Life at number 91

2012

2012-01-12T18:33:00.000+11:00

Happy 2012 Peeps

I will be back in the near future with some posting.

In the mean time check out my sister inlaws awesome blog she has just started. She is my awesome go to girl, that is forever helping decorate and organise.

Go To Your Room

Jillx

There is no time like today

2011-11-10T11:59:00.000+11:00

I am back, and here is a hint to what I am up to today.

Did you know tomorrow does come, and there is no time to start like today, so when tomorrow comes you feel that little bit better.

Jill

Eucalyptus Cleaning

2011-06-01T12:32:00.002+10:00

What does Eucalyptus remind you of?

Me it reminds me of Winter, today is the first day of Winter. My favourite season of the year. My Girls love sucking on eucalyptus lollies, But now Eucalyptus reminds me of fresh clean clothes and surfaces. I can have that winter feeling all year round.

I have discovered some great cleaning products that are all natural and are Eucalyptus based.

I have been using Bosisto's Eucalyptus Spray It is fantastic. You can use it on so many surfaces in you home.

I had some pesky little marks on my kitchen cupboards that were caused from double sided tape from Child locks. A little spray and scrub and the marks were gone. Before long all my kitchen cupboards were shining.

Before: Kitchen cupboard

After: kitchen cupboard

Before: Bathroom taps

After: Bathrooms taps

Before: Microwave

After: Microwave

I think the above results speak for themselves.

My girls love using the spray at night after we have eaten dinner, they wipe the table down. I love that I know it is safe for them to use, no harsh chemicals.

I have also being using Bosisto's EucoFresh Laundry Powder. The powder comes in a zip lock bag with in the box. I was able to use it in my front loader. I have noticed since using it Alexis's eczema is a lot more under control. My clothes have come out fresh smelling and clean. Not nasty residues have been left on any of our clothes.

I love knowing the products I am using aren't harming my family.

Be sure to check to huge range that Bosisto's have available.

I am very excited to tell you all I will be having first ever competition .

4 x packs RRP $16, including:

1 x EucoFresh Laundry Powder 1.5kg

1 x Bosisto’s Eucalyptus Spray

Plus a Handy Hints brochure

Competition is open to Australian residents only.

To enter please leave a comment telling me your favourite part of winter.

Competition ends on the 14/6/11 at 5pm

Winners will be chosen by Random Org.

Jillxx

I was featured

2011-05-06T13:52:00.000+10:00

So after a little bloggin break over Easter, I was surprised and super excited to see I had been featured on one of all time favourite blogs I heart orgainizing. What a great honour to be on Jen's blog.

http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2011/04/you-asked-excellent-expedit-makeover.html

I would love for you all to go check out the post on the above link.

Jillx

Mother's Day printables

2011-05-04T12:29:00.000+10:00

Mother's Day is this coming Sunday and when I saw these great printables on both Bianca and Jade's blogs I new this would be something fun to do with Alexis and my niece who I have every Wednesday. Kasey end up not well today so she also got to join in the fun. Once they had finished their creations I ran them through the laminator, all for ready Sunday.

Alexis wasn't keen on any photos today. We did Mummy and Nanna portraits and Kasey filled out a Why I love Mummy printable.

One of the finished master pieces.

Jillx

Chill is in the air

2011-04-05T22:30:00.002+10:00

My favourite time of the year is fast approaching, Winter is just around the corner. I love so many things about winter, flannelette pj's, pumpkin soup, these gorgeous Henley's for my girls, blankets on the lounge are just a few.

country road

This year I look forward to taking the girls to see snow, My Inlaws have just moved to Cooma about an hour out from the NSW snowy mountains. So we have lots of getaways planned

I am already loving it getting darker earlier.

What do you love about winter?

Jillx

Catch up

2011-03-22T23:16:00.000+11:00

Time for a catch up. We have had a quite few weeks , with kids getting sick and hubby. All with colds, so far I have been spared.

We have all just been chilling and try to get everyone feeling better.

Football season started 2 weeks ago and Darren loves taking the girls. This year he has decided Alexis is ready to tag along. So out came Mikayla's jersey from when she was Alexis' age. He went and got the two older girls jersey's. They were set to head off for the first game of the season. Lex was so excited. Mik decided it would be more fun to head to her friend's , and I was looking forward to a couple of hours at home by myself. I had a plan. Then 1 hr after the left right on kick off. My phone rings.
Conversation starts
" We are coming home, Lex has just spewed all over herself"

Oh No my first thoughts were there goes my plans, then I start the concern for my baby girl.

Home they came to watch the footy on the t.v.

All ready and excited for her first game

This past weekend was spent with all kids and Darren feeling unwell.

Sunday they were all feeling a bit better. Out came the board games. They had all watched enough T.V the day before.

So there you have a brief catch up. I had a little melt down on Saturday feeling overwhelmed at home. Not doing the things I want. Basically I am bad with time management.

I hope to start re blogging about trying to get myself in a routine.

Here is a brief look at the start

I hope you have made it to the end.

Now for some exciting news for all my Aussie friends. I will be having my very first competition coming up in the next few weeks. So stay tuned. Take Care

Jillx

Bed makeover

2011-03-08T14:12:00.000+11:00

Today I thought I would post a picture of my newly updated bedding. I was getting bored with my old doona cover and wanted a bedspread. I found my new bedspread at Laura Ashley at Birkenhead point for a bargain of $99 from $330. It was the colour I was wanting to introduce into my room. I had also picked a cushion that I wanted form Ikea and wanted to base my colours around it.

Here is the before

After

The ikea cushion

I am really loving the colour in our room now. I am thinking I should of ironed it before putting it on.(HeHe)

Jillxx

Weekend getaway

2011-02-28T14:28:00.000+11:00

This past weekend we headed off for a quick weekend getaway up to Hawkes Nest. It was Darren's birthday Saturday and this by far was such a great way to celebrate with our little family. We arrived Friday and came home Sunday. We spent the time at the beach and swimming in the pool, and enjoyed the nights treating ourselves to nice dinners and then coming home to play cards with the girls.

It was great way to relax and forget any of the regular day to day happenings our life brings.

Look at this amazing beach

Beach Babes

Out to dinner for Dad's birthday

Now we are planning where to go for my birthday in August.

Jillxx

A note from one of my Valentines

2011-02-15T14:19:00.001+11:00

Valentines day is not a big tradition in Australia, some get caught up in it, others want nothing to do with. Me I must admit I do like a little Valentines love.

This is a little note I found beside my bed last night before I headed out to work, from my eldest.

Jillxx

New Look

2011-02-07T10:01:00.000+11:00

I just wanted to give a shout out to the great Emma from Little Cherry Tree for my new header and background on my little blog here. Emma had a competition just before Christmas for someone to win a new header for their blog and I won. It has been a pleasure working with Emma. I love my new look.

Thanks Emma

Jillx

Weekend Fun

2011-01-23T22:48:00.001+11:00

Today I was busy cleaning my ensuite, the girls were helping me with my list, Mikayla had just pulled all the pots and pans out so I could organise the cupboard, when Darren got home from golf and announced we were taking off to Balmoral Baths for the day with a couple of families from golf. So there I was finally on a roll with getting organised in my pj's , girls dressed in their daggest clothes, Alexis still in Pj's. I thought today was to be a hang at home day. He said can we be ready in 15 mins. I didn't second guess it, we were taking off for some quality family fun. I left the ensuite, left the pots on the ground, and we got ready.

We had such a great family day, the girls are back at school in a week. I am glad we did something they really enjoyed.

Little Miss Cranky not wanting to participate in a photo

Daddy and 2 of his girls

Finally wanting to participate

My big girl

Darren had so much fun jumping of here with the girls.

As we got in the car Darren picked all 4 of his girls a frangipani flower, On the way home we decided to stop of and pop them on Dad's grave. I at first was only going to put mine on but the girls were more then happy to give theirs up to put on Poppy's grave. We all had a little cry( It would of been Dad's birthday last Wednesday), but I am so glad we went it actually topped of our great day.

Everyone is now sound asleep all having had a great day and resting up before Mummy drags them for my kinda fun at Ikea tomorrow.

Jillxx

P.S Yes I haven't finished the challenge, Life happens and I wouldn't have it any other way.

P.P.S The pots did get put away when we got home, just have to rearrange it abit tomorrow, I kinda rushed putting it away. But I threw out lots. T

Enjoying holidays

2011-01-18T22:36:00.000+11:00

I am very behind on my challenges , I hit a bit of a slump last week. It has not been the nicest week here in Australia, so many of our states being effected by some horrible floods, although I am not in either of the states effected, it still takes alot out of you watching it all on t.v.. Grieving for these poor families.

I have been taking the time to appreciate the little people in my life a lit more.

Watching this little one enjoy a bath on her own, playing with her bath toys

Taking the time to teach the two big girls how to cook

The both did so well

yummy chop chop suey out of a Donna Hay kids cook book

and they even cleaned up when finished.

so that is what I have been up to since last week. I hope to start to catch up tomorrow, Hubbies work is donating alot to the flood victims, so I will be getting some things together.

Jillx

Day #10 ~ Getting Organized Challenge (Laundry Room/closet)

2011-01-13T13:58:00.000+11:00

Hi did you all check out yesterday's post I am still very excited over how good my Expedit is looking, and well I may have banned all kiddies just for now. LOL

Today's challenge is the Laundry room which I did back I think in November you can check out the post here. So today I am using as a catch up day of all my laundry and some general tidying , remember my kids are home with school holidays and we have not ventured out seen I have been busy decluttering.

