Wednesday 31 July 2013

What I Ate "Tuesday"!

I think this weeks WIAW post deserves a hip hip hooray, and want to know why?! Because I finally managed to record Tuesdays eats and drinks. Woohoo :-D Very proud of myself for remembering yesterday. The only things missing are a couple of grapes and a slice of Chicken sandwich meat. Yay yay yay.

So today you will be seeing everything I ate yesterday. It definitely won't depict a picture of health but it's what I ate and I am going to be true to it and not add anything in or out. It's always hard for me to show people the "not so perfect" side to me, but it is what it is.

Without further a do, here are my eats and drinks.


Banana

Wholemeal Toast with Margarine and Light Laughing Cow Cheese

With Normal Tea (just milk). Later in the day I enjoyed some Honey Tea. A favourite of mine again!

Raspberry and Green Tea Water (Still), Boiled Potatoes with leftover Veg, and Mango.



This stuff is amazing. It's the first time I have tried it and I an impressed. This is from Asda and I would highly recommend it.

Chicken Jalfrezi (Curry) with Pilau Rice and a Naan Bread. It Hit the spot!

I had one of these and they are so good. I really need to try and make my own. No picture of the actual cookie as I had half eaten it before I took a photo. Like I said soooo good :-D

Craved these later on in the night!

In August I have a goal to eat better but for this last day I am going to ease myself into it.

But there will definitely be an "August Goals" post coming soon. Stay Tuned.

Happy Wednesday and WIAW :-D

Peas and Crayons
Thanks to Jenn for Hosting :-D


Anybody else have plans to eat better in August?

Or are there any particular goals you are setting yourself to achieve before next WIAW?

Does anyone else always start their day with a piece of fruit?
I always have a banana. Don't know why. I guess I am too impatient to wait for breakfast to get done!

Monday 29 July 2013

FMM #19

Ten Things That Make Me Happy


friend makin mondays
Thanks Kenlie for Hosting :-D

Right let's get down to business!

1. Socialising/Spending Time - with both family and friends. I love spending quality time with my family and friends, whether it's one-on-one or it's time spent as a group. I am definitely one of those people who likes their own company and I am very thankful for that, but as I get older I enjoy others company more. I know it is usually the other way around but this is the way it has worked out for me.

2. Exercising and Eating Healthy. These two things, especially combined make me happy. They both make me feel good inside and if I feel good inside then it shows on the outside and translates into every aspect of my life. Plus, endorphins are supposed to make you feel good anyways.

3. Travelling. If I had the money I would travel more but as I am a student I have to save up instead, and that's what I did in Paris. In Paris I loved it. I love exploring in general, no matter where it is but if it's in a different country and one I have never been to - even better!

4. Shopping. But I think most girls would agree. I am a girl who loves to shop. It's sounds sad but I even enjoy going food shopping. I just can't help myself.

5. Healthy Relationships. It makes me happy when my relationships with the people I am closest to are good and healthy. Being on good/great terms makes me  happy.

6. Creating new healthy recipes. There's nothing more I love than making my own meals and baked goods, but I love to challenge myself on how better and healthier I can make them.

7. Nights out with friends. I love to have a good night out with friends where drinking and dancing are involved. There's nothing better than a girly night out, am I right?

8. Good Weather. It's surprising how good weather and a blast of sunshine can change your mood for the better. I am definitely a sun seeker, and if I have the choice between a hot holiday and a not hot holiday guess which one I am choosing?

9. Routine. Call me a nerd but I love going to school and I love anything with a routine. No routine equals a not so happy Chloe, and the difference in me is immense. Since Saturdays day of disaster I haven't got a routine. I have been lethargic and tired and so my sleep pattern is also messed up. Hopefully as the week goes on I can establish a good routine for myself.

10. And finally I absolutely love being in my Uni town. It just gives me a great sense of freedom and independence and that in general makes me happy.

Happy FMM :-D 

Sunday 28 July 2013

Could It Get Any Worse?

In answer to my blog title question, no, I don't think they could get any worse.

Sorry in advance for the rambling.

All week I was getting "a bad feeling", so to speak about taking the trip down to Woolacoombe, Devon. For those who don't know, me, my mom, my sister and my brother were going down to a family wedding and we were meant to me staying the week in a caravan. Now I am one of those people who "feels" things (sorry I am not sorry). I have always been the same, even when I was little I would get vibes from people. Meaning that I would either like that person and give them hugs etc, or not like that person and try to stay away from them. And thinking about it I still do that to day, but obviously in a more mature way.

First of all I know within a matter of minutes if I like someone, as I said I get my vibes and it's the same with every aspect of my life. It's rooted deep in my personality I guess. I have mild OCD. I have anxiety. And all these many different things together form the way I live if you will. Because I always say if you aren't feeling it I am not doing it or I make it so I am wary of it. It's just the way I am.

