NST February Challenge : A Winter Voyage

Bobarella

Morning

Have events on both days this weekend. Pros of these, I am not doing much except letting people in and out and tidying round. Cons, a late night last night and my day is a bit chopped in half today. But still plenty of time with the family overall.

Not much debt reduction going on in the last week as my cash flow has slowed down at the moment. I have only taken in £37 in future bookings this week compared to £285 last. Enquiries still coming in but unfortunately for dates already booked. I never really understand people thinking they will have much luck booking a venue two weeks ahead.... Occasionally I can do it so it works out well but I'm booking events in May now so that's where the market is.

Anyway have a good day Turtles!

Bob

Lauralozzle

Checking in

I've been making use of ME time this weekend. Last night I had a long HOT bath on the Isle of Aphrodite with my Yankee Candle. Just sat back and relaxed for a good hour. Popped clean sheets on bed as well which always feels a little luxurious after a bath!

Today should be a NSD - I'll claim it later when it confirmed.

Edit: NSD confirmed! I'm now at 5/15. I really need to claw it back this week!!

Dinner is in the slow cooker, Tom is doing overtime - we have to go visit my grandparents this afternoon but should be no need to spend. I usually come out with a little treat bag after visiting! Today I came out with yogurt, fajita packs, mushrooms, popcorn, chocolate, maple syrup and whiskey marmalade!! Exciting!!!

I've been making good use of the dolphins this month. Last nights dinner was dolphin seabass which Tom filleted. Breakfast today was dolphin hot cross buns for me and dolphin cheddar muffin for Tom with leftover bacon. No food waste, feeling pretty good about it! I also made loads of pasta bake (Quorn bolognese and Quorn chilli) for lunches throughout the week.

1) I'm grateful for a well stocked freezer
2) I'm grateful for Tom doing done over-time and earning more pennies
3) I'm grateful for the slow cooker which is making my day considerably easier!!

mothernerd

Whilst Captain abundant is on shore leave, I thought I would share some thoughts (originally BHF mag) on Setting Goals, Measuring Them and How To Keep on Track.

1 Base your goals on evidence. Eating more fruit and veg and walking are proven to help your health and well being.

2 Use comparisons constructively. Stop comparing yourself unfavourably with others (think they meant articles about 'celebrity' mums losing their baby bump within 2 weeks etc, but I find comparing myself now to how I used to be was my worst fault). BHF suggests looking at the favourable image and asking 'What do they have that I want?'. How could you reprioritise and set goals to have more of that yourself. (Also give thanks that you are not married to a spud faced footballer).

A point not mentioned in the BHF article was framing your goals positively. Focus on what you are trying to achieve not what you are trying to eliminate.

More tomorrow.

Calling14

I didn't post yesterday day out in NT garden again slightly damp but managed with a 7 week old baby and gs. Took a picnic and sheltered when it rained. Best day out ever according to gs toasting marshmallows on an open fire. SFD in the bag.

Today electrician cancelled on me, hopefully coming next week. So went back to NT shop and bought lots of jams half price and all in date until 2019- pressies sorted. Biscuits as well but still in date until Aug if they last that long. Dd came along and walk in gardens and hot chocolate today treat day. Chatting to volunteer there thinking about volunteering I love gardens but would be on hosting side. Would get me out of the house,keep me fit maybe other benefits ? Knowledge? Company? Uniform?

Ok on the way home was captured by pirates into local garden centre and bought a gorgeous huge patio table in sale. Delivering for free so my treat £10 go towards that. Just other £80 to find. Mine is too small with family here most Saturdays and can sell mine towards cost. Made up with it. May need to clear area in garage later.

Mothernerd wise words indeed. Last night was on a downer feel so overweight but I like food and do walk fair bit. Eating more fruit today. Going to aim for just losing 7lbs never going to be skinny.

Going to wrap up warm, clear area in garage, just taken friends dog out it's freezing cold wind. I am sure I could do a dog walking service !

