tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52260158478385935622024-02-08T17:27:12.894+00:00Planet JildoJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02688354268582471512noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226015847838593562.post-40714888102592546782010-12-02T18:59:00.001+00:002010-12-02T18:59:07.743+00:00Improvements!Things finally seem to be on the up with my recuperation. Had a really good physio session on Tuesday and she was happy enough with my recovery so far and gave me the green light to go and start doing some exercise again :)<br /><br />So I literally left the physio appt, went home to change and went straight to the gym. And it felt great. I only did 15 mins on the treadmill at a fast walk, 15 mins on the bike and 3 sets of 18 leg presses, but it's all baby steps. I need to remember that my surgery was only 7 weeks ago, and resist all temptation to go hell for leather and end up damaging myself. I'm going to do a week or 10 days of the same very light workout (every other day or so) and then if I have no adverse effects, there's no reason for me not to start back to yoga, do a Zumba class and even some upper body strength training, as long as I keep the weights light for now as it's still very early days. <br /><br />I must admit though, it's amazing how anxious I obviously am subconciously about hurting my neck. I really enjoyed my first session back in the gym, but spent the rest of the day and the day after fretting about every little bit of pain, in case I'd done something to damage myself. Happily though, my pain has been no worse than it had been in the previous days, and in fact, I am now down to only taking one dose of strong painkillers, at night. I'm very pleased with that as it means I've been able to drive again and though I've not been driving far, it's amazing to be able to have my independence back. <br /><br />I wanted to go and do a second gym sesh today, but ended up meeting some friends for lunch instead. So I did some WiiFit, which I've dusted off, just as a bit of light exercise to keep my motivation going, and I plan to go to the gym in the morning.<br /><br />Some good plans for the weekend ahead. Going to see Peter Kay tomorrow night and then lunch and afternoon cocktails on Saturday with one of my oldest buddies. She doesn't go out much as she has two small children so any time we get to spend together is to be savoured over good food and drinkies! <br /><br />Now to spend the rest of the evening snuggled under my fleece blanket, watching the football. Happy days.<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02688354268582471512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226015847838593562.post-60636508620215807222010-11-25T20:44:00.001+00:002010-11-25T23:18:36.804+00:00A few photosAs promised, here's a couple of photos I've taken this week so far.<br /><br />The first few are of my favourite subject to photograph, my gorgeous niece Ciara.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/11/25/1894.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/11/25/s_1894.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/11/25/1895.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/11/25/s_1895.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/11/25/1896.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/11/25/s_1896.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/11/25/1897.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/11/25/s_1897.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />And then I decided to get myself in the Christmas mood by taking a couple of wintery, festive photographs.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/11/25/1898.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/11/25/s_1898.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/11/25/1899.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/11/25/s_1899.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Between the photos and the selection box, I'm feeling quite excited about Christmas now!!!<br /><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><br />Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02688354268582471512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226015847838593562.post-67528944692044771742010-11-25T16:59:00.001+00:002010-11-25T23:17:55.140+00:00Coming of age?Monsoon. Always been a shop that I classed as a bit old for me, a bit expensive for what it is and just not somewhere I'd think of shopping.<br /><br />So if I now decide I like (some of) the clothes I ask myself has it changed or have I changed? Am I turning into an oldie? Am I one step away from getting my hair cut short and a weekly blue rinse? Not that I, for one second, think that people who shop in Monsoon get regular blue rinses of course, but the point I'm making is that I feel like I'm becoming older than I like to think I am. I'll always be 19 in my heart!<br /><br />Anyway, the reason for this startling revelation is that I have bought my first purchase from Monsoon today and am actually very pleased with it. So really I don't know why I'm getting my knickers in a twist.<br /><br />Here it is:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/11/25/1265.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/11/25/s_1265.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />It was one of those ones that looked rubbish on the hanger but then I saw one of the shop assistants wearing it with a belt and cool shoes and it transformed it and sold it to me.<br /><br />In other news, I got given a selection box today for the first time in about 10 years and am as happy as a 4 yr old on Christmas morning, munching away cheerily on various chocolate bars. Simple things. Reminded me how awesome Toffee Crisps are. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/11/25/1266.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/11/25/s_1266.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Further to my previous post about my pact with myself to force myself to get out of the house plenty this week, I am pleased to report I've stuck to that so far. The week started terribly, my sleeping was so awful and I just felt rubbish. But I've still dragged myself out and about, even when I least wanted to. As a result, I've had 2 excellent nights sleep in a row and I feel a huge amount more positive. I was at my first post-op appointment with my surgeon on Tuesday and they are more than happy with my progress, so I guess that's perked me up too.<br /><br />Anyway, I'll stop boring you now as am off to make some mushroom and chorizo risotto for dinner - nom!<br /><br />Taken a few nice photos this week too so will pop back later and share a few of those.<br /><br />Catchya!<br /><br /> Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><br />Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02688354268582471512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226015847838593562.post-71566740763387686232010-11-21T17:54:00.001+00:002010-11-21T17:54:55.017+00:00Come on Jildo!Meh. I really must pull myself together.