Now for the story. That I must point out couldn't have been made up, and a story that not many could believe.

It started in my car on the M5 at 15:15, and ended at 03:30 am on our drive at home in a courtesy car.

Intrigued? Well I shall try and continue without sobbing.

No word of a lie the bad luck just kept coming. Like I have already said it all started at quarter past three on a busy Saturday M5 motorway. A light came on the dashboard and we wasn't sure what it was. So I type it into google (as you do), and it turns out it is some kind of electrical fault! My heart dropped and my mom who was driving at the time said that it felt like there was no power behind the accelerator (gas), which is never good.

We were literately half a mile from the junction we needed to exit the M5 at, and we managed to get the car there. But the car still wasn't letting us accelerate beyond 30 mph. But after sitting with the engine cut for 15 minutes and restarting it, the light went off on the dash and it felt like things had gone back to normal. Boy were we wrong!

Fifteen more minutes down the line and we were now flying again, everything felt fine but we were still wary.

I would like to just add that:
1.) I am so glad and thankful that this didn't happen in the car when I was by myself.
2.)I am really glad that I took out the RAC cover with my insurance.
3.)This all started when the rain came (so a big two fingers up to shitty british weather, definitetly a sign that I should leave this country after Uni). I am a warm weather person through and through!

Then it completely cut us dead again. Luckily, and I know I only remember the bad luck yesterday but there was good luck and as my mom keeps reminding me 'things could have been worse'. And this is completely true. We are all alive (a little sleep deprived), but healthy and kicking.

And for this I am completely thankful!

Long story (and believe me it was a 12 hour story for us) short, my car is now sitting in a Weston Tow Truck Yard. (Yes I have had the car 8 days and it had to be towed!) The car now doesn't start. The lovely man called Tony at the RAC couldn't fix it, it's something computerised, electrical and to do with the throttle. So I have about 300 to 400 pounds worth of repairs to get done when the car gets back! Just what I needed. They said that they would usually have just taken us back up home, but there was only one guy on last night (just our luck) and so he couldn't. But like me and my mom said, we should have insisted they take us back! The drive back home was dark, wet, scary and strenuous, mostly for my mom who drove us back. I was her navigator and her eyes, since it was terrible out last night. Little did we know, because we had no internet and no phones, that there was actually an amber warning last night and people were advised not to drive.

So, once again I am thankful that we are all back safe!

But we plan to head down back to Devon tomorrow. Yesterday we were against it, just because of the hassle. But it would be like throwing hundreds of pounds down the drain. On the other hand I don't know if I will even be able to enjoy the holiday now. I can't afford to (literally). I just want to get my car back and to get it fixed as soon as possible.

I can definitely see some sleepless nights ahead until it gets fixed. Who knows now how the week will pan out. But my emotions are all over the place and I am completely spent.

And this is why I prefer to fly, and I prefer to holiday abroad. It is always more reliable and as long as you have the right insurance, nothing should be worried about. With £300 it's scary to think of what I could get. I know yesterday was nobody's fault and that's just the way the world of cars works. But I just want to see my car on my drive and running the way it should be.

Ehh. Writing this I have felt like I was re-living it. I feel spent!

My Poor Baby :-(

Leave me comments telling me your worse car stories! Whether it has happened to you, or you've been in the car when it has happened, or maybe it's just happened to people you know?!

Thursday 25 July 2013

Away From Routine

Starting Saturday I will be away from routine, and with that comes a little stress and a lot of anxiety. Most of which I am keeping under control, with the help of some Kalms. But it isn't as if I am relying on them in any way, they are just being taken when needed, especially since I started to drive again last Friday.

I can't believe I have now had my pap pap a week (and I know, still no photo. Soon).

So, as I've said I have been taking Kalms, just as a buffer if you will, something to top up my control on the different situations of Life. I have had phases in the past of using them, but I have never been prescribed anything and always prefer to use Kalms and seek herbal remedies before I do. My doctor was very insistent when I first brought it to her attention that I was suffering from Panic Attacks and Anxiety that she was going to explore other methods before writing out the prescription.

And I am so glad she din't just give me the meds, it wouldn't have solved anything, and I always knew that there was a deeper meaning behind the attacks etc. The "cognitive behaviour therapy" worked for me and it gave me all the tools I needed. I am not saying I won't need to re-visit it at the later stage, maybe even during the next academic year. But I have the tools, and those tools passed on to me by my therapists will be my saving graces these next 8 days or so. We are going Sat to Sat, but I can feel the anxiety building already.

social anxiety things - I thought that was just me!! Lol
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Whilst on Pinterest the other day I found this, which refers to social anxiety. It sounds stupid but so true. I over-think and see everything, and ponder on conversations that have long passed. It used to be so hard but now everything is manageable and I am hoping the next week proves me right :-D



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These are the kind of things that I have to remember. All the time. The world will be as it is, the people will act how they want to act. I just need to find a way to respond to it and that's what I have been doing these past six or seven months. I have gone from surviving, to coping, to thriving, and the last one is how I want to be.