Before

After

Day #9 ~ Getting Organized Challenge (Toy Organization)

2011-01-12T15:41:00.000+11:00

Today's challenge was Toy Organisation, now I new I promised myself when this one came up I would tackle my Expedit. What I wanted from this was to create a place to house all the things the girls need for doing Homework, a place where it could all be kept neatly. Also it stores toys like our little people and lego. These are toys are don't mind getting out when we have lots of kids here, as it is easy to pack up and keep the kids out of the bedrooms.

The Expedit also is a place where I keep some of my scrapbook albums and my Project Life ( this years is still not unpacked form the box). I also wanted a spot for mine and Darren's books and Magazine's.

Here is the very embarrassing Before. Seriously what is going on with this

After

This box is where the girls will put their homework folders and also Kasey's speech folder

I love this little lazy susan I found to keep all the pencils and texta's

And the Toy baskets with my awesome chalk board labels that I am so loving.

I am pleased with how this turned out, the girls don't go back to school till the end of January so then the test will be when they start getting homework and we will then see how functional this space is. There is also still one basket empty and one cubby. Unfortunately this is not all our toys the rest are in the girls rooms. But that is another days work.

Jillxx

Day #6 ~ (Dresser Drawers) and Day #8 ~ (The Coat Closet)

2011-01-11T17:36:00.000+11:00

So I am a little late posting day 6 so I will add it with Day 8. We don't have a coat closet so I did Mikayla's wardrobe as that is where I wanted to put the board games out of the linen press.

Ok so my dresser top had become a real dumping ground around Xmas, you know when people are coming and you want to hide things. Eck I hope to stop having to do that

All layed out on my bed. So much stuff that just didn't belong on my dresser

All clean and dusted

Inside the messy drawers

Messy pj drawer

I threw out about 4 pairs of pj's

After

Now on to Mikayla's wardrobe. she had so many little bits of paper thrown in here.

I let her stick things on the inside of her wardrobe door so she doesn't put it on her walls

Look at it all shoved up there

After nothing fabulous but neater , she doesn't have many summer hanging up things.

All the board games up high.I am sure this is going to work alot better.

thanks for stopping by. Jillxx

Day #7 ~ Getting Organized Challenge (The Pantry)

2011-01-10T11:04:00.000+11:00

Ok I know I can count and yes I haven't done challenge 6 yet, I am ~~hoping~~ getting to get that done today. My good friend super organised friend came up last Monday whilst our hubbies were at the cricket and helped me do the pantry, she kept me from getting to stressed. So on with my mammoth post of the Pantry, this one really excites me. I have a great size pantry, but boy is it an odd shape, it has annoying corners where stuff gets hidden. I feel like I am always cleaning it out and it is forever out of control. Alright on with The before and Afters.

Before

Top shelf

How embarrassing

Look at that chaos

On to pulling it all out and sorting

I am hoping to have some small grocery bills we had so much food in the cupboard

Sorting Snacks into baskets

After

Look at that Organisation

I heart baskets and my gorgeous chalkboard oil cloth tags I got of Etsy

I am in love

cans and jars

Tupperware

the throw out pile.

Wow what a post. 1 week on and the pantry is still looking just as great. A few little changes for the better. I also have some more labelling to do with some awesome chalkboard stickers I bought on Saturday. I will do a separate post on that. Thanks for all the great comments.

Jillxx

don't forget to go check out Toni's challenge

Day #5 ~ Getting Organized Challenge (Under the Kitchen Sink)

2011-01-07T15:10:00.000+11:00

Today's challenge was under the kitchen sink which I did a few weeks back you may remember here is my post. So today I had to work and well I am so buggered from yesterday that I thought today I would use to catch up on the tidying and cleaning that hasn't been getting done. I will leave you with my after photo ( which I must say it still looks the same yeah me).

Day #4 ~ Getting Organized Challenge (The Linen Closet)

2011-01-06T22:32:00.003+11:00

Today was the day to tackle the Linen Press on of my jobs on my to do list for these holidays, it turned out to be a perfect day to do it, the girls had a friend from school each over which helped occupy them, with out fighting with each other. And I got to work about 10.30am , it took me all day, I was very slow at it, I keep sneaking to my computer, then getting things for the girls.

My mum came tonight for dinner (who cooks a roast for dinner the night they clean out the linen press) she helped me bag up all that I was getting rid of and there is lots, she is taking it to Vinnies to get rid of it. I got rid of so much. I still have board games to put away but they are getting relocated to the top of one of the girls wardrobes which of cause needs to be tided .

The dreaded Before I am embarrassed by this

All cleaned out and ready to go

All out on the dining room table

Another angle and more was on the floor too but I didn't get a picture

After I have space. I love it

In these boxes from Ikea I have face cloths and hand towels and the other has pillow cases.

Labelling , then my labeller ran out of tape so I need to by more to finish off

I bagged up ready to go to Vinnies

I threw out so many puzzles and board games that pieces were missing and boxes broken, which makes me sad if they were neat and orderly the kids would of been able to put them away better.

So here is all our board games waiting to go away safely

I can't believe I got rid of so much stuff, I tell you it feels great, Its is nice to know Dh can go to the linen press and get a towel and know exactly where to find it.

Jillxx

Day #3 ~ Getting Organized Challenge (The Messy Tupperware Cabinets)

2011-01-05T23:51:00.001+11:00

Ok So I was so motivated that I decided at 10pm tonight I would start challenge 3. It took me 45 mins in between txting my sister in law who was doing her Pantry. Now I have lots of plastic and I feel I was very ruthless but still have lots, some I have kept which in 6 months if I haven't used it I am getting rid of it, mainly cheaper decor plastics which even though I have paid money for I know they were half price. I have a bad thing for Tupperware.

The before

all pulled out ( excuse the slate yuck we a putting down timber floors this year can't wait)

the not keeping pile

After ( It really is hard to make it look nice and organised)

My bigger Tupperware which I mainly use for entertaining goes in these plastic boxes on the top shelf in my pantry

So there you have my day 3 challenge. A big day tomorrow with the linen press.

Jillxx

Challenge #2 - Your computer desk (top only)

2011-01-05T20:34:00.001+11:00

Ok so I am a little behind but not to far to catch up. Darren went back to work today and I got caught up on all my folding, that always motivates me to get moving with other things I want to do. Today's challenge yes from 2 days ago, only took me about 15mins and I am very pleased with the results. I really need to work harder on that procrastination that I do so well.

Here is the very embarrassing before( I might add I hate this desk and would love a cupboard with it all hidden away, with a smaller printer, but seen I am saving for more exciting things like a new kitchen I will make do with what we have )

Before

A much pretty after.

Now I am going to give you a sneek peek at some very exciting organising I did on Monday with the help of my awesome friend who came to motivate me.

So one of my holiday jobs is now ticked off.

Right I am off to fill out Diaries with my big girls, trying to teach them young, so They are better then I am when they are older.

Jillxx

Day #1 Challenge (Organizing the "junk" drawer)

2011-01-02T17:43:00.000+11:00

So I know Day 1 was actually yesterday, but I knew Sunday doesn't have challenges and well I procrastinated, not a good start. Anyway to be trueful I contemplated reposting one of the drawers I had already done, then I thought no you have lots of junk drawers so I chose one that host lots of our cords. It really didn't take me to long to do the logest part was untangling the cords.

I got some great little containers today at target half price 4 for $3.50, so they came in handy anyway here are the pictures.

Before

out of the drawer all the cords were one big ball

After

And have to finish off with come labelling

I must say I am a little nervous of what Toni from A Bowl full of Lemons

has install for us, but also excited. I want to complete this Challenge.

Pondering 2011

2011-01-01T10:01:00.000+11:00

As I sit here at 9.30am whilst all the family is still sleeping soundly after a late night celebrating the coming of a new year, I wonder what 2011 will bring for our family. I have goals that I really want to achieve this year, not only for my family but for me.

So I guess this is the best spot for me to record those goals

First for me has to be the most important for me is to get back into a healthier lifestyle which will then lead to the obvious of losing weight. 2010 wasn't very success in my eyes on that front seeing me put back on around 20kgs of the 43kgs I lost from 08 to 09.
Second for is for me and my family is to get more organised( as you all know) , stop procrastinating and time wasting actually do what I need to do to get more organised.
Save money there for getting back to my budgeting
This one I realised whilst on our little trip away is to get to bed maybe 3 to 4 nights a week earlier, It is a lot easier to get up early when you have gone to bed earlier, man who would of thought.
Having more quality family time, ( another one I realised whilst away) wether it be as simple as all watching t.v together at night or planning games nights.

So there you have my goals. I will have to work hard to achieve some but I can be done.

I hope everyone had a gorgeous Christmas and Festive New year, I know I did.

I will will leave with a few photos from Kasey's new camera she got for Christmas. We went to Cooma to for our trip my in laws have just moved there. You will see us in jumpers one day seen it was 14deg. Then we had to come home to heat in the high 30's eck.

The lounge room after present opening

My new chair cushion Darren surprised me with. This is one of my projects I will be doing is either restaining this chair or painting it white.