<br /><br />It's been 5 and a half weeks since my operation and I'm at a stuttering halt in any progress I've been making. Maybe I'm not, but that's how I feel.<br /><br />I'm achy rather than sore if that makes sense, but the worst thing is the complete and utter lethargy. I don't want to do ANYTHING. It's all I can do to drag my sorry ass from bed into the living room of a morning.<br /><br />If I could buy motivation and positivity on eBay, I'd be the highest bidder but I've looked and apparently you can't.<br /><br />So I need to sort myself out! Goal for the week is just to try and make an effort to get out and about a bit more. Ok, so it'll hurt, but I need to start strengthening my muscles up again and sitting on my ass in front of the telly is not a well-reknowned fitness building activity :)<br /><br />I actually have an assignment to do for what I affectionately term 'Geek Club'. It's a photography group set up by a few past students of the same photography course I did - basically they set this group up as all the traditional photography clubs in the area are very competitive and quite unwelcoming of younger, new blood and wanted this to be more personal project focussed rather than competition. I joined up with my friend who I met on my course just as a means if remotivating myself for my photography as it's been severely lacking this year through one thing and another.<br /><br />So I have a mini-project to do for that by next Monday, so that'll give me something to work on this week. I'll share with you as I do it, all feedback welcome!<br /><br />Also this week I have my first post-op appointment with my surgeon. Hopefully it'll all be good news and that will perk me up too!<br /><br />Anyway, enough of the misery and meh-ness, I've off to nom my chilli con carne!<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02688354268582471512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226015847838593562.post-89443333539504599812010-11-16T15:12:00.001+00:002010-11-16T15:12:43.091+00:00Ha! They've arrived!Ooooh. My Ugg biker boots have arrived and are just as fab and comfy and cosy and funky as I hope they'd be! <br /><br />I ended up buying them off eBay from an American seller and getting them for £175 compared to £250 in the UK. I always look into the sellers reputation on eBay before buying anything, particularly expensive stuff, but always still get twitchy in case my goods arrive and are duds. But happily these are the real deal and I thoroughly love them!<br /><br />Here they are! <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/11/16/890.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/11/16/s_890.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/11/16/892.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/11/16/s_892.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I was almost going to say I've reigned myself in from all the online shopping I've been doing lately then I remembered that I bought yet another pair of boots! But that really is IT now!<br /><br />Here they are:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/11/16/893.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/10/11/16/s_893.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />They're from River Island and I thought they'd be cute with dresses and skinnies. Can't wait to get the delivery now. My postman thinks it's hilarious that every day he's having to ring the doorbell to give me yet another parcel hahaha :D<br /><br />Do they do hypnotherapy to stop people shopping?!<br />Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02688354268582471512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226015847838593562.post-34999633290216892542010-11-11T18:57:00.000+00:002010-11-11T18:57:01.556+00:00The rain and some moviesWow! This weather is unbelievable. The rain is absolutely blattering against the window, the wind is so bad the bins are being trailed about the street and it is SO cold.<br />
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So, being off work sick on a day like this ain't so bad. I got up, showered and got into some comfy clothes, cranked up the heating, lit a smelly candle (Yankee Sugar and Cinnamon, a gift from my lovely pals Sam and Lori) and have had chilled out all day. I needed to really, I'm having a bad few days pain-wise, I'm not sleeping well and have just generally felt a bit rubbish :(<br />
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So I've been having a moviefest this last couple of weeks. Watching movies is something I love but don't generally have a lot of time for, so I'm taking the opportunity to watch as many as I can. This point is going to be ruined by the fact I'm crap at remembering the names of movies, but I shall do my best in an attempt to produce a vaguely interesting post hahaha.<br />
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A few I can remember:<br />
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<u>The Hurt Locker</u> - AWESOME. I'm into military stuff anyway but this is just an amazing movie and highly recommended.<br />
<u>Cemetary Junction</u> - I put this on not having a clue what it was about or if it was any good, but actually really enjoyed it. It's a British movie, set in 1973 and based around 3 best mates deciding what to do with their lives. Pretty funny and an easy watch.<br />
<u>Social Network</u> - Didn't expect much of this but really enjoyed it.<br />
<u>The Ugly Truth</u> - Shite. I'm not a great romcom fan at the best of times but I just found this stupid. And Katherine Heigl does my head in.<br />
<u>The Joneses</u> - I'd never heard of this before, it's about a fake family who are employed to live a perfect life to sell their lifestyle, clothes, cars, produucts they use etc to all the people they come into contact with. It was ok, one of those movies where the time passed quickly but the story wasn't really that exciting. <br />
<u>The Bounty Hunter</u> - Rubbish, just rubbish. Didn't even finish it.<br />
<u>Green Zone</u> - A bit disappointed in this actually, I found the story slow and a bit monotonous which is surprising as I do enjoy all things military. Not sure I'd recommend at all.<br />
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I'm sure there's more that I can't remember. I'm watching Inception tonight and cannot wait. I just it lives up to my expectations!<br />