Sue and Jane always encouraged me to come up with a plan. A plan that would help lower my anxiety and focus my intentions. By nature I am a very organised, like to be productive person and this fits my character perfectly. Since most of the week I will be winging it, not quite sure if I should be calling it a plan because most of the week will probably be group activities etc. Something that depends on all parties, not just the one person and so compromises will need to be made along the week. So I am coming up with guidelines so to speak to help me throughout the week.

I will probably do a blog about the list, and how I am getting on or had got on because I have a feeling that I will be on limited internet. (insert my sad face here)

I hope that if any of you have friends or family who suffer from social anxiety, anxiety or depression, or maybe if it's you suffering from anxiety yourself that these posts I do about my experience and story are helping you in a way. However little. It's a tough cookie to crack, but trust me everyone can do it. You are capable of overcoming this, trust me.

Until then, hugs and kisses.

Oh and one more to end the post!


Source

Love it :D

Oh and if you have any questions or just want to private message me, you can email me @: chloe4693@gmail.com.

Wednesday 24 July 2013

What I Have "Been Trying To Eat" Wednesday

I didn't partake in the festivities last week, mainly because I didn't have anything really to share. I had been trying to eat more clean and ditch the junk all week. But as soon as I was halfway through my sandwich or pasta I would suddenly remember that I had forgotten to take a picture. And who wants to see half-hearted photos, with half-eaten sandwiches?

So I decided to just take the week out and participate again next week, and I am happy to report that I managed to get quite a few for this blogger link-up. And that I am actually quite proud of myself. I think it is always useful to take a sort of photo diary if you will, of everything you've eaten throughout the day. Even if you can do it for a few days, I always find it interesting to see what I am eating on a day to day basis. Anyways, I managed to keep my phone close (so excuse the quality of the photos, I know it's not the best) and snap photos of the food I was eating throughout the days of Mon-Thurs. The weekend came and I was way too distracted to find my phone and snap my food. So with that said here's what I have been eating mainly on weekdays.

Snacks. Popcorn. Mango. Mikado (Awesome Breadsticks Covered in Hazelnut Choc). Banana. Gala Apple. Cookies. Carrot Sticks. Krackawheat with PB and Sultanas. Malt Loaf with Margerine.




Main Meals. (Lunch + Dinners) 

Spicy Pasta with Cheese + Peppers and Red Onion. Fajita Chicken Wraps with Salsa and Mayo. (Top Right is actually a Roast Pork Dinner!). Southern Fried Chicken Strips with Brown Rice, Salad, Salsa and Mayo.



Breakfasts. Bacon has been a feature in my life, my mom and sister are huge fans! Boiled Eggs. Bananas (Always, I swear I eat two a day now. Whoopsy!) + Cereal: Bran Flakes with Raisins, Sunflower Seeds and Milk. Porridge with Almond Milk and Nutella.

Happy WIAW :-D

Peas and Crayons
Thanks Jenn for hosting this Party!





Have you been a serial snacker lately, like me?
I am but I have been working on it.

Anybody else trying to eat a bit better lately?
I had fallen back into bad habits again. It's ok to have a packet of crisps once in a while, but not everyday!

How does everybody else feel about Cereal Toppers?
Lately I cannot get enough of cereal toppings. I have been adding Raisins, Honey, Nutella, and Sunflower Seeds to my cereal whenever I get the chance.



Tuesday 23 July 2013

Dreaming of That First Run

Outside that is.

Rewind back to...

The other day as I was running on my treadmill, and I suddenly felt great. I am talking 'I could keep this up all night' kind-of-great. Obviously, that didn't happen and at mile 6.1 after 70+ minutes on the treadmill I called it a night.

Does anybody else experience that? Sometimes you can go further and faster in the evening, and sometimes it happens in the morning.

It's strange.

My usual energised running time is mid-morning, but lately I just haven't been waking up feeling great. It doesn't matter how many hours of sleep I get.

Anyways, getting back on track. I have always said that I would love to one day run a marathon, if not marathons. By nature I am a very competitive person, especially with myself. I like to beat my own times, my own reps, etc etc. It makes me feel strong, and that's the feeling I strive for at the end of every workout. No matter the time, as long as what I set out to do gets done I am happy.