Xmas day swimming

Checking out the view of the Snowy mountains

I thought I would also add I am joining Toni over at a Bowl full of Lemons in her 21 day challenge

I hope you made it this far Here's to a great 2011

Jillxx

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T02:04:00.000+11:00

Merry Christmas

to all my gorgeous blogging friends.

Well it is officially Christmas. Santa has been. Now it is time for some sleep before the kidlets awake.

I just wanted to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas. I will be away till the New Year. I look forward to 2011.

Now just quickly before I go. I just had to share with you 3 reasons why next year I will be making a conceded effort in getting myself organised.

1. 1.45pm today on Christmas eve when I realised I had not registered my car the day before, and it was also due for a pink slip. thanks goodness I managed to find someone open who could do a pink slip seen most places wouldn't be open till Tuesday.

2. Not being able to find 2 presents I had got for the girls. I had to turn my wardrobe upside down at 1.00am in the morning. I did however find them.

3. the other being it is 2.02am and I am not in bed sleeping.

Look forward to hearing about every ones Christmases.

Kitchen drawer organising

2010-12-22T10:35:00.002+11:00

Ok so this isn't one of my organising jobs on my to do list but it was bad, and I just haven't got into wanting to do any of the big jobs yet. I really do get overwhelmed. So if anyone has any advice on helping me get over that it would be appreciated.

This was a quick job. although there was alot of procrastination happening. I can't wait to next year when we get our new kitchen these drawers are getting widened.

Look how messy this was

Next drawers down

Once again where I get overwhelmed. Wow alot of things for 2 small drawers

First attempt at reorganised drawer

First attempt for the next drawer

Every time I reorganise these drawers I tend to put them back the same way. and well I guess that isn't working, So I thought about everything again. and decided to get rid of a few more things and move other things to different spots. Like bottle openers. I don't use them , Darren does for his beer so I thought the best spot would be on his beer fridge near his beer. The others big thing was lots of pens and pencils. we have a desk close by, so they don't really need to be in my drawers. I put a couple of Sharpies with my snap lock bags.

Second attempt

I tried to keep this drawer simple for everyday use.

I know this still looks very full. Most of the things we use in this drawer isn't everyday use, like baking, egg rings and cake slices.

So I hope these drawers will now function better.

Jillxx

Santa photos

2010-12-21T10:36:00.000+11:00

So I thought I would do a little post on some of our past Santa photos. There is more seen Mikayla was born in 2001. I went with what was on my computer, seen my scanner is not working properly.

2005 Mikayla- 4 Kasey- 2

2006 Mikayla - 5 Kasey - 3

2007 Mikayla - 6 Kasey - 4

2008 Mikayla - 7 Kasey - 5 Alexis - 7 mths

2010 Mikayla - 9 Kasey - 7 Alexis - 2

2009 the girls had a photo by themselves without Alexis, and yes this year I was cruel and got Alexis to have a photo. I took about 20 Min's trying to make sure their outfits co-ordinated and well as you can see, not a very successful photo. She is so scared of Santa. Here's hoping next year she has over come her fears.

I really enjoyed doing this post seeing how much the girls have grown , remembering just how goddamn cute they were when they were little.

Do you all do Santa Photo's ?

How is everyone going with their preparations for Christmas? Only 4 days to go. How exciting.

Jillxx

P.S please excuse the poor quality of the last 2 images I took photos of the photos with my mobile.

A Peek into our weekend

2010-12-20T09:20:00.000+11:00

Here's what we got up to over the weekend. On Saturday afternoon the girls and I did a little baking in preparation for our Christmas party we were having the next day with our friends. First off was cookie making

Decorating before going in the oven

Some icing after the oven

And the final product

Next up was my rocky road which this year I wanted to make Christmassy. I used tiny white marshmallows, Christmas m and m's and lolly raspberries. I also did another version with mint leaves.

The mix through the chocolate . I only use Cadbury's.

The final product. Yum Yum

Who could resist this chocolate face

Or this one.

So that was our recap of our fun little weekend. Now it is time to get into the organising this week before Christmas. With alot of chillin with these 3 gorgeous girls. All before Christmas and then a week away to Cooma.

Jillxx

I am joining in today with the lovely Claire from Scissors Paper Rock for Week - a - boo

To Do List in photos

2010-12-17T16:22:00.002+11:00

Ok so I think I am being a little brave here and posting some of my before photos. These are some of the jobs I am ~~hoping~~ going to get done over the school holidays. Also my Linen press which I don't yet have a before photo.

Pantry which I am sure is worse since I took this photo

Next is my expedit man this is bad. Over a month ago I got some organising advice from the Lovely Jen at I heart Organizing and I still haven't done this. I have bought all my pretty things for it.

Then Alexis's wardrobe

and her drawers. All the girls drawers need some love actually.

So there you have my hidden little secrets. I want to be more organised so I think these spots need to have order.

So I make sure you keep nagging me till its done.

Jillxx

Orgainisng under the Kitchen sink

2010-12-15T14:49:00.000+11:00

Sunday I decided it was time to get started on this decluttering and reorganising that I have been wanting to do, but just not doing. I am a procrastinator, And I think I the thought of reorganising gets me very overwhelmed.

So I decided to start small, this cupboard has been bad for awhile now

Before:

This is about he time I get overwhelmed

After

I love these vases from Ikea. How cute for my dishwasher tablets. Hey it has to be cute too.

Finish off with some labelling

This only took about half and hour and I have been putting it off for so long.

I know love how good it looks under my sink. I often walk past and open the doors for a quick peek.

As school holidays have just began and it is about 6 and half weeks till the girls go back to school, I plan on doing lots more of my organisation.

Jillxx

My 2010 Christmas home Tour

2010-12-14T13:56:00.000+11:00

Here is a tour of our 2010 Christmas decorations.

I am really getting excited about Christmas, most of all spending time with my gorgeous family and friends. I have been wrapping and the girls and I have been doing some baking for class parties. Tomorrow is their last day of school for the year. I get them at home for about 6 and a half weeks. I love having them home.

I am linking up to The Nesters Christmas Tour of Homes.

Jillxx

Gingerbread House

2010-12-10T22:59:00.000+11:00

I am a bit excited to show you all my very first Gingerbread house. I made it tonight, I did it at my Niece's school. It was a big fundraiser.

I had so much decorating my little house. I love coordinating all my lollies , I ended up with a bit of a pink and green theme going.

I love my little Xmas tree out the front with the little presents under the tree.

I can't wait to see the girls faces tomorrow morning when they see it.

Now to decide when we will eat it

Here is the side view, with a little rasberry flower garden and snow balls.

And the front view complete with wreath, cobblestone path and Xmas tree

Jillxx

The stockings are hung

2010-12-08T14:32:00.000+11:00

Today I thought I would show some more of our favourite Christmas decorations. These stockings my mum made last year for the girls.

I love these little nesting Santa's I purchased them last year from Aldi, and yes I straighten them up countless times during the day. They sit right in front of my photo of my Dad.

Next is the centre piece on our dining room table. I purchased this bowl the year and still haven't found the right thing to go in it. I have a smaller version that we use as a fruit bowl. so if anyone has any suggestions, I would love to here them

This heart on bought on my trip to Berry a few weekends back, I decided I would use it as our wreath, I didn't do anything fancy, just wrapped some ribbon I already had around it and hung it with a nice gold bow.

So there are some of our Favourite Christmas decorations.

Jillxx

The Tree is decorated

2010-12-06T12:26:00.000+11:00

The Girls and I put up our Tree on Saturday, they had so much fun. Here is our tree all decorated and then a few of my favourite decorations, also with a shot of my gorgeous tree skirt my mum made about 2 years ago.

Later in the week I will show you a few more of my favourite Christmas decorations we have around our home , including my new wreath I made this year. I am now getting a little excited about Christmas not being to far away.

Jillxx

Christmas Traditions

2010-12-02T14:18:00.002+11:00

A little Christmas tradition I have started with the girls is to buy a few new Christmas books each year, my girls love to read and get very excited about reading Christmas books. On my recent shopping trip I found this gorgeous basket in Berry, I new it would perfect to put in our lounge room with all the Christmas books in it. Alexis loves it she just loves grabbing a book and looking at all the pictures. Kasey is in year 1 and is doing well with her reading, but with it coming to the end of the school year she wont be bringing home any more home readers, Seen it could be roughly 9 weeks till she will get home readers we have to make an effort to keep her reading each day. We have been reading a Christmas story each night. It really gets them excited about Christmas

Now another tradition I have started for around this busy time of year when there is lots of yummy foods around and lots of morning tea catch ups and bbq's, I have been making up a fruit platter to take instead of cakes, and desserts. I am finding this is helping me resist the things I wont enjoy closer to Christmas, this will hopefully help keep have losses over the busiest month of the year. Now Christmas day I will be enjoying some yummy desserts.

What are some family traditions you have with your family?

Jillxx

Shhhh its a secret

2010-11-30T15:13:00.002+11:00

I have been tagged from Simone over at Honey and Fizz for My seven secrets to share
Now I must admit I don't think I have any good secrets but lets see how I go.

1. In high school I remember shopping with a friend school and she dared me to steal the free postcards that came with the Smash hits magazine and guess what I did.

2. I am a worrier about my own health , I have gotten alot better since losing weight but I use to frequent my doctor thinking I had some horrible disease, It got worse after losing my Dad in April 06.

3. My favourite all time song is "Good Vibrations" from Marky Mark have been known to bust some bad moves when hearing it .

