health Archives - Journeys Are My Diary

DW Fitness Festive Challenge – The Beginning

October 1, 2015 by Bel Leave a Comment

Summer is gone (if it was ever here) and that’s usually my most motivated time for getting fit and eating better. Anyone who follows my blog and has done for a while, will know that I’ve been trying to lose weight for quite some time now. I originally started in April of last year, my weight being around the 13 stone mark. My target was 10 stone by the time we visited Florida in April of this year, though ultimately it’s a long term goal as well. Sadly I didn’t make it to 10 stone, though I did make it to almost 11. I was pretty pleased with myself and the photographs were definitely better than if I’d been heavier!

However, sadly, I’ve completely lacked motivation ever since then and the weight has crept back on slowly. On weigh-in this weekend, I was 12 stone and 5.5 lb.

So when I saw that DW Fitness were looking for people to take part in a 12 week challenge, I definitely decided I needed to kick myself into trying. The process goes on from Monday just gone – right up until Christmas. These are the months I always struggle the most in, so I really hope this keeps me on track.

For the last few weeks I’ve tracked what I’ve eaten and then it was sent over to the boffs at DW Fitness. They gave me hints and tips on what to improve on, a plan so to speak. We were also given a break down of what would happen throughout the 12 weeks and to keep me motivated I’ve printed it all out and stuck in on my walls as a reminder! If losing weight is also a struggle for you, there’s a great read about intermittent fasting types which might be able to transform you.

So like I mentioned before, the plan started on Monday and the weigh in (above) was taken on Saturday just gone. I have my aims and my goals and while I won’t reach 10 stone in 12 weeks, I do hope to lose 2lb every week if I can manage it.

So far, so good. Monday I had loads of motivation and kept 100% on track. Tuesday I kept on track but I have to admit that cooking cheese burger and chips for the kids was a real test of willpower. Wednesday was fine too, though cooking a roast dinner for everyone and having to have a really small portion myself, was hard. I know I need to really try hard though, especially in these beginning weeks.

Keep your fingers crossed for me and I’ll update again in a couple of weeks!

Two of the delicious salads I’ve had this week!

Keeping Active at Work

July 24, 2015 by Bel Leave a Comment

Now that I’m working from home, I have to admit I’ve found it a struggle keeping on top of my diet and fitness. Since coming back from Florida in April, my weight has drastically increased and it’s pretty depressing, considering how well I was doing before. However I try to remind myself that up till Christmas I was working a job that required me to be on my feet for the whole of the shift and even after that I was volunteering at the girls school which also meant plenty of hours on my feet. Now though, I sit at my computer and blog, or sit at my dinning table and sew – neither of which can be classed as active jobs unfortunately. On top of that we live a twenty minute car ride away from the girls’ school so it’s not even like I can walk with them to school.

Simplyhealth wrote this great post about fitness at work, the incentives and initiatives. It’s aimed at employers, to try and help their employees and I think if a lot of companies implemented some of these ideas, it would work out really great for people. However, since I work alone and at home, I need to find my own motivation. These are the things I’ve decided work so far.

1. Physical activity. It sounds like an obvious one really but especially for me who sits down to do work, find whatever reason you can to move about. Sometimes I turn the stereo on loud and whenever I have a pattern piece to sketch out or cut, I stand up to do it and dance around to the music while I can.

2. Take a break. This one sounds like the opposite of what we’re talking about, but really it isn’t. Every hour or so I make sure I get up and get a drink, or lunch, or even go for a loo break! Getting up every now and again just makes sure I’m always moving a little. It makes sure my bum doesn’t go numb too!

3. Walk to the post office. As I make jewellery, clothes or even sell things on Ebay, I often have a reason to go to the Post box or even the Post Office itself. While it’s super easy to jump in the car (and quicker too), I force myself to walk as it gives much needed exercise, a break from the work and also some fresh air.

4. Do the odd job that requires a few flights of stairs. Okay so I’m supposed to be working – sewing or blogging. But that doesn’t mean the washing doesn’t need doing or the dishwasher needs stacking etc. Use the opportunity to carry a load of washing upstairs, or check your upstairs rooms for dirty cups and glasses, just to use the stairs. Its quick and simply and great way to just give yourself a shake.

5. Park the car a little further away from school. As part of my day job, I’m a mum and that requires the school run twice a day. Though we live too far away to walk to school (and often we’re not up early enough anyway), when I collect the girls from school I sometimes park a little further away, meaning we get in a walk when I pick them up. Both the girls love to walk and on a nice day it can be a good excuse to call in at the park on our way back to the car. Win/win for everyone!