It was like that in yesterdays workout. From the beginning I had struggled mentally to engage at the task in hand. I wasn't focused and I wanted nothing more to stop and go lie down. But by pushing through and getting everything done I felt stronger than ever, and that's the kind of thing I feel I would have to overcome to run a marathon runner.

Growing up I excelled at fast bursting sports, and when I did my GCSE qualification in P.E I couldn't wait for the fartlek training and athletics (sprinting and throwing). But I have never been one for endurance. Simply because I find it difficult to go at a lower pace for longer. I would rather sprint really fast for a short burst instead. It's not just about the physical preparation I would need to do, but rather the mental fatigue I would have to endure. The repetition that comes with long distances. The momentum I would need to keep up. And the list could go on, but you get the picture!

But lately I have made a real go at running. I realise in order to call myself a "real runner" that I need to hop off the treadmill and start pounding the pavement instead. I know that no-one has a good run, but unless I have a running buddy I become paranoid and anxious when I am out even walking on my own sometimes. Sure, It is getting better but I need to just get out there, and do it. Because I know I will never regret the decision to run or run outside, it's just taking that first step forward and preparing myself to leap off the edge.

I'll keep you updated on whether I am close to hitting the pavement or not. But at the moment I am not sure how long the luxury of the treadmill will last, so I guess we will see on that front!

Fingers Crossed it is soon though :-D

Monday 22 July 2013

FMM #18

Let's Talk About T.V


friend makin mondays
Thanks to Kenlie for being our host :-D
Happy FMM

1.Share your current “Must-See” TV shows.

This one isn't as easy as it first seemed, but with that said at the moment I am really enjoying watching the new season of 'Supernatural' and a new favourite is probably 'In Plain Sight'. See a lot of my shows have just finished like 'Bones', 'Criminal Minds' and 'Mad Dogs'. I guess it's just that time of year, so a lot of my faves aren't on t.v.

We must now recount our every emotion about the show. Hilighting the good ones as bet we can.
There are so many of these for Supernatural. I love reading them all!


LAST DAY OF IN PLAIN SIGHT! Last day of the show, of the season and of being in Albuquerque!

2.Do you prefer reality shows or sitcoms?  

I'd say I watch both but I probably lean to sitcoms more than I do reality t.v.

3.Who is your favourite talk show host?

To be honest I don't watch that many talk shows, if at all. But sometimes I catch Ellen and also really like Chelsea Lately, she is probably my fave!

4.Which network(s) do you turn to for news? 
You know what my shows are scattered all over the place and I really don't watch from a dominant channel. Although the sky channels are watched more frequently when I am away at Uni and have limited access for television.

5.Do you have Tivo or DVR?  If so, which programs do you have set to record? 
We have a Sky+ box which basically means to everyone living outside the U.K that I can record my shows like you can on Tivo etc. But we basically have everything set to record now. We never used to mind until we got a Sky + box, but adverts now drive us up a wall and we have much more fun skipping them. So watching everything on record gives us that freedom.

Plus that way you don't miss anything either, or forget it's on etc!

6.Have you ever started watching a show simply because you heard so much about it on social media? 

Errm not really. I just tend to see the advertisements and say I'll give that a go sometime or when it's out.

7.List any TV series that you own on DVD.  
-Gilmore Girls (My all time favourite).
-A few series of One Tree  Hill.
-A few series of Ghost Whisperer (I still need to get the last two I think).
and sad but true...
-Laguna Beach - The Real O. C (I used to be obsessed when I was a kid).

8. Do you have a subscription to Netflix, Hulu, etc?

I don't at the moment but for my last year of Uni I am considering it!

9.If you could star in a TV show that already exists, which one would you choose?

Definitely Supernatural! I mean who wouldn't want to star across from them two guys.

10.If you could bring back one TV show that is no longer on the air, which one would you choose? 

No doubt in my mind it would have to be, Gilmore Girls!

Does anybody else have a love for Supernatural?

Has anybody read the Chelsea Lately Books? I am thinking about trying them out.

Adding A Little Marvellous To My Monday...

and hopefully to my week. Last week didn't suck. Actually it was a great week looking back, because great things did happen, and I made them happen. Sometimes with a little help from other, which isn't something to be ashamed about.

Every little bit can help
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#itsmesimon keep calm as every little helps
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I am not normally a fan of keep calm posters etc, but for this one I shall make an exception.

Last week from the Monday to the Sunday, I managed to workout four times, which I am a little defeated about even though I know it's not too shabby. But I always look back at the end of the week and think I could have done more, and this happens every time. But on the other hand I am glad I managed to workout the four days. I guess it could have been much worse.

On Friday I got my very own car (a photo will be coming shortly). Last week I finally decided to get my arse in gear and re-start the hunt for a car. It didn't go smoothly as I slightly touched up on in a previous post, but I have one now and so the search is over.

