Diet and Life

Diet and life ...... well that's a full subject. I am nearly 54 and I think I had spent most of my life worrying about my weight. I have had times in my life when I have been very thin and a lot larger. I have put a huge amount of time and money I guess into weight loss, or not!
I have tried every diet and fitness programme known to man. Some have been successful and some not.

My daughter often tells me to relax and not worry so much, but its hard to change a habit of a life time.
Plus for me it goes beyond how I look now, its more about comfort and health. I have a few health problems which are made worse by carrying too much weight. I hate the way I look and feel and it really does effect my self confidence.

I tend to dread summer as you have to uncover yourself from the lovely protective coat. I constantly worry I will have bulging bits popping out all over. I hate to think that people think of me as " that fat lady", as I am much much more.

I even had a gastric band 2 years ago which did not work. All it did was reinforce my sense of failing and knock my confidence even more. I felt embrassed and sad and unhappy.
A few months back I was given the chance to try a new system called a slimpod. In simple terms its a download that you listen too everyday. The guy who does the talking is called Trevor and his gentle, relaxing voice is a dream.

The main point of this is to stop trying to diet and make simple changes to your life style. I found myself more relaxed and not so stressed. I still have to watch what I eat and recently being trying a simple 123 diet which seems to be working. So I am not putting pressure on myself to lose 100 pounds by July, more a slow pace steady weight loss. I must be doing the right thing because I have lost 21 pounds since Christmas!

So do not put too hard a course on your diet, relax try the slimpod and www.thinkingslimmer.co.uk and take your time.
I will let you know of my progress at the end of every month and if you are trying to lose some weight also, I would love to hear from you.

Fancy dress Memories

This is a picture of my two children when they were small. We always went to holiday parks when they were small, and always took part in the fancy dress contest. This year they went as famous UK celebrities that were around at that time. Matthew went as famous UK boxer, Frank Bruno and at that time he was in an advertisement for a brown sauce! And Natalie went as Anneka Rice who was on T.v at the time. They did not win but I think they look great !

Forces Tribute to the Queen

Forces Tribute to the Queen is what I am many other sat to watch today. Celebrating her diamond jubilee, its the first of many events to mark this amazing landmark.

The Queen for 70 years has always had a very special relationship with her troops. She has a deep interest in the forces, and their families. I do think the affection is returned from them, as she represents all they stand for.

So the day started grey and misty, but as the some 20,000 people arrived the sun came out.

The town of Windsor looked wonderful with the Castle taking centre stage. Windsor Castle is in fact the oldest occupied castle in the world, and it had its best to show today.
I smiled to see a tiny girl sitting on her dad's shoulders, waving her flag she looked so excited.
The troops headed by the Royal Navy matched in closely followed by the Army and Air force. As they passed the Queen it was eyes right! Perfect arms in motion, evidence of hours of practise I am sure.

The parade then went on the long march of 1/2 mile to the arena. The sound of bagpipes and 20,000 people cheering and waving flags. As the troops entered the area it must have been a proud moment for the families and friends.

3,000 strong group of people. All lined up , perfectly straight for the Queen. Medals shining in the sun.

Then they performed the Drum Head Service, which is used in the field of battle. Drums are placed on top of each other to form an altar . Laying down the colours (the flag) to finish the effect.

Then the Queen arrived waving and looking happy. She was wearing a beautiful turquoise coat with purple accents, she always looks wonderful.

She was greeted by a fanfare and the Royal salute. The service then took place with messages of support also added. In the Queens speech she talked of how she cared for her troops and families and as she finished three cheers went up.

 And then the bands played again. What a wonderful sound, added to by a choir the sound swelled up into the air.

As the fly past went over the Queen was delighted by their formations of the number 60 and ER , it was such a great show of skill.

I felt very proud to be British, and with Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory, the event was almost complete.

They finished with a fly past by the Red arrows display team, flying in a diamond formation, with red,white and blue smoke.

All in all it was very stirring! A wonderful forces tribute to the Queen on her diamond jubilee.

And no rain!