6. Use a pedometer or a steps app on your smartphone. I use an app called MyFitnessPal to count all my daily calories. The iPhone has a build in step counter too, motion sensored and you can tie this into the app. This is a great way of seeing how much I’ve managed to walk or how lazy I’ve been and how much more I need to do. Also if I’ve managed loads of steps, it gives me a great excuse to grab a glass of wine or a little treat after dinner!

There are loads more ways to stay active at work but these are some of the ones that work for me. The important thing to remember is that every little bit counts and once you’ve tried, its always easier to keep trying!

Get Fit Friday – Week 10

March 13, 2015 by Bel 4 Comments

This week I’m making a super quick post because it’s actually got to 11pm and this is the first moment I’ve found all day! As of this morning I had lost 2lb – though a murder mystery later and that might not be the case in the morning! (Not that I’ll check!!). It’s been a pretty busy week and although I wouldn’t say I’ve been good with what I’ve eaten, I’ve definitely tried to be aware of what and how much I’m eating. With less than 3 weeks to go before we jet off to Florida, I know I’m not going to make my target but that’s okay. Instead I’d just like to get below the 11 stone mark and into the 10’s and when I get back I’ll be trying again to pick up where I left off (and with whatever I’ve put on!)

Start weight: 13st 3lb
Last weigh in: 11st 3lb
Current weight: 11st 1lb
Change: -2lb
Total Loss: 30lb (2 st, 2lb)

Get Fit Friday – Week 8 & 9

March 6, 2015 by Bel 1 Comment

As you may or may not have noticed, I didn’t update last week with my “Get Fit Friday” post. Part of that was because I was busy all day, but part of it is because I just stayed the same at my weigh-in. It’s not that I was disappointed – the opposite really as I’d expected to gain – but really that I wasn’t in the mood for making excuses or saying I’d try harder next week etc. Last week was very similar to most weeks, whereby I tend to eat badly either the Friday or Saturday – not necessarily deliberately, but its usually when celebrations or days out occur – and then I try hard for the remaining days of the week, usually resulting in a weight loss. Friday I had Pizza Hut Express in Meadowhall, though I’m sure I walked off majority of those calories anyway. However Chris and I then had Chinese takeaway for dinner. On Saturday it was my sister’s birthday celebration and for that I had burger and chips, with onion rings and coleslaw. I didn’t manage it all but I know it was a bad day calories wise. After that I tried hard for Sunday and Monday but I really hit a stumbling block on the Tuesday. I felt tired, completely lacking in energy and a huge craving for chocolate. No matter what I tried to eat during the day, I just felt unsatisfied. Not to mention sticking to 950 calories is very limiting, especially with the amount of tea I drink. Anyway long and short of it, Chris and I ordered takeaway and we really bombed out on our diet. There was donner meat, cheese burger, cheesy garlic bread pizza, chicken goujons, cheesy chips and onion rings. I honestly stuffed my face to the point of being disgusting but it was so good and exactly what I needed. I felt so much better afterwards and even for the next few days. I guess my body was just craving some fatty foods.

Anyway, despite being good after that, I maintained my 11 stone 2lbs weight from the week before and like I say, I wasn’t disappointed, I was actually surprised. That’s not to say I wasn’t disappointed in myself though and as such I decided not to post and make a ton of excuses. This week has been much better. Friday I was good, even after weigh-in. Saturday Chris had offered to make burgers for dinner and so I deliberately ate a light lunch and then even went without chips or buns on my burgers, just to limit the calories some.

This was Chris’ dinner, not mine!

Sunday and Monday I was fine too, though Tuesday and Wednesday we ended up with takeaway (bad days) but I was very good with the amount I had. Last night it was Lily’s birthday and we went out for Pizza Express dinner. I only had some dough balls and a pizza and even the pizza I only made my way through half before being too full to eat. This morning I got up and weighed myself and was surprised by the results. I won’t say it was a good result, but it definitely was a nice surprise.

Start weight: 13st 3lb
Last weigh in: 11st 2lb
Current weight: 11st 3lb
Change: +1lb
Total Loss: 28lb (2 st)

So yeah, I put on 1lb this week but honestly after what I’ve eaten the last three days, its not really a surprise. I hope that by eating better today I might just wake up and have lost that extra pound again, but we’ll see. I’ve got no real reason to eat badly this weekend, or this week, and next weigh-in falls just before Lily’s party day and Amy’s lunch out at Damons. Fingers crossed for a loss this week, as I don’t hold out much hope for the following one!