Another tick and something being crossed off my list.

And let me tell you my list was long, after a month of un-productivity of my usual standard. Hopefully getting the car is just a start and now the ball really starts rolling.

But most importantly my focus for this week will be to get going and get a few more ticked off my list. I want to eat clean, healthy food and to exercise enough, whilst going out and getting enough practice in my own car.

I just need to remember what I am working towards and regain that ambition I began the Summer holidays with. I was brimming with it, but I think I need to just start eating better, moving more and getting back out there.

When I do all of the above I feel great, and that's the way I want to feel again. But is this the week I am willing to hit everything on the head ?! I sure hope so. Let the stars align... and, err, everything.

Yesterday was a relaxing day, and only a little driving practice was had. But it was enough. The past few days have been spent on sorting out the car and practising etc, and so on Saturday and Sunday exercise was neglected. But this week I am hoping to exercise every single day because from Saturday I am away on holiday and only walking will more than likely be my form of exercise, for the entire week.

It may just kill me!

That's why I am hoping to be gearing up the rest of the week in my newly purchased workout gear and get as much sweat etc out as I possibly can. It will be gross for sure, and I will probably look like a bit of an un-kept mess this week. But I am sure at the end of it that it will all be worth it!

Day by day
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Nowhere near where I want to be, but it's motivating knowing if I keep working out consistently that I could be there :D



Thanks to Katie for being a gem and the host of this shindig :-D

Happy MIMM guys!


What did everyone else get upto this weekend?

Any gym days off to relax?

P.S - Sorry about the rambling post!

Friday 19 July 2013

A Nightmare Of A Day

Today, has seemed to go on forever. My day started when I woke up at 04:55. And yes you definitely read that right. This morning I was awake from five to five and couldn't get back to sleep, one because I couldn't breathe and two because I knew I had too much to do in the day ahead, and had too much energy to go back to sleep.

Like I said in the title, it has been a nightmare of a day, and one I could do without repeating any time soon. (I think my mom would definitely agree with me on this one, wouldn't you mom?) She was a godsend today and basically sorted out my car insurance when I was having a meltdown. There's no point in going into it on here, but the point is I am drained both mentally and physically.

So, today hasn't been a day to pig out but earlier driving back I was having some trouble calming down, and so my mom told me to pull over at the KFC so we could get some food and we could calm down. I don't mind eating KFC every now and again. It isn't a monthly thing and it definitely isn't a weekly thing. But then and there it was just what I need. I hadn't eaten in five hours and was quite shaky. With everything happening I couldn't even think about food.

But recently I have become a firm believer in, 'One Bad Meal Shouldn't Affect The Next'. Because one bad meal shouldn't affect the next meal, right? And that has been helpful for me to remember over the past few months. One decision shouldn't affect the rest, and you'll be glad to know it didn't. It didn't affect the rest of the food decisions I made after that meal, and although calorific I know it will balance out eventually. It's not like I am making it a permanent meal fixture or anything.

truth.
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I had pinned this age ago, but it took me ages to find it!

Diets just don't work... if we want to be healthy and fit, we should eat healthy every day every meal.  Yes: 'bad food' is okay sometimes, but keep it as a treat, and in moderation.  The hardest part is starting to eat healthy, once you make it a habit, you just don't want to eat unhealthy because you just don't feel good.
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I am also not calling anything I change to my eating plan a diet. I am not a fan of the term "on a diet" anyways, but lately it has been throwing me off my game.

Anyways, it is getting late and I am fried, completely fizzled out. It's half past 11 and I feel as though I should have been in bed hours ago.

Night, Night :-D


How's everyone else sleeping lately?
I am fine until I wake up to go to the toilet and then realise I am not breathing properly through my nose. It's really annoying!

Anybody else been waking up earlier?

Thursday 18 July 2013

Thursday Things... I Have Been Thinking About

I should have really called this post 'Thinking Thursday', because that seems like all I have been doing over the past few days.

At the moment time seems to be ticking by, and nothing seems to be getting done - at all. Or at least it's feeling that way. I feel as though I am behind. On life as crazy as that sounds. I hear everybody talking about their jobs on Facebook or the internships they are setting up, and I must admit I am a little jealous. I get in my own head when applying for jobs and internships and talk myself out of applying quite a lot.

Well no more my goal from now until September is to look for Jobs to start when I return to University in September or maybe even August. But also to set up internships within the next year, just to get myself out there in general. So people know me in the industry  I want to go into after University.

I guess I just need to get my butt in gear (fourth or fifth), and see what happens. Nothing bad ever happened from enquiring, right?

With that said here's what I ate today. I am trying to eat when I am hungry and eat what I crave.

I am definitely a sweaty Betty in this photo, and ignore the smile my Hamstrings were on fire!













