Polly dolly - Picnic at Numinbah

Our favourite picnic spot is at Numinbah Valley at Bochow Park
We often take the dogs for a swim, it might mbe chilly for a swin but the togs are always packed in. 
Sledge loves going to this park, we often have many picnics here. 

My place and yours

 My place and yours @ HelloOwl

This weeks theme is what's on your keyring?

School Keys: 3 USB's (I used to have 4 but one broke), a highlighter, a sharpie, a small pen, WW Clicker Tracker, Keys to the classrooms, one whistle, A black pen, a purple pen (used for my marking) all on a jetts laynard as the school's laynard is too long. 

My house and car keys: Should have all my WW thingos on it but no where has any WW keyrings (they are on order). Car key to my Zippy little red Toyota Levin ZR (I have smart start so they spend the majority of time in my handbag), my set of partners keys to his Hilux Ute, Toyota Keytag, green house key, garage key, screen door key, No idea key, Mum's house key.

Boring I know but all the other keyrings I have had I've lost and or broke.

{I know... get of the damn computer!}

GIVEAWAY!

I almost forgot to draw the winner of the Giveaway!

The winner is:

Kate

(I will be in contact with you to get your address)

Congratulations!

A kick up the @rse!

 {image from: http://shannonfit.com }

Okay I need a good kick up the @rse, this week other than doing the 20km road ride on Sunday and 10km Mountain bike ride on Monday. I have not done one iota of exercise (other than my 10000 steps that is). I have gone straight for the PC upon waking and getting home from work. NERD! Yes; I am a HUGE NERD! I am an Information Technology Teacher.

So what am I going to do to alleviate the no motivation and the computer chair butt?

A CHALLENGE (in true top gear style)

I will: 

• Go for a run
• Do one of the many fitness DVDs
• Go to Bodyrock.tv and do a Zuzanna workout
• Wake up and turn on the Lifestyle You Channel and do the My Workout
• During ad breaks at night while watching TV do sit ups and push ups
• Walk more around the classroom
• continue to run the stairs at work at any given chance

I read today's blog from *Bitchcakes* which rang true; I so need a change, I have gotten relaxed since I hit goal. If I don't up the anti now I will easily gain weight. I need to get focused again, set small and realistic goals in regards to exercise.

*bitchcakes* sums it up nicely:

"If you always do what you always did, you'll always get what you always got."

"If you want to see different results, you need to try a different approach. ... If you want to see a change, you have to start by changing something."

That is what I am doing, changing something, changing my attitude and motivation to just get off my butt and do some extra exercise. I used to go to the gym 5 days a week for at least an hour, which included running 4-5km, rowing, stairclimber (boxing when I did PT along with weight training too). I need to make more time for me and at this time it means EXERCISE. I need to love it again. It is amazing what quitting the gym does to your motivation. So I need to use all the tools I have (and I have tonnes) and find some routine that works for me. 

So here I am getting off my butt and doing something....

 

ANZAC Weekend Madness

I have been so busy this weekend it wasn't funny. I got lots of exercise in, some gardening, sewing (my new hobby), some eating and drinking (probably too much for my liking) and time for family. 

Friday Night we had a DECK warming party with the in-laws which we ate copious amounts of Thai food and a bottle or two of wine. 

Saturday I cleaned the house and began sewing, I finished my new bag at 6:20pm; just in time for another DECK party. This time there was pizza from our favourite local pizza place DiPino's. There Pizzas are AMAZING! I should have gotten photos on the deck as you can see Surfers Paradise all lit up and the blue flooring lights really make it a pretty sight. 

Sunday Morning up early for a road ride out the back of Canungra. The mountains surrounding where we were riding were still shrouded in cloud cover (sort of a respect for the diggers that the sun didn't come out until after 9am) it was a beautiful sight. I wish I had taken a photo but I was riding at 20-40km/hour.

Monday, Greg and I had a well deserved sleep in, we then did some housework and gardening and chilled until 3pm where we went for a ride in the state forest. It was harder than usual but there was some fun bits. Dinner at Mum's was the usual stuff, pasta and chicken Moroccan and tiny amount of vegies.

I wish there was more weekend and less working week. Oh well at least next weekend is another long weekend!

100 steps Challenge

For those who have followed my blog for sometime will remember I was doing a 100 Step Challenge with Linda over at I'm Just Linda. We are re-starting the challenge and you are welcome to join in. 