 Images from the BBC

Twilight Review

Twilight Review today as I just saw all three recently. I had not been interested at all as I thought it was more aimed at teenage viewers. Then it came on the television and to be honest there was not much on so I watched it.

I have to say I was more than surprised that I really enjoyed it very much.
So just to run over the plot for those among you who have been in a cave for years!
Its a classic love story of star-crossed lovers Bella and Edward, who are 17 at the start. However, Edward has a dark secret, he is a vampire.

As the second movie "New Moon" Bella finds she is tested as she is now brought into the world of werewolves, who are enemies of the vampires.
In the last one I watched  the movie was called " Eclipse" and in this one Bella is surrounded by danger and she is forced to pick between love for Edward and her friend Jacob, who is a werewolf.

I know the next movie is out but as yet I have not had a chance to watch it, but I shall ASAP.
It can be all to easy to disregard a movie or book just because of preconceived options. Really we should not do this and by reading or watching something first, it could be opening your eyes to an area you would not have normally had an interest in.

I am nearly 54 and I really enjoyed the sweet and often scary love story of Edward and Bella, and the world of Jacob. I was well acted and had a great story line that had you interested all the way through.
So if like me you have not watched it, then get it soon as its worth it. Twilight was an eye opener for me and I am glad I did not miss it.

Chocolate Layer Cake

Chocolate Layer Cake is a lovely recipe I thought I would share with you this week. I recently made it for a church fund raising event, and it sold straight away. The lady who bought it came up to me the following week to tell me  how nice it was. It takes a bit of time but its easy and really yummy

Makes two 8 inch cakes which can be sandwiched together to make one layer cake.

230g dark chocolate
170g butter
350g light soft brown sugar ( although I used white as it was all I had)
3 eggs, separated
370g plain flour shifted
1 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1/2        "    salt
500ml milk
2 teaspoon vanilla extract

To Decorate
Chocolate buttercream or Vanilla

Heat oven to 170/190 or gas 5. Grease and line tow cake tins

Break chocolate into pieces and put in microwave bowl. Melt on med for about 30 seconds . Or you can put bowl over simmering water until melted. Put to one side till cool.

In a big bowl cream butter and sugar until mix is smooth. Put egg yolks in a separate bowl and beat them for several mins. Slowly add the egg yolks to butter and sugar and beat well. Add the cooled chocolate and beat again.

Mix flour, baking powder, bicarb and salt in a separate bowl. Mix the milk and vanilla in a jug. Add one third of the flour to the creamed mix and beat. Pour in one third of the milk and beat. Repeat until all the flour and milk is mixed.

In a clean Brown whisk the egg whites with clean beaters until soft peaks start to form.
Carefully fold into main mix using a metal spoon. Do not beat as you will lose all the air. Divide between the two tins and bake for around 30 mins.

Remove from the oven and leave to cook for 10 mins before turning out on a wire rack to cool.
Once cool sandwich the layers together with butter cream and cover top with more.

Can be wrapped in clingfilm before icing and keep at room temp for up to 3 days, or can freeze.

Its really nice and I enjoyed making it.

Recipe from Cupcakes from the Primrose Bakery cook book.

Another day !

Another day started my day with my second art class! I so want to turn out a wonderful master piece that in years to come will still be admired! However its not as simple as that. I wish what was in my head came out of my fingers.

People who can really paint or draw make it look so easy, and it makes you think that you can do the same.
I am a creative person and normally it comes easy to me, so when painting did not it was a bit of a shock.
Saying that I don't think I would give up as I hope that I can turn out a semi good picture in the future.

I think everyone should have a go if you want to , and it should be fun and relaxed.
So my little work of art may not make the Tate but it will be mine and I will be proud of it.
I found this picture on google images so sadly not mine! When I am brave I will post one of mine!

vote for me

I am very pleased that I have been nominated in a couple of awards. I am sure I will not win as there are so many delightful blogs, the competition is high. The latest is Salisbury's family blog awards which I would love you to vote for me in, if you enjoy my blog.
So wish me luck and I will let you know if I have any success.

http://www.sainsburysbank.co.uk/moneymatters/articles/carandtravel_exp_opin_family-blogger-network-competition.shtml