Month 7 - Who knows where the time goes, or what happened to Month 6!!

Goodness me, time really does fly when you're having fun!

I've really been enjoying things recently.. feeling loads better from shifting some more weight and generally feeling quite healthy. Its all good.

Food:
I've been eating loads of lovely food, thanks to the Weight Watchers plan and checking out the Slice of Slim blog.. I kind of adapted one of the 'pizza' recipes and made it my own, plus it was something I could throw together quickly... Sorry I have no pics of this, its so tasty I just eat it before I get a chance to take a picture..

'Pizza breads'

Ingredients:
2 Warburtons Wholemeal Thins, seperated.
4 tablespoons of passata
chopped spring onion
chopped peppers
chopped mushrooms
fat free cottage cheese
garlic salt
oregano
basil

Method
Turn on grill to 'high'
Toast the Thins (I usually toast them in a toaster)
Then spread a tablespoon of passata over each thin (on the holey side, not the crust side)
sprinkle with oregano and garlic salt
spinkle over vegetables
carefully dollop cottage cheese onto each Thin
sprinkle with basil
place under the grill until the thins brown

Eat it all up and enjoy. Its so fast and easy to make and tastes just like real pizza.. I have 2 Thins pile up the veggies on it and love it.

Otherwise with the food, I've tried to be careful, but have had a couple of blow outs. I had a day when my fella had brought over a tub of Roses and between us we demolished the lot. I felt very out of control that day.. serves me right really. I've yet to get on the scales and see the damage. It wouldn't be so bad if I'd had a few, but the whole tub between us.. was a bit, well, mad. If those were the only points I'd had all week, I imagine it wouldn't be so bad, but I'd already used points on having a herb scone (approximately 4 points) and eaten some Cadburys Pebbles and around 8 Weight Watchers bars. Some days the cravings are hard to satisfy and it becomes almost an obsession. I even tried having my 'go to' of toast with jam... but it didn't satisfy. It was a minor blip and I'll be better this week. Preparation is the key in all honesty.. that and being 100% honest with yourself. I'm aiming to stay on track this week...

Exercise:

Well I changed things around at the gym, and started to include some weights in with the aerobic exercise. Which started well, then I caught a virus, which knocked me back a bit... I kept going dizzy everytime I went to the gym, so I decided to take a backseat and not work out as much. I started back again a couple of weeks ago and soon picked back up again. It does make me feel brilliant and I can see the changes in my body. Exercising also releases loads of endorphins, which make me feel really good. So even if I don't 'feel' like it, once I'm on that treadmill and working out, its amazing.

Lifestyle Coach:

I'm due to see P on Wednesday, and I'll try and update you again then.. wait until he sees the difference. It might not be loads, but its definately something and its all going in the right direction generally.

So, here's the reveal

Me on 10/11/14

Last week I weighed in at:

13 stone 11 and half pounds!!


Vital Statistics

Chest: 44in

Waist: 37in

Hips: 43.5 inches




Its going down slowly.. and in the pic I'm actually wearing a size smaller jeans.. I've gone from squeezing into a 16, through to a large 14.. might not be massive, but its a big difference to me. I'm hoping to get comfortable in the 14s over the next few weeks.

2 whole inches off my waist!!! That's great for me!!

Since starting the Lifestyle Programme I've now lost 2 stone and half a pound.

So, here's the comparison pic from the start of the journey..

I can really tell the difference now.. can you?

Month 5 - Whatever happened to Month 4?

Well, July came and went and so did August and I haven't blogged for a while re: my diet and weight loss. Its my own fault. I got distracted by the summer holidays. My bad, I know.

I have worked hard and not worked quite so hard. That's the trouble with holidays and birthdays, we get all fired up to lose weight for them, then blow it when we go away from our homes and routines. *sigh* and I am, like everyone else all too human.

So, here's the update from the various headings as I usually do them.

Food
My birthday week was good. I managed to stay away from things like birthday cake, so managed to lose a little then, which was the best birthday present really and generally I happened to stick to things pretty much until I went away, yes, I went away for 10 days, to film a music video 'Darn Sarf', well, in Portsmouth to be exact and time to do a bit of sight seeing as well as catching up with G's family, which was fun. You'd have expected me to drop off the wagon big time, well, I didn't. I was really good. Plenty of fresh vegetables, fresh fruit and healthy choices. OK, I slipped a couple of times and drank a few glasses of wine and ate the odd ice cream. When I weighed in on my return I'd only put 2 pounds on, which I was delighted with, it felt like 2 stone! So, what else have I been eating.. Tons of fruit, literally loads of it still, as well as plenty of vegetables, still averaging between 8 and 10 portions a day. I've had a few slip ups since coming back from my break, eating an Indian takeaway which was sublime and the odd bit of food when we've been out, which I've tried to 'track' as much as possible. With Weight Watchers, if I'm careful, I can save loads of points up and use them at the weekends, so if I find myself having an unexpected cake, or pint, its not going to hurt me too much overall.
Incidently I have to tell you about a great blog, which I've recently been told about by the WW representative 'R', she has told me how wonderful it is, so I have checked it out. Its called 'Slice of Slim' at http://www.slice-of-slim.com/ Its written by Janey, who has lost mostly 4.5stone with Weight Watchers and has shared her recipes with the world, which is really good. I tried her 'pizza' recipe last night, and while its not really enough like real pizza for me to comment (I made a big mistake of adding loads of basil instead of oregano...silly me) and far too much cottage cheese to the topping.. It was incredibly filling and I'm sure that is what contributed to my slight gain this week! However, I urge you to take a look, its a blog crammed full of useful information and recipes. I'm going to try her 'Leek and Asparagus Tartlets' this week at some point... I really am in the mood for something quiche-like.. I'm hoping it satisfies. So still loads of things to try out and get acquainted with.