Get Fit Friday – Week 7

February 20, 2015 by Bel Leave a Comment

This week I’m having a very busy Friday so I’m gonna make this quick! I’m heading out to Meadowhall with my girls, to get some clothes shopping ready for Florida. As of today its 5 weeks and 5 days (or 40 days) until we leave for our holiday. I honestly can’t wait! Anyway, to make up for a short post now, I’ll be making a Florida post later. So onto the info!

Start weight: 13st 3lb
Last weigh in: 11st 3lb
Current weight: 11st 2lb
Change: -1lb
Total Loss: 29lb (2 st 1lb)

It’s been a bit of a struggle this week with the drop in calorie allowance and hand on heart I don’t think there is one single day that I’ve been under my allowance. However just the determination and effort to try has obviously paid off as I’ve at least managed one pound. This week I’m going to continue trying to stick to my 950 calorie allowance but I also won’t cry over it if I do. Fingers crossed it will be a lot easier this coming week with no meals out planned and no friends visiting!

Get Fit Friday – Week 6

February 13, 2015 by Bel 13 Comments

The subtitle of this week’s post is I’ve lost 2 stone!!!

Haha, sorry for the spoiler but honestly I’m so pleased that I couldn’t wait and add the usual suspense.

Start weight: 13st 3lb
Last weigh in: 11st 4lb
Current weight: 11st 3lb
Change: -1lb
Total Loss: 28lb (2 stone)

It’s been a struggle and almost 2 years coming, but I’ve finally hit the 2 stone mark, meaning I only have 1 more (and a few pounds) to go until my target weight. I’m really pleased (and a little surprised as I haven’t eaten that great this week) and I’m hoping this will motivate me to continue on.

This week I want to talk a little about the changes I’ve noticed, in my weight loss journey. Not only have I shed 28lbs in weight, I’ve also lost visible inches and sometimes its easy to forget that when you see yourself in the mirror every day. Only yesterday my mum told me I looked like I’d lost some more weight and I think that’s probably because I haven’t seen her for about a week. When you live with yourself, day in and day out, you don’t always notice and appreciate the changes.

When I originally weighed-in on April 2nd 2014, I also took some measurements in inches. These were the results:
Waist: 37.5 inches
Hips: 46 inches
Thigh: 27.5 inches
Arm: 13 inches

However today I’ve taken them again and this is what they’re looking like:
Waist: 31.5 inches
Hips: 41.5 inches
Thigh: 24.5 inches
Arm: 12 inches

As you can see there are some substantial changes, especially to waist and hips. I’ve lost 6 inches from my waist and 4.5 from my hips. Though my thighs and arms are less drastic, a 3 inch change to my thighs and 1 inch change to my arms, is still all good! And inches aren’t the only difference I’ve noticed. While I still wouldn’t say I was a comfortable size 14 (I’m still between sizes) many things are becoming comfier to wear, including t-shirts and underwear. A ring that Chris bought me over 2 years ago, which has always fit on my ring finger (right hand) is now far too loose for that finger. Instead I’ve moved it to my middle finger (strangely on my left hand) where it has a comfy fit.

While its not always easy to stay motivated, its days like today where it really hits home just how much I’ve achieved. I’ll be working hard to drop another 3-4lb over the next couple of weeks, largely to get into the 10 stone somethings. As silly as it sounds, there is such a different mentality when you get down into the next stone down – 10 anything and I’ll be on the home straight!

As with last week, I’m no longer running my link up but I’ll be adding my link to the other weight loss link-ups that I know about. Please please feel free to comment with your progress as I’d love to know how you’re all doing as well!

Get Fit Friday – Week 5

February 6, 2015 by Bel 10 Comments

Well it’s Week 5 of my Get Fit Friday series and already I’m looking to make some changes! As you may know, this weigh-in linkup originated from Twice the Mum and our Weight Loss Wednesday series. When I pulled the linkup over to my own blog, I changed it from Wednesday to Friday (obviously) and gave it a new name (obviously again!). However after only 4-5 short weeks, I’ve decided the linkup isn’t really working for me. I love the sense of community and supporting other bloggers on their journey, but there are so many linkups for weight loss that really we’re all just linking up in a loop. As such, while I will be continuing on with my Get Fit Friday series, it will no longer be a linkup. I would love for people to still feel free to comment and share their links or even just their results, but I just won’t be adding the linkup component. Instead I will be looking for other linkups that I can leave my link with and of course following everyone else’s journey and offering support!

