Sunday 31 July 2011

Getting to know me

Getting to know me is something you may not to want to do lol. I came across a meme idea posted by a blog called Empty nest,and thought what a good idea so here goes.

1.  Whats you favorite flavour of ice cream?

Well ice cream was never my vice and I could take it or leave it. However, saying that in recent months I have found that I really enjoy a nice ice cream. My fave flavour is chocolate and even more so if it has nuts or chewy bits. I hate frozen yogurt which my husband likes, for me its full fat creamy ice is the way to go.

2. When you travel do you pack too much or not enough?

Well I think I pack the right amount that I need, although I think we always take too much and end up not wearing half of it. My husband on the other hand is a nightmare and would take the whole wardrobe if I let him. So what I do is let him pack then when hes not looking I take half out again lol. He never misses it and as yet has never mentioned he had lost out by it.

3. Whats your favorite cleaning product?

I love bleach spray as it cleans so good. However,I have killed so many of my clothes as the bleach sprays out on them and I end up with white patches. Other than that I don't care what the product is as long as it does the job.

4. What is the longest car journey you have ever taken?

Well I thin that would be a couple of years ago. As a treat for my 30th wedding anniversary my husband took us to Edinburgh . He thought it would be best to drive so we had the car but all I can say is "never again". It took about 10 hrs to drive there and I would not do a long drive like that again in one hit,

5.Tennis, golf , canoeing or bike?

Well golf is not something I have ever tried before. As for canoeing I like to see someone with my size butt getting into a canoe!!! A bike is something I used to like but the roads are so busy these days Im not sure I would risk it.

6. What sound drives you crazy?

Lots really but I hate it when my husband bites his finger nails ahhhhhhhhh

7. Insert your own thoughts

For the last year its been weddings and more weddings, so it has crossed my mind what will I do with all my time. I hope I will get back to my own things like my craft and my patchwork.
So I hope you have enjoyed getting to know me a little better and if you would like to join in and share you answers I would love to hear them.

Saturday 30 July 2011

MRI fun!!!!!

MRI fun ....... or not. Sorry I have not done a blog post for a few days. Last week was so busy as the weeks to the wedding slip past. Plus on top I had to go to the hospital to have a MRI scan which for me took a lot of courage. I had on top a 5 hr round trip drive to get to the hospital and it seemed to take ages and ages.

I have always had problems with tight spaces, or crowds of people since I was child. I have found that as I have got older its got worse. I don't think anyone can understand this fear unless they suffer like me. You know its totally unfounded at times, but your mind plays such tricks its very hard. I'm not sure if it came from my mother who was totally in fear of elevators and I can't count how many flights of stairs I have climbed up in the past., when i was younger. This could have started my personal fears and its grown with age.

I had a full body MRI last year and I ended up in tears! I laid in the machine and tried to relax and keep calm but  the longer I was in the worse it got. The assistant was less than helpful and got a little cross when I said I have to come out now. I did get through but it left me with a terrible fear, so when the MRI word came up I thought oh no.
They told me I would be fine as I could go in feet first but I was still very nervous. They also said it would only be 30 min so I was ok with that.
However, when I arrived I was told yes 30 mins but on each leg!!!!
So long story short I held it together but it was hard and I really hope I never have to have anothe rMRI  again.
So if you know someone with a phobia, please be kind to them and understand as it is so hard to cope with. I am lucky mine is ok most of the time, but many go through much worse than me.

Tuesday 26 July 2011

cute cats

Cute Cat is just a thing I was thinking  about today. Really I am putting off a job that I really do not want to do, which is make my last bridesmaid dress!!!! So I would much rather think of my own cute cats.
We have 2 cats Cefer ( C for Cat !!!)  and Daisy, both of which I adore

My sweet Cfer


Darling Daisy




. I think they picked me rather than the other way, which is what people say cats do. Whatever way they came into my life its been great having them. We also had another cat Cagney but sadly illness took her which at the time made us very sad. Its amazing how animal or pets come into our lives and how much we get attached to them. I think they can bring comfort as well and if you need a bit of company you can always count on my cats for a cuddle.
So my friends I have put of the sewing long enough and hope you enjoyed seeing the other members of the family!

Have a wonderful day/week whatever you are doing, and love those cute cats !