Toni'sfriend

Afternoon Shipmates

Wise words indeed, Mothernerd.

Calling - I often feel down because I've become overweight as well. Small goals are a good idea. I'm aiming for a loss of one pound a week to loose three and a half stone. Focus on loosing the seven pounds a little every week and you'll soon be there.

NSD today probably because the shops were closed when I went for my walk. Must try harder with that this week.

We don’t do Valentine’s Day either. I’m loved and appreciated by both C and my son and if I had to be reminded of that I’d think there was something wrong with our relationships.

I’m not going to spend my £10.00 but tomorrow afternoon is earmarked for “me” time. Facial, manicure, pedicure and all the other bits and pieces that I don’t spend enough time on. I will be using all the lotions and potions (and there are still many) that are in the bathroom. Some relaxing music. Followed by a nice early night with a book later on. Can’t wait.

Today I’m grateful for;

Wise words from First Mate Mothernerd
Talking to my brother
Steak Pie for dinner

Fmess

Thank you mothernerd , I have cleared out a few items (set myself a target of 10 items today and exceeded that) and have had a good tidy up today.

I've also started a sewing project that a friend brought me to keep me occupied. The weather has been so dull that it seemed an appropriate time to start.

Think I'm on SFD number 6.

Bobarella

I agree on the whole valentine's day thing. To me it's the kind of thing people who have just started going out celebrate because they tend to be always out eating and drinking then anyway. I couldn't imagine prioritising a cosy night on the sofa for sitting in a restaurant spending £100 to eat with lots of other romantic couples. It's a life stage thing.

x_raphael_xx

NSD no.8.
Met up with my dad as he was passing through on a holiday to Cornwall, he treated us to a carvery so my purse stayed securely in my pocket.

Had a couple of hours killing bandits and returning stolen necklaces & other good deeds.
Now I'm going to relax with some trashy TV and reading up on some threads on MSE.

Today I am grateful for:
Catch up and delicious Sunday roast with daddy.
Nice relaxing evening.

crazy_cat_lady

Evening Shipmates!
Thanks for the wise words mothernerd. I occasionally need a bit of a reminder to look on the brighter side of things in life. I'm another one who is really down about my weight. It's now the only thing in my life I still consider to be completely out of control. I'm trying to address it but it's always a challenge for me.
I've had a lovely day catching up with my family today. Went to see my dad but he was out then went to my mams for dinner. She took me out shopping afterwards and insisted on buying me a new outfit for work. It was in the sale but I wasn't going to get it - then she took over and got it for me anyway. I've also spent a few hours to myself this morning catching up with tv and crochet...
So today I'm grateful for -
Food cooked by someone else (it always tastes better)
Time to myself on a Sunday morning
My lovely mam

mrshubbard

Good advice Mother Nerd - i can't remember where but I read in one of these New Years resolutions articles that you're more likely to suceed if your goal is to do something rather than stop doing something - eat more fruit & veg rather than not eat chocolate for example

Thriftylass - aw bless, you'll be celebrating Valentine's then.

Wow Only Girl what a nice emergency fund you've got built up, I'd be happy with an eighth of that!

I can finally record my first NSD since starting this challenge 14 to go! Narrowly avoided the park cafe sirens as it was so cold we'd usually go and get a brew to warm up halfway through our walk but we soldiered on.

My lil bro bought us a £30 voucher for an online organic meat company so our Valentine's plan is for the little man to go to nanna's for the afternoon and we'll have a nice homemade meal, thinking steak with rostis, pan fried beetroot, parsnip & horseradish mash and a rocket salad followed by chocolate fondants with tia maria cream Made it for hubbies birthday a few years ago and it was lovely. Then put the bed settee out and curl up watching a film. Will only need to buy parsnips, cream & chocolate so a cheaper option than our usual meal out Will have some money left from the voucher to get some meat for the freezer as well.

3 things I'm grateful for today are:-

Hats, gloves and thick woolly coats
My little man having 2 cousins close in age - so lovely watching them play together
The mils Sunday lunches :