Exercise

I began my free 12 week sessions at the gym before August too, giving myself a headstart before my holiday. Twice a week I would huff and puff my way through my session, and sloping off for a dip in the hydrotherapy pool after. I've found its built my stamina already,which I'm really pleased about. Upon walking on the Roaches, G said to me "Crikey a few weeks ago, you wouldn't have made it this far".. so its all going well. I keep pushing myself a bit harder each time I go. I did have to give it up while I was away, which I felt bad about as I really wanted to carry on, but couldn't as there isn't another gym from the same chain where I went. Instead I made sure that most days I walked some. Well, quite a bit actually. This also probably helped to prevent the calories from the wine and ice cream having too much of an effect. Since returning from my holiday I've been back to the gym and found that I really hadn't dropped as much fitness as I thought. I thought that having some time away would have a deleterious effect on my fitness, but it hadn't. Which suggests that I have developed some fitness.. lol. So the plan is to keep going and up my game.

The Media and Text 4 Change

All is quiet on this front since the Text 4 Change ended. Which suits me fine. I have now sunk back into the realms of anonymity... ahh bliss.

Lifestyle Coach


I haven't seen P for a while, as I'm on my "I'll see you in 6 months" part of my Lifestyle course. Unlike some, I've really put the effort in and while gaining a bit here and there happens, I refuse to be downbeat about it. There's no point. I just have to keep chipping away and knowing that one day it will all work out. The weight will be off and I'll feel loads better. Its going to take a while and that's fine. It took years to get the weight on, no doubt it'll take years to get it off. I'm finding having a positive attitude to it works wonders. I might not always be positive, but being even a teensy bit positive every day adds up. As long as I make good choices most of the time, I should be fine.

So, here are the usual 'progress pictures' that I put up at the end of the blog...





So this is me today, 09/09/14

Weighing in at 14 stone 5 and a half pounds

Vital Statistics:
Bust:  44inches

Waist: 39 inches

Hips:  44inches

So no change in the vital's this time and only a couple of pounds down from the last blog.. At least its all going in the right direction... down. Since starting the Lifestyle Programme I've lost 1 stone and 7 pounds.. that's one and a half stone!! I feel loads better for it to be honest. 
Here's the pic of me from the start for comparisons sake. 

So, what's coming up?
Well, Christmas. I've signed up for 'Lose a Stone for Christmas' with the WW group.. Not sure I'll make it, as my weight loss tends to be s-l-o-w, but will see what happens. Any loss at all is a loss in the right direction toward being healthy!

Month 3 - Its all go go go!!

So, month two passed without issue and now we're onto month three. Its been quite hectic trying to keep up with everything, from texts to exercise classes and all the while thinking about what foods I can eat plenty of and the ones that I should avoid... Overall I think I'm doing OK.

Food
I can't believe I'm on a diet... I mean I eat lots of fruit and veg.. literally tons of it and its really showing in my weight losses. I'm finding I'm not craving any particular foods, nor am I feeling deprived. I'm eating to my appetite and enjoying every mouthful. I've been to a wedding (which I was dreading, as I knew I'd gone over my points!!).. Did I deprive myself at the buffet?? No, I simply had less than I normally would, smaller portions of the fattier, unhealthy versions of the buffet and more of the salad and things I had bought.. I even enjoyed trifle and cream cakes and still lost half a pound that week. I'd saved all my points up to have them at the wedding, I went over by a few points.. but still lost weight.. Which was a bonus!! I went back on track the next day, which also helped and only had one small glass of champagne for the toast. My particular favourite meals have been quorn bacon, lettuce and tomato on Warburtons thins (delicious!), strawberry compote (homemade by throwing a ton of strawberries in a pan, heating them through, adding a touch of water and a bit of Stevia and reducing it to a jam-like consistency) on crumpets (Warburtons are allowed on Weight Watchers). I've also made a very nice butternut squash and chickpea tagine (which was really tasty). Another favourite has been chopping pineapple, grapefruit and mango and mixing it together.. very tasty and refreshing in the hot weather.  I've also noticed I'm not feeling as hungry, as I'm drinking loads of water anyway, I'm not tempted to eat for the sake of it, the food I'm eating is leaving me feeling satisfied, instead of over stuffed and craving. I usually crave chocolate at 'that time of the month'.. and for the first time in years, I've literally not been bothered.. which is amazing. I can only presume that the foods I'm eating are nutritionally better, therefore, I'm not missing out on the nutrients that I was craving before with my poor diet.