Anyway, onto this week. Overall its been a great week! After the disaster of feeling massively under-motivated last week, I’m pleased to report it was very different this week. I’ve stuck to my calories every day and I’ve been so careful and so much more aware than I usually am. I also went shopping twice this week, walking around town for a couple of hours on both occasions. Since the shopping was mostly window shopping, I saved money and still lost pounds (see what I did there?). In fact, I wrote about my top three healthy habits and both walking and watching my calories were in there – two things that have massively helped me this week.

So how have I got on? Look and see!

Start weight: 13st 3lb
Last weigh in: 11st 6lb
Current weight: 11st 4lb
Change: -2lb
Total Loss: 27lb (1 stone 13lb)

I’m so pleased with the results this week. I was talking to the girls about my weight loss before school this morning and one of the things that really give me a boost is just how pleased they are for me as well. Megan pointed out that if I could still manage to lose 2lb a week till we go, I would lose 1 more stone. This would leave me at 10 st 4 lb by the time we go and I would be more than happy with that. To be honest, I’d be happy at 10 st 7lb.

This week has been great motivation and proved to me that if I just try hard, I can do it. I’ll be sticking with it very much this week and fingers crossed for another good loss next week!

Get Fit Friday!

January 9, 2015 by Bel 8 Comments

Hi guys! As you may know, I’ve been on a bit of a weight loss journey, for almost a year now. In April 2014, my best friend Nat and I, started up a blog called Twice the Mum. One of our main reasons for doing so, was to start a link up called Weight Loss Wednesday. It was both our goals, to lose our access weight (largely gained from having children) and maintain it… well forever I guess. However this year, for one reason or another, we’ve decided not to continue with our Weight Loss Wednesday posts (for now at least). As such, I decided to start my own Weight Loss and Fitness feature, on my own blog. The new feature will be called “Get Fit Friday” because for me its not just about weight loss now, but also about getting fit and toning up.

For the most part Get Fit Friday is really about my fitness and weight loss journey. However, I genuinely loved doing the link ups on Twice the Mum, feeling a sense of community and support from other bloggers who were also trying to lose weight or get fit. Because of that, I’ve decided to keep the link up part of the post, in case anyone wishes to continue on their journey with me, or even start it here.

On the Weight Loss Wednesday feature, Nat and I had a very structured format for our posts. We put a little bit of information about how we felt that week and then the stats of where we started, how we’d got on and what that meant for a running total. While I want to stick with that somewhat, I also want to make each week’s post into more of an article. I aim to tell you not only how I feel like I’m getting on, but also what I’ve managed to achieve, what I’ve failed on, the parts I struggle most with.

Anyway, this first post will probably be a bit bigger than all the other ones I make, but I really want to start out right, covering everything from the beginning.

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As I mentioned above, in April 2014 I began this current weight loss journey. I first weighed in at 13 stones and 3 pounds, with a BMI of 32.6. (The Boots scales said 13st 2lb but since I would be using my home scales and they said 13.3, it was best to go off them). I have achieved a very gradual weight loss since then, my last official weigh in placing me at 11 stone and 9 pounds. This was a total loss of 22lbs (1 stone, 8lb). My goal weight is 10 stone – which I believe is a realistic target and will place me just inside the “recommended” weight and BMI for my height.

While I’m really happy with the progress I’ve made, I do know deep down that I could have done better and I could have tried harder. Probably, I could have been at my target already by now if I’d really made the effort. But that said, gradual and slowly is probably better for me long term. A lifestyle change that allows me to eat better and more manageably, will no doubt do me more good in the long run, than having crash dieted, hit my target and then eventually ended up piling it all back on again. While my short term goal would definitely be to lose weight and tone up in time for my holiday to Florida (April 2015), my long term goal would be to maintain that size for the rest of the year – and even the years to come after that.