4. Myself and Bestie ring each other most weekdays at 8.40am on her way to work and at 2.35pm after she finishes, we don't see other often but talk daily a few times.

5. I have a new found love of Fresh Dates now they are nil points on WW I have 2 or 3 a day they are like natures lolly.

6. My favourite show is Home and Away and I never miss an episode, I get sad when the year comes to an end like last Friday night and I know I have to wait till next year to watch again. I have a girlfriend and we love to discuss our Home and Away

7. My last secret is that I went to High School with the lovely Simone from Honey and Fizz and I was so excited to find her blog, a great blog and a lovely girl.

I am tagging Tania from The real Tania
Megan from Not Just Slimming

A day of Shopping

2010-11-24T14:21:00.007+11:00

On Saturday I am off for a day out of fun shopping.

We are going to Berry

Bowral

Mittagong

Hopefully to find some pretty things for my next organising project. That currently looks like this. ( embarrassing, but very true)

These 3 wont be coming

But these 2 will

I am so looking forward to a day of shopping with my mum, SIL , her mum and my good friend. I wonder what fun things I will find. I love my little 3 but will enjoy a day away, to come back rejuvenated and ready to organise with those 3 at my feet.

Jillxx

Errands Station

2010-11-22T13:19:00.009+11:00

I have been inspired yet again by Jade and Jen over at Beyond the baby to set up an Errands station. We currently have our desk out in our front Lounge room which I am ok except when it gets piled high with paperwork and bits and pieces. Behind my desk is our filing cabinet which just had become a dumping ground for anything really , with a photo frame in front to hide the messiness.

Sorting through the paperwork whilst catching up on some taped programs

So I went of to Kmart and pick my basket costing $10 and a magazine holder costing $4. Last week I sorted all my paperwork into folders, one for bills and documents and a smaller one as a household planner. Today I removed and also sorted through all the things on top of the filing cabinet and set up my Errands station. It looks so much tidier. In the magazine holder I have put all my current weight watchers program material so it is all handy.

Before

After

Please excuse the poor quality photos I am currently using my mums camera and the battery died and the charger is at her house. So these were taken on my phone.

Jillxx

link to Sunday Showcase Party

Friday weigh in

2010-11-19T14:14:00.002+11:00

Here are this weeks results , this was my 2nd week of Pro Points. Pro Points was launched on Monday in Australia. Boy were we busy today everybody getting their hands on all the new products.

Results

Weight 112.3kgs
Loss 500g
Total loss 26.7kgs

I am getting back on track, I am determined not to let this years celebration time make me come unstuck.

Jillxx

I am looking forward to a weekend of staying at home with my gorgeous family, we so far have no social arrangements organised, the last weekend of nothing till Christmas.. I am hoping to getting a few of my organising and decluttering projects started.

Fridge Organising and Menu Planning

2010-11-17T13:53:00.008+11:00

I have always been big on menu planning, I hate not knowing what is for dinner and not having all the ingredients. I also believe when trying to eat healthy you need all the right food available. So last week before writing up my grocery list, it was time to tackle the fridge. It was full but not of consumable items. I had got slack in cleaning out my fridge. So I have now added cleaning out the fridge the day before groceries to my weekly to do list

Before

Once all cleaned out I worked out where everything would go , keeping all like items together.

We now heading towards the end of the week and I love that when I open the fridge, it is getting emptier, because we are eating all the good food.

Cleaning out the fridge also helped with the budget, as we are trying to use up what is in our freezer .

Here is a look at my Weekly Menu Planner I purchased this from Inner B.

This week I am working on getting a bills and document folder put together and a little house hold binder.

Next organising projects:

Errands station
Pantry ( wow this is a big job)

Jillxx

Laundry mini makeover

2010-11-14T18:26:00.012+11:00

So I started this week with focusing on getting myself more organised, First off I planned out my week in my Family Planner ( which I think I will do a post on ). I need to get myself happening with routines that stick. So they were main focus. Making sure the house stayed tidied and the washing and folding kept up to date. I gave myself a focus area for the week that I wanted to declutter and reorganise. I went for our Laundry.

Our Laundry we walk through everyday. We enter our house through our garage when arriving home. Our Laundry can be a real dumping ground. We also store alot in our laundry , we keep the girls school bags, all our cleaning supplies, one of our vacuums , shopping bags and all our hats and umbrellas. Next year we are hoping to getting a new Kitchen and we will also be getting wall cupboards in the Laundry. So I basically wanted to clean the mess up, Make it a little more decorative till my wall is full of lovely cupboards.

So I have put together a little collage of before and after shots.

So I am happy to say I did this on Tuesday and it is now Sunday and it still looks this good. It is such a nice feeling walking in seeing how nice and tidy this is.

Jillxx

Here are my list of daily basic maintance I am working on

stacking and emptying dishwasher
Making beds
keep kitchen bench clutter free
1 -2 loads of laundry
sweeping kitchen and dining
quick pick ups every night before bed

Changing things up a little

2010-11-10T14:31:00.004+11:00

I have decided to change things up a little here on my blog. this year has not been the best year for my weightloss, I have not given up. But I am slowly changing things, I have started the new ww program which seen it hasn't been released yet I can't talk about. I am only 3 days in.

I have decided to start blogging about more than just weightloss, I love reading weightloss blogs, but I also love love reading organising and homely blogs, they get me so excited. (he he)
One of the things that I really struggle with other than losing weight is keep myself and my family organised. I am going to start blogging about my journey to getting my and my little family more organised. I feel this will actually help in my weight loss efforts. I will also continue to blog about my weight loss when I feel I am reading to start sharing again.

So I hope you will all follow on as I make the changes in my journey to a more organised and healthy life.

Jillxx

Off for abit of retail therapy

2010-10-02T09:26:00.006+10:00

Today I am off for some much needed retail therapy, all by myself. woohoo. It has been school holidays here, and as much as my girls have been great I really need to revitalise and prepare for the next week. I have some vouchers from my birthday back in August, which I would like to spend on a new hand bag.

Yesterdays weigh in bought a great 700g loss

Weight: 110.1kgs

Two weeks in a row of losses very happy with that. Also losing in school holidays is a first for me. I was very cautious of my eating this week and even added in more exercise. I got up 3 mornings and did my Leslie Sansone DVDs and also my walks. So it all paid off with my loss this week.

So It is a long weekend here this weekend, Which also brings along food struggles for me with extra socialising, so today I have already been on a 45min walk. Tomorrow we are going to a friends for the football grand final, I am planning on taking a healthy nibble platter.

So now it is actually the evening, I didn't get to publish earlier, so I had a great day shopping got myself a new bag, a few tops, and then the rest was for the kids as per usual. I got the older girls some bargain shoes for summer they were old stock, 3 pairs for $29.00. 1 pair were only $7.50. I love me some bargains.

We have had a great afternoon the girls and I baked cookies, then we experimented with making potato rosti's to have with tonight's dinner.

Tonight I am looking forward to chilling out with the man and watching a movie.

Seeya

Busy Busy

2010-09-29T09:41:00.003+10:00

I have a busy last week, Mikayla had her First holy Communion on Sunday so I had a bit of preparation for the lead up. It was a lovely day.

It is now school holidays, I always struggle to eat good in the holidays, not sure why, so I decided I needed a plan, first I am planning out my meals for the days, second trying to use the extra time and nicer weather to get in some extra exercise and third I have been trying to keep busy with some spring cleaning. So I really hope to h ave a successful school holidays.

My weigh last week I lost 1.7kgs taking me back to 110.8kgs. I am over this yo yoing. I am determined to get back on a good weightloss run.

Last night I went on my treadmill, I decided to see how long I could run for and I last 7 mins I was so excited the longest I have before is 3 mins. So I can just start building on the 7.

Ok off to get into being busy with my 3 little munchkins

I love the blogging world

2010-09-22T13:44:00.003+10:00

The blogging world is just so inspiring to me, not only in my weight loss but in getting myself organised, decorating, cooking. I love it.

Here a few of my favourite reads at the moment

Today this post from Bitch Cakes was just what I need to feel normal.
I love reading Vic's blog she keeps me inspired I think we are very similar in our eating habits
Jade over at Super organiser mum keeps me inspired to get my house more organised
House of Smiths inspires my decorating
Chris from Diet Coke rocks keeps me entertained reading about her everyday life
Shane is doing fantastic on his weight loss journey and well that also inspires me
Tania shows me how to never give up , I like her determination .

I could have the list going forever actually, I really do read alot of blogs.

New Clothes and making an effort

2010-09-19T16:21:00.005+10:00

Did you all check out my last blog post on birthday girls party. How good does the cake look. Lol

Today is the first day I have actually been eating good, I can't believe it has taken me to now to do it. Last week was a shocker, I really let my food addiction take control. wow I ate heaps and ended up being about 112kgs on Friday not complete sure of exact amount, I was so angry and ashamed of myself, but It still took till today to start making an effort.

On Thursday night I went shopping with a friend BeMe were having a 30% off sale so I got a few new tops and a pair of jeans. I had mixed emotions, First being a little excited to have some new clothes, then being angry that I had to buy tops in BeMe again, I had got to a point where there tops were to big for me( I still wear there pants as I have big thighs and a big booty) Then again I was excited as I tried on Mediums but had to get smalls in all my tops, Once being in there XL it is nice to still only have to get S.