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That's enough of the Film 2010 lecture :) Off to grab some grub and cosy up! Have a nice evening everyone xxJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02688354268582471512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226015847838593562.post-55807811571969713812010-11-10T20:48:00.000+00:002010-11-10T20:48:09.724+00:00Goodies!<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've not bought new clothes for aggggeees so since I'm a bit under the weather I'm using it as an excuse to treat myself (way more than I should!!!). I love winter clothes so much, I love scarves and boots and tights and coats and cardies and all things wintery!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So I've gone a bit shopping mad in the last 10 days and I thought I'd share my haul with you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The most expensive purchase was my new boots from River Island. I needed (needed, you understand???!) some shoe boot style thingies for the winter, something I could wear with skinnies, dresses etc. So I got these:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UKBUBBF-aQU/TNpquNixO3I/AAAAAAAAA1E/m2jKXMm9arc/s1600/IMG_2744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UKBUBBF-aQU/TNpquNixO3I/AAAAAAAAA1E/m2jKXMm9arc/s320/IMG_2744.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.riverisland.com/Online/women/shoes--boots/boots/brown-multi-strap-ankle-boots-594334">Link</a></div><br />
Interestingly enough, on the website they are £125 and they are <span style="font-family: inherit;">claiming they</span> are a Selfridges exclusive, but I got them in the River Island Store for £95! Odd.<br />
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Anyway, next was a few bits and bobs from Top Shop.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UKBUBBF-aQU/TNpr4ae4fII/AAAAAAAAA1I/MA1j_i-eUfk/s1600/IMG_2741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UKBUBBF-aQU/TNpr4ae4fII/AAAAAAAAA1I/MA1j_i-eUfk/s320/IMG_2741.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=1860716&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=230160&parent_categoryId=203984&sort_field=Relevance&pageSize=200&refinements=category~[209730|230160]&noOfRefinements=1">Top Link</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The shorts don't seem to be on the web for some reason.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wore the above outfit with black opaques and my new boots to the Lady Gaga concert last week and loved it. Yes, I managed to totter about in those heels 3 weeks after surgery! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UKBUBBF-aQU/TNpsG9oOUGI/AAAAAAAAA1M/cG8vhED6HhY/s1600/IMG_2742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UKBUBBF-aQU/TNpsG9oOUGI/AAAAAAAAA1M/cG8vhED6HhY/s320/IMG_2742.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2041690&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208524&parent_categoryId=203984&sort_field=Relevance&pageSize=200&refinements=category~[209729|208524]&noOfRefinements=1">Top Link</a></div><br />
I loved this top as soon as I saw it, it.'s open backed so will need a black cami/vest underneath but should be perfect for dressing up jeans or skinnies.<br />
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My final Top Shop purchase was spied in the shop but purchased online and arrived yesterday:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UKBUBBF-aQU/TNpuT9-e04I/AAAAAAAAA1Q/_5XlheYU_oo/s1600/IMG_2737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UKBUBBF-aQU/TNpuT9-e04I/AAAAAAAAA1Q/_5XlheYU_oo/s320/IMG_2737.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=1922800&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208526&parent_categoryId=203984&sort_field=Relevance&pageSize=20&refinements=category~[209750|208526]&noOfRefinements=1">Jacket Link</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Please excuse the dirty mirror complete with mermaid sticker, blame my niece for that! I'm not normally into hooded bomber jackets but I really liked this one, its well fitted and a nice cut.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UKBUBBF-aQU/TNpvLPnqELI/AAAAAAAAA1U/6fSeK-7Af90/s1600/IMG_2736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UKBUBBF-aQU/TNpvLPnqELI/AAAAAAAAA1U/6fSeK-7Af90/s320/IMG_2736.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=1922800&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208526&parent_categoryId=203984&sort_field=Relevance&pageSize=20&refinements=category~[209750|208526]&noOfRefinements=1">Jacket Link</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So then onto New Look where I got this little number for £25:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UKBUBBF-aQU/TNr7iV4nmlI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/NHZnCxS4Tag/s1600/IMG_2738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UKBUBBF-aQU/TNr7iV4nmlI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/NHZnCxS4Tag/s320/IMG_2738.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This didn't come out so well in the photo but it's black with rows of red, blue and yellow tulips. Very cute. This was apparently brand new into the store and doesn't appear to be online. Can't wait to wear it with my red cardie, black opaques and biker boots.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A haul is not a haul without the obligatory Primark purchases of course!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UKBUBBF-aQU/TNr8buX-d4I/AAAAAAAAA1c/PBh9-IMpVds/s1600/IMG_2740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UKBUBBF-aQU/TNr8buX-d4I/AAAAAAAAA1c/PBh9-IMpVds/s320/IMG_2740.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UKBUBBF-aQU/TNr8qW30fkI/AAAAAAAAA1g/OgcsskxQvAk/s1600/IMG_2747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UKBUBBF-aQU/TNr8qW30fkI/AAAAAAAAA1g/OgcsskxQvAk/s320/IMG_2747.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The skinnies are like a khaki green colour and are almost identical to a pair I almost bought from TopShop for £42 (these were £11).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This wee scarf came from H & M and I've hardly had it off me since:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UKBUBBF-aQU/TNr-CnFP0BI/AAAAAAAAA1k/59Ovi11OhRE/s1600/IMG_2746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UKBUBBF-aQU/TNr-CnFP0BI/AAAAAAAAA1k/59Ovi11OhRE/s320/IMG_2746.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And I nearly forgot my jewellery! All from Top Shop:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UKBUBBF-aQU/TNr_4pRsslI/AAAAAAAAA1o/KlsK1pIIwS4/s1600/IMG_2750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UKBUBBF-aQU/TNr_4pRsslI/AAAAAAAAA1o/KlsK1pIIwS4/s320/IMG_2750.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Aren't the owl earrings the cutest things EVER?!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And finally, the purchase which isn't really counted as a purchase as they are going to be my Christmas present from my Mum and Dad. I needed a new pair of Uggs, the old Kiwi Sheepskins I have are about 4 years old and are so rough looking. I'm not a huge fan of the look of Uggs but the comfort and cosiness cannot be denied. So I was planning to just get a pair of the Classic Uggs and then I saw these bad boys:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UKBUBBF-aQU/TNsDSTOKM5I/AAAAAAAAA1s/qTufMfvsdUc/s1600/ugg_australia_kensington_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UKBUBBF-aQU/TNsDSTOKM5I/AAAAAAAAA1s/qTufMfvsdUc/s1600/ugg_australia_kensington_m.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Ugg Biker Boots! They aren't cheap but given my last pair lasted 4 years, I think they're a decent investment. Oh, and I'm not paying anyway - get in! I'm still awaiting their arrival with baited breath, I cannot wait to get my hands on them. Shall report further once they arrive!!<br />