Exercise
Well, my WEA class has now come to an end.. I was really pleased with how it went and with the lovely people there and the giggles, but I was offered the chance for a free set of gym sessions.. Which I jumped on with relish. The gym and I have a convoluted history. I used to work out in a gym around 4 times a week during my 20's and hardly had to worry about what I put into my face. However, with 20 years of basically abusing my body with food and lack of exercise, its actually quite hard to get going. However, I went for my induction last Friday and worked out till I was dripping... Its amazing how much fitness you lose when you do nothing, or very little.. Its an insidious thing that creeps up on you and before you know it, walking is an issue, your clothes don't fit and you say "stuff it, I can't be bothered".. Anyway, now I have a whole new attitude to working out... That is to make it as fun as possible and remember the outcomes will be better for it. I had been going to 'hooping', which is basically hula hooping for adults, and is incredibly hard work physically. The lessons stopped for a while, so I might pick that back up again... Anyway, back to the  gym. I was shown around by the very lovely C, who explained in great detail the mechanics of the body, of how it works and what we need to do to lose weight and get healthy. This particular gym utilises ones own abilities and details are stored on a card, which is useful.. I managed 10 minutes on the treadmill... walking at a pace to get out of breath, second was a 10 minute stint on an exercise bike, with enough resistance to bring me out in a sweat and to get me out of breath again! Third up was a cross trainer, some infernal device that is used for toture..I managed a few minutes on it and was close to collapse when I climbed off.. the last was the rowing machine, which was equally intense, but in a different way. I left feeling satisfied that I'd worked hard. I didn't account for Sunday and the intense pain I felt in the muscles surrounding my right knee.. Ouch doesn't cover it. It ached and was painful at the same time.. I took some Ibuprofen and sat with my leg elevated for a couple of hours, which seemed to help. I went back to the gym today and managed 10 minutes on each machine.. which is much better, imho. I also sloped off for a spell in the hydrotherapy pool, which with its warm bubbly water was just what my aching body needed. I left the gym feeling refreshed and content with myself that I had done good work.

The Media and Text 4 Change
I have largely been left alone to get on with it, which is great really, meaning I've had time to just get on with it. The texts have been coming in everyday, full of useful tips such as "Don't be tempted to pick at the food when preparing a meal" and "If you're tempted to eat something naughty, try brushing your teeth, it'll put you off".. So, yes, still useful advice. Its coming to an end now, so I won't be getting texts after this week.. However, its Ok, as I've made loads of positive changes already. The media.. well, I've had a follow up interview last Saturday with Radio Stoke, who were keen to find out how I've done on the programme.. so, I told them.. I'm doing really well, maintaining a positive attitude and generally just getting on with it.

Lifestyle Coach
Went to my Lifestyle meeting with P and felt pleased to report good weight losses and the exercise I've been doing, P got me to fill in the forms for my gym referral, which went off and I got the call to go and be inducted (induced, just doesn't seem to sound right.. somehow). So yes, smiles all around here..

So, round up for this month...

This is me 9 weeks into Weight Watchers and weighing in at 14 stone 7 and a half pounds..

 So, my vitals now are:

Bust: 44 inches

Waist: 39 inches

Hips: 44 inches

I shouldn't have worn a baggy t-shirt... hey ho, I know for next time. But I can tell I've lost weight now. In fact since starting the Lifestyle programme, I've lost 1 stone 5 pounds!!!

I've re-set my Weight Watchers goal to 14 stone now, from my original one which was 14 stone 8.. So, lets see how long it takes to lose this..

I look asleep on these pics, I assure you I'm not.. Just resting my eyes.. ;-) 















So, what's coming up.. My birthday, school holidays, a holiday and so many jobs to do around the house and garden.. I'm hoping I can stick to it all and do as much as I can. Each step is a step toward my goal. I'm just going to keep going.... As I maintained in the beginning and I shall keep maintaining... If I can do it, anyone can.

Month 2 - Its getting better...

So, I was going to do weekly updates, but you know what, I decided against it.. seeing as sometimes even small goals take a while to reach.

Last month I told you about the first month on the Lifestyle Programme and how I'd been finding it, working alongside all the various strategies I'd been encouraged to implement... Now for Month 2!

FOOD
Well, I started Weight Watchers, after being referred by P (my Lifestyle Coach) and have been following their 'Simple Start' and 'Filling and Healthy' guides.. Now, this may seem like rocket science, but basically it isn't. Its eating very sensible foods, having the odd treat and keeping track of it with the online tracking application. To be honest, I'm finding it sooo easy.. Knowing that if I like I can fill up on loads of foods and not worry about it, well, obviously within reason. I try to do things like have a drink before actually putting food in my face, just to be sure that I'm actually hungry. In fact the past few days I've been ravenous!! So, extra drinks have been had and even the odd extra bowl of fruit or shredded wheat! I've also been cooking much more.. something I'd got out of the habit of.. But I'm glad to say I'm enjoying that too, made a pretty mean mixed bean stew with wholewheat pasta.. which, with the addition of smoked paprika, is really tasty!

EXERCISE
So, there was my goal.. walk for 30-60 minutes twice a week and go to the WEA Exercise class... Great.. well, when I do it. I've found sometimes tying myself to a routine hard, so have modified it for myself now. I still go to my WEA class, which is still every bit as amusing as the first time and the ladies there are so lovely, but am not putting myself under pressure to complete the 2 x 30-60 minute walks, as sometimes I'm just so busy. However, what I am doing is generally being more active. I've made a start in the garden, so plan to put an hour or so in each week, but also do things like sorting out my cupboards, cutting hedges, whatever, to just generally be more active. Its amazing how much difference it has been making, just doing the simple things instead of sitting at the laptop! lol

The Media and Text 4 Change 
Well, so far so good. The media are leaving me to it, for the time being, which is nice, I'm not sure I could stand the scrutiny of the media spotlight all the time, heaven knows why people do it, to be honest. So, have settled down from all the media attention at the start of this journey. Text 4 Change texts have been arriving every day and do contain some very useful info, hints and tips.. rather like a 'Top Tips' section in newspapers. They're encouraging and positive, which is what everyone on this journey needs.. subtle, gentle, encouragement. I didn't realise that some of it was 'interactive', meaning I've had to send texts, which my phone informed me "You may be charged for this service", but this isn't the case, its definately free! I don't mind sending these texts as I get a nice response, again, usually something very positive. How I describe it, is its like having a friend who's full of good ideas and who is gently encouraging you.. so yes, still pleased I've signed up with it. L from the council media department has been sending encouraging emails too, which is also lovely.