The Challenge: 

1. We take a photo that represents one of the small steps we have made towards health (physical or mental) and/or fitness each day of the week.
2. We post all seven of the previous week's photos on Monday.
3. We can choose to elaborate on the photographs, or let them do the talking for themselves.
4. We don't need to post a different photo every single day of the challenge... perhaps part of our new lifestyle is to go to an exercise class once a week - there's no reason why we can't post a photo of going to that same class every week.
5. In 100 days, we're going to get together and celebrate our achievements.
6. We reserve the right to amend the rules if need be (just in case) - but if we do, we'll let you know.

Week3:

My new sewing machine - very basic but it does what I need it to do.

This week I am also being featured on Blog This as part of their New Member Monday. You can read all about it here.

DONT FORGET to enter my giveaway! 

It closes tomorrow!!!! Read the instructions carefully!

Have a good day!

Sewing Saturday - Buttercup Bag

Today I used my brand spanking new $49.95 Sew DeLite Supreme by Elna to sew one of Made by Rae's Buttercup bags.

It was very easy and cost me about $10 to make in total (minus the sewing machine), her instructions are easy to follow and simple any beginner can follow, I hadn't sewn anything since year 12 Home EC.

I still have a few adjustments and additions to make. I need to sew the handle on and the buttons onto the front, but I ran out of time as we were having another DECK party at the in-laws across the road.

 I fixed the strap by sewing a big X in the middle (I need to practice on diagonals), added self covered buttons with the lining fabric. Next time I will use heavy interfacing fabric on the outer part of the bag to stiffen it up as its really floppy. I will also topstitch the top part of the bag to to finish it off.

I just want to make more now!

I love Georgie love

I have fallen in love with Georgie Love, yes I have. Not only does her new post have Dawson (from the Hit TV show Dawson's Creek) crying in it but also a giveaway. Her store is also awesome. I could browse for hours. The newest jewellery items on the store are from Velveteen Jewellery Design. These are beautifully crafted products.

My favourite item out of the Velveteen Jewellery Design collection is the love letter locket. 

It's cute unique and a little quirky. I love that you can write anything or pop a little photo of your loved one/s in the little brass envelope.

Checkout the rest of Georgie Love I am assured you will find something that is you!

Giveaway and Made it store opening

Morning all. I am giving away a set of little birdy bobbypins, hairbands and brooch in a cute little container. These products are all handmade by us, using quality materials. This is to celebrate the fact that my friend Jill and I have opened a Made it shop. So check out Skinny Minne & Fatty Finn Designs, more items are being added regularly.

To snag this little giveaway all you have to do is be a follower of my blog (if you aren't one become one), answer the question below in the comment section, making sure your email is available on your blog. If you aren't with blogger include your email with your answer. This giveaway will close on Wednesday 28th  April 2010 at 3pm.

What is your favourite way to spend a long weekend? 

Off to the markets - Polly dolly

This little piggy went to market. On Sundays my local community hold a market, it has fruit and vegies, a awesome cheese man, a few crafty stalls, a bread shop with the best smelling bread ever, a spice stall, fish monger and a couple of plant and flower stalls. I love browsing every stall and taste testing a few items too. I usually come home with bags full of great produce. Below is a typical outfit, sometimes I'm not that coordinated. Is there anything special about your local markets?

AWOL

I have been very busy and stressed this week. I actually took Wednesday off from work due to being stressed to go and see my doctor. Due to two things my rude Deputy and this one horrible class.

I am looking forward to the long weekend and the fact I don't have to deal with either until at least Thursday.

100 Steps Challenge Week2

100 steps Challenge

For those who have followed my blog for sometime will remember I was doing a 100 Step Challenge with Linda over at I'm Just Linda. We are re-starting the challenge and you are welcome to join in. 

The Challenge: 

1. We take a photo that represents one of the small steps we have made towards health (physical or mental) and/or fitness each day of the week.
2. We post all seven of the previous week's photos on Monday.
3. We can choose to elaborate on the photographs, or let them do the talking for themselves.
4. We don't need to post a different photo every single day of the challenge... perhaps part of our new lifestyle is to go to an exercise class once a week - there's no reason why we can't post a photo of going to that same class every week.
5. In 100 days, we're going to get together and celebrate our achievements.
6. We reserve the right to amend the rules if need be (just in case) - but if we do, we'll let you know.