No doubt in the future, I will share with you a bit more about my weight gain and weight loss, over the previous years. However for now I’ll just keep it brief. I spent all my childhood and teenage years, fairly skinny. I guess I was fairly average, but in a petite way. In my first long term relationship (and ultimately first marriage) at the age of 19/20, I began to gain weight without really noticing. At my biggest, I think I was a size 16, which given I was a 10 before, was a huge amount of gain. I managed to lose the weight (and the relationship) by joining Weight Watchers, successfully getting back down to a size 10-12 again. A few years later, in my next long term relationship (and subsequently second marriage), I fell pregnant with my first daughter. I gained a large amount of weight (not just baby) and was approximately a size 16 again – with bump. After giving birth and the few weeks that followed, I was a size 14. I didn’t really try to lose the weight, but working a lot definitely helped me lose some, on occasion fitting into size 12 again. When I fell pregnant with my second daughter, I knew I would gain even more weight this time – as I’d started bigger to begin with. By the time my second child was born, I was wearing a size 18 with bump. During this pregnancy, I had decided I was determined to lose ALL the weight I’d gained and get back down to my original 10-12. After recovering from my Cesarian operation, I joined the gym and started to work out as well as swim. From a combination of eating better and getting fitter, I was back down to a 10-12 by Christmas. Sadly however, over time it all drifted back on again. I’ve dieted here and there in between – once when my second husband and I separated – once when I was due to be a Bridesmaid – and once again now. None of these times have been particularly successfully, only really getting me down to the size I am now.

PHEW – that wasn’t really that short in the end, was it? Anyway, its now my goal, to get down to that 10 stone mark and keep myself there, or thereabouts. Not only do I want to lose the weight though, I also want to lose the wobble. Now… if you’ve managed to get this far, I want to say thank you. However I also want to say sorry for what comes next. As part of my goals for this year, I promised myself I would push myself out of my comfort zones and do things I wouldn’t necessarily want to do. So that’s this next part…

This is what I look like with clothes on. I’m a size 14 currently (though a few things still feel a bit tight at a 14) and depending on how I dress, I definitely see the weight difference from when I started. However… look away now if you’re not good with wobbly bits…

These are my wobbly bits, aka my stomach (I also have a wobbly bum but that is not something anyone wants to see!). While its definitely not the worst its ever been – and I’m happy I didn’t take these pictures when I first started – this is the saggy mess my tummy is in today. It is my goal, to not only reach my target weight, but also to get rid of this podge!

So anyway. 3 weeks ago, on December 17th, I last officially weighed in. Today I got on the scales and this was the results!

Start weight: 13st 3lb
Last weigh in: 11st 9lb
Current weight: 11st 7lb
Change: -2lb
Total Loss: 24lb (1 stone 10lb)

I’m really pleased to have lost 2lb over the Christmas period and the one week that followed. I have no idea how it worked out exactly, as I only got on the scales once or twice unofficially, but to have officially lost 2lbs since last weigh in, is definitely an achievement. I have just less than 12 weeks before we go to Florida and 21lbs to lose. I know its doable if I just try, but more importantly I want to get toned up. Come back next week and see how I’ve got on and please please please feel free to share your weight loss and/or fitness journey with me!

An InLinkz Link-up

Goals and Hopes for 2015

January 8, 2015 by Bel 1 Comment

So its been a week since New Year’s Day and I haven’t gotten around to posting about my New Year Resolutions yet! Part of that has just been because there has been so many other things to do, but partly it was deliberate – to see how the year got going. Last year in January, I posted about everything I hoped to do during the year. I then wrote a round-up post in December, talking about how well I’d gotten on. My hopes and goals covered everything from my blog, to my weight and fitness, to keeping in touch with friends. This year I want to do the same, especially given how much life has changed in the last 12 months.

On New Year’s Day, I involved the kids in a sort of “New Year” game. As I knew I wanted to write some resolutions, I encouraged them to do the same. We then decided we’d write them all down, roping Chris in to participate as well. It only took us about 10-15 minutes but it was a nice and fun activity to do as a family. Once we were done, we sealed them all in an envelope, to open next year and see how we got on. Lily made a copy of her resolutions, to place on the wall of her room to remind her. I’ll still be interested to see how everyone got on.

Above you can see Chris’, Megan’s and Lily’s New Year Resolutions. For the most part, Chris was just participating because we asked him to, but it was nice that he did. His resolutions included eating healthier, learning to drive and being a better boyfriend (haha!). Megan wants to blog more, start a YouTube channel and write a book. Lily really just wants to join in – writing a blog, helping Megan with a YouTube channel, and basically being a good little girl. A lot of Lily’s were her ideas, but they are based on things she has picked up around her or things she’s been moaned at for recently. Anyway, the point is, everyone wants to try and I guess we’ll see how we get on!

Put on the spot, I couldn’t really think of what I wanted to do. Above you can see what I managed. I’d like to reach my goal weight and maintain it. I’d like to work from home rather than have to look for another job. I’d like to get some of the outstanding DIY jobs done and get the house on the market for sale. I’d “like” to Vlog. I’d like to get more of a handle on my debt and money. I’d like to write a book. However, what I’d really like to do, is expand on these ideas and set myself some realistic targets for the year!