<br />
Phew. I think that's it for now. Now I see that all on one page I feel a little bit sheepish. I'm off to lie in a darkened room and watch Liverpool flatten Wigan. Come on you Redmen!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02688354268582471512noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226015847838593562.post-77323130568548706202010-11-09T20:08:00.000+00:002010-11-09T20:08:15.627+00:00Weird Dreams<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well I'm still in early days recovering from my surgery on my neck and am still taking a load of painkillers, which are making me have even weirder than normal dreams. I do generally remember my dreams a lot, and have some corkers, but last nights was beyond weird. I probably wouldn't read on if you're a squeamish type!</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I dreamt my eyeball fell out. Oh yes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It went like this. The dream started with me looking in the mirror and my eye seemed to swell and just burst out of it's socket, and it had all this gunk attached. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It fell on the floor and I couldn't find it, clearly cos I now only had one eye. I seemed to be in a hotel room with my sister who's a nurse and I was begging her to phone an ambulance but she didn't believe me and refused and kept telling me to stop being so dramatic. She then left and I just kept running to the mirror and thinking 'Oh my god I've no eye!'</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next thing in the dream it was the morning, and I looked on the floor and found my eyeball stuck to a piece of paper and all shrivelled so I ran to the bathroom and plopped it in a glass of water to rehydrate it so I could put it back in my eye. Only then did my sister actually believe my eyeball had actually fell out! </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I woke up this morning so traumatised I got straight up to check my eyeball was ok and I can't stop thinking about the dream, it was so gross!</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sorry to now have grossed you all out but a problem shared and all that mwahahaha ;)</span>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02688354268582471512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226015847838593562.post-75396785837623107332010-11-08T16:20:00.000+00:002010-11-08T16:20:11.158+00:00Well hello, it's been a long time....<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Goodness me, nearly a year!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I started off the year concentrating on my photography and I started for the second year a Photo a Day project and focussed my blogging on that. Taking an interesting and exciting photo every day is much, much more difficult than it sounds, believe me! I'm not one to just take any old photo, I like every photo I take to be pleasing on the eye and before long, as always, life got in the way and my 365 project fell by the wayside! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Anyway, it's been a busy year. Busy, busy, busy. I train Army Cadets in my spare time and it seems to have taken over my life at certain points this year, and certainly between that and my 'normal' job, there hasn't been a lot of spare time for other things. I love my work in the Army Cadets, it is unbelievably satisfying and a huge amount of fun, but my god is it tiring!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">So where am I now? Well, that is a story. On the 14th October I went through my second lot of spinal surgery in the space of 2 years. I spent a very traumatic week in the hospital and am now in recovery at home and likely to be off work until approximately January 2011.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">After the last surgery, I put on the guts of 2 stone in weight which is what prompted me to start blogging in the first place. Myself and some friends were going through a health and fitness drive together and began blogging and I realised it's actually pretty fun and have met some great and interesting folk as a result!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I am going to use my recuperation time to do some things I enjoy. I am going to take some photos, as soon as I feel up to it. I am plotting my exercise programme already for when I'm fit enough to begin exercise again and I cannot wait to do some yoga again. I am spending a ludicrous amount of money on clothes (I blame online shopping) which I might share with you over the next few posts :) I am also enjoying cooking now I have a bit more time on my hands and am trying to eat as healthy as I can to avoid putting on all that weight that I did after my last round of surgery!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Phew. Think thats enough for now. If you're still awake, then well done and thanks for reading!!!!</span>Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02688354268582471512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226015847838593562.post-64524989468455754882009-12-30T15:46:00.000+00:002009-12-30T15:46:57.015+00:00I'm back but in a new form!Hi everyone! I'm still enjoying all your blogs :D<br />
<br />
I've decided to return in 2010, but since I have acheived my weight loss goals, I am going to blog about my photography instead.<br />
<br />
Here's my new link, follow me if you're interested!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://planetjildodoesphotography.blogspot.com/">http://planetjildodoesphotography.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<br />
And if you aren't sure, you can have a browse through my Flickr to see what I'm at:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jill_murray/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/jill_murray/</a><br />
<br />
Hope to see you all soon xxJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02688354268582471512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226015847838593562.post-32813232959806277962009-12-06T19:42:00.000+00:002009-12-06T19:42:34.008+00:00Hello and goodbye....Hello lovely people. I've not been about much, been so busy and just not finding the time to blog anymore. I'm maintaining my weight well so just don't have interesting enough words to bore you all with about what I am and am not eating!!!<br />