Lifestyle Coach
Well, seeing as I have another 3-4 weeks before I see P again, I think I'm safe in just briefly mentioning this.. lol. So last time I met P my goals were:

- Go once per week to Weight Watchers.
- Carry on WEA class
- Increase water intake to at least 1 litre per day
- Maintain 2-3 30-60 min walks per week

So, how have I been doing.. well, I'm doing all of them.. Still staying on track and the evidence speaks for itself.

Round-up
So, you probably want to know how much I've lost, etc since day 1 and how well I'm doing now.. Here goes...

So, this was Day 1 (ish)

On Day 1 I weighed 15stone 12lbs

I lost a little through the Lifestyle Programme so that when
I started Weight Watchers I was 15stone 8lbs

My vitals at that time were around:

Bust: 47 inches

Waist: 42 inches

Hips: 47 inches

This is me today, 5 weeks after starting Weight Watchers

Weighing in at 14 stone 11lbs

Vitals:

Bust: 46 inches

Waist: 40 inches

Hips: 45 inches






I know the pics aren't brilliant, nor the clothing the most flattering, but its just to demonstrate how these changes can be made. I'm so pleased with the results so far. Never have I ever lost so much weight in such a short time.. I usually take ages and ages to lose weight, months and months to lose a stone. I've lost 11 pounds in 5 weeks.. which is a record for me!!! I know I still have a way to go, but I'm inspired to keep going and get to a healthy weight!

Until next time...

Take care

First Month.. progress

So, here I am, one month into my Lifestyle Programme and its been hectic to say the least but great fun too.

So, I told you last time how I'd been referred to a Lifestyle Coach, this time I want to talk about my first month, how I managed and what I did to make things happen.

FOOD
With regard what I was putting in my face, I have been really quite good, I've started to enjoy things like salads again, and really mixing things up.. for example yesterday, for lunch, I had some mixed leaf salad with balsamic dressing, mixed beans in a mint dressing, olives and sunblush tomatoes, cherry tomatoes and beetroot and I can honestly say I enjoyed it so much I'm having it for lunch again today. I've increased, or tried to where I can, the amount of fruit and vegetables I'm eating, instead of relying on the easy option of 'toast'. I'm still eating things like toast, but only when  I feel like it.. I'm enjoying experimenting to be honest. I've swapped out the snacks.. so if I feel peckish, or haven't prepared and need a light snack, I'm eating things like the llittle mixed bags of dried fruit and nuts.. I'm not eating them all the time, just if I feel hungry and can't get a meal straight away. I've found that this has balanced out my blood sugar better than having chocolate.. so I'm finding I'm snacking less than I was.. which has to be a good thing. I'm also drinking more water... and I'm finding this is leaving me feeling quite energised.. if I forget to drink at least a litre of water I start to feel sluggish.. We need extra water to help our blood to flow around our bodies... and I can tell you it works!!

EXERCISE
Exercise is an anathema to me.. I really struggle to exercise, as I'm always finding more and more things that are infinately more enjoyable.. but I'm making time to exercise.. my goal is at least 2 walking sessions of 30-60 minutes a week and 1 exercise session.. Rather than start the gym straight away and throw myself in the deep end, which is what I usually do, I'm trying to make small changes and adding them in. I've joined a WEA group that do free exercise classes. I went to my first one last week, which was quite an achievement.. they're such a lovely group. We meet in a Gurdwara temple, and there are a high number of Asian ladies in attendance, who chatter away and giggle like children through the class when we're exercising.. its enormously entertaining.. the rest of the class is made up of a few pensioners, who are also very lovely and accomodating. The class is supposed to be easy.. but for a self confessed non-exerciser, its quite tough, plus I'm still feeling the effects of my chest infection.. But I managed to get through the class. 'S' runs our class and she's lovely, really encouraging and also on the curvy side, which is great and I find it less intimidating than being faced with a lycra clad thin person. So, I'm well pleased with my progress of including more exercise..

The Media and 'Text 4 Change'
Well., its gone potty.. I've done an interview and had my picture taken for the local newspaper, interviewed by Signal Radio and also BBC Radio Stoke. I've become a kind of 'poster girl' for the 'Text 4 Change' thing.. so there's no backing out now! It would seem that the council are very keen to push 'Text 4 Change' as they've spent quite a bit of money on it.. well, if it helps people and it assists them in their goal setting, then I guess its a good thing..I've found it useful so far.. Little texts of encouragement like 'Park further from the shops when you go shopping, to get that little extra exercise' and 'Find some stairs to climb up and down a few times today'.. Not too bad, not intrusive and quite friendly.. the texts are from 'Flo'.. which is nice, almost adding a friendly face to them. Well, I shall keep reading the texts and applying small changes..