This is what I’ve come up with:

Blog Stuff
– One of the main things I wanted to do this year, was go self-hosted. It was actually something I hoped to get done last year, but what with one thing or another, I never got around to it. Since I was so determined to do it this year, I actually kick started the year that way. While I say it was a goal for 2015, I can actually confirm that I’ve already done it – my blog was officially moved to it’s own little space on January 6th.
– Last year, Amy and I organised a blog meet, best known as #LincsBlogMeet. I was really pleased with how well it went and would love to organise another this year.
– Overall I really just want to try harder with my blog this year. By the end of last year, I was posting daily, trying out new content and had gained almost 700 followers throughout the year. I’d like to continue on with this, making my blog thrive, getting myself out there and really just seeing what the blogging life will bring.

Money
– Ugh. This time last year, I’d gotten myself in quite a bad financial situation. I did manage to sort it out and get myself on a better footing. However, just weeks ago I managed to make myself jobless, so I really don’t know how I’ll end up financially. I’d love to get to grips with it all over the next year. While I can’t possibly imagine being any better off, this time next year, I do hope to have not gotten any worse.
– Sort of connected to this, I hope to be able to earn money in other ways, that don’t require actually getting a physical job. I’d love to earn money through blogging, jewellery making, clothes sewing or writing a book or murder mysteries.

Family
– This time last year, I hope to be able to save and book a family holiday. However this year we are embarking on the holiday of a lifetime – to Florida. I don’t plan to book any other holidays, because of that, but I do hope to provide everyone with an enjoyable time. I also hope to be able to book something smaller – just a few days break – perhaps around October half term time.
– I already know (and have noticed) that not working will make me a better mum. I was genuinely very miserable in my last job and I know at times it made me snappier and angrier than I should be. I hope to move forward in this year, keep my calm more, spend better quality time with the kids and really just be a happier, more pleasant mum to be around.

Friends
– I feel like I should make a resolution to ensure our group of friends continue to get together, though I’m honestly not sure what. With Florida coming up in April, we have basically said there will be no murder mysteries between now and then, largely to save on money. However already I’m itching to have a get together, so maybe I’ll have to sort something out. I guess the best I can do, it attempt to organise one event per month – be it a meal out, a games night, a quiet drink or whatever else. Ultimately money will be a very controlling factor of the get togethers this year.

House
– As I’ve previously mentioned, I really want to get on top of the house this year. We originally moved into this house in Gainsborough, in July 2013. The view was to work on the house for a year, looking to sell the following summer. However that year has been and gone and really only a few little bits have been tackled. This year I really want to get to grips with the house and maybe even get it on the market this summer. It would be lovely to be living back in Saxilby by Christmas.
– I’d love to be a better “house wife” this year. Over the last year, the house has really felt neglected. As well as actually painting and decorating, I’d like to be cleaner and tidier. Little things, even like doing the dishwasher daily, keeping on top of the washing etc. will all make a big difference to our lives.

Health and Fitness
– This is a really big one for me this year. I want to hit my target of 10 stone (that’s from 13 stone 3lb where I started last year), preferably by April and our Florida holiday. I’d then like to maintain that weight, throughout the year. I have already started to eat better, watching the calories, and I hope to actually get a bit more fit, toned and exercise. I’ve already been looking for an online self defense training course that spikes my interest. My plan is to work at home, and I’ve always been interested in learning a bit about martial arts and self defense as a whole, so it should make for a nice and useful workout. Yesterday I bought a sports bra, an armband to hold my phone and some earphones. A few days before, I also purchased an ab roller. Though I will admit I haven’t managed any fitness yet, I do hope to get myself motivated!

Creativity
– This year I will participate in NaNoWriMo. I really really wanted to last year, but it just wasn’t possible with plans for Megan’s birthday and also working. If I’m still not working by November, I will definitely participate.
– I hope to improve any and all creative skills this year. In the last few months of last year, my dressmaking skills really improved. I’d love to get more into my jewellery, try out my new Paper Panda kit, improve my cake making skills etc etc. I really hope with more time on my hands, I can definitely get in touch with my creative side.
– In an ideal world, I’d like to earn a living through one of my creative outlets. See Career!