So now I can feel nice again and make a real effort with myself and put myself first and get back into my exercise and tracking my food.

Today we had a picnic down the river , I got up early went for a 30min walk on my treadmill, I had shower and washed my hair and shaved. Then a nice healthy breekie, then got dressed in my new clothes, straightened my hair, and I felt great . the first time in awhile.

The picnic was for netball so I packed all my food, they were having a sausage sizzle. I allowed myself a piece of cake all with in my points.

I came away feeling like I can do this. I am thinking of heading off for another walk now, I am enjoying the days getting longer, I have planned out the rest of the days food. Feeling positive is a good first step back int he right direction.

My Snacks packed

Lexi on the swing me in my new outfit, really not liking how I look, I will get back to being happy with photos

Party Time

2010-09-17T09:19:00.001+10:00

Birthday Girl

Kasey had a great party on the weekend. It was a little stressful getting ready seen we had netball till 12.30pm and the party started at 3pm. But it all came together and the kids had a great time.( Mikki's team unfortuantley lost their grandfinal).

Dessert Table

The cake

My Big Girls

The cheeky little girl

2 year anniversary

2010-09-15T09:08:00.003+10:00

Today is my 2 year anniversary of starting this journey after having Alexis. I started my journey at 139kgs and last weigh in I was 108.7kgs. I know this is an achievement but far from where I really thought I would be by the 2 year mark. Last November I weighed in at 96kgs. So needless to say I feel this year really hasn't been to successful. This weeks weigh in is going to be shocking I have just eaten since last Friday.

I am not going to dwell on the week the best thing I can do now is pickup and move forward. I look forward to my 3rd year being a whole lot more productive.

Here is a photo the day before I started

I just went through all my photos and cannot find a recent photo of myself I think I have been avoiding the camera.

May be it is time to start being proud of where I am at now and make the changes I need to be happy with myself again.

100g loss

2010-09-10T13:57:00.006+10:00

Today brings with it an 100g loss from My last weigh in at ww a fortnight ago. I am OK with this as I went down hill after the last weigh in so I am back on track.

Busy weekend ahead with Mikayla's grand final in the morning, Kasey's party in the afternoon followed by friends and family staying for a sausage sizzle.

My middle Girl will be 7 wow the time has gone fast.

Weight: 108.6kg

Total loss: 30.4kg

HAPPY BRITHDAY MY GORGEOUS 7 YEAR OLD LOOK HOW MUCH SHE HAS GROWN

Beating Hunger

2010-09-08T16:25:00.004+10:00

This afternoon a week after I wrote my post on frustration I sit here feeling alot better about how far I have come this week. I have planned my meals, exercised and boy it really makes you feel better.

Today I went shopping for Miss nearly 7's party, I bought lollies for the lolly bags. Well after my lunch all I could think about was those darn lollies. I have left them in the car. So I know they are a little harder to access. When I got home from picking up the girls I was hungry but really didn't want my afternoon straight away otherwise I wasn't sure I would make it through till Dinner. So my solution, was first ring my girlfriend to chat and get into the kitchen and tidy. Then I made some yummy low fat banana muffins for snacks for the family. Next I started hanging the many different things I wanted hung up around the house, ( I am slowly redecorating around my home). Before I new it it was 4.30pm I was no longer starving. I sat down and ate my banana, now I am nice and content. The lollies aren't bothering, I am allowing myself some on Saturday.

The one thing I am trying to help combat thinking about food is to tidy, clean and declutter. I downloaded a 15 day spring clean from Skipper which I plan on starting on Monday. When I eat better I tend be more productive in my home. I may even post some of my organising.

That's all for now.

Weekend tracked

2010-09-06T14:32:00.006+10:00

Monday is here I can think I can say I navigated my way through the weekend pretty successfully, Friday night I had my planned dinner, I refused a double coat Tim Tam later in the night at a friends, knowing I could go home and have my planned snack. Saturday went great with some unexpected plans of friends staying for dinner, which I stuck to my plan.

This my lunch from saturday very yummy.

Yesterday was Fathers Day we had family here for lunch and I am new I wanted dessert so I chose wisely at lunch by having chicken and no sausage, and not have any lasagna, and no bread roll. Oh another biggie no second helpings. I enjoyed my dessert.

The only thing I wish I had did some walking which just didn't happen with our busy weekend.

So this week I am up for a busy week , as my Kasey turns 7 on Saturday. So we are having a small party on Saturday afternoon , followed by friends staying for a sausage sizzle that night.

Saturday will also be exciting as Mikayla's netball team who I manage has made it into the grandfinal, so very exciting.

I am really enjoying planning my meals the day before it is really helping me stay in control and chose my food wisely.

This is my breakfast from Sunday coming in a only 4 points.

2010-09-03T19:19:00.005+10:00

Well today is day 2 of planning my days food the night before, I its working really well, I am not obsessing over points, I just look at my menu and know what I can have, all planned out.

Today is Friday so my test will be over this weekend, tomorrow should be fine, but Sunday is father's day lunch here, so I will planning and allowing my self some dessert all with in my plan.

This is my 2 point snack from yesterday afternoon , very satisfying.

I have been resisting hoping on my home scales, I have a tendency to hop on night and day, but I am trying to avoid them it just get to obsessive.

So I look forward to conquering this weekend with lots of planning and some walking.

Jill

How to pick up and focus on my present

2010-09-02T14:05:00.003+10:00

Turning focus on to now and not what has been is hard but very essential.

So last night I planned out my food for today, plan, plan , plan when you can I am sure that helps me. So far today I feel great I know what I am eating, I am feeling positive. Moving forward focusing on the now.

I need to take away the fear of food I have. I read a great post from Shane about not fearing food and it really struck a cord with me, gave me something to think about. Thanks Shane.

I planned out my food and points saving 3 points for the day , I like that it gives me some to play with if something arrises and also allows me to plan for the weekends , which is the hardest for me.

I am not making any goals just yet, just trying to get the eating back under control .

Heres to regaining focus.

Frustrations

2010-09-01T19:49:00.003+10:00

When do you know you have reached rock bottom on this journey, when you have only a few outfits that fit in your wardrobe, when you look in said wardrobe and see all the great clothes that no longer fit, when you give your kids a big bowl of chips for afternoon then following it up with mini oreos, when you start sneaking food again, when you count the empty milkyway wrappers and realise there is 5 wrappers , when you feel like you are thinking about food all day long, when you struggle to enjoy your walk that you use to love doing, when after your takeaway lunch you think I can get an 1 hours sleep in before picking the kids up from school and whilst baby is sleeping, when you cook dinner and you don't enjoy it because you a full from all the junk you ate all day, when you look at your reflection and no longer appreciate the hard work you have put into get into shape, when you look at your reflection and quickly look away because it reminds you of what weight you have put on, When you are frustrated that you are approaching the 2 years anniversary of beginning this journey and you still have 40kgs to lose Yep that's when you know you have hit rock bottom on this journey.

So now I know its time to pick myself up from the bottom and move forward and forget what weight I have put back on, get those clothes to fit again, look at my reflection, prepare healthy snacks for kids, enjoy that spring is here and walking is great,enjoy 1 counted milkyway and not feel guilt, stop being frustrated with myself and be proud that I have lost 30kgs in 2 years.

Yep that's how I will pick myself up and continue this journey that I started almost 2 years ago.

From the amazing Kenz here is some words I am going to focus on.

Don't let your frustrations turn into a justification to give up

A curve in the road

2010-07-21T15:19:00.003+10:00

So I have had a little curve in the road on this journey, As from tomorrow I am heading to a ww meeting that will be for me to be a member not a worker. This year hasn't been as successful as I would of like but I am the only one who can change this . I am predicting I will be around 110kgs. I got back down to 99 just before Easter. I looked like this. I like this photo of me.

SO there will be no more calendar regret, getting angry at where I was time to concentrate on just getting back to basics.

Jillxx

Small Goals

2010-01-11T13:54:00.004+11:00

Happy 2010 everyone, I am finally back , not that I went any where I have been reading everyone else but just been really slack.

We had a great Xmas and New Year. Weight well it hasn't been so good, all of December was really quite crap actually. So my weigh in on Friday the first one since before Xmas saw me have a 5.8 kg gain. wow that is just huge. but I am day2 back on track, I set myself some mini goals on Saturday night. Which I think are very achievable.

My current weight is 103.7kg

1. 99.5kg 29/1/10

2. 95 kg 26/02/10

So these are my first 2 goals which I think are with in reach I will reset more after the 26Th Feb. I found at the beginning of my journey setting small goals really helped, I have not done this for quite some time.

I got a bike for Xmas wow I am beginning to actually like it. I have a little trailer on the back for Alexis. We all go as a family it is great, the first time we all went for a ride I got home and burst into tears. I could not have done that at 139kgs. So I am not only benefiting me but my little family too.

Here is a photo of me and my gorgeous family taken at The reptile park at Gosford. what a great day we had there. Oh I must add we went up to the Entrance after and I bought to Roxy tops, wow it has been years since I have worn a surf top. And last year 1 of my goals was to buy a surf t-shirt this year. I am yet to wear them as since I bought them I put on a couple of kgs, but I will in the next few weeks I will be sure to take a pic and show you all. I just want to be feeling good about myself again.

Here's to 2010 being the year to reach my goals.