Meeting with my Lifestyle Coach
I met up again with 'P' on 9th May to find out how I've got on.. I have to say I was really surprised.. I've lost weight!!! I have lost the grand total of 2.5 kilos... which might not sound a lot, but is 5 and a half pounds.. again, it doesn't sound like a lot.. But its a nice steady weight loss, which is what I'm looking at. I don't want a massive weight loss, just nice and steady, its more likely to stay off that way. So we chatted about what I've been doing, I achieved all my goals for last month and have been given some new goals to do (I'll tell you later).. I've also lost 1.5cm off my waist.. which is why I can now get into a couple of skirts I've been struggling to get into for ages. I'm really pleased with my progress and so is 'P'.. I'm just waiting for my paperwork to come through so I can start Weight Watchers.. I've never been to them before, but I'm willing to try it out for the free period to see if it helps. I get 12 free weeks as part of the Programme, so will try my best with it and see if I can lose weight with it!
So, my new goals are:

Go once per week to Weight Watchers - Obviously I'm not going to be sitting in the back of the group and not take part and adjust the food accordingly.. I believe its worth giving it a shot..

Carry on with the WEA class once per week  - I could have opted to join a gym at this stage, but I decided to leave that until the WEA class finishes... also the WEA class is a reintroduction to exercise for me.. so its manageable for me. I would rather do that than not bother and just get more and more unfit..I don't ache like crazy after too, which is a good thing..

Increase water intake to at least 1 litre per day - I explained earlier about the drinking water thing. Admittedly I may have to use the loo more frequently at first, but its a small price to pay, if it increases my weight loss... Apparently so many of us spend our time de-hydrated that we don't know what it feels like to be fully hydrated! Safe to say it helps to curb the 'hungry' feelings..

Maintain 2-3 walks per week for 30-60 minutes - I've been for a 40 minute walk this morning.. not a slow pace, but I picked up the pace, so that I was getting out of breath doing it.. Its not easy.. but its worth it.. to get the heart pounding a bit!

So... reveal pics... Here's the lastest pics.. OK, I'm not sure if you can see any difference yet.. I'll let you decide...

Taken today

Last month

Last Month

As I said, not sure if you can see the difference yet...

Taken Today

Last month

Taken Today

But I can certainly feel the difference already.

Healthy Living, Healthy Lifestyles and Pandora's Box

So, I venture to the GP to hand in my repeat prescription (anti-migraine meds and Asthma drugs) and I was taken with the video display... "Healthy Lifestyle Programme" is said, "ask your doctor or nurse about our Healthy Lifestyle Programme where you can  get access to free slimming clubs, free gym membership/exercise classes, coaching, counselling.... "

The word 'free' and I sit very well together. I love a bargain, so when someone suggests 'free'.. I think, 'yeah, go on then, why not? What have I got to lose?'  So I made an appointment with the practice nurse and went for it!

"Yes, Sheena, you are coming up with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 37.1, so technically you are coming in under the 'obese' branch of the charts, so yes, we can refer you"...

A week later and I met my coach. 'P' is a lovely young chap, very helpful, very enthusiastic and certainly seems to know his stuff... One suspects there's a trained nurse under the 'friendly lifestyle coach' exterior... I was able to chat about what I'd like, what my problem areas are and generally feel that I'm not alone. I was able to set some easily achieveable goals, had my weight, height and measurements taken, so they can be compared next time I go.
I have signed up and am in the process of waiting for a few things to come through.. which is great, however, I've had an avalanche of another kind.

'P' called me, "Would you be interested in something called 'Text 4 Change', its being run by the council and its to help people like you, can I get them to give you a call?"
"OK"..said I, uncertain of what I was letting myself in for...
"Great, you'll hear from 'L' soon then, speak soon and keep up the good work"

Within a minute the phone rang "Hi, its 'L' from the city council, with regard to the 'Text 4 Change', would you be interested in taking part, if so you can sign up through the council website, another thing, would it be OK if we use you as part of our campaign for it?"
"Er... go on then, in for a penny, in for a pound" says I, not even considering what I'm letting myself in for...
"That's great, I'll get the Sentinel to call you to do a brief interview and they might want to take a few pictures, also I'll need some for the council website, is that OK?"
"Um... suppose so, I guess if it helps others to get on board with it and it really helps people join in, then its got to be a good thing"
"Brilliant, I'll be in touch"

Yesterday (Tuesday) I was called by The Sentinel and Staffs Live (the University radio station) to do two interviews and the photographer from The Sentinel paid a visit. Today 'L' came over and took some pics too... "You don't mind, when it goes live next week, that I put this forward to the other radio stations and the main press pool, do you?"..

OMG.. Pandoras Box is being opened... I can envision my life not being my own any more as I dodge the paparazzi camped outside my door. "How much weight have you lost this week??" "Do you think Kate Middleton will join you in this?" "Angelina Jolie expressed an interest in playing you in your life story, how do you feel about that?"....

While I have a disdain for the media and all it stands for, I still somehow feel that it is a useful tool, like other useful tools and when used in the right way and for the right reasons can genuinely help to raise awareness, assist in helping people to help themselves. I know that I need to lose some weight and do more exercise, I am certainly not in denial about that. So I have set a few achieveable goals and am working things in to bring about sustained lifelong changes. I am someone who does tend to jump into things with both feet and get bored quickly, but I'm actually looking at doing something over a longer period, not just going for a quick fix. There are no quick fixes to weight loss and healthy living (despite what the advertisements say).. Its a long hard road. It took a long time to put the weight on, it'll take a long time to get it off.

"So you're saying that you don't want to be fat anymore, Sheena?"...