<br />
I am still avidly reading all your blogs, so whilst I don't really intend to post much anymore (or for now, anyway), I will still be about and keeping up to date on all your lives.<br />
<br />
Thanks to you all for being so lovely in my blogging life!!<br />
<br />
If anyone wants to keep an eye on me and is on twitter, I'm gonna get active on there again - a bit less thought required than blogging! Follow me... <a href="http://twitter.com/planetjildo">http://twitter.com/planetjildo</a><br />
<br />
Mwah.Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02688354268582471512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226015847838593562.post-87321334248132734132009-11-03T13:22:00.000+00:002009-11-03T13:22:33.239+00:00I am officially..........useless!<br />
<br />
I was so looking forward to these challenges to help me refocus on my healthy eating and exercise and to be fair, it has done that. But I have failed everything so far!<br />
<br />
I have been over calories a couple of days - once by about 350 calories which is my worst ever but other than that only maybe 20 or 30.<br />
<br />
I have hit 5 a day every single day, I have drank 2 litres of water every day so its not so bad.<br />
<br />
No exercise for about 6 weeks now though :( My bad neck is rearing its ugly head again so I've been forced into not going back to the gym to try and get it to settle down again.<br />
<br />
Haven't made my green monster yet either, although I have bought the spinach so I might try it later! I have just been so busy, so so busy and when I am at home I'm so wrecked I can't be bothered blogging.<br />
<br />
Anyway, thats just a quick update. One of these days very soon, I'll be back to routine and updating every day and maybe even being properly healthy again!Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02688354268582471512noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226015847838593562.post-38961930432010042342009-10-29T19:35:00.000+00:002009-10-29T19:35:22.148+00:00Challenge 2 - HmmmmmOk, so last week wasn't too bad but I thoroughly failed the challenge! However, as I said in my report, it helped me focus my mind again which is probably the most important thing.<br />
<br />
This week, I laid off the size of the challenge and cut it back to staying within my calories on a daily basis and making one healthy recipe this week which I haven't made before.<br />
<br />
Now, there are certain things that are going to be a given, which I aim for every day regardless, and these are:<br />
<br />
At least 5 F & V per day<br />
At least 2 litres of water per day<br />
<br />
So any challenges are on top of that.<br />
<br />
And so far? I've failed!!! *rolleyes*<br />
<br />
I'm a bit behind on my blogging so I'm not going to bore you with 4 days of food, but I had a little bit of a wobble yesterday involving chocolate cornflake buns - was only 30 cals over and am still well inside for the week, but it was a fail nonetheless! Ah well, I shall carry on regardless.<br />
<br />
I already know what my recipe is going to be and I have decided I am going to try out one of these Green Monsters I am hearing so much about. I think they sound vile and cannot get my head around them, but so many people love them so they can't all be wrong. I shall let you know how it goes!<br />
<br />
Anyway, hopefully get back to posting my food tomorrow. Oh, and another thing new I am trying as of tomorrow morning is flaxseed - I bought finely milled stuff and have put it in my pancake mix which I just made a batch of, looking forward to trying it though kind of horrified at the calorie count given how much they are telling you to eat each day! Shall report back on that too!Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02688354268582471512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226015847838593562.post-63961331635598544672009-10-25T20:34:00.000+00:002009-10-25T20:34:36.465+00:00Challenge 1 - Day 7 and weigh-in!Another not bad day today. I'm still so high on carbs - that is something I never fully got to grips with last time, I just don't seem to able to get my carbs down to where I'd like them to be ( about 1g per 1kg weight, so about 120g ish a day) but I can improve on where they are at now, so definitely something for me to work on.<br />
<br />
So before I talk about the week, here's todays food:<br />
<br />
B - Breakfast Pancake with banana & maple syrup<br />
S - 3 Nairns Fruit & Spice oat biscuits (if you haven't tried these, you must, they are incredible!)<br />
L - 2 slices wholegrain toast and 3 boiled eggs<br />
S - Granny Smith apple<br />
D - Vietnamese Chicken Noodle soup<br />
S - 50g fresh pineapple<br />
S - Handful of plain peanuts<br />
S - 1 slice wholegrain toast with raspberry jam (emergency snack as am starving!!)<br />
<br />
Am also going to have a hot chocolate for supper as I have had a migraine all day and hope it will help me sleep.<br />
<br />
Drinks - c 2l water, 2 large mugs black coffee and 1 mug green tea<br />
<br />
Calorie Summary<br />
Daily Cal Quota 1697<br />
+ Exercise Cals 0<br />
Total Cal Quota 1697<br />
Calories Consumed 1625<br />
Calories left 72<br />
Cals to Maintain Weight 1947<br />
<br />
Nutrition Summary<br />
Calories (kcal) 1625<br />
Protein (g) 99.5<br />
Carbohydrate (g) 187.3<br />
Fat (g) 53.7<br />
Fibre (g) 21.0<br />
Fruit & Veg 5.0<br />
<br />
<u>Challenge Report!</u><br />
<br />
So I didn't exercise at all this week, so immediately failed! However, I am not so bothered about that as I knew this wasn't a good week for me to be trying to get back into exercise as I started a new job and generally had lots of things on. However, I managed my 5 F & V every day (I think!!) and my 2l of water, and I stayed within calories every day and actually am a whopping 440 calories under in total for the week.<br />
<br />
What I did acheive was to refocus my mind on why I began healthy eating and how much better it is than the alternative. It made me feel good and I want to get back there again, and I don't think I made a bad effort for week 1!<br />
<br />
And, I lost 1lb which I am chuffed about, especially since I weighed in this morning on the day my period started which generally makes me weigh a bit more than usual.<br />
<br />
Watch out for this weeks challenge, to be reported tomorrow :DJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02688354268582471512noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226015847838593562.post-63691043312992169902009-10-25T17:25:00.000+00:002009-10-25T17:25:21.550+00:00Challenge 1 - Day 6Ok so things have been better! I've been a good little girl yesterday and done some decent eating for a weekend. The only downside was polishing off the rest of my G & B mint chocolate whilst Strictly was on but don't think thats too bad for a Saturday night!<br />
<br />
Here's my food...<br />