The Festive season is here

2009-12-21T23:24:00.003+11:00

Thanks everyone for your comments I am still not completely back to "normal" I lost 600g this week. But I am sure that is back on after having our annual Christmas party with our Friends yesterday, boy did we eat.

Today I went to the doctors for him to check on Kasey's chin see what she did at McDonald's on Tuesday night. she thought she would do a stunt on the handrail just as we were leaving. Now that is daughter number 2 to split her chin at Macca's, so now I think Alexis has to avoid Macca's.

So anyway the Doc weighed me and I was 3kgs up from last weighing in the surgery, boy that made me feel like crap. I have to be determined now to make sure I am less next visit. This time of year is so hard, I still haven't exercised properly, bring on Wednesday Darren's last day. Oh and I am getting a bike for Christmas. Yeah that should be fun.

Here is some of the yummy desserts we had yesterday I made the 2 ice cream cakes I am doing them again on Christmas day. Here is the recipe from Taste. they were a real hit.
Now aren't these cute little Christmas bikkies also another Taste recipe

I also found them on this great blog I just love this blog , Very creatively inspiring .

So once Christmas is over I will be setting some goals to start me off for 2010. The first being to 89kg and a 50kg loss. So I hope to try and be sensible for the next few days , then back to tracking boxing day. I really do love to exercise and eat well , I think sometimes we just need reminding.

Merry Xmas all.

I really can't blame it on this time of Year

2009-12-14T13:37:00.002+11:00

I am struggling a the moment to keep on track and I just can't keep using the excuse of It is the time of year, really is that a good excuse? I don't think so. 2 weeks ago I weighed in with a massive 3.4 kg gain, that is huge. Yes I know I had still lost nearly 40kgs but 3.4kgs truly sux. SO this week bought a 900g loss. That gain has made me feel so yucky and so many old thoughts of myself came flooding back, making myself feel better with food which in turn didn't make me feel better and mad me feel bad again , Oh what a horrible cycle to be in.

This time of the year is crazy I know . I am struggling with getting out for my walks, combine with the craziness of Christmas shopping and different school functions and being almost a single mum with a hubby who has worked 84hrs in the last week. But they are just excuse I guess. Anyone got any good suggestions to keep my focus to commit to myself again?

Hello Mojo where have you gone.

2009-11-16T13:37:00.002+11:00

Hi everyone, well its been a week since I updated, argh I have totally lost my Mojo, what is going on. I put on 1.5kgs last week. And didn't do very well over the weekend,both days started out good, but ended up not so good.

Any suggestions, I have made myself a goal of to be at 94 kgs by Xmas so I have about 4 kgs to lose by then. I know I can do it. Today is going well, all my food is tracked, I am sure once I finish today fully tracked I will fell back in control.

On the other side my house is looking super, and I am continuing to declutter, I would just like for both to be running smoothly.

I hope you all have some great motivation for me. Thanks in advance

Jill

just a quick one, have jobs to do

2009-11-09T13:18:00.002+11:00

Hi everyone thanks for the feedback I was in a real rut last week with organisation, today I am slowly taking control. I am going to give Flylady ago again, I do like her concepts. I ordered my self this great organizer online called my organiser funnily enough. It will be like a control journal for those of you who follow flylady.

On to Friday I lose 800g bringing my total to 42.7kg. But unfortunately I had the worst weekend , in history, pizza, night out, maccas and kfc, so man I have some work to do this week. i think i get abit complacent, getting comments on how good I look and knowing I am finding more clothes to fit.

I bought a t-shirt form targets hot options on Thursday in a size 16, I was very excited. why do weeknd have to be so hard.

I think I will leave there need to hop of computer and do some decluttering.

In need of some organisation

2009-11-04T15:22:00.005+11:00

Why can't I seem to get organised the story of my adult life has been disorganised, not eating well, not exercising. Then just over a year ago the not eating well turned into eating well, not exercising turned into exercising, but the organisation just ain't following. I am in a rutt, this week was going to be my week to start getting things done, but I cursed myself by saying on Monday night , I haven't been sick all winter, must be the healthy eating, then bam Tuesday I wake up feeling crap.

I hate having to do the quick someone is coming clean. I can keep my house relatively tidy its the extras, the washing the folding, Oh my and the cupboards. My goodness you should see my pantry. full to the brim of food, because I just keep buying and buying, see when I am disorganised my budget goes down too.

I do struggle to get things done when Alexis is up, my oh my she gets into to things, I do remember feeling like this when the other 2 were younger.

We are separating the 2 bigger girls at Christmas into the own rooms , I just don't know where to start the spare room has there toys, our computer, my scrapbooking, present cupboard. I need to start.

Anyone got any suggestions on how to keep motivated and get organised? May be I need a plan.

I am open to suggestions.

Weigh in Results

2009-10-31T11:25:00.003+11:00

Yesterday was weigh in and I had a fantastic result of a 1.4kg loss taking my total to 41.9kgs. I am very happy to say the least.

Not much exciting happening here, we are off to a Halloween BBQ tonight, which we are trying to make as healthy as possible. I have just made a Mars bar slice recipe which will work out to be 1.5 points each, I was going to follow the one out of the Symply too good too be true books but ended up making up my own, I will be sure to let you know how yummy it is.

Yesterday I had a great point day I managed to only go over by 1 point, but walked for an hour at night. We even had the kids school fun fair yesterday , but I managed to avoid all the "bad" foods.

I walked for an hour again this morning.

Happy weekend to all. enjoy

Slow cooked beef casserole

2009-10-28T21:46:00.009+11:00

I know we are heading into summer in Australia but I had one last batch of meat in the freezer that I use for Stews, and wanted to use it before it gets to hot.

I love this meal it is a regular in winter in our house especially on Tuesday nights which is netball training for the girls. I always do it in my slow cooker.

Slow cooked beef casserole

stewing beef ( I usually use round or blade cheap cuts but great for a slow cooker and I also use about 1kg by the time you cut of the fat you get less than a kilo)

4-5 potato's
2 carrot's

1 onion

1 can of condensed tomato soup

beef stock

salt and pepper

soy sauce

worcestershire sauce

plain flour

peas and corn

With the sauces I don't usually measure I would use around 1 - tablespoons and about 2 tsp of the beef stock. The flour say about 1 tablespoon to coat the meat. I know all rough estimates but it works every time.

Step 1: dice the beef and add to slow cooker , then coat with flour and add salt and pepper to taste

Step 2: chop veggies and add to slow cooker
Step 3: add soup, sauces and stock and stir through

Time for cooking would depend on what time of day you are putting it on , I usually do mine around 10 - 11am and have it on low till we eat at around 6pm. If I am running late and put it on after 12 , my slow cooker has a setting of auto which cooks at 2 hours high then over to low.

I add the peas and corn around 4.

Points for this meal would depend on how much beef and pointed veggies you use, I count around 5 -6 . My kids and hubby love to have bread with it as well. I do if i have allowed enough points

This is such a budget and health friendly meal. The smell in the house is so nice. I hope you all enjoyed this reciepe.

A comparison

2009-10-26T13:51:00.004+11:00

I thought I would post some comparison photos. The first was a year ago , then the next is from Saturday night.

A few photos were taken on Saturday night, and when I was looking through them , I looked at one of myself and I think it finally clicked that I don't stand out anymore, I looked normal. I was very happy with that, I had lots of nice compliments, including a " you look hot" form my neighbour.

I went shopping for a top to wear on Saturday night, how strange are sizes, it is so frustrating, I went to Autograph and saw a top and took in the 18 it was huge the only other size they had was a 14( I know a large 14 ) I took it in and it fit. So i bought it, then I had seen a top I liked in Target that I had liked but it was $57 which I thought was a bit pricey, but Darren told me to get it, It was from there plus sizing , I took in an 18 and it was to small, I didn't get one, but it is so annoying how sizing is so different.

I had pretty successful weekend eating wise and got in some good exercise, so here's to another nice loss this week, Now can some one tell me where the nice sunshine has gone it is bloody cold again.

Weigh in

2009-10-24T09:37:00.003+11:00

Yesterday was weigh in and I am very happy with my results.

1.1kg loss
Total : 40.5Kgs

So by a whole 100g I am at the lowest weight so far.

So I am planning on being successful this weekend because it clearly helps for my my weight.

We are off to barefoot bowls tonight for a friends birthday, Dinner will be at the bistro at the club so I am confident I can choose wisely. No other functions this weekend, I have already done my walk this morning, I went for an hour with my friend.

My mouth is slowly starting feel better. Well I am off now to go shopping in hope to find a new top for tonight, which I forgot to add, is child free and they are sleeping at the in laws.

Have a great weekend.

Unbearable Pain

2009-10-21T19:37:00.002+11:00

I was booked in this week to have a tooth extracted. It was planned for Friday, It had a big hole and was giving me pain on and off and rather then have root canal I opted for extraction. Well 6pm Monday the pain came back only what ever I took it would not go away. I barely slept Monday. I rang the dentist on Tuesday the got me to come in and gave me a script for Antibiotics. The pain continue through Tuesday, I thought I was going good till bed again when ever I lied down the pain became unbearable, I have never experienced such pain . I rang the local hospital but they advised against coming in due to long waits. I have had 3 cesareans they were a breeze compared to this pain

So today after another night of no sleep, I rang to find a dentist who would remove it, There was no way I could last till Friday. My mum was a gem she came and took the girls to school and came back to help me with bub. I got a call from the dentist to come in earlier and I had my first tooth removed, OMG what a horrible feeling, the tugging and pulling, but I tell you almost an instant relief when it was out. I am still a little tender. I have to eat only soft foods , no seeds , rice or anything that could get stuck in the whole, so I had to get white bread, now since the beginning of my weight loss I rarely by white bread, my girls get excited when I do. So they get what they think is a treat for a few days of white bread, until I can go back to seeded.