Career
– I quit my job, literally 3 weeks ago. I didn’t plan to and I felt it was quite irresponsible of me, but I can’t deny I’m 100 times happier now. In the upcoming weeks, I’ll figure out all my finances and see where I stand. However my perfect career move at this time, would be to work from home. I have a variety of options and maybe all of them combined would be the best idea right now. However ultimately I’d like to be able to stay at home and concentrate more on being a mum, being creative, sorting out the house etc.
– While in an ideal world, I don’t want to go back to work, I know that it would be more responsible if I do. Getting a mortgage would be easier for a start, as would providing money into the household. As such, I plan to volunteer in school for some office work, to give myself experience. This to me is giving a negative situation (quitting my job) a positive outcome (getting experience). Once I have some experience, getting a job within school – in the office – would be far more enjoyable, than what I was doing before.

Life
– I wasn’t really sure where some of this stuff fit, so I decided to add an extra category. I guess a “me” category would also work. This year I would like to get a divorce and try to look for a credible divorce lawyer. I have been separated from my husband for over 4 years now and we’re still not divorced. I wouldn’t say I was in a rush to do it but I wish I could just justify £100 for one of these online divorce services.
– Vlogging. Perhaps you’re wondering why I didn’t put this in the blog section – well I’ll explain. I don’t want to vlog, in replacement of my blog. In fact, I don’t really “want” to vlog at all. What I do want to do, is push the boundaries of my comfort zone. Last year on my blog, I did about 3 outfit posts – something which a year ago I wouldn’t have thought possible. This year I’d like to vlog, even just once, just to push myself out of my comfort zone and into untested waters!
– Another tattoo.

Entertainment
– As always, something a little fun to end with. Movies, I’d love to do 52 again this year. I’d also like to have seen at least 6 movies at the cinema. I’m off to a good start, having already seen one in January!
– With regard to reading, I really want to manage at least one a month, if not more. Last year I failed miserably but that’s really because I felt like I had so much to do, that I didn’t have time for “down time”. This year I will make the most of me time and get more reading done. Target is 12 but I’d love to hit 24.

So there you have it – my aims, hopes, goals and resolutions for the New Year. None of them are “unbreakable” which is why I don’t really like to refer to them as resolutions, but I do hope to be able to stick to majority and achieve any goals. Check back in a year to see how I did haha!

2014 in Review – This Year’s Goals

December 31, 2014 by Bel 1 Comment

Almost a year ago, I made a list of all the things I hoped to achieve during 2014. At the end of the year, I wanted to take a look back and see what I hoped for and what I’ve managed to actually succeed in. In a few days time, I’ll be putting together a new list of goals for 2015 and maybe looking back will help me decide what it is I want this coming year!

Blog Stuff
This time last year, one of the things I vowed to do with my blog, was post at least once a week and if possible 2-3 times a week. I definitely achieved this for majority of the weeks, in fact for the last 3-4 months of the year, I was posting every day! As well as that, I said I would try to advertise myself more, mingle on Social Media and make blog friends. I’m confident to say that for the most part, I did do all these things. I know I definitely need to try harder on social media and hopefully in the upcoming months/years, make more friends too. Finally, my last goal with blogging, was to attend a Blog Meet. Not only did I attend one, but I also arranged one, so I’m pretty pleased with that! Also, though it wasn’t a goal, I started off the new year with 53 followers. Now at the end of the year, I have almost 700 more. Though the current total fluctuates a little, at the time of posting, my followers on Bloglovin’ were 735. I’m pretty proud of this!

Money
I’m sad to say, that really my money situation is no better than last year. I made the goals of getting myself out of debt – which I did to some extent – but I also know I could have been much better. I also aimed to save, by starting a saving scheme of £1 in week one, £2 in week two, £3 in week three etc. and about 7-8 weeks in, this all came crashing down. I would say I’m probably in a slightly more manageable financial situation than last year, but having just quit my job – I obviously have no idea how that will turn out.

Family
For the new year, one of the most important resolutions I made, was to shout less, keep calm and make the most of my time with the kids. I think for the most part I definitely achieved this and while working has definitely placed a strain on me, I’ve gradually got better at dealing with it. I’m looking forward to a few months without working so much and hoping it continues on calm and enjoyable like Christmas holidays have been. The other goal I set, was to plan and go on a family holiday – preferably Rome. A few weeks after making my goals, my mum announced she would be taking us to Florida in 2015 so really all savings needed to go into this. We did manage a few nights away in Berwick though, along with a visit to Edinburgh. We also had the odd day out, with visits to The Deep & Hull, Butlins in Skegness (though mum paid for this), Eureka, Adventure Farm, Harry Potter Studios, Warwick Castle, days at the cinema and other fun stuff too.