<br />
B - Breakfast pancake with banana & maple syrup<br />
S - Smoothie with 100g strawberries, banana, 50g frozen raspberries, 100ml orange juice & 1 scoop of raspberry whey<br />
L - 2 slices wholegrain toast with some light mayo, vine cherry tomatoes, salt and pepper<br />
S - Plain peanuts (50g!!)<br />
D - Vietnamese chicken noodle soup<br />
S - 5 square G & B mint chocolate<br />
S - Half portion of porridge with semi-skimmed milk and cinnamon<br />
<br />
Calorie Summary<br />
Daily Cal Quota 1697<br />
+ Exercise Cals 0<br />
Total Cal Quota 1697<br />
Calories Consumed 1690<br />
Calories Left 7<br />
Cals to Maintain Weight 1947<br />
<br />
Nutrition Summary<br />
Calories (kcal) 1690<br />
Protein (g) 99.2<br />
Carbohydrate (g) 195.1<br />
Fat (g) 56.7<br />
Fibre (g) 26.7<br />
Fruit & Veg 6.1<br />
<br />
I did my weigh-in this morning, but I shall keep you all in suspenders as to the result until I post my weekly report later!Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02688354268582471512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226015847838593562.post-2907800447329289242009-10-24T12:37:00.000+01:002009-10-24T12:37:38.884+01:00Challenge 1 - Day 4 & 5Ok so things have been better! I am just going to lay down the fact now though that I'll not be hitting my exercise target. With starting the new job and being so exhausted from that, I didn't put any pressure on myself about that. I am planning to go to spin in the morning though, and I'm hoping that will kickstart my exercise again.<br />
<br />
So Day 4.....<br />
<br />
After an embarrassingly bad Day 3, I reralised I have to pull myself together and get my head round this again. I didn't find it that difficult first time round, so why am I finding it hard all of a sudden! So today i was a very good girl. When the coffee trolley came round, there were slices of cake and I completely ignored them :D And I managed 8.5 portions of F & V - go me!<br />
<br />
B - Protein pancake with banana and maple syrup<br />
S - 100g strawberries & 100g red grapes<br />
S - Activia fat free cherry yoghurt<br />
L - Sandwich with 2 slices whole grain bread with tuna and red onion and 5g of light mayo<br />
S - 15g raw peanuts<br />
S - 2 clementines & Granny Smith apple<br />
D - Pad Thai including a whopping 200g prawns!<br />
S - 2 squares G & B mint chocolate<br />
<br />
Drinks - 2.5l water, 2 mugs black coffee and 2 green teas<br />
<br />
Calorie summary<br />
Daily Cal Quota 1697<br />
+ Exercise Cals 0<br />
Total Cal Quota 1697<br />
Calories Consumed 1568<br />
Calories Left 129<br />
Cals to maintain Weight 1947<br />
<br />
Nutrition Summary<br />
Calories (kcal) 1568<br />
Protein (g) 114.4<br />
Carbohydrate (g) 184.8<br />
Fat (g) 42.3<br />
Fibre (g) 24.0<br />
Fruit & Veg 8.5<br />
<br />
Day 5....<br />
<br />
Now I'm making an effort again I seem to have loads of spare calories, also due to the fact I changed my loss to 0.5lb a week. I might change that back to 1lb a week next week but I'll see how it goes.<br />
<br />
Given I had loads of spare cals, I decided I would have my calorie counted cheat meal tonight and treated myself to a chinese takeaway. it was so beautiful and totally worth the naughtiness. Now I am going to behave myself all weekend!<br />
<br />
For the purpose of my food diary I had to try and use values of chinese food that i thought sounded similar to what I had so it may not be entirely accurate....<br />
<br />
B - Porridge with semi-skimmed milk & cinnamon<br />
S - 100g strawberries & 100g red grapes<br />
L - 2 slices of whole grain bread with tuna and red onion and 5g light mayo<br />
S - Activia fat free cherry yoghurt<br />
S - 2 clementines & Granny Smith apple<br />
D - BBQ spare ribs (dry) and chicken satay with fried rice<br />
S 1 square G & B mint chocolate<br />
<br />
Drinks - c 2.5l water, 2 mugs black coffee and 2 mugs green tea<br />
<br />
Calorie Summary<br />
Daily Cal Quota 1697<br />
+ Exercise Cals 0<br />
Total Cal Quota 1697<br />
Calories Consumed 1675<br />
Calories Left 22<br />
Cals to Maintain Weight 1947<br />
<br />
Nutrition Summary<br />
Calories (kcal) 1675<br />
Protein (g) 124.8<br />
Carbohydrate (g) 194.9<br />
Fat (g) 46.2<br />
Fibre (g) 16.8<br />
Fruit & Veg 6.3<br />
<br />
And today....so far so good! Think I'm going to change back to posting todays stuff today, i'm struggling to remember stuff! So shall post about today later....Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02688354268582471512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226015847838593562.post-91483648448907909372009-10-22T13:38:00.000+01:002009-10-22T13:38:21.898+01:00Challenge 1 Day 2 & 3Ok so day 2 was much better! I was able to eat what I had brought into work and whilst my carbs are a little on the high side, this is better than I have managed in absolutely ages.<br />
<br />
B - Porridge with semi skimmed milk and cinnamon<br />
S - Activia fat free cherry yoghurt<br />
L - 6 slices dark rye Ryvita, extra light Philly, lean ham & sundried tomatoes<br />
S - 100g red seedless grapes, 2 clementines and Granny Smith apple<br />
D - 150g chicken breast fillet with roast veg - sweet potato, red onion, pepper, parsnip & carrot<br />
S - 2 Nairns fruit & spice oat biscuits & 2 square G & B mint chocolate<br />
<br />
Drinks - 2.5l water, 2 mugs coffee, 2 green tea & 1 ginger tea<br />
<br />
Calorie Summary<br />
Daily Cal Quota: 1697 <br />
+ Exercise Cals: 0 <br />
Total Cal Quota: 1697 <br />
Calories Consumed: 1564 <br />
Calories Left: 133 <br />
Cals to Maintain Weight: 1947 <br />
<br />
Nutrition Summary <br />
Calories (kcal) 1564 <br />
Protein (g) 96.5 <br />
Carbohydrate (g) 169.7 <br />
Fat (g) 56.2 <br />
Fibre (g) 25.7 <br />
Fruit & Veg 6.0 <br />
<br />
Day 3 however, not so good. I had a day off work as I had an exam to do, and of course as I was away from the office it all went to pot again. why am I so crap at this???!!!! I did stay within calories but that really was about the only positive thing about the day! <br />
<br />
I am so embarrassed about my food but I am committed to this and will post it anyway! <br />
<br />
B - Protein pancake with banana and maple syrup <br />
L - Soda bread with bacon & fried egg :-o <br />
D - 2.5 beef sausages, small baked potato and baked beans <br />
After that I gave up all together and had a Tunnocks Teacake and 2 meringue nests!!! <br />
<br />
Drinks - 2l water & about 4 mugs of black coffee <br />
<br />
Calorie Summary <br />
<br />
Daily Cal Quota: 1697 <br />
+ Exercise Cals: 0 <br />
Total Cal Quota: 1697 <br />
Calories Consumed: 1663 <br />
Calories Left: 34 <br />
Cals to Maintain Weight: 1947 <br />
<br />
Nutrition Summary <br />
Calories (kcal) 1663 <br />
Protein (g) 85.4 <br />
Carbohydrate (g) 189.3 <br />
Fat (g) 64.5 <br />
Fibre (g) 16.8 <br />
Fruit & Veg 2 <br />
<br />
Whoops. <br />
<br />