Sunday 24 July 2011

Wedding Day

Wedding day ...... Those who like to read my blog ( and I thank you) will know I have been in wedding fever for nearly 2 years. First out of the gate was my son Matthew who married the very lovely Karen on the 3rd April last year. They had a most beautiful wedding in a wonderful castle, and even managed not to get rained on!





Then then long after my daughter Natalie got engaged! As with most places these days she found a venue she liked, but they only had one date left in the month of September 2011. So we had no choice but to book. It all seemed like a long way off but I can't believe its now only 8 weeks away !!!!! It has been a huge amount of work for me as I am making all the 8 bridesmaid dresses and its been stress. I am not sure I will know what to do with my time, once all the weddings are done lol.



Then on Saturday 23rd we had yet another Wedding Day! This time it was my son Matthews dear friend Darren who married the super Gina. Matthew has known Darren since they were children and I am sure got up to all the stuff boys get up to. I know they lost contact for a bit but since finding each other again have had that boyhood friendship get even stronger.



This is Matthew on the left and Darren at the Church

Darren is a great young man and I am really pleased he has found Gina, I really hope for all the happiness in the world for them.
I did not see them get married but I did get to enjoy their evening reception which was great. Gina looked wonderful in her dress and all her colour's were coffee and cream. We felt that we had done a tiny bit as a family, with Matthew being best man and my daughter Natalie making all the bridal flowers. For my part I made all the bows for the church which I loved to do for them.
I promised Darren as I left him that I would make him and Gina my blog stars for today, so Darren and Gina if you read this A very happy happy life together and can't wait to party with you at Natalie's wedding xxx

Thursday 21 July 2011

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday ...... Today is my babies birthday and she is 25! I swear I do not know where the years went. It only seems a second ago since she was born. I already had a darling son but it was wonderful to get a girl to complete the family.

Both my children are a joy and even if they are grown-up I still love them so much. When Natalie got older she was totally full of energy that we had no idea how to get rid off. I thought she would enjoy dancing but it was hard to find a school as she was only 3 yrs old. I did and her dancing began and I saw she had a .talent for it and she went on to win many many prizes.

Then at around 8 I found she could sing and I was amazed at how well, and  from there on she went to talent shows and was lucky enough to win some.
As she has grown up her voice just got better and better and I so wish someone would see that but maybe that will never happen. Listen and enjoy her !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9iB4pym9yc

In September she is marrying Robin and we are very pleased as she has had some hard times in recent years. He is a lovely young man and I really hope they will be very happy.
So today is Happy Birthday and even if she is 25 as my mother used to say

"You will always be my baby and I love you"

ps. Happy Birthday my darling niece Emma xx







Monday 18 July 2011

Week at a glance

Week at a glance ..... Ah where do I start! Last week was a fairly peaceful one for a change and I did not feel under huge pressure to do anything.

Sewing ........ As you know if you read this blog I am still plodding on with the bridesmaid dresses! I have made six now and just getting ready to start number seven. Its been a long road to travel I can tell you. I still don't feel they are totally up to professional standard, but they are as good as I can get them. I really hope on the day when all the girls stand together they will look great. I myself will breathe with relief that they are finished.



Friends ........ I am lucky to have had a few and only a few special friends in my life. My best friend is Sue and we have known each other for over 20 yrs. Sadly she does not live close so we do not see each other much. We do talk for ages on the telephone and I really enjoy that. So this was that week and it was lovely to catch up with all her news.
I also had a visit from another friend Pam and we talked about a card she was making and wanted some help. That was great as I love anything to do with craft in general, I am a craft junkie!
As we get older I think our friendships get deeper and mean more. You tend to hold onto dear friends and its great when you have a special friend to share girly chat with.



Diets........ My long term weight problem is something I have spent a life time worrying about!
Last year I had a gastric band fitted and I was full of hope that I would be slim by this summer. Sadly not so but I have lost around 35 pounds in that year, so slow but coming off.
I have been lucky and asked to try out a new product called slimpod. Its a tape that you listen to and it helps change your mind about food. If you check out my blog you will find a full review( www.thinkingslimmer.com)
 Its been 3 weeks and I have lost 8 pounds so watch this space.
I wish I could just be me but I can't! I also need to lose weight to help with all the joint pain so I have to keep going. If like me you are also trying to lose weight, then keep in touch with me, we can do it!



So that is part of my week at a glance ! I hope you all have a great week this week even if summer has gone. I hope it will be sunny on Saturday for the wedding of Gina and Darren, that's something to look forward to.




