20 Day Cleaning/Organising Challenge: Prechallenge Task 2

Task 2: Cleaning Kit - Organised Housewife

Ok, this was a biggie... and a fun task!  Have I mentioned how much I love planning and organising??

Well, today I got to go shopping for cleaning supplies and putting together a cleaning kit.  Admittedly, a lot of the stuff I already had at home, and rather than spending money on stuff that we already had that was similar, I decided to make that work in my kit and then as that runs out I can see if I want to make the switch. 

 

Now, I have included a couple of things in my kit that aren't on the list.  One being garbage bags for the multitude of bins we have around, another is some wipes for the tv, and the other being toilet cleaner! lol

 

I already had the blue carry tub, and before that I had a grey one... forgetting that I now have a blue one, I bought a grey bucket... I do have to admit how much I love things to match, so there is a little tinge of annoyance... but I am trying hard to ignore it... hahaha!!

 

 

The list did also say 'toilet discs' but in truth... I don't like them!  I prefer the toilet bloo.  I am also curious as to how the mirror wipes work.

 

I do love all of the wipes that have come out - I think that they make life a lot simpler, but... I can't help thinking about the environmental impact... I feel the same way about ziploc bags! lol!!

 

Rather than a mop and bucket (which the list recommends), we have a steam mop, so I will be using that instead.  We also have a little dyson hand held mini vaccuum cleaner (kinda like a dust buster), I think this could be used like the 'stick mop' she talks about.

 

 

 

20 Day Cleaning/Organising Challenge: Prechallenge Task 1

Preseason Task 1: Organised Folder - Organised Housewife

Ok, so I have finally been to the shops and started my preseason tasks for this challenge... You know, I never thought I would ever be 'excited' or 'looking forward' to cleaning... crazy stuff!!

 

I have been considering the possibility of doing before and after photos... but in truth, our house is in such a state at the moment, I think I would just be too embarrassed!  That's awkward isn't it?

 

Anyway, the first preseason task is to get a folder and set it up with some dividers so that when we need to print out lists/routines/notes/etc it will be all ready to go and pre-organised.

 

Lucky for me, I just happened to have a spare small A4 folder left over from uni preparation early this year, so it has now been converted.

 

 

Losing Myself

I haven't actually written a post on here for almost 2 weeks now, don't get me wrong, I have written quite a few in my head, but I just haven't actually sat down to get it all out there.

 

My life right now is filled with all of the typical kinds of stuff; uni, work, cooking, cleaning finding time to study, exercising, meal planning, running around after a 4 year old and sorting out general life stuff...

 

It doesn't seem that unusual to other posts about where I have been, except this time I think that every aspect has been kicked up a notch or two... and I am exhausted.  In truth I kind of feel like an empty shell, or a zombie... just getting on with it all and trying to keep everything all in check...

 

Admittedly... I have to admit... I don't think I am coping really well... at least not according to all of the inner dialogue of crap that I have running around in my head.

 

It's not any one aspect in particular, in fact, it's nothing, and it's everything...

 

My eating has improved considerably over the last few weeks and I do actually feel better, not sure if it's physically, but I know at least mentally I feel better just knowing that I am taking control of that situation.  The last couple of days though, I will admit, haven't been that crash hot, and have included a bit of comfort eating. Exercise wise, I have been to the gym at least twice a week over the last month or so, but I am just not 'feeling it' so to speak (at least mentally/committedness) so as I have mentioned previously, I have now decided to forgo the gym membership and focus on exercising 3 times a week at home.

 

I always have a warning sign of when I am upset/not coping/struggling/whatever and that is cleaning... I am in no way a tidy person.  I can admit it... I don't like to admit it, but it's true, it's the one virgo trait that I just didn't seem to inherit.  However, the last week or so, I am just feeling anxious and I feel as though I can't relax or clear my mind while the house is untidy or out of order.

 

Luckily for me, the universe has provided, with the "20 Days to Clean and Organise Your Home Challenge" that I came across on Facebook... and right now... I need some kind of order lol.  And the idea of having an organised house is exciting (see... virgo! lol)

 

Anyway, just thought I would get this out of my system and let you all know that I am still here... I'm just not quite sure where 'here' is! lol

Mmmmmmmm Banana & Passionfruit Smoothie

This has been a favourite snack of mine for a long time.  I find it's an easy way to get the fruit intake in, it's delicious and filling! and I'm pretty sure it's also low GI (don't quote me on that though!)

So, really quick and easy recipe!  Ready??

1 banana, chopped

1/2 cup skim milk

1 tub Nestle Soleil Passionfruit Yoghurt

Combine all incredients and blend (I use a stick blender)

For those on Weight Watchers, this is equal to 2 ProPoints

For those counting calories, this is equal to 180 calories

Pretty good hey!!  There are so many different combinations that you can try.  These are some of mine:

• Skim milk and Nestle Soleil Strawberry Yoghurt with frozen mixed berries and a banana
• Skim milk and Nestle Soleil Cherry Yoghurt with fozen mixed berries
• Skim milk and Nestle Soleil Strawberry Yoghurt with passionfruit and mixed berries

Are you kidding me?!