However, all is not lost. I am back in work and back on straight and narrow and today is shaping up to be a great day. I even declined a slice of lemon cake this morning! Progress!Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02688354268582471512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226015847838593562.post-39393805192827843972009-10-20T18:20:00.000+01:002009-10-20T18:20:56.635+01:00Day 1 Challenge 1Right, this is my 4th attempt to post as my computer keeps crashing and it is stressing me so much that I want to cry! therefore I cannot face typing my huge post out a 4th time!<br />
<br />
Summary - day 1 was shit. 1st day of work it was just too awkward and I was too tired.<br />
<br />
Kept within calories but that was the only good thing.<br />
<br />
Going before this crashes again - hopefully will be able to post more comprehensively later/tomorrow!Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02688354268582471512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226015847838593562.post-65810025806272865232009-10-20T17:54:00.000+01:002009-10-20T17:54:18.852+01:00A new start! (Mondays post)Well, this post should really be at yesterdays date but I had the wonderful idea (or should I say I copied my mates wonderful idea) of transferring my blog to Wordpress. However I have spent several days trying to work it all out, and make my blog look nice and it just wasn't happening so therefore I'm still here!<br />
<br />
My blogging has taken a back seat in the last month or more, for various reasons. Given I have had a 2 month break between jobs, one would think I'd have had loads of free time but no! I've had no time whatsoever! For the same reason, my eating and exercise have also been rubbish.<br />
So today (Monday) I started a new job, and what better time to have a clean slate on my food and exercise as well.<br />
Healthy eating really is so much easier for me when I have a routine. I set out in the morning what I am going to eat, bring nothing to work but a healthy lunch and healthy snacks and there is no option to stray! Apart from the first day scone bought by your boss, which you can't really say no too, of course....:S<br />
So my lovely friend Stella http://stelladoeshealthyeating.co.uk/ came up with the idea of our little gang (JAG http://www.jagsfitnessblog.com/, Ivana http://ivanablogalot.blogspot.com/, myself & Stella) and anyone else who fancies it carrying out a series of mini-challenges. The 4 of us have spent the best part of 2009 supporting and encouraging each other through some serious weight loss and we've all let things slide a bit in the last few weeks. I have these chicks to thank for helping me lose 23lbs so far and they have all been superbly successful too. But we want to keep this going! It has been a lifestyle change, not a diet, but it is all too easy to let hard work slip away when life gets hard or busy.<br />
So here it is....<br />
<br />
<br />
<em>Challenge 1 <br />
</em><br />
5+ portions of fruit and veg every day this week<br />
<br />
At least 2L water every day (count water in tea/coffee/fruit squash)<br />
<br />
Any exercise a minimum of 3 times in the week for at least 30 mins<br />
<br />
Stay within calories for the week for those of us counting (focus on the week for now rather than each day)<br />
<br />
Weigh in at start and end of the week (if appropriate) and report back on Sunday.<br />
<br />
Start Monday.<br />
<br />
Ok? So that's it. I have set my weight loss to 0.5 lb a week as I am only 5lbs off target weight of 8st 7lb. This allows me calorie allowance of 1697 per day.<br />
<br />
Start weight today: 8st 12lb.<br />
I'll report back tomorrow about today, Wednesday about tomorrow etc etc. <br />
Wish us all luck!Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02688354268582471512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226015847838593562.post-60929931079136366512009-09-16T14:07:00.000+01:002009-09-16T14:07:41.334+01:00An epiphany but not a good one :(As you may or may not know, I have struggled with running my whole life. No matter how fit I seem to be through other activities, I have said for years that for some reason I just cannot run. My breathing is unbelievably bad and within 5 minutes I cannot get breath, and understandably soon after I completely run out of energy.<br />
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I don't know how many people over the years have said to me 'Everyone can run', 'You just have to focus', 'Its all in your head' etc etc and I have tried and tried, but it just doesn't get any better.<br />
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Then I went out today running with my sister (I ran, she walked behind). She's a nurse. So I ran 14 minutes, had to stop at that point (thats about the furthest I can get), spend about 5 minutes coughing my lungs up (I don't smoke) and then gasp my way back to meet her. I explained to her that I seem to continue to get more breathless after I stop running, for about 5 or 10 mins and my chest has a certain tightness for maybe an hour or two after a run, and I seem to get loads of phlegm after a run. <br />
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She said they are all absolutely classic signs of exercise induced asthma and if I have it, it will not get better by itself :(<br />
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It would be a fair assumption. I had asthma as a child, but not severely, and stopped taking any meds from I was a teenager as I wasn't really doing any sports so it wasn't really affecting me. But I have had this issue anytime I have tried to run any distance. I also have eczema, and asthma and eczema are closely linked.<br />
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Now, this has big implications for me. I am trying to get into the police and have been for years and always seem to come up against bloody obstacles. I am going running to try to get to the level of fitness required for the police. So I am in a vicious circle here as going to the doctor at this stage for what potentially may be asthma is going to be another opportunity for the police to give me a big, fat 'NO' when it comes to my medical (which I am currently waiting for).<br />
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But looks like this could explain my difficulties in running, it makes perfect sense.<br />