Friday 15 July 2011

Slimpod Review

Slimpod Review and I am so excited. As you know if you read my blog I am having huge problems with my weight loss journey. So I was very excited when I got the chance to trial a new product which has been developed to help you control your weight.

 



What is a Slimpod?

Slimpods are a series of unique voice recordings which help people to achieve permanent weight loss. Unlike other methods of losing weight, there are no diets, no calorie counting and no willpower required. Slimpods have been developed by Harley Street experts and use modern approaches to the science of unconscious persuasion to gently retune the mind and adjust the way slimmers think about the world, especially in relation to food, health and fitness. Weight loss becomes simple and it’s easy. Slimpods cost £24.99 + VAT = £29.99. That's it, nothing more to pay.

Slimpods have been used, studied and endorsed by Mr Gideon Felton, MRCPsych, a senior psychiatrist at one of London's leading hospitals.

What do I have to do to lose weight?

A Slimpod can be downloaded from the Thinking Slimmer website or bought from us on a CD. At first you listen to the recording for 10 minutes a day for 21 days in a row while the Slimpod begins to work with your mind and cause the weight loss changes you’ll soon begin to notice in your body. Many people listen when they go to bed and fall asleep listening – which is good, as the ears never sleep.




What do I do after 21 days?

You keep listening to your Slimpod for as long and as often as it takes until you feel confident you're well on the way to achieving your weight loss goal. How long this takes depends on how much weight you want to lose. Some people keep listening every night while others find that “topping up” twice a week is enough –everyone is different. Just keep on going until you hit your slimming goal, however long it takes. If you have received a second Slimpod as a bonus - such as Keep Weight Loss Going or Keep Weight Off For Good - don't be in too much of a hurry to move on to it unless you are 100 per cent confident that the first Slimpod has completed its task. If you do move on to the next Slimpod and you feel it's not doing what you expect, please go back to your original Slimpod for another week or two. Sometimes it helps to move gradually on to a new Slimpod, say using it every other day for a few weeks, before making a permanent switch.




Will I lose weight straight away?

Everyone wants to lose weight quickly but it’s not a race. What we want you to achieve is permanent weight loss. Some of our slimmers start to lose

 weight almost immediately, while others take several weeks to start the process. One lady lost 18lbs in her first three weeks – and that was just the beginning. She’s now lost more than 36lbs. Our experience is that most people can lose up to 7lbs weight in 21 days but it is after four to five weeks that the biggest weight loss happens. The average weight loss in tests with a Slimpod is 16lbs over 10 weeks. What you probably WILL notice early on is a series of surprising differences in how much less you want to eat and how much more you want to do.



How does this differ from other weight loss methods?

You’ll find that WordWeaving used on Slimpods is nothing like anything you may have seen on TV, films or the stage: there’s no sleep-like trance, no swinging pendulums, no funny voices or weird music. It’s just like listening to an old friend who has the uncanny ability to influence the way you feel about yourself, your attitude to food and how you look after your body. Weight loss just happens naturally and easily. The technique we use is very similar to one that the NHS recommends, called "mindfulness."
Slimpods have been used, studied and endorsed by Mr Gideon Felton, MRCPsych, a senior psychiatrist at one of London's leading hospitals.



Why are there so many different Slimpods?

People have different reasons for losing weight, so each Slimpod has been tailor-made to help achieve a specific weight loss goal, whether it’s dropping a dress size, dropping two sizes or more, fitting into a wedding dress, losing baby fat or controlling middle age spread. We also have a Slimpod for men who want to lose their love handles and FitPods which make you want to exercise more, such as the Couch Potato Cure. The WordWeaving language we use in each Slimpod or FitPod has been crafted to achieve the desired results so it will not work on someone who has a different reason for slimming.


Why do I need to keep a success log while I'm slimming?


