My organised self..

I'm an organising junkie, I'll confess it. In fact, I'm really not happy (or functional) without my organisational system. I'll explain why..

Part of my PND profile was being completely overwelmed by any decision I had to make for myself. I literally wouldn't get dressed if I had to make a choice about what to wear, wouldn't cook if I had to decide what to cook etc...well you get the idea. I was completely non-functioning. I tried many different ideas to get me moving and at least having a little success throughout the day, lists (which stressed me out beyond belief!), lucky dip jars, text prompts, alarms - you name it, I did it!

Then I stumbled upon the idea of a homemaker's folder. Now, the idea of a homemaker is wonderful but the terminology just didn't sit well with the feminist in me. So mine became my Family folder. I found this blog post by one of my favourite bloggers  Clean Mama - it details how to set up such a binder. Being in my "I can't make a single decision mindset", I copied her binder as closely as I could. I purchased her printables and printed away to my hearts content. 

What I discovered was this.. I could arrange the folder so that I could only see one day's activities at a time. This helped me not to become completely overwelmed with what I had to accomplish that day/week/month/year/decade...yes, I struggled with breaking things down into smaller, achievable amounts.

I started with the cleaning system,and once that was working for me I started meal planning..what a revelation!! Not only was I saving money by only buying what I needed to cook with (reducing waste), but for 30 minutes anxiety I no longer needed to make any decisions regarding food for the rest of the week. And as time went on, I could recycle previous meal planners so that I didn't have to think about it at all!!! Wooohooo!!

Now these day's I'm in a much better headspace. Lists no longer freak me out, and I can make decisions, set time frames and feel successful. But my family folder lives on, and as I discover more things I want in it, it grows and grows. I LOVE Clean Mama for forever changing my life for the better!

Biscous

xx

The difference a year makes..

I am absolutely blown away by the difference a year makes. I am referring to me here, but it goes without saying, that it makes a huge difference in my Monkey too!

This time last year, I was not at all well, despite thinking that I was incredibly well - if that makes any sense. I was in the process of weaning off my anti-depressants and very unhappy with how I looked, and where I lived. Venlafaxine is an awesome drug for PND, but it has some very unpleasant side effects. Namely blowing me up like a life size balloon, gunking up my liver with all sorts of substances and clouding my brain.

Fast forward a year, I love where I live! I have the most gorgeous view to wake up to everyday,and a sensational path to run/walk to my hearts content! I have lost 24kg and although I'm only about halfway on my journey, I am stoked with my growing confidence and fitness levels.

I really do live in the most gorgeous corner of the world!!

Stormy day comfort

I don't know about you, but I personally love a good storm! It makes me want to snuggle down and create a comforting safe place from what is happening outside..and thus my inspiration for tonight's dinner was born.

I have linked to this recipe before, but seriously, if you haven't tried it, then you need to!

http://www.healthyfood.co.nz/recipes/2006/november/tagliatelle-with-baby-spinach-and-bacon 

I ventured out for a jaunt around the estuary this morning, luckily I got out and back before the storm hit!

xxx

Back on the healthy eating bandwagon..

Yesterday, I sat down and looked through my meal planner, and was horrified!! Out of the 11 days of November, we had (and I'm a little ashamed to admit it) eaten 5 takeaway meals out of 11!!! My stomach churned at the thought. And so began much healthy meal planning, and a subsequent grocery shop!

Tonights meal consisted of:


Apple Slaw:

1 quarter of a cabbage, finely shredded
2 carrots, grated with the skin on
1 red apple
1 half a cup of sultanas
1 half a cup of chopped walnuts
Combined with 3 tablespoons of quality mayo.


Tuna Patties:

1 large tin of tuna in springwater
1 small tin of tuna (sundried tomato and basil flavour)
2 carrots grated with skin on
3 courgettes grated with skin on
1 clove of garlic, crushed
1 half teaspoon of garlic and herb seasoning
1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
2 tablespoons of japanese style soy sauce
1 egg
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1 cup of flour

Mix until well combined. Add spoonfuls to a nonstick frypan  and cook for 4 mins on either side. 
We had ours with a side of wedges, baked in the oven. Yummo!


Whew! Actually it was a really quick dinner to make, and my family certainly scoffed it down. Day one of healthy eating accomplished. Now bring on tomorrow! Who wants to join me??

xx
Biscous

Determination..

My bad, I know, it's been a terribly long time since I last posted in the bloggy world. Much has changed. I found a job, Monkey started daycare - and LOVES it. I lost my job, and now have the choice of two schools for next year.

My weight loss journey continues, and I am down 24kg! 

So, thus begins my bloggy rebirth.

I hope you find something here for you.. I hope I'm up for the challenge!

xxx