These were my eats for today, and in that order more or less too. I really couldn't eat much other than fruit at the start of the day, but I was just snacking instead. Tiny but frequent meals worked for me today, until eight O'clock when I hadn't eaten in five hours and I decided to have the bottom two pictures. But I noticed today with my intuitive eating that everything really hit the spot!

Hopefully tomorrow I will have some good to me news to share.

Until then goodnight, or good morning :-D

Wednesday 17 July 2013

Lately, Recently, Currently,... Whatever You Want To Call It

I haven't really been taking many photos and what I have been taking haven't been very good. So I figured if they are boring me, then there's no hope for the rest of you. With that said I may start posting daily again. I know I keep going back and forth with posting daily eats and exercise, but sometimes it helps me and sometimes it doesn't. I think as long as I keep them relatively short it should be fine. At least for the next week and a bit anyways.

 But don't hold me to it because sometimes I just feel like I haven't got the energy to do it, or it's just boring to do because it's the same as yesterday. And if I am bored myself then there isn't any point in doing it, right?

Recently, I have noticed that although I've been keeping busy, I am not necessarily getting a lot done, at all. Basically I am calling myself out. I have become complacent and lazy, and I need to put on my productivity cap and get back out there. Into the wide world, that holds both success and failure. But until you get out there and see you won't know which one it's going to be.

That's the way I've always been. In fact no. In the past I have actually been lazier than I have been since finishing University for the year, and definitely since getting back from Paris. My mom called me on it the other day and I put my usual barrier up and became defensive. Trust me, it's a technique that has been working wonders for me in the past. But not any more.

My mom's comments really hit me at my core, and I found myself dwelling on her comments. She said I wasn't helping out and that I hadn't been doing anything around the house, and she was of course right. It came out a bit blunter than intended I could tell, but still it was the truth and at first I refused to acknowledge it, let alone believe in it.

But I eventually saw it from her point of few, and with it realising my own mistakes.

The older I get, the more I realise only good things can come from hearing the other people around you out. Don't get me wrong, you may not always agree with what that other person is saying but taking the time to listen is good manners, thoughtful and free. It costs you nothing, but a bit of extra time to pay attention to what the other is saying, right?

And that's where I have been trying to change my way of thinking. To be more rational and calmer in situations which I'd either rather ignore or just get too angry that I can't react properly.

I guess it's all part of the package when searching for a healthier life. 

Anyways, the point of today's post was to say I am going to start being more productive in every aspect of my life; on here, at home, out there, everywhere. Because really the only thing stopping me is me and the perception I have of myself, and that I am sorry is not a good enough reason.

Today's message is to not let yourself, get yourself. And now I have the P!nk song stuck in my head, which is not too bad I guess :-D

Don't ever be your worst enemy, be your best friend!

Don't let me get me!

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Don't let me get me.
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Fingers Crossed for Tomorrow :-D And here's to New Beginnings!

Monday 15 July 2013

FMM #17

friend makin mondays
Thanks to Kenlie for hosting :-D


Foodie Questions:

1.  Do you make grocery lists?
I try to when I am at University, otherwise I just grab, which is never good. But since I am currently at home, even though I add to the shopping what I want to, so does everybody else. But I think my mom occasionally writes a list so she doesn't forget the necessities :D

2. Do you have a routine when shopping in your favourite grocery store? 
We usually just start at one end (where you walk in) and then make our way up to the other end. Unless we are only running in for top ups or bits and bobs.

3. What is your favourite seasoning?
Probably Cajun or any Hot and Spicy seasoning, I like to season my meat.

4. What is the healthiest food in your fridge right now?
Errm probably all the fruit!

5. What is the most unhealthy food in your fridge now?
Probably a left over Cadbury Pudding of my brothers that has been in there for weeks.

6. What is the most exotic produce you've ever had?
I think it's called a Sharon Fruit. I remember when I was ten and in school it was testing out new fruit and veg week, and that's one of them they made us try. I wasn't  a fan back then, maybe I'll give it another try soon :D

7. Tell us about your favourite local restaurant.
Lately, it would probably just have to be Nandos. My "favourites" switch around all the time, and my recent favourite restaurant is Nandos as I have been going there the most with family and friends.


8.What kind of pasta do you prefer (regular, whole wheat, etc.?)
I do prefer eating whole wheat in general, it has just become a preference over the years and I can now taste a huge difference when I have regular. Just like with bread. But since I have been back I actually haven't been eating much pasta. I guess I filled up on it in the last two weeks of student life for the academic year. But I was thinking I could do with getting some, I just keep forgetting everytime we are in the Supermarket and remembering afterwards. But to be honest I have been eating a lot of bread and potatoes with my main meals, so maybe it's time to shake things up a bit.