Its not that.. I want to be healthy, to feel like I can run a hundred yards and not be out of breath. I have been given an amazing body and I have abused it for years. It might not be skinny, it might not be pert, but its all mine and most of the time it works fine. So, why shouldn't I give it something back, take some care of it?? I had some wild times drinking to excess, given it things I shouldn't have, eaten my body weight in chocolate and what's it given back to me?? Its supported me throughout my 43 years. I was born with a complete body, OK, I've had a couple of hiccups and operations down the years, but its still with me, still here for me and hasn't given up yet, so I shouldn't give up on it either. It deserves better.

So, I've signed up.. I've made some changes and already, in 2 weeks I've noticed some subtle changes (I can get into a skirt that I struggled to get into 2 weeks ago), the scales are suggesting I've lost a few pounds. I decorated my lounge and feel great about achieving that, doing the majority of it myself.. We did that, me and my body as a partnership.. We achieved a goal together.. Go me! Go body!! I, however, now sit here with a chest infection. My body saying to me 'time for a rest Sheena.. take it easy for a couple of days, you deserve it' So I shall put the kettle on, stick on a dvd and put my feet up, safe in the knowledge that I am making a difference in my life... and if I can do it.. so can you. I am really the world's most unmotivated person.. Time to change, time to put it into first gear and start moving.

I've just heard that my article has appeared in the local newspaper.. eeek... Oh well.. nothing ventured, nothing gained (or lost, as the case may be).

Thank you for reading... Obligatory poor selfie pic coming as well as details of the goals I set...

Not the most flattering set of pictures, but then I suppose they're not supposed to be. I considered doing the obligatory 'bikini' pics, but seeing as I'm not that confident about my wobbly bits at present, its perhaps not the best idea! I've also neglected make up and hair (well, I'm not well)

Its the first time I've done an obligatory 'before and after'.. well OK a 'before'... and, OK, I'm not impressed by what I see, yes the camera adds around 10 pounds in weight (or more or less, depending on who you read)... but its a good indicator of how we look in the clothes we wear. This is my everyday, usual, mummy look.. Nothing special, just what I wear day to day.

Anyway, less about the 'Oh I feel bad about myself cos I've seen some unflattering pics'.. Onto the positive stuff and the goals I've set for the first month...


GOALS:

1) Reduce Snacking - Only buy 1 bag of chocolate and have 1 bag of nuts or dried fruit.

Basically I was eating 1-2 bags of things like mini-eggs at the weekend, sometimes more, if I counted in stuff like cake, puddings and nice treats.. or just grabbing a chocolate bar because I was peckish. So instead I carry around a bag of dried fruit/nuts.. just a small snack size portion and have that if I'm out and about and need to eat, but have forgotten to prepare. While many will say 'its full of sugar and fat'.. I will say, but its still got less sugar than chocolate and it is actually healthier.. plus its not as processed.. which has to be a good thing. I'm finding it stabilising my 'hunger pangs' too.

2) Have a healthier option when ordering a takeaway. Only have one takeaway per week.

I'm not a big fan of takeaway, but I do like a Subway now and again and I have been known to have a McDonalds from time to time (with the kids).. I do enjoy a veggie kebab and also I adore curries. So, yes, its being sensible with regard to takeaways really. Not relying on them too much and just having one, is achieveable for me.

3) Do at least 2 x 30-60 minutes of exercise per week.

Speaks for itself really. So I've included any walking that I do, and this past fortnight has been about decorating.. So decorating the lounge has been a biggie for me. Lots of stripping, sanding and the like as well as rollering... I've done it fast and furious and feel loads better for it. Makes me want to tackle the rest of the flat now! Its true that our outside environment affects our inner self.

4) Go to 1 WEA exercise class.

Hmm, sticking point for me, it was Easter hols, I was decorating and now I have a chest infection.. plan to catch up next week with this one...

5) Look at 'Think Well'.

I was given some paperwork with regard to 'Think Well' courses, which are useful if you have issues around weight, or maybe underlying issues such as depression or anxiety about weight issues. I've had a look and I think I'd like to sign up.. Just to do the course and see if it helps.

6) Look at Weight Watchers class.

While I've tried Slimming World before, I'm going to take a look at Weight Watchers to see if its any different. I can try it for 12 weeks free.. so its worth looking at to see if it'll work for me.

So there you go..

March already

 Well there was me just getting used to the few 'extra pounds' that I'd put on at Christmas (hehehe.. yeah, sure.. more like half a stone or more!).. and it got me thinking about food.. its now March and I hadn't stuck to my healthy eating plan once.. So I began March with a 'listen to your body' program.. Not formulated by any Diet Guru, nor following any fad plan, but just listening to my body.. trying to limit things like chocolate and booze and generally, just eat more fruit and veggies and the like.
The crunch came when I struggled to fit into my Collectif Delores dresses... then I knew I had an issue.. so began week one of 'eat more fruit and veg'.. and lo.. it was easier than I thought. Choosing fruit over other snacks was simple, filling and I felt great, loads of energy from the extra nutrition garnered from adding in fresh salad and more broccoli... literally to the point where I'm making sure half my plate is full of veggies... I don't think I've lost any weight.. and I'm not going to weigh myself.. just see how it goes.

In other news, I decided on an outfit for a night out.. I termed it my 1940's Parisian Prostitute look..

The whole ensemble is black satin (apart from the shoes and fishnets).. The blouse, skirt and shoes have been gathered over time, from various charity shops.. the corset a bargain from Ebay for £10.. it being a proper waist training one with spring boning.. very comfortable to wear.