Everyone who has used the Thinking Slimmer method says the success log is

 an essential tool. Your unconscious mind is responsible for most of what you

do

 (or don’t do) every day. Completing your daily success log just before you

 listen to your Slimpod will accelerate the weight loss process by bringing

 to the attention of your mind the differences you want it to make. The more small

successes you

 record the more there will be, as your mind shifts towards a state of permanent, positive change about your relationship to food. Slimming is about believing, not depriving yourself on a diet.




slimpod and the lovely gentle voice of Trevor for around 2 weeks now. I have found it very relaxing and always fall asleep and wake out hours later, with the earphones digging in my head! I must say I was not at all convinced it had a hope in hells chance of working for me. I have had a long story with dieting good and bad. Last year I had a gastric band and I thought the future was bright. At first I did lose weight but then it slowed to almost nothing. I felt sad and very embarrassed as I had told people and I felt they thought it had been a waste of time.
So although I was not sure I did as asked and listened to my slimpod every night.
Well I am pleased to say I have stuck to my diet and in the last 2 weeks I have lost 8 pounds!!
I have no idea if its diet or the slimpod or both but what ever it is it seems to be working. I feel in control again and I will be continuing to listen every night and fingers crossed this time I will get to goal weight. I would say buy a slimpod and give it a go , its working for me.



I did not receive any payment for this review only the use of the slimpod




Thursday 14 July 2011

.The gallery.... Travel

The gallery theme this week is Travel. I would not say I was one who had travelled a great deal but I have had some super holidays in a few countries such as America (who I adore) and Italy, Germany, France and Spain to name a few.
I have to say my most happy travel memories are of England in fact Cornwall.
During the second world war my mother who was from London, was in the Land Army and was posted to Cornwall. Her love the area grew from that and she would dream of living there one day, and escaping our town life. My dad loved the heat and we mostly went to spain.

My mum loved to camp and was never happier than when she was in the tent ! This picture I have picked is one such cornish holiday. This tent was our first proper one and my mum made all kinds of things to hang around to hold bits and pieces. We had a practice run before in the garden putting it up and then set off. A few days before we thought the holiday was not happening, when mum washed all our holiday money by mistake. I came down to find her hanging up lines of string all across the room, to dry out all the paper money!
My mum was at her most happy when we went camping.
Sadly she passed away when she was 62 but I will always think of this holiday and smile.

Tuesday 12 July 2011

Reasons to be cheerful

Reasons to be cheerful is such a great thing to think about. I came across a blog called "Mummy from the heart" and this lovely idea of talking about your reasons to be cheerful!
What a great idea so I am having my first go and I hope you enjoys them.

1. My family


My family are my joy! I have enjoyed a long and happy marriage to Kevin for 32 years just last week. We were penfriends for a year while he was in the Royal Navy. We met in December 1978. got engaged in Jan 1979 and married in July 1979!!!! We had to over come a lot of bad feeling as many thought we were far too young, and we had not been together long enough. Many tears in the early times but over time people began to see we would be ok.
Then in 1981 our son Matthew came along! Oh what a joy he was to us, we wanted a family so much. I found it hard to get pregnant and thought I would never have children, so after two years  Matthew's arrival was a wonderful event. He is 30 this year and we are so proud of the fantastic young man he has become. I think I have a great close relationship with him and he is a so special I couldn't be without him.
Then in 1986 along came Natalie. She was my family complete one boy one girl. A very different person to Matthew, she was very out spoken and got me in to trouble more than once . However, I would not change her she is just as special as her brother and I love them both so much.
Natalie has the most wonderful voice and I am so proud when I hear her sing.
I'm also lucky to have 5 wonderful nephews and one niece and that is also  family reasons to be cheerful.





2. My sense of humour!


My second reason to be cheerful is my sense of humour. In the last couple of years but health has not been so good. I have very bad arthritis which is getting more wide spread as I get older. I am often in pain and if it were not for my happy sense of humour, I think I would get very depressed. I know I get told I talk to much, and for that I am sorry but no one can say that mostly I am not a happy person. I try to put on a brave front but its not always easy. So if you know someone who like me has a lot of pain, cut cut them some slack at times, as its not always their fault.



3. Blogging


My last reason to be cheerful is blogging! My niece over at Mama syder is a excellent blogger. She told me I should start and at first I thought she was mad. I had no idea why you would want to or what one would write. I did not think anyone would be interested in me or what I had to say.
I went along with her and after a false start got into it keenly earlier this year. I must say I have found things to say, and surprise surprise people to read it !!
I have just turned 53 so I am proud I have learnt a new skill and also how much fun it is. I have "met" so many nice new friends and meeting more each day.
So thank to those who bother to read my blog I really love to read your comments and visit all your blogs as well.