I just came across a link to a product for new mums... a breastfeeding friendly shake diet..

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!

Now, let's face it... I am not skinny, I haven't beaten all of my demons and I am not a nutritionist (yet!!), but I just don't get shake diets!!!  I never have, and I don't think I ever will... I just don't know anyone who has success with a shake diet and been able to maintain their weight.... plus... don't they miss real food?!

I get that people want to lose weight, but I personally don't believe in the quick fix, no food options...

Just had to share my shock on this one... but right now, I don't think I can put my thoughts into words...

I've been meaning to write this post all week!

I keep coming up with topics to blog about, but actually getting in here and doing it is another story!!

The last week has been a little hectic.  I have been off to the doctors to get some stronger antibiotics for an infection that has come back and uni has also gone back, so I have been trying to get ready for that... and attempting to get back intot he swing of things and set up some good study habits... which hasn't gone as well as I would have hoped.

Over the last week I have also been tracking propoints in a half-arsed kinda manner, so yesterday I started doing it properly.  Over the last week though, I have been noticing more of what I actually have been eating... and some of it really suprised me!  Not only what I was eating, but how much!  Portion control people!! lol I have already upped my fruit and veggie intake, which is one of the reasons why I love Weight Watchers, because it really does help me work those in.

Up until last night I had been tracking at home, using all of the books and tools here, but last night I decided to sign up for the 2 week free online trial, to see what will work best for me.  I have to admit though, that while the tracker does look pretty and it can be easier to search for food items, it's really not much different to just tracking at home, so depending on how I feel about it in 2 weeks time, I might just go back to tracking at home.

I have been trying to figure out the best format to do it in, At Home, Online or Unlimited (meetings), my way of thinking at the moment is that it's all pretty much the same... either way it is up to you to eat the filling and healthy foods, exercise and to track it all.  For what I can do at home for free, it does seem a little silly to pay $30 a month to use an online tool (especially when I have access to the forums anyway), or $65 a month to use both the online tracker and to attend 4 meetings. Maybe it would be different if my motivation was gone? What do you guys think??

One funny (or not-so-funny) thing I found out last night is that since my last WW weigh in in July last year I have put on 18.2kg... that's about 1.5kg a month!  I keep having what my friend said to me roll around my head "But... You were so strict!" and right now that is a really big motivator...

I weighed in this morning at 103.8kg, so not the greatest, but considering my half-arsed attempt this week, I'm happy with that 300g lol. The scales are still going down!!

I also went back to the gym yesterday, I did mean to go on Monday, but I had to cancel that due to some funky side effects from the antibiotics, but I was feeling ok yesterday so I just did some light exercising (treadmill, rowing, bike).  When I got home though, I had so much energy!  After the gym I ended up; doing the groceries, cleaning the kitchen, cook lunch, make a loaf of bread, bring washing in and do some gardening!  However... after all that I was pretty exhausted lol!!  But WOW!! It felt so awesome to have all of that extra energy!!!  Go exercising!! lol

I had to share this picture with you all... it's something I need to remind myself of constantly!

Weight Watchers 14 Day Free Trial

Hi All

Further to my post this morning, I thought I would share this page with you for a 14 Day Free Trial at Weight Watchers (Australia (not sure about New Zealand)) for the online stuff.  Just in case you were interested at all, this way you can give it a go :)

Just remember to cancel it at the end of the 14 days so that your credit card doesn't get charged if you just want to try it out.

Feeling a little better...

Well, I think all of those annoying TTOM hormones are now under control again and I don't need to be so damn sooky!

After my outpouring the other night I just felt so much better having getting it all off my chest. Over the last couple of days I have been thinking about what needs to be done, and what can be done to help me more. So, I have pulled out my Weight Watchers books and I have started tracking my eating using this tool.

What I do love about this program is that it's really just like calorie counting and what I have done in the past, but it really puts a focus on "Filling and Healthy Foods" (fruit, veggies, dairy, etc) which are basically foods that aren't processed.  It seems like a small thing, but for me it really does help with my mindset as I have already found it easier to focus on these kinds of foods and look at how to incorporate them in my diet.

It has been different this time around to do it all 'manually', when I have done WW in the past I have been a member and used the online tools (basically a tracking diary online which is really useful - especially the search function! lol), but I have my tracking book that I didn't use last time, so I have started writing in that.  If I had some extra money, I think I would sign up for the Unlimited option again, mostly for the accountability of weighing in there and having that constant reminder once a week (like a bit of a goal I suppose), plus the leader was so lovely and supportive.

In my last post, I asked about forums, well, it turns out I still have access to the forum on WW, so that is pretty cool.  I have already put a post up as an introduction and to ask for support - which I have already recieved in bucketloads! The thing that I do need to do (or try to do) is to actually speak out more when I am upset or worried or something on the forums or even on this blog.  I think that when I am feeling down I do tend to just shut myself off from the world and just bottle it all up, and not wanting to worry anyone. I need to be a bit more out there.