My mum stayed and let me sleep and went and picked up the girls from school, came back and cooked dinner for us. What a gem. So I am very much looking forward to a nice nights sleep. I can't exercise for 24 hours , so no walking for me today, and my points today have been all on bread .

Another bonus in having it removed earlier is Kasey has a class mass on Friday and she is doing a reading , Hubby is having the day off to go , seen I couldn't now I can after ww and then we are going to go out and enjoy a nice lunch child free.

So I am off now for a nice hot shower and rest.

Menu Plan Monday

2009-10-19T14:29:00.003+11:00

Today I thought I would do my first Menu plan Monday. I shop on a Friday and usually plan my week on a Thursday.

Monday- Roast Chicken and veggies

Tuesday- Porcupine balls , veggies and mash

Wednesday- Devilled sausages and mash

Thursday- Apricot Chicken and rice

Friday- Dinner will be out as we have the girls netball presentation

Saturday- Dinner out again we are going bare foot bowls and dinner for 2 friends birthdays. Kids are staying at In laws so they will have dinner there

Sunday- BBQ

So once again this weekend will be busy so I will need to do lots of planning.

Over the next few weeks I really want and try to run my pantry down and only buy what is needed, see when I am not budgeting I tend to way over spend at groceries then we have a really full pantry which it is at the moment, so with the kids back at school this week and Christmas not to far away It is time to get back on track with the spending. So creative cap will have to go and use up what is in my pantry.

One successful weekend

2009-10-19T14:02:00.002+11:00

I had a successful weekend and not only eating wise.

Friday night was great a night out was just what I needed. noodles the off to see Couples Retreat, This was such a funny movie. I did cave and have a choc top cone , I decided to check the points omg 12.5points for 1 ice cream that is crazy but much enjoyed.

Now my big success on Saturday was I had a garage sale with my girlfriend I happy to say I made around $250.00. So that will be going towards the girls new rooms. I took my little lunch box to girlfriends house so I new I would eat good. We did go out for Chinese on Saturday night but definitely ate a reasonable amount and In the afternoon of Saturday I did taste 2 of the flavour smiths chips, Ceasar salad and Lamb Kebab. Different is what I would say .

Sunday was my biggest Success we had a party for our neighbours daughter, up at a beautiful park in Glenbrook, and the party for me was about playing with kids, relaxing and not at all about what food would be there. I packed my lunch box again, with a sandwich and some snacks. I stayed right away from the nibblie table. For lunch they were serving sausages and bread plus there was some salads. I had some of the salad which had no dressing and ate my sandwich , no one even realised I was eating different. Not that I cared. When they did cake I ate my apple. I left the party feeling on a high, I could do it. It has been awhile since I have taken control like that in a social situation.

So here's hoping for a successful week on the scales. The girls are back at school today so It is back into to routine which is great.

Happy about a small gain

2009-10-16T15:02:00.005+11:00

Weigh in was this morning bring a small gain of 400g. I am actually happy with this, knowing I have got back on track and it would of been alot worse last week.

Total loss: 39.4kg

So I am planning my weekend to be successful, we have a few things on but I am going to report back on Monday with having been in control over the weekend. It will take a little planning but I need to break the cycle I am on.

Grocery day was today and here is a pic of my new little find Bulla Fruit and yogurt. It is a drinking yogurt. 2 points for the bottle. I am yet to try it . They also come in other flavours. I am looking forward to this one. Yummo

So here's to a successful weekend, starting off with a night out to movies and noodle bar with my bestie. Looking forward to a little mummy time. Have a successful weekend

Confidence gained

2009-10-15T14:29:00.004+11:00

I love my newly found confidence, although I still have along way to go with confidence last night I did something 40kgs ago just would never have happened.

I had my very first bikini wax, I was so nervous worried what the waxer would think of my big thighs big tummy, I went with a girlfriend who also had never had one. The lady was great made us feel so good.

I walk into the room and she gave me a disposable g-string, and my first reaction to her was"I am too big for that ", she looked at me funny and said don't be silly anyway It fit , but silly me not a g-string wearer put it on back to front, so that brought a little humour to a very nervous situation.

We were chatting and I told her I had lost 40 kgs but still had 30 to go and she had a similar reaction to other people of but there will be nothing left of you. Hmmm I don't like that comment. according to my healthy weight range I should 68kgs, I don't want to sell myself short I want to aim high. I will get to my healthy range.

So anyway I was so proud of myself for doing yet another thing I would not of done 40kgs ago.

Darren rang me this morning to congratulate me on my confidence.

This just makes me want to keep working hard.

Weigh in is tomorrow not expecting a loss from my bad week last week but I am proud to say I am on track and know I can handle what ever the scales bring.

2009-10-14T22:27:00.007+11:00

I am very excited to have received the One lovely blog award today from the very lovely Katy over at Mama Kat. I am only new to reading her blog but each day she inspires me with her weight loss journey and great money saving tips and some very yummy healthy recipes. Thank heaps Katy

The rules of the "One Lovely Blog Award" are:
Accept the award. Post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link. Pass the award to other blogs that you’ve newly discovered.
Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.
I would like to pass this award on to a few blogs recently discovered by me.

So firstly I would have chosen Katy for the award so I guess you can send it back he he.

Secondly I am going to pass it on to Lovely Lindsay all the way over the ocean in the U.S I love reading her blog she is on the same journey as myself, and she inspires me every time I read.

Next I will love to send it on to a fantastic and inspiring man Sean once again form the U.S. Sean started his journey on the same day as myself and has lost over 200lbs , everyday he inspires me this man is amazing. I love his passion for life now. Sean you rock.

Thirdly I will like to award it to Tania, who I also enjoy reading a lovely lady who juggles motherhood, work and making commitment to her self so she can achieve her health goals. thanks for Inspiring me Tania.

So Once again thanks Katy and thanks to those who inspire me.

Silly blogger wont let me put in gaps between paragraphs argh

I can resist temptation

2009-10-13T23:12:00.005+11:00

So I resisted temptation, but If I am honest it wasn't hard as we were only offered 1 thing which was great. We got to have a hot scotch finger off the line. Boy it was so yummy and so worth the 2 points I had actually allowed myself 4 points just incase, so only spending 2 was a bonus for my day. So I worried about nothing. I came home and made dinner straight away and then squeezed in a fast 30min walk. So today my total is 21 points.

It was fun seeing all the bikkies get made, lots of Jatz , oh and yummy tim tams , but I am definitely not off to buy some straight away. It is really amazing watching the whole process. The girls really enjoyed it.

Don't we just look so cool in our over coats and hats, and you know what there wasn't the fear of the coat not fitting I just picked 1 up and it did up. I don't think 40 kgs ago i could of gone and had a coat fit me, just another accomplishment in my journey.

Can I resist the temptation

2009-10-13T14:07:00.004+11:00

So this afternoon the 2 older girls and myself are off for a tour of the arnotts factory. For the last month I have been struggling with a few bad habits creeping back mainly over the weekend, but I have taken a hold and started planning my food out the night before, so to feel in control. My weekend are the hardest. Prior to say about a month ago I would allow 1 meal over the weekend when I would stray a little of plan, the rest I would make sure I counted my points, and really felt in control. The go back probably around the time of hitting the huge milestone of under 100, I felt great and let myself go a bit, My weekends stared after weigh in on Friday and boy they went most times till Sunday, I found myself ,letting old habits creep back in (not good) I got scared. I didn't weigh last week as new it was bad, And didn't want to upset myself even more,I was very determined to have a good weekend knowing we only had a BBQ on on Sunday afternoon. Well Friday came I good up to lunch and then went crazy, I decided to count my points . Omg 60 points in 1 day. I stayed on plan on Saturday and was fine Sunday until we got to the BBQ, crap I went crazy and really got mad at myself , why was I doing this to myself. So Sunday night I sat up an planned out Monday's food and did great, got in my exercise. Last night I did the same for today, its amazing when I plan I tend to think about value for points, insuring I spend my points in a good way.

So anyway that brings me to now about and hour off going on a tour off the Arnotts factory , I have allowed some points in case of testing, I figured if I didn't then ate something then I would feel guilty and most likely give up for the day. So I am determined to do well. I am am going to update tonight letting you know how successful I was. Tomorrow I think is a day of posting some new goals.

More Points to add

2009-10-12T14:13:00.005+11:00

More Points to add and not of the food variety. Well after I went to bed last night I started thinking of more points I could add to my last post of updates so here are a few more.

I bought my first pair of jeans form a Jean shop not plus size shop

I have bought several tops from Jeanswest once again not plus size

I have gone out to dinner with girlfriends and not felt so different

TMI but after 40kgs I am still wearing the same undies ( go figure this one)

I have bought several pairs of shoes that fit( this was always hard because naturally I have a wide foot but with extra weight it was very hard to fit in to many shoes)

I walk my girls to school a couple of times a week and I enjoy it
I have fit into all my clothes I wanted to get back into, and I have now got to small for them so they are gone
almost forgot the most exciting by far in this journey, reaching the under 100kgs I hadn't been under 100 in probably over 10years, My leader was crying , Darren cried when I rang him.
I celebrated my 1 year anniversary of undertaking the change to my life on the 15th September

So there is a few more updates and for myself reasons why I can never turn back, I only have gears that go foward there is no reverse.