I decided to try and put my hair up into a kind of 'Victory Roll'.. however my hair is still a bit short, so have had to 'make do'.. a touch of back-combing and a lot of hairspray, et voila!

Make up was my usual base and powder, but using a cream eyeshadow and a dark grey in the crease, with my usual slick of black eyeliner and smear of No7 red lipstick.

Overall, I was quite impressed with how it all turned out, sharing the pics on FB as is per the 'done thing', these days. However, it occurred to me  that sharing pics like this could be constituting personal vanity, so I decided to write a bit about that too.  Being someone who is naturally quite shy, it has taken many years for me to be accepting of myself, due to being bullied severely while I was growing up. I now really rather like myself.. Not in a self absorbed kind of way, but in a 'I like myself, so you can too' kind of way.  I just want other people to see that if I can like myself then they can also like themselves too. 

So that's my thing really.. I'm sharing because I like the way I look. I've taken time and pride in my appearance, spent time on making myself feel good on the inside and showing it on the outside. OK, I'm not a supermodel (nor would I want to be), but I am 'me'.. and I really rather like who I am.  

Slow Clothes?? What's it all about?

Well, I have a new discovery.. Its called the "Slow Clothes Movement"... Its something akin to the Slow Food movement, where people actually buy raw ingredients and make food for themselves, rather than buying so called "fast food".. So slow clothes??

To be honest I just see clothes as clothes, the things that you wear to cover your rude bits, to keep you warm and to generally make a statement about who you are... So shall we define Fast clothes??

Apparently the difference between "clothes" and "slow clothes" is down to the way its produced, or purchased.. If you buy cheap mass produced clothing from High Street stores, technically its Fast Clothes... the stuff that you wear once then give away, or throw in the back of the wardrobe forever, knowing that it wasn't that well made, and quite frankly will fall to bits, bobble like crazy and will generally be a bit rubbish. So with that in mind, comes "Slow Clothing"... Whereby its better quality, produced ethically, out of better quality materials and will last longer (one hopes).

Slow clothing is basically anything that is "Fair Trade" (I can see a dozen dancing hippies singing "We told you so".... ). If its fairly traded, it means the manufacturers got a decent price for the garment, according to their economy and they've been able to reinvest in their own economies and been able to afford sustainable housing, food, etc.. while we in the West sit smugly and feel like we've done a good thing (Which we have). As someone who already purchases the odd Fair Trade item, I feel a smug sense of satisfaction that I'm actually doing some good... 1 Slow Clothing Brownie point to me..

Slow Clothing is also clothes that have a story, they have history. That doesn't mean they're carrying a whole heap of emotional baggage "I wasn't loved, so I was taken to the Charity Shop", rather they might be better quality items, that were sitting in the wardrobe not being worn, so their kind owners handed them over to the Charity Shop. Now, as any of you who know me well, know that I prefer Charity Shops to regular shops, why?? Because you never know what you're going to get in a Charity Shop.. its completely random. Rather than pay £25 for a pair of jeans, I pick up a couple of pairs, for say £3 each.. I get funky jeans, that are perfectly suitable for wearing.. and I give money to a good cause too.. All round win! 1 Slow Clothing Brownie point to me...

With regard to clothing having a history, there's the recent resurgence in "Vintage" clothes... OMG, I mean, seriously... Vintage shops, vintage markets, the plethora of recycling that's going on in the name of "vintage" is simply wonderful, as an antithesis to regular fashion, people are raiding their grandparents wardrobes and making a style of their own,. Obviously a follow on from such fashionistas as Kate Moss and Sienna Miller (where's she these days??).. with their "Boho" inspired looks... It started an upsurge in recycling old clothes and calling it "vintage".. Once upon a time you couldn't give away a 1970's style mustard yellow crimplene jumpsuit, whereas today, some trendy Urban uber-babe will sport it with a fake 1950's fur coat, stilettos and a plethora of chunky jewellery.. making the style her own.. As someone who has always struggle to fit into vintage fashion.. Its mainly for the more slender amongst us.. I have, however, found a few pieces that are just delightful.. and I had to have them, I've helped out small business and I feel good about that too... 1 Slow Clothing Brownie point to me...

Slow Clothing also includes handmade.. so the sitting and making of clothes, or up cycling old clothes is also "Slow Clothing".. So here is all the hand knit jumpers from granny, the crocheted scarf you've been unpicking for weeks because the pattern is written in some strange Coptic text and the hand sewn, carefully deconstructed and reconstructed creations... I create myself from this section, part of my business Ananassa Multimedia is based around these concepts (note to self, upgrade the website and use relatively newly coined term in all advertising from now on!). Handmade, quality, something different than the High Street... Being a trend setter, rather than following the in-crowd.. Making a difference. The joy that comes from making something yourself, or upcycling something into something more useful is simply delightful.. It gives a sense of real satisfaction and confidence, the "I'm wearing something that NOBODY else has got!".. When you wear something handmade, then amount of people who ask "Where did you get that from??!"..is simply astounding. So, I think 2 Slow Clothing Brownie points to me..

So, when you're rethinking your wardrobe, or are out and about and looking for something "new" to wear, consider "Slow Clothing"... I've been doing it for years, only I called  it "Being too hard up to afford clothes in shops, so am making do, mending, buying from charity shops and second hand and making my own style"... you know it makes sense.

New Year, New Me??

