Time waits for no one

And just like that it's 2017.

One thing I have realized is that time does not stop. Ever. With all the busyness that happens in day to day life, it is all to easy too get caught up and suddenly life has raced on by. Never was this more evident than in my own life.

Between my darling husband finishing his studies and starting up a new business, and me returning to full time work, there has been little time to stop and breathe, never mind reflect. Which brings me to my next endeavour..to find space to breathe within our busy lives.

Our dear wee boy, is now not so wee. He is a big seven year old, and rapidly approaching eight. Imminent adolescence is terrifying!! So every moment has become precious. Enjoying each other, building memories and making time for laughter is my priority.

Work is just a job, and while I adore the children that I work with, they too are but ships in my night. My priority is my family, and I will be working towards having my life reflect that. 

Bisous xxx

Endings, beginnings, and finding the status quo...

2014 began with all the enthusiasm I could muster, and full of promise. But within the first two weeks, it became increasingly apparent that this was going to be a challenging year, but that is not to say not without personal growth.

I began my Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education this year. I am a fully registered qualified primary school teacher in my little corner of the world, and I have had many people ask me why I feel the need to retrain - well, many reasons really, but probably the most important for this post is that it is something I am passionate about and will give my family and I quality of life. Anywho, whilst putting my student hat firmly back upon my head, the proverbial hit the fan...my best friend, who has fought a long and hard battle with brain cancer lost her fight. This in the same weekend that my new, beautiful nephew was born. Yup, rollercoaster ride right there! 

So in amongst all the drama unfolding right around me - I learned a few things:
1. I have the most amazing, supportive husband who I love beyond words.
2. Our family is beyond amazing in the support they offer us.
3. I made the right decision to return to study and put my family   first.
4. Life is far to short to take anything for granted.
5. I have some amazing friends who I'm so grateful to have in my life.
6. I need to start looking after myself, making myself a priority.

So in light of number 6, this lovely little blog is about to take a rather drastic shift. To reflect my mindset, my aim is to create a positive, pro-active environment in which to change my current health profile, and mental outlook. I need to lose weight, about 30kg is left, give or take. I need to get my body back in tip top condition before we attempt baby number 2 in 2016. This to me, means physically, emotionally, spiritually..pretty much from every perspective. 

So if you want to join in along with me..I can be found on myfitnesspal with the log in of calesmama. Add me if you wish, and we can take this journey together. There will be tears, tantrums and laughter I can assure you..but the end result is so worth it, I am determined to make it happen. For everything I am, have, have lost, and will gain..let's do it!!!

Liebster Nomination!!

Recently I received a nomination for a Liebster Award from Ms Kate @followingmoonshadows. I haven't written a post in a while, so thought this would be a great one to kick off with!

The Liebster Award is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. What does Liebster mean? Liebster is a German word meaning dearest.

Here are the rules for receiving:

1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves.

2. Answer the questions that the tagged set for you plus create 11 questions for people you've tagged to answer.

3. Choose 5 people and link them in your post.

4. Go to their page and tell them.

5. No tag backs!

My eleven things:

1. I was born in Hastings, New Zealand, a gorgeous wee town on the East Coast, most famous for their amazing fruit and sunny climate!

2. I am chocolate mad! If only we could just survive on this food group ;p.

3. I am the Mama of one beautiful preemie boy - he's three now and you'd never guess the rough start we had.

4. I love les mills aerobics programmes, they are very addictive!

5. I am a food channel junkie, thank goodness we don't have SkyTV or I'd never get anything done!

6. I taught myself to crochet, and love it!

7. I cooked my first roast at age 11, with the help of my wonderful mum, who was out the window gardening whilst giving me instructions and answering my multitude of questions!

8. I am one of 3 daughters, and I love my sisters very much!

9. I put on makeup when I feel poorly to make myself feel better.

10. I still co-sleep with my boy from time to time, and I adore waking up to sleepy cuddles.

11. I am awaiting stomach surgery at the moment, can't wait until its done!!

My questions I was tagged for:

1. Do you online shop? And if you do, what is your favorite site to buy from? All the time! Mostly trademe but other than that it would be www.beautybliss.co.nz

2. Who is your favorite author? Jodi Picoult

3. School us with a great quote. There are no strangers here, only friends you have never met.

4. Tell us about your blogging style. Relaxed, friendly. I write a lifestyle blog for lack of a better description.

5. What are the last 5 books you have read and enjoyed? Belle, the storyteller, secrets, sorted!, rushing woman syndrome.

6. Are you a dog or a cat person? Cat

7. Describe your high school uniform in depth? A pleated red and navy tartan skirt, white long sleeved shirt, red tie, navy v-necked jersey, navy blazer, worn with navy tights and black shoes.

8. How many hours a week would you spend on Facebook? Far too many! Probably about 15?

9. Where is the best place you've ever visited? Grand canyon!

10. Summer or Winter? Summer!

11. How do you feel about my nomination of you for this? Very honored, you've put a smile on my face Ms Kate, thank you!

My 5 nominees:

1. Hello Petal

2. Creating childhood memories

3. Emerson-j handmade

4. Life of Sheta

5. Pie and Bear

And now my questions for you!

1. Tea or coffee?

2. How do you spend your quiet time?

3. If you could go anywhere in this world, where would it be?

4. What is your vice?

5. What did you write about the first time you blogged?

6. What is your preference, dressed up or casual?

7. If you could have 5 people come to a dinner party at your house, who would they be?

8. What was the last movie you saw at the cinema?

9. Who was your childhood crush!

10. Describe your best breakfast.

11. How do you feel about my nomination of you for this?

I hope to be seeing you all again very soon.

Arohanui xxx

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