When I first started WW I joined up with a friend (and then we both did 12WBT together too lol), so last night I sent her a message to let her know that I had pulled out my old books again and was going to start again.  Depending on how things go, we might end up doing it together again. In the meantime, she has suggested that maybe we have our own 'meetings' basically where we can catch up and give each other support and ideas.

A few weeks ago I had the idea of counting calories again, in truth... this failed... hopefully counting 'propoints' will be more successful... I'm not sure why, but I just feel a little more confident about the propoints as opposed to calories. Nuts, right?!

Now, I have another confession to make... I have been considering the idea of getting rid of my gym membership.  I love going, but it's just not happening at the moment, and that's $52 a month that could be used towards something else.  Right now, I am not convinced, or should I say, I feel guilty for cancelling it.  I think what I might do though is give it another month and see how much I use the membership.  Uni goes back next week, and I will have pretty much half days everyday.  Hopefully I can get my butt into gear and pack my gym bag everynight and just go to the gym on the way home.  My other option for if I stopped my membership was to exercise at home using the Your Shape: Fitness Evolved 2012 on the Xbox, which I do love! And going for walks (something I admit that I am not good at doing!). One day I would love to get back into bellydancing, but I think that might be a little further off.

Now, I am actually 2 weeks late with my stats, but rather than waiting another 2 weeks, I figure I will just do them now.  I will need to get a photo taken (hopefully I remember tonight!) and I will update the "Progress Page".  This morning I weighed in at 104.1kg, so a little up from last week, but considering its TTOM and I haven't been eating the best, I'm good with that.

So Many Thoughts...

I have so many thoughts running through my head tonight, and I feel that if I can't get them out... I may explode... so I apologise in advance if this post makes no sense... It will teach me to let it go so long between posts!

Ok, where to start... I guess first off, let's start with some happy news!  Last night I put the order in for the Blueberry Iced Tea dress (goal dress).  Now before anyone get's to excited, no I haven't made goal, but I do need a dress for the wedding, and it does need to come from overseas, so I have put the order in... in a size 3XL :o  but, according to the site and my measurements, that's the one I need (fingers crossed).  I took everyone's votes into consideration and I did get the blue dress.  I have also made one Dew Point shrug, but I am unsure if I like it (it's in a teal/silver) and I am currently working on another one in a mauve kinda colour - but I will post pics when it arrives.

Things are starting to calm down around here (although that could also be because I now get a weeks holiday from uni) since the break in, so I feel as though I can finally get my headspace right again... but... once again I am just feeling so overwhelmed by the whole task of it... Tonight I caught up with a couple of friends (both of which I met through my previous weightloss journey), and one of them mentioned how she can only focus on 2 things at a time in her life, and right now, it's work and uni... On one hand it's such a relief to have heard her say that... means that I am ok in the fact that I seem to only be able to focus on 2-3 things at a time too... and then things slip, or I stress...

One of the hardest things for me is finding the ability to accept my limitations... I want to do everything, and I want to do it now!! I don't know how to do so many things at once... how do I focus on being a uni student, part-time worker, a girlfriend and 'step' mother, weightloss, friend, visit family and also find some time for me... I don't want to plan every moment of my life... how do I make everything work in a comfortable happy balance...

Tonight I was reading the July Weight Watcher's magazine (I found time to finish it lol), and I just love the success stories in there... I love hearing how people lost weight without crazy diets and all that... I love how motivating the magazine is... and let's be honest, it's a great marketing tool, because everytime I read one, I always consider signing up to WW again... tonight though, I actually went onto the website...

I don't know if it's because I am feeling desperate, or if I actually think that it would be beneficial... if I am being truely honest with myself, I think that I do want it to be that 'magic pill' that I try to avoid... I think I am feeling desperate right now... I think I want to find something that will work, with minimal effort required (mentally and physically), but I know that is not me and I don't want that...

I think what I am looking for deep down, is support... I miss being in a forum with people helping me.  I miss the accountability I used to have, and I was thinking that perhaps the weekly meetings may help keep me on track... Another friend during the week was absolutely shocked when she found out how much weight I have put on... "But... you were so strict!!!  I just don't understand how it could happen??"

Yeah... me either....

I don't want this to be another whiny post... but I think that it is a bit of a cry for help...

Someone please tell me it's possible to juggle so many things in my life and still be able to lose weight... I feel like I have lost myself... I think she is burried somewhere under all this fat... with all of my energy, will and motivation...

I am trying to find a forum of supportive people out there... I am on Calorie King (but I find the people on there a bit too judgemental, not all but enough that I have avoided posting in there for 3 years) and I've cancelled my membership to My Fitness Pal (for a few reasons), so I don't want to sign up on there...

In all honesty, over the last couple of months I have seriously considered starting up my own forum... but I wasn't sure if there would be anyone else there but me... haha! Anyone interested?

Right now, I think my first step is to start meal planning again and trying to find some structure... I need to find some healthy meals that hit some good nutritional requirements but will still be eaten by B and Miss 4... Any tips for sneaking in some veggies??