Actions and Thoughts
I've been reading up on tips and ideas on dieting and healthy living and I have started to implement some of them. I've switched to low fat milk, I've started having a glass of milk with breakky (it helps fill you up), I've made an effort to have pre-prepared salad foods in the fridge (sliced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, grated carrot, all in containers) so I'm more inclined to make a healthy sandwich and I'm trying to get in the habit of carrying a water bottle with me.
Week 2 Goals
*Continue with breakfast, healthy lunch and drinking water
*Cut out the Masters Iced Coffees
*No excuses, exercise for 30 min x 3. Minimum.

Back to Basics Update

In the Garden
Sowing
My Diggers Club seeds arrived, so I've got sunflowers (Giant and a variety called Teddybear), pumpkin, capsicum, cherry tomato and corn.
Planting
Eggplant seedlings, marjoram
Harvesting
Tomato, zucchini, carrots
Maintenance
Seaweed extract over all the pots and garden beds, snail hunting, trying to keep on top of the couch grass invading the garden beds.

Planning for the Future
Making a list of friends and relatives birthdays and I'm trying to create a timeline with handmade gift suggestions so I can be prepared when birthdays come around. I have been through my fabric stash and I've mentally compiled a list of ideas for clothes and gifts. Just need to get it all on paper now....
Ordered some fabric from crafty mammas for clothes for the kids including school uniform colours. My kids like to layer there clothes and I can't seem to get long sleeve tops in the right green. So a special buy came up and I've ordered some stretch knit for long sleeve tops.

Working for the Future
Making my mother-in-laws birthday present. Making a bunch of easy but oh so pretty twirly skirts for my girls. Freezing excess tomato's (whole), for use in casseroles/slow cooker meals. I want to have a go at sun dried tomatoes but this week has been super busy with swimming lessons, I haven't had a chance yet. Maybe next week...

Building Community
Discussed with a friend about the possibility in doing a co-op type arrangement with grocery and meat shopping and buying monthly for maximum benefits. We both agreed we can't do it this month (need to save up the money for a biiggggg shop!), but could possibly start in February. In the mean time we are going to look into bulk buying butchers and FAL (they supply IGA in WA).
Doing some cleaning out of kids clothes ready to donate to charities/people having babies.

Because I'm Worth It

Me and 3 of my children on Christmas morning


Earlier I blogged about ditching the 'I want to lose weight' new years resolution and I decided to replace it with the 'I'm going to love myself' goal. Well I've decided to take it one step further and make it a challenge! I have been following Belinda's Back to Basics Challenge and I have found it incredibly motivating.
So I'm doing the "Because I'm Worth It" Challenge. Each week, on Friday I'm going to update my progress on how I am respecting myself, how I'm treating my body and spirit with kindness. All sounds wishy washy I know, but hell, the "I want to lose weight' yearly statement/goal is just not working!

So I've decided to break it up into categories (bit like the Back to basics Challenge):
Food
What I eat, what I want to eat, new foods, new recipe's.
Exercise
Similar to food, and total minutes exercised
Actions and Thoughts
Changing my thought process, how I'm changing my attitude, what little things am I doing to show self-respect.

If I think of more, I'll add them!

So here goes....
Food.
I need to eat breakfast everyday. This is a bad habit for me...the breakfast skipping. This morning I had porridge with a little maple syrup and banana. Also I'm aiming for 1L of water per day.

Exercise
This week the aim is to do 3 x 30 min of exercise per week. My concrete blocks stopping me doing this is the heat. We are in a heat wave of 37 degree days at the moment and I hate exercising when it is hot. However, kids are doing swimming lessons down the beach, I could pop the two year old in the big floaty doughnut thing and just walk up and down the beach. The kids lesson goes for 45 min so I can probably get a couple of 30 min sessions in.

Actions and Thoughts
In my earlier post I said I wasn't going to hide myself when I go to the beach anymore. Well I did it! Twice! I swam in just bathers, I played chasey with the kids, I built sand castles and generally splashed about. With no boardshorts to 'hide' me and without venturing out to the deeper water to 'hide' my body. It was very liberating!

Check out Lizards Tips and Tracy's Journey .