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I don't know what to do.Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02688354268582471512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226015847838593562.post-3483329548760380322009-09-15T15:19:00.003+01:002009-09-15T15:27:19.627+01:00*whispers* Hello......?I am thoroughly ashamed of myself that it has been almost 3 weeks since my last blog post *hangs head*<br /><br />I thought once I had finished work I would have lots of free time, apparently not! Between being away the last 2 weekends (and the next 3 weekends coming up), I have been dogsitting for my parents, minding my niece etc etc etc and it has all not been tantamount to a good exercise and food routine. I have only been managing to do my weights routine 1-2 times per week although I have been going for 2 hours of yoga as well as 2 runs a week (only 1.5 miles but better than nowt).<br /><br />Thankfully, someone up there has been looking out for me, and I have remained at my best weight of 8 stone 12 lb which is my full 1.5 stone loss :D so I am hugely chuffed. However, I am not intending to test the patience of the big man upstairs for too long and am now trying to sort myself out. Its hard though with 3 weekends away coming up....<br /><br />Anyway, all I can do is be as good as I can as often as I can. It seems to be working ok for now and hopefully as my weeks calm a little my routine will start to form itself.<br /><br />I shall try, try, try to post here more often too although it seems that every time I post here about posting more often, I end up hardly posting at all!!!<br /><br />Off to catch up with you all now xJillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02688354268582471512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226015847838593562.post-26803521771552849782009-08-22T19:35:00.002+01:002009-08-22T19:38:32.756+01:00OuchI have day 2 DOMS today which are so bad I am having to walk around on my tippytoes and refrain from getting up out of my seat too often as it is soooo painful - my quads are just killing me!<br /><br />I so hope they feel better tomorrow as I'd love to do spin in the morning, but at this rate there's no chance!<br /><br />Thats what I get for skiving off the gym for a couple of weeks. Must. Be. Consistent.Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02688354268582471512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226015847838593562.post-2384484756646077912009-08-20T15:59:00.002+01:002009-08-20T16:08:29.400+01:00A kick up the bum if ever I needed it!So, I went to the gym! Had a great workout, by the end of which, my legs were so wobbly that I wasn't sure my knees would support me to get me down the stairs from the changing rooms in the gym to the front door. Here comes DOMS bad enough to mean I'll be unable to get back to the gym for at least 3 days lol!<br /><br />Anyway, I thought that since I was kind of on a new start with my workouts today as it has been a couple of weeks and my food hasn't been great, I would get my body fat measured.<br /><br />When I rejoined the gym in mid June (so more or less 2 months ago) my body fat was a not very good at all 32%. Now, by that stage, I had been eating better for about 2 months and had already lost about half a stone so I've no doubt back in April when I started all this, it would have been even higher.<br /><br />So now, 2 months later, my body fat is still 30% *sob*<br /><br />I know I haven't been consistent enough with my workouts and my eating has gone downhill in the last few weeks, so I wouldn't be surprised if it was a little lower than that and has gone back up again! I am gonna be one of those skinny fat people!!!<br /><br />So a kick up the butt, that is. No more treats except for one treat meal a week. No more sausage night. No more sneaky porridge for supper.<br /><br />I am going to measure my body fat on a roughly 8 week basis from now on. I think thats a big enough gap to see a difference. I'll aim for now for approximately 25% and see how I feel and look once I get to that level.<br /><br />Wish me luck!Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02688354268582471512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226015847838593562.post-32283303157365798752009-08-19T13:04:00.003+01:002009-08-19T13:06:44.223+01:002nd day of freedom..........and I'm not well :(<br /><br />I really wanted to go to the gym today!<br /><br />I just feel really weird, I woke up at about 830am after a full nights sleep but I felt so exhausted like I hadn't slept at all. And I have a splitting headache, feel really dizzy and a sore throat. So I had some breakfast and went straight back to bed.<br /><br />Still feeling pretty rubbish so looks like todays a write-off.<br /><br />Ah well, hopefully I'll feel a bit better tomorrow.Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02688354268582471512noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5226015847838593562.post-50120467428667413572009-08-18T10:40:00.003+01:002009-08-18T11:01:40.487+01:00An updateOk, no excuses. Just an update.<br /><br />It has been a very busy month for me and I have fallen back a little (ok, a lot) on my exercise :-( My eating has been rubbish but I have tried to be within calories where possible so my weight, incredibly, hasn't suffered - although I have no doubt that I am only losing weight as my muscles are probably eating themselves since they've hardly been exercised!<br /><br />Anyhoo, the reason for all this is that it has been the run up to my final day at work, which was yesterday. I have taken a voluntary redundancy package and am now officially unemployed! It is scary and exciting in equal measure. I want to change my life and I needed to do something radical or I would end up floating along being unhappy forever. <br /><br />There, I've done it.<br /><br />So the last month or so has been a constant round of breakfasts, lunches and dinners and celebratory buns (not helped by my birthday thrown in there) which are now, thankfully, at an end and I can get back into normal, healthy living.<br /><br />My first day off is being spent getting my hovel of a house clean & tidy, I have such a backlog of chores so I am blasting it today and from tomorrow it is just a matter of keeping on top of things.<br /><br />I am going to be making a real effort now to be an angel with my food. I actually find it harder at home to eat as much fruit as I do at work, but I have no distractions so no excuses!<br /><br />As for my weight, I am currently at 9 stone 1.5 lbs, which is a total loss of 17.5lbs, which given the rubbish I have put in my body over the past few weeks, I can't quite believe I have maintained my loss! My luck was going to run out soon so I am glad I am 'starting again' at such a good point.<br /><br />Interestingly enough, my neck pain has got significantly worse again in the 3 weeks or so which I have only been exercising twice a week - I am fairly intrigued by this as it would appear to mean I had perhaps done quite a nice job of strnegthening my muscles in the neck/upper body and the lack of exercise has taken me back a bit. I am very hopeful that a couple of weeks back to it will see an improvement in my pain again. I just need to resist the temptation to go too hell for leather, given that I am free all day every day!<br /><br />Anyway, enough for now. I pledge that I will be updating you every day, lets see how that goes!Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02688354268582471512noreply@blogger.com2