Week2: 

1. Found great free exercise website with videos, diet, diary and fitness tips. www.bodyrock.tv

2. New copy of women's health magazine

3. I bought the dress from WW Mag article 1 dress, 8 ways. @ Barkins (limited stock) (not available online either)

4. I bought some cool scarves from Valley girl and a drape cardigan. 

5. This is what was left of the Pumpkin and lentil lasagne from the WW Programme cookbook, even the dog wouldn't finish it off. 

6 and 7. my new shoes from Barkins - Aleks Pumps were $59.95, reduced to 39.95, marked down to 29.95. Last pair in size 5. (I'm either a size 5 or 6 depending on shoe type and make)

8. My cheeky dog Sledge laying on the bed when he has his own on the floor behind him. I suppose the doona is more cozy. 

9. This is my gym now, I also have a fit ball in the garage but it needs pumping up. 

10. A drape mesh singlet from Cotton on for $10 to war over some of my winter clothes, hopefully they aren't too big now. 

11. The crane that made me almost late for work, the deck is almost complete hopefully the stairs and banister will go in today if the rain stays away. 

12. Winter is nearly here, I've got tonnes of slow cooker recipes. This one was beef stockpot, with tonnes of vegetables. It was a little too runny so I will add some tomato paste and corn flour next time to thicken it.

I hope you have a good week. 

point and shoot

I grabbed my camera out and took a self portrait for you in my bathroom mirror. It is about the only place to do that anyway. 

If you would like to join point and shoot head over to {fat mum slim}

Nice to meet you...

Blog this Challenge 41 - shaking hands:

If you would like to participate then you can go here to Blog This.

This Blog this challenge asks us to go about an meet a new blogger, read their blog and review and comment.  

I browsed through the VERY long list and randomly clicked a blog: Mama loves to shop I was immediately intrigued when I saw the header. Even from just looking at the header I can tell that this blogger (Kathryn) is a Sex and the City fan, a mother and is someone who loves to shop.  

The first blog article I came across was Hey Mama, we need you! even though I am not a mama, mother or have any children (other than my students) I felt compelled to join in on a few of the tasks.

• Your Wednesday Wishlist of things from Australian or New Zealand online stores

Well as it is the weekend I am going to do a Weekend Wishlist instead.

Kikki-k {www.kikki-k.com.au}

Cykel set

Marked down to $29.95

 Barkins {www.barkins.com.au}

Peeptoe {www.peeptoe.com.au}

• A Six Picks post - your favourite items from Australian or New Zealand Etsy sellers

Here are my SIX PICS from Etsy and Made it Sellers. 

No real explanation - I just happen to like the items.

 Hand stitched & symbol cushion

@ MADE IT

Blue bufferfly sleep mask

@ MADE IT

Cherry blossom in black antique silver

@ETSY

Stamped silver monogrammed necklace

@ETSY

Card and Index party favor set

@ETSY

Pretty and Preppy 17oz waterbottle with Poppy Parade Blush insert

@ETSY

{All images from ETSY and MADEIT}

If I were a young mother, I think I would find this blog very helpful. As a woman in her late 20's without kids, I do find that I'm at a bit of a loss when it come to things to buy for kids. I mean I have perfectly cute ideas for my best friends daughter but I suppose this will be one to bookmark for WHEN I do have kids of my own. I love the ideas and the consistency of this blog which would be great for busy Mums who only get a few spare moments once the kids are in bed and hubby is watching the TV. I think Kathryn has an inspiring blog for young mums. 

At the moment I'm one of those women who will ooh and ahh over your child then hand them straight back. My experience in childcare and teaching have turned me off having kids at the moment. Sure I want them in the future just not yet maybe in 3-5 years time. So this blog is safely bookmarked until then. 
 

Coffee Talk – Getting Older & Staying Hot (plus my 2 cents)

Last night I was looking for some fitness videos on itunes and I came across Zuzana who does fitness videos on her website http://www.bodyrock.tv/. They are also on you tube http://www.youtube.com/user/charliejames1975. There are tonnes of them and they are easy to follow and she takes her time on doing the reps getting breathing right too. I put my iphone on the TV stand and rolled out my mat and started. I have done 3 videos so far. I started with the beginners workout.