Reasons to be Cheerful at Mummy from the Heart

Friday 8 July 2011

Wedding Anniversary

Wedding Anniversary well for me I have had a few , in fact yesterday was my 32nd wedding anniversary! When I look back its scary how fast all those years have passed. We met as we were penpals and I wrote to Kevin for nearly a year, as he was in the armed forces. When he was due home on leave he asked if we could met up. My dad was not keen and said only if he comes to the house. When he arrived I looked into his big brown eyes and thought WOW.
Within a month we were engaged (Dec) and by Jan 1979 we were married. Lots of people said we were too young and it would not last. So every wedding anniversary I laugh and think of what they would say now. Don't get me wrong there are times when I could kill him, but I still love him after all this time.
So Happy wedding anniversary Kevin.

Wednesday 6 July 2011

Baby's day out!

Baby's day out was the idea that Tots 100 asked and although its been awhile, I can still remember that first time. My son Matthew is nearly five years older than his sister. She was born in July and that year Matthew started school for the first time.


It was all very exciting and Matthew could not wait to be grown-up and at school. Then the school dropped the bomb shell that he had to come home for lunch everyday for one term!!
Well we lived a good 20 min walk each way from the school and they only got one hour. I could not afford to take him to a resturant and I thinking what on earth was I going to do. Natalie was only tiny and still on 4hr feeds and I had no one who I could leave her with. First couple of days we tried to feed her and run up to the school get home, have lunch and run back but everyone ended up worn out and miserable.
So as the weather was good I hit on the idea of a picnic! I would take Matthew to school, come home and pack a bag with baby bottles and food for him a nice blanket and drinks. We lived very close to a large open park so it was easy to walk from the school. Matthew loved it as he felt like it was a fun day out, he could run around and be a boy and I got to relax with the baby. It was cheap as we  had the same as we would have done at home, and it was fun. I was lucky the weather held but the point is that you don't have to always throw money at a trip out.


Long as you are prepared you can get out with a young baby, even if you are on your own. If you are lucky to have a park near by a nice walk is great. As Natalie got older I would give them a bag each and we would collect things, like leaves and flowers and grass. Then when we got home I would lay newspaper on the kitchen floor and we would make pictures. I used to use stuff like pasta shapes and potatoes with paint to make patterns. I even used to make flour and water glue when money was really short.
Free trips like this can be fun with your children, and even though mine are long grown-up we still have all the wonderful memories. Enjoy your Baby's day out what ever you do!
Pop over to Tots 100 to see more ideas
http://www.tots100.co.uk/2011/06/15/tots100-june-blog-hop-babys-first-day-out/

Monday 4 July 2011

Dr. Who stag night!

Dr. Who stage night! What am I talking about ? My son's friend Darren is getting married soon, and as best man it fell to my son Matthew to organise the Stag night. Darren is a huge syfy fan and loves the time travelling show Dr. Who. He never misses a show and really loves everything about it.
So for his stag day Matthew first had them do a Marine commando course, were they got to be soldiers for the day and charge around like boys like to do lol.
Then in the evening they dressed Darren up as the Dr. and they rest dressed as Daleks the Dr's enemy.


They looked so fab I had to share with you today. A great time was had by all I think and well done to Matthew for giving Darren a Dr. who stag night  he will not forget.


If you are reading this and thinking who or what is Dr. Who check out for more information!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/classic/gallery/dalek/07day.shtml

Saturday 2 July 2011

Let it snow !!!!!!

Let it snow....... "What" I hear you yell at me... Its just turned July and Happy 4th July to all my American friends by the way, and summer is here. I know people think I am totally mad but I really don't enjoy summer.
I hate being hot and sweaty and feeling worn out from the heat. I am not one to sit in the sun as I get bored to fast if I do.
I think a lot comes down to body image really. I have struggled with my weight for years, its been up (now) and down (a while ago) but never to were I was totally happy. Summer is fun if you are slim and can wear nice tops or dresses but when  you are heavy  you feel totally exposed for all to see.
So I love winter, see I have said !! so shoot me but I do. I love big comfortable sweaters and coats, warm gloves and scarf and a warm fire.
This picture was taken in my front garden just before Christmas last year. We had a fair amount of snow in the South East of the UK and this was just after a big snow fall.
I know the cold weather can cause some people problems but I just can't help loving it.
So forgive me for reminding you about the cold and for those who do enjoy summer have a wonderful one! I will be waiting to say Let it snow again.