Friends
I only set one goal this year and that was to host a gathering at least once a month, to touch base with all my friends – especially the ones at a bit more of a distance. I’m trying to work out in my head if I managed this and I think I pretty much did. In January I think we had a games night, in February a Valentine’s Murder Mystery, March had both Amy’s birthday Murder Mystery and Chris’ birthday games night, with April having an Easter Murder Mystery. May had both Erika’s birthday Murder Mystery and my birthday Murder Mystery, along with a Eurovision Song Contest night. June had my brother’s birthday Murder Mystery and July had Chris Boatman’s birthday Murder Mystery. A large group of us also attended Comic Con in July and while I didn’t host it, I definitely organised it. Sadly in September, we didn’t actually hold any official gathering. I’m pretty sure we had a games night or two, but it was just 4-5 of us, which I guess still counts. October had Halloween, November had Nat’s birthday Murder Mystery and December had both Megan’s Murder Mystery (involving mostly my friends) and the Christmas Murder Mystery. Next year will probably be far quieter but I’ll need to make some effort to organise something.

House
Before I even refer back to my goals, I already know I’ll have done badly on this one. Sadly the year has just been so busy and working took up so much time, that nothing ever really got done on the house. One of my goals was to have the kitchen finished, the garden cleared and the hallway painted. In fairness, the hallway is pretty much done and the garden did get cleared, so its not as bad as I thought. Unfortunately nothing really got done on the kitchen so perhaps that’s a goal for this coming year – along with many others. Tidy and clean more was another goal and while I’ve probably done better than 2013, I know it still needs more. Just over the Christmas period I’ve got to grips with certain areas, so hopefully being off work will mean more time spent on the house!

Health and Fitness
This was a bit of a mixed bag, when it came to success and failure. Get back on track with my diet and achieve my 10 stone target, was goal number one. With the help of Weight Loss Wednesday, over at Twice the Mum, I managed to drop 22 pounds. I still have another 23 pounds to go, to obtain my 10 stone target, but I’m confident over the next 3-4 months, that I should hit that goal. I wanted to find a healthy lifestyle and stick to it, along with go swimming more and venture onto the Wii Fit. I can hand on heart say that I didn’t really manage any of those things, except in summer when we went swimming more – largely to get Lily swimming and improve Megan’s swimming. Finally I wanted to quit smoking altogether and I’m glad to say I’ve managed this one. While I will admit I’ve had the odd one here and there, I’m not smoking on a regular basis and I’m definitely not purchasing them.

Creativity
I failed miserably on my creativity goals. I wanted to write more of my book – preferably finishing it – and take part in some sort of writing competition. I didn’t add a single word to my book (though I did help Megan plan one) and while I was > < this close to participating in NaNoWriMo, life just got far too busy and it wasn’t possible. That said, I did write a murder mystery for Megan’s Birthday and I did get creative in other ways – mainly clothes making and sewing. I’m hoping that some form of creativity is going to find me a new occupation in the upcoming year.

Career
My one goal for my career, was to find a way to work at home. While that didn’t really work out, I guess since I did actually quit my job on December 17th, I can technically say I completed this. I’m unsure what the new year will bring but I do know I’m not actually looking for a job. I have several things I want to do, but everything involves staying afloat, building up a business and/or planning for a better future job.

Entertainment
Finally, in my list of goals, were some easy-going entertainment related goals. I vowed to read more books and watch more movies, even setting myself some targets. For reading, I set myself the goal of one book per month. Some months this would have been easy to accomplish, while others it felt impossible. Being out of the house between 8am and 4pm every day, definitely took its toll on my leisure time and I’m sad to say I only got 9 out of the 12 read (and even then only 6 of those were completed). I did enjoy some really good books this year, but sadly I also got stuck on some really rubbish ones too. Next year I hope to improve this figure and read a lot more. With regards to movies, I set the target of 52, working out as one per week. At one point I thought I was nowhere near, but counting up now I’ve actually watched 68 movies this year. 4 of those movies, I watched whilst being on my computer (so didn’t fully watch) but even deducting that, I still clocked in at 64, which is 12 over my target!

All in all, I know that I tried. Looking back, I’m pretty pleased with everything I accomplished. I know its a bit of a cop-out, but working (and specifically the job I worked) was definitely my main stumbling block this year. I felt constantly tired, constantly like I didn’t have time for the things I wanted to do and fairly constantly miserable. I feel very positive, moving into the new year, knowing this hurdle is now gone. I know there will be other things that cause issues this year, but fingers crossed it will be a happier year overall!