9. If you could make one food calorie-free for an entire week, which food would you choose?
For me I would rather have things be lower in carbs as I eat a lot, but if I had to choose something to be calorie free it would definitely be alcohol and cheese.

10.If you had to choose would you rather give up french fries or chocolate?
I don't really eat french fries or any kind of chips for that matter, so it would be easier to give up that as I already don't eat it.

Happy FMM :-D

My Week Of Attack After A Great Weekend

It was a great weekend, filled with time spent with family and friends and I really enjoyed myself. Every now and again I have to stop and remind myself of how far I have come from the start of the year. When I first decided I needed to address a few issues in my life that were becoming a major hindrance on and to my overall health. My anxiety and social anxiety was stopping me from properly enjoying myself with the people who matter, which was no fun at all. It all started last April when it first began to affect my life and my academics to the point where some days I was unable to leave my room, let alone get myself to class.

So, I always have to remind myself and not take it for granted at how far I have come and how many barriers I had to break down to get there/here. And I am thankful that I can now do everything I want to do, when I want to do it.

With many smiles along the way :-D



That's what I wore to the festival on Saturday, I am definitely loving wearing maxi skirts with crop tops and sandals this Summer. 

Other than these couple of photos I really didn't take that many this weekend. I just lived in the moment and enjoyed the time I spent with everybody around me.

Going into a new week I am in dire need of a change. A shake-up if you will, especially where food is concerned. I over-indulged on Saturday and it left me feeling really ehh and meh. So here are my goals going into a new week (14/07-20/07).

+ Cut out Chocolate, Crisps and Sweets.

Lately I have become complacent and it's leaving me not feeling my best. So this week I have decided to bite the bullet and just take it away, full stop. Slowly but surely things have been slipping into my diet that I don't usually like to have on a constant basis. 

It's not a diet, it's just healthier eating.

+ Drink more fluids, even if it means I can't stomach as much food.

I have found recently that drinking more fluids means I am feeling fuller, which means in turn that eating on top of trying to drink loads makes me feel really bloated. I am hoping my body gets with the programme and solves this one on its own soon. Balancing the higher intake of fluids with the regular intake of food.

+ To work on portion control and not overeating.

This is something I have been really struggling with as of late. Hopefully over this week things will pull together and fall into place again so I am back on the right track.

+ Avoid eating Bread and Potatoes where possible.

Lately they are both upsetting my stomach, which is causing some unnecessary side affects. 

+And my final one is trying to not eat after 6pm.

I am doing all of these for my health and how I feel, rather than for weight loss. So hopefully I am successful and by doing all these things I improve digestion and all things stomach related.

Walls

Happy Monday :-D

Thanks to new mamma Katie for hosting :-D

Did anyone else go to any festivals or special events over the weekend?
and/or
Does anybody else have a summer fashion staple or favourite?

Friday 12 July 2013

It's Never Too Late... For Some Mid-Year Goals or Resolutions

Am I Right Guys?

This is a blog post inspired by one of my favourite bloggers, Lisa, from Lisa Lately. So go check her out! I read her post about Mid-Year Resolutions and was immediately inspired to come up with a few of my own. It reminded me that it is never too late, and good things come to those who wait and have the patience and consistency in their day to day life's.

it's never too late...
Source

And with that message I'd like to list my Mid-Year... Goals or Resolutions? You decide. It's just a bunch of things that come to my mind.

I apologise now if it gets quite random and maybe a little weird :-D

+To get over my hang-ups about running in public and go for it, start running outside.

Which leads to my next one...

+Run a race by the end of the year, even if it's only a 5k.

I always used to sign up for these in high school and I used to love doing them and competing against not only others but myself as well.

+To improve on my establish relationships, but to also put myself out there and be open to meeting new faces.

I think this goal/resolution may always be on the list. It's a simple but a classic and an area where nobody is ever an expert in.

+To never lose sight of what's real and attainable, no matter how far away it seems.

+Do more "bloggery" things.

Which should totally be a word by the way! Ha ha, yeah to be more involved in the blogging community I think :-D

+To start vlogging.

This is a biggy. I would like to do a few vlogs every now and again, because sometimes I think of a topic and can't think of a way to better communicate it other than to talk about it. I need to get over hating the sound of my own voice! It's a working progress for sure.

+Cook from scratch more, and make an effort to spend my food budget wisely when at University.

This is always on the list too, but a good one to be reminded of half way through the year...

+To stop comparing myself to others.

+To not be afraid to go out with friends and get out there and put myself out there in general.