I might even go for a run this afternoon. Have a skinny day!

This week is countdown to my Weight Watchers Lifetime Membership, which I attain on Thursday afternoon/evening. I don't have much money and am madly saving, I am still thinking how do I reward myself or is this just reward enough?

_______________________________________

Coffee Talk – Getting Older & Staying Hot

I found myself going ah yes, so true. I think Zuzana has a great personality which makes you want to workout with her. I totally agree with the quote from Red in Shawshank Redemption (which is my favourite movie too) “You are either busy living or you are busy dying.”

I WANT IT!

This is such a cool work outfit, all from Barkins that I made on Polyvore. 




After flicking through the latest Weight Watchers Magazine I have decided to do a sneaky trip tomorrow to Barkins at Southport.  


I want the dress in the 1 dress, 8 ways article! Its only $39.95.  Awesome!

This months Weight Watchers Magazine (May 2010) has to be the best one yet! It has great articles and Yummy recipes, you have to read it.

Nailz!

Join in on Polly Dolly...

What would you wear/take with you to the nail salon?

Nailz by adalita

• comfy jeans
• a black t
• matching accessories
• lipgloss
• Sunnies to hide from the glare as I leave
• watch to see how long it takes
• water as I get really thirsty
• iphone and earphones incase I get bored
• book and or magazine to read
• fave polish
• card to pay for treatments
• cute wallet

I used to chronically bite my nails for as long as I can remember, I used to bite them so bad that they bled. In the past 2 years I have learnt to not bite my nails. Under stress I tend to cave though but I seriously scold myself for this. My thumb nails tend to grow quickest. I have 1/2 round and 1/2 square it is how they tend to grow so I tend to leave them. I have only had 1 professional pedicure and manicure and 1 set of gel tip nails. I like to do my own nails. I have a drawer full of polishes. I am having a contest with my special needs students in my form class on growing their nails. One of the boys who has ASD is winning. Every morning he shows me his nails. He is 17. it is so cute.

 

Lost...

Image from: http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/l/lost_keys.asp

I was supposed to go for a bike ride this afternoon; I haven't managed to go because for the past few hours I've been looking for my school keys which I thought I left at home this morning. I had a major panic attack when I realised that I have master keys to buildings and my school name tag attached, 4 USBs with assessment and school work on them. I went to the post office yesterday and to the shops I had them on in both places. I rang and both places hadn't seen them. I did take them off but couldn't remember where. I had thoughts where did it go?  I threw the rubbish out and it had been collected this morning. I looked in the car, in the fridge and freezer; all over. I was almost in full blown panic attack when I checked my handbag and school bag again. I pulled everything out and my handbag was still heavy. I checked one of the outside zips I never use and sure enough my keys were there. I swear they were yelling IDIOT! So I am all calm not and less stressed waiting for my 5:30pm weight watcher meeting. 

image from: http://www.offthemark.com

What have you lost lately?

Don't attend the gym!

 
Gyms are dangerous. I fell off a treadmill in front of a student at my old gym. It was so funny. I am naturally unco. Sometimes I even forget to breathe and need to think about how I breathe to start again.
 

Week 2 of the Polly Dolly weekly Polyvore challenge!
Every Thursday Danimezza posts a new Polly Dolly Theme Challenge, this week was gym gear. See the link below for more details

danimezza polly dolly 

I don't go to the gym anymore but I do still workout. I do DVD's run and walk. Every morning I do a workout on lifestyle you called my workout. its a 30 minute session with a yoga cool down included.  I have various podcasts on my iphone and many apps too. so I will never be bored. I also cycle 10-15km a weekend on cross country trails in local bushland. I could be getting a device for my Mountain Bike so I can use it indoors. I have boxing gloves but nothing to box on or with. As long as I'm doing some sort of exercise it's all good.


What do you do?

Deckity deck deck

On Monday my partner was getting the majority of the difficult items ready for the deck at his parents house (across the road). I was running late for work as the crane was over 30 minutes late and then blocked me in. So here is some photos of the deck and crane.

There is still a bit to do and time to go until it is all 100% finished. The stairs, banisters, furniture, landscaping and a few other things need to be completed. You can see from Paradise Point to Surfers Paradise on the deck (Surfers is slightly blocked by palms).

WINNER!

Yay! I won another competition.