Hi folks,

Well, I promised myself back in November that I would blog more.. and I let myself down, however, I have resolved to not do that from now on. If I can't blog all the time, then I can blog some of the time.
So, did I make any resolutions for 2014.. actually I wouldn't call them resolutions as such, more goals.. or mini-targets.. I don't want to make sweeping statements and not be able to follow through, so better that I reduce it down to more manageable pieces really.

So I started my business, which has been growing steadily, I had a few sales from my Etsy shop before Christmas, which was encouraging and a few gigs booked.. and have been booking gigs for 2014 since the turn of New Year, with quite a few confirmed and ready to go.

So, anyway, a slight aside and now back to the topic.. Goal setting.

So for 2014 I would like to achieve the following:

1) Continue growing my business through making things, singing more and the like
2) Do more "me" stuff, I've found myself giving too much time over to certain people, now's the time to look at what I would like.. Sounds selfish, but I've had my head full of certain things and I needed to clear that really.
3) Do more spiritual endeavours. I've been neglecting my spiritual side in recent years, I've realised that I get a lot from being involved in spiritual matters and know a lovely group I can go to to mingle with like minded people.
4) Decorate my lounge. I've had the paint for nearly a year.. Its about time I got cracking with it and set some goals for achieving that.
5) Get more exercise. I've put on some weight, and my clothes are getting tight.. I can't fit into certain things, so I would like to lose some weight and do some more regular exercise.
6) Continue sorting my hair out.. It might not seem like a big thing, but to me my hair is important, it helps me to feel more confident, if my hair looks good, then I feel better. I've finally got a colour I like, just waiting to get rid of all the nasty over processed ends.. Not much longer now!!
7) To start living by the "one in, one out" philosophy when it comes to everything. I could be said to be a bit of a hoarder, so with the continued de-cluttering of the flat, I would like to implement that. It makes sense.. One book in.. one book out, one dress in, one dress out, etc.. It'll be a challenge, but will hopefully make life simpler.
8) Write more.. I'm not just talking about blogging, but generally. I've harboured an ambition to write a book and I laboured under the impression that I would need piles of books and piles of research and that I wasn't quite good enough. However, I realise that I am good enough and I can. I can write about pretty much I like.
9) Spend time with inspirational and positive people. Too long I've spent my time with naysayers and "yeah but" people. I've decided I would prefer to be with "you can" people.
10) To allow myself to be successful. Too long I've sat there and been jealous of the success of others, and been too much of a "yeah but"... I've decided to move on from that and to allow myself the joy of being successful and to want more in my life. Too long I've said "Well, I would, but..." or "I don't think I'm good enough"...So now I'm turning that around, releasing the old self doubt and allowing myself to enjoy being successful.

On the subject of naysayers and of our own self limiting beliefs, I've been reading some great books lately, which are inspiring me to unpick my past and turn myself around. I long believed that to be successful you needed to restrict the flow of things and generally not be attached to anything.. So much so I wasn't attached to stuff so much that success was literally sliding off me... Non-attachment is great, but when its accompanied by negative self talk.. the "yeah but" is alive and well and demands attention.
Negative self talk is destructive ultimately. Unpicking the past, going back as far as I can remember and allowing the flow of energy, love and the like to fill up the emptiness caused by the sense of lack is extremely fulfilling. I expected to be overwhelmed by the task, but its small baby steps. Healing the past, leaving all the baggage behind isn't easy. I'm not going to suggest that we gain quick fixes, cos quick fixes only plaster over the cracks. We have to do some serious "peeling away of the onion skin" (to quote a lovely lady I was chatting to this past weekend) to get the root of who we are, what our life's purpose was, etc.
Incidently, as an aside.. the lady I was chatting to about onion skins.. I have to tell you this, cos I think its funny and just a lovely indicator in there "ain't not thing as coincidence.

I sat on some chairs waiting to go into receive some healing and I was chatting to a lovely vibrant lady and her partner. I had met her briefly before and was taken to talk with her. I asked her, as I'd seen her videoing something previously, if she was a film maker.. Her response really shook me, "No, I'm not... Oh hold on, yes.. yes I am a filmaker".. they both went on to explain that she enjoyed filming things with her iPad and recently did an interview with someone and so that now, yes she was indeed a film maker. It may sound insignificant, but this really proved something to me.. If we sit in our place of negative self talk, we never achieve anything, however, if we sit in a place of ultimate possibility, then, yes, we can be whatever we choose to be. The conversation continued and I felt such warmth, fun and love from the couple. I went away and didn't think about it. I figured I'd check online with some of the things she had said, as a personal follow-up, if you will. I went on to discover that the lady I had been talking to was none other than Dawn Gibbins, a very successful woman, who delivers incredibly upbeat lectures in success and business, etc.. has received dozens of awards for her work and even appeared on "The Secret Millionaire"... I sat in front of my laptop in absolute astonishment. I had been sitting next to one of the most successful people in the area. Has it changed my opinion of her?.. No, not at all.. I am amazed at the work she does and the life she creates for herself. I would say that while many naysayers will say "yeah but"... I have decided to embrace the discovery of my life's true purpose and to be open to possibility. Its easy to not achieve anything, its a whole lot harder to push through our personal limitations and say to ourselves "I am me and I truly love myself, I can  achieve whatever I set out to do, I might not be able to do it overnight, I might need help to achieve it, but I can and I will"

So, with that in mind.. I will say to myself "I am me and I truly love myself, I can achieve whatever I set out to do.... I can and I will"

:-)