This has been a goal since the beginning of the year when I properly began having therapy for my issues/problems/struggles. I was "diagnosed" at the beginning of the year with social anxiety, meaning my general anxiety heightens around social situations etc. And although therapy for me worked, and it was very successful. That one especially likes to linger and hang on. Don't get me wrong, since the start of the year there has definitely been a massive improvement and I am currently in a improved/great place mentally. But those old thoughts sometimes have a tendency to pop up and show themselves.

Talk about rambling Chloe, reign it in a bit!

+To be good to both myself and the people around me.

+Learn how to properly apply my make up or better apply my make-up, in a bid to make an effort more.

I am a real slob and tend to dress more for comfort all the time, which usually means no bra, messy hair and thrown on clothes with no make-up!

There's no others coming to mind at the moment, but I guess goals and resolutions can be made any time right? They are up to me to make and break :-D

Have a great weekend guys!

Thursday 11 July 2013

So, It's Thursday and I Think I've Been Poisoned...

So last night I went to bed early. I was shattered and feeling a little off. But half an hour after saying goodnight to my mom I went from feeling a little off, to something definitely isn't right, and get me a bin quick. I absolutely hate throwing up. I realise that nobody loves it but I especially hate it, and when other people get sick and have to throw up I am twice as useless. If I even smell the sick wafting up, I have to heave and more than often throw up.

For example recently on our trip to Paris my best friend was sick, full on throwing up in a bin and what did I do I hear you ask. Well I did the logical thing and walked away. I know bad friend alert right here but I know she feels the same so we are equal on that front.

Even my list of worse illness symptoms goes like this:

1. Being physically sick.
2.Coughing.
3.A sore nose/ not being able to breathe.

And so that's my list of three worst illness symptoms to get.

So you can imagine my horror when at half one in the morning I found myself throwing up into my bedroom bin. I'll spare you the details, though I probably wouldn't even be able to write them without feeling queasy. As I am writing this post in question, I still feel terrible with a high chance that I may throw-up again in the foreseeable future.

Now soon after I had thrown up, so did my little brother, followed by my sister, which is why we are pretty sure it's food poisoning and it was the mince meat from the bolognese my mom cooked last night. And has officially put me off mince meat for a long long time, thanks giant food supermarket company that shall remain unnamed! Now, we've had the meat from there loads before, including the mince meat. But what we think has happened is that they may not have immediately refrigerated the meat when it first came in from delivery and with this hot weather you can't take those sort of chances. Which majorly sucks for us. But like my mom said the meat looked and smelt fine before she cooked it, so it just goes to show that you can never tell or be sure that meat is safe to eat.

So check and double check your meat guys and take all the necessary precautions.

It's believe it or not my first time getting food poisoning, and I hope it to be my last because the effects are the worst I've experienced for ages. So there was definitely no exercise from me today and I've only managed to eat some crackers. But even those dry crackers have made me feel queasy, so no more food for me tonight. I'll have to see how I feel tomorrow obviously but for now I am just focusing on making a healthy recovery.

It's funny how much we take our health for granted, but as soon as it in jeopardy or has been jeopardised, we find ourselves really missing it and praying for it back. Who knew a little bit of food could make a grown human being feel so ill. I am the one who had the smallest portion of the spag bol as I wasn't really that hungry. I basically tasted it and it's done so much damage.

Fingers Crossed I recover fast and it doesn't take another few days to get out my system xoxo

Anybody else ever had food poisoning?and if so...How long did it take (roughly) to get out your system?

Wednesday 10 July 2013

My Favourite Meals Of The Week

So recently I haven't been taking as many photos. It becomes tiring and I'm forgetful! So, I guess I am technically being lazy as I only photographed my favourite meals and they all happened over the weekend.

I am currently sipping on my tea, desperately trying to get caffeine into my bloodstream. I'm trying to not complain though over here, but I am currently running off little sleep that was also interrupted all night. Don't get me wrong I love the heat and the sunshine, but it wasn't affecting me until last night. I have heard people complaining all week long, but last night it got to me. And I couldn't breathe with my hayfever (which gets worse in the heat). Anyways, one of my pet peeves is people complaining about the weather, especially when it's hot and lovely out. That rarely ever happens in the U.K so when it comes we shouldn't complain because it more than likely won't last.

Anyways and on with the food I shall go, before this whole post becomes me babbling on.

BBQ Time



I definitely lingered whilst these were cooking :-D

 This was the best BBQ Bun I've ever created. It had everything. Good Sausages, Mature Cheddar, Cooked Red Onions, Salsa, JalapeƱos and Lettuce.




This was my second favourite meal, and an old favourite.

I've been enjoying these on days I can't stomach breakfast!


This was so good enjoyed in the sun after the BBQ Saturday Afternoon.




On Sunday I enjoyed the Men's final of Wimbledon with a Lager and Lime, so refreshing :-D

Happy WIAW :D

Thanks to Jenn for Hosting.

Peas and Crayons