Thanks Lou Lou of Buttons by Lou Lou. Check her very cool stuff out!


A few years ago every week I won a competition, from cd's, clothes, gift vouchers, concert tickets, a signed guitar (by silverchair). Everyone was like holy cow how are you doing that? I guess my last name is in the middle of the alphabet and randomly gets picked more.Or maybe I'm just plain lucky!

100 steps Challenge (Week 1) and Point and Shoot

100 steps Challenge

For those who have followed my blog for sometime will remember I was doing a 100 Step Challenge with Linda over at I'm Just Linda. We are re-starting the challenge and you are welcome to join in. 

The Challenge: 

1. We take a photo that represents one of the small steps we have made towards health (physical or mental) and/or fitness each day of the week.
2. We post all seven of the previous week's photos on Monday.
3. We can choose to elaborate on the photographs, or let them do the talking for themselves.
4. We don't need to post a different photo every single day of the challenge... perhaps part of our new lifestyle is to go to an exercise class once a week - there's no reason why we can't post a photo of going to that same class every week.
5. In 100 days, we're going to get together and celebrate our achievements.
6. We reserve the right to amend the rules if need be (just in case) - but if we do, we'll let you know.

Okay clockwise from the top (not in daily order):

New seedlings. I planted these seedlings earlier in the week. I threw out my basil which finally died (I think it was over watered, by me, my partner and the rain) You should know I am utterly hopeless when it comes to plants. I can grow weeds successfully and kill everything else. So I'll keep you updated on my new green thumb. My partner said he would chuck out any plants that I kill and that it is up to me too look after it.

My best friends daughter who is 6 with my dog Sledge who she adores. She even named a toy dog I gave her Baby Sledge. I love her to death, she has had so much emotional up heavel in the past year it's not funny. Her Dad practically kidnapped her after a drop off in 2009. Then accused my best friend of abusing her daughter and refused to return her. Many mediations and court hearings later she is home with her Mummy. Her father allegedly has brain washed her telling her that he mother hurt her and hates her. She is getting better now with very few tantrums, and is seeing a counsellor this week. I hope everything works out for them both. It drives me nuts and I just want to cry about the whole situation.

On Saturday my mother-in-law gave me some vegetables and some FREE wine glasses. A great surprise.

Wednesday I made Mexican Pizza the recipe is a few blog entries down if you are interested. 

Wednesday morning I got my hair done, this is my reward for getting to goal. I feel more confident with new hair colour.

Thursday-Sunday my weight stayed at 50.6kg, which is great but I think too close to the bottom of my HWR for my liking. If I sit somewhere between 50.5 and 51.5 I will be happy. My goal for this week is for my weight to plateau. I only have 2 more weeks until I get my lifetime membership (squeals), so I hope that everything settles.

My awesome package from Linda, thanks again. I should be getting some more packages this week from some online purchases.  So I can make some items to sell.

Now because daylight saving has finished the show I exercise to in the morning is on earlier (I miss the repeats as I'm at work) so I will do the workout then have breakfast later. I wish I could afford one of those recording things for the pay TV.  But sadly I'm supposed to be saving like crazy.

My partner and I have found a love in liqueur coffees. This coffee is with a 1/2 Frangelico shot. We have also become fond of Ambra which is an orange liqueur, the coffee tastes a bit like jaffas. 

Point and Shoot
Chantelle at {fat mum slim} with her point and shoot

I took a few photos on the weekend but nothing too interesting. So here is some of the cool architecture at my local shopping mall, Robina Town Centre. I went and had morning tea with my parents on Friday. I took this while I was waiting as I got there rather early. The whole centre has really cool furniture pieces of funky architecture, next time I go I'll find something else cool.

Never Say Never

This blog entry is inspired by the article Never say never @ Weight watchers.

So here goes:

I NEVER thought I would eat vegetable and actually enjoy them.

I NEVER thought I could run 5km.

I NEVER thought I'd get back to my ideal weight.

I NEVER thought I'd fit into size 8 clothes again.

I NEVER thought I'd feel confident and happy like me again.

I NEVER thought I'd love exercise.

To date, I've lost since 2008 23.8kg. This equates to a Makita compound saw!

I would like to thank the new followers I've gotten in the last week, thanks for the nice comments and the follow. 

Thank you to everyone who has commented - I read them all (sometimes more than once)