So here is an update photo taken on the day I reached under 100kgs. wearing my Jeanswest Jeans.

Jillxx

How far I have come

2009-10-11T23:08:00.002+11:00

I have come so far since last updating yes I know it was in January, I guess well I have been a little scared to update as not wanting to jinx my success so far, silly I know.

So here are some quick point form updates. And I plan on updating tomorrow I promise.

I have now currently lost 39.8kgs
I had lost 40.4kgs
But that is life hehe
My little baby girl is now 17 months old
I exercise most days
I enjoy spending time with my girls
I have become other peoples inspiration(this one I find hard)
My big girl is 8
My middle girl is 6
Now I want to update I can't think of anything to write
My Hubby and I are enjoying each other much more

Was going to post an updated photo but it seems blogger would like to difficult on the night I decide to update.

Another milestone knocked over

2009-01-16T14:25:00.006+11:00

Had my weigh in today and I reached my next goal. I weighed in at 118.6kg so a total of 20.4kgs I feel great. I lost 1.4kgs this week, So I am back in the swing since Xmas. I wanted to be 119kgs by the week the girls go back to school so I still have another 2 weigh ins.

My next goal is 115kg by Darren's birthday on the 26th Feb. So I will be working on that now. I would of like to of walked a little more this week , but the heat here has been so hot, sickly . So next week I think I might aim for at least 3 walks. I also have netball on Thursday nights. We were suppose to play last night but it was so hot the factory we play in would have been sweltering so we all stayed home in our lovely AC's

Today I went to BEME and decided to try on a few clothes, seen they were on sale. They went back on the rack seen they were all too big , that's right to big. It felt great to walk out knowing they were to big not to small. It was sale stuff so there wasn't a great variety of sizes, I tried on 24's on in the pants , to be truthful I got of worn them but the gaped a bit at the back and I thought in a couple of weeks they will be huge. So for now I will just put up with what I have at home. I have very deligent to throw out things when they become to big, so now there is no excuse to get bigger as I have no clothes in bigger sizes. So for winter I need a whole new wardrobe as I was very ruthless recently and now only have a few pairs of jeans, I guess this is way it will be till I reach goal.

What does everyone else do on there Journey I mean it is to expensive to be filling the wardrobe at each size.

Jillxxx
P.s excuse the earlier big writing It wont change for me.

Welcome to 2009

2009-01-12T14:15:00.011+11:00

Wow doesn't time fly when you don't update your blog, shit hey we are already in 2009, my girls are growing (Alexis is coming up 8 months this week) and I am finally shrinking. i have to date lost a total of 19kgs. I had a big realisation moment after Alexis Baptism and seeing the photos of myself, holy crap I was just getting huger by the minute. Since the 15th September 2008 i have been tracking my butt off. i am following Weight Watchers and regular exercise. They say that's all it takes, And I say I agree, watching what goes in my mouth and what exercise I do, I am losing it.

So anyway I might post a few photos of progress for you here .

Here I am at 139kg the day before I started.

Here I am at 128.4 kg on the 1 Nov

This is Xmas day 08 at 119.2kg

The weigh in on the Friday before Xmas I hit my 19.8kgs, I weighed in last week 3 weeks after and happy to Say I had a small gain the first since September of 800g. I am OK with this and am pretty sure it will be off by this Friday.

Have been setting my self goals along the way the first 2 were to track everyday to Xmas. Which I did and the second was to have my 10 5 by Xmas I reached that on the 24 November. My next goal is to have 20kgs by the week the girls start school. I've got that 1 in the bag I think . the next goal is to be 115kgs by Darren's birthday the 26th of Feb or it will be the 27th seen that's my weigh in day.

Oh I should add the last outfit I am in I tried on the the night of Alexis's Baptism I got the pants upto about half way up my thighs. I tried it on every couple of weeks and wanted to wear it xmas day. On xmas morning I went and had a shower and said to Darren if it doesn't wuite fit I will be ok with that. I came out with the biggest smile when It fit, boy did that feel great. I wore it out and got many compliments. Now I have to find a new outfit to get into. I must add Darren has lost about 12kgs, it is great having support.

So there you go that is what has been going on, Along with my baby girl who is just growing up way to quick she started commando crawling today. Kasey is off to Kindy soon and Mikki in yr 2 I will lave you with a nice little photo of the 3 . Jillxx

Baby It is cold outside

2008-07-28T10:21:00.005+10:00

It is so cold outside at the moment I feel like I am frozen, since school went back I am now taking Mikayla to and from school I was so lucky last term to have the help of my mum and girlfriend. But It is so freezing in the mornings I rugg everyone up and off we head at 8.10am, school starts at 8.30am. Today Kasey insisted on going up to school in her new Dora Pjs she got yesterday and her new "dressin down". I think she just wanted to show her little friends. to cute.

We got Kasey's letter of exceptents last week so next year she is off to Kindergarten, she will be 5 in September. I feel like Mikayla only just went off. Kasey has gone off to play at my mums today as she is minding my nephew. They will have so much fun together.

I really need to get motivated and do some housework but hey I am just too cold.

yesterday the girls and myself headed into the shops, I haven't really been much since having Alexis I really felt human again, and all girls behaved so well, you Kasey is my little terror so I rarely take on my own to the shops, but you can tell she is starting to grow up, We had a few little stubborn tanties but nothing that stressed me, and Mikayla she hates shopping, she bought her new little chapter book along and read while i shopped, we happen to bump into my mum so at first chance she new Nanny was leaving before us she took of with her. Man I really need to work on that girl how can she not love shopping. Maybe Alexis will like it.

Well really should go and do some kind of house work. Jillxx

Oh and catchup on blogs you see me posting before reading everyone else's blog crazy I know LOL

This ones for Kate

2008-07-24T20:11:00.004+10:00

This post is dedicated to Kate from Soul mumma who challenged me tonight on facebook to start blogging more. I love the world of blogging, I love to read about every ones lives and get to know so many people who I would never usually get to know. But here's my thing I guess I just think everyone is more interesting then me, even though I love to blog and find it good for me to get my thoughts down i guess I think no one would be interested in my life, silly I know this is really for me. Anyway there you have it.

Now on to things in my life my precious little Alexis will be 10 weeks old tomorrow. She is just the best. I am so glad we bought this precious little person into our life's, we are all so blessed to have her. The older girls are still just as besotted with her fighting over who gets to stand in the best position to watch her get a nappy changed.

So Life with 3 is busy but fun.

My goals I guess for me in regards to this blog I would love to learn how to do more to my formatting , Like putting pictures in different places, have things down the side, link people to other peoples blogs like where I have written Kate's name and then people could click on it if that makes any sense. So If any one out there has some blogging advice on where I can learn more please do tell. Creating a pretty looking blog would be nice.

That's all for tonight lets see when I next blog, I think I challenge myself to do it before the end of the weekend.

This phot of Alexis she was 8 weeks and 5 days.

Hi All

2008-06-02T10:49:00.003+10:00

Mummy meeting her girl just after coming out

sisterly love Resting with her big Sis

Hi Everyone, well here I am back , no with a beautiful little girl Alexis Marie she was born on the 16th may , weighing in at 4.3kg and 56cm long. she is just beautiful.

All is going well. but boy it is a big adjustment to getting up a night, some nights are good some not so good. she likes to keep me guessing and on my toes. i am happy to say I only 4 kgs of pregnancy weight to lose i have already lost around 19kgs in 2 weeks. i must of been carrying so much fluid and I guess she was over 4kgs. so I am really happy with that and I am going to start tracking my food intake sometime this week. No commitment date yet, but this week. LOL

The girls are so besotted with Alexis they just wont leave her alone. Which is lovely but trying at times. As they fight over everything. They are a great help. I am recovering well my best Caesar recovery yet, I am quite surprised. I have not driven yet, actually Alexis and I haven't been anywhere in almost 2 weeks. So I am getting a bit of Cabin fever. It is nice though not to have to do the school run yet. I am quite nervous about it actually.

Darren has been an absolute gem with helping me especially with the girls, takes them places to give me a break.

take care Jill xx

I promised a post

2008-05-15T23:00:00.002+10:00

Well here I am sitting a 11pm , when I should already be in bed. But boy am I nervous. I had so much to organise today but it is all done. Girls have gone to mums. their things are organised. Mikayla's presents are wrapped, house is tidy, my things are packed. oh yes and got my new cook top and range hood fitted tonight. yeah.

Tonight was so chaotic , with my brother here fitting my new kitchen appliances, my cousin came down to braid the girls hair for tomorrow and straighted mine for tomorrow( I know sad that I had to have that done before I go) and I was try to organise the house.

But it is all done so I think I really should go to bed and try and sleep before I have to be up early to arrive at the hospital at 6am and wait patiently till my turn. Ahh Shit I am so scared.
Anyway i look forward to post some pics when I get home. Take care everyone Jillxx

My baby girl being so brave

2008-05-12T22:43:00.002+10:00

Here is my Baby girl who is so brave, she is off to hospital tomorrow for her little operation. She is being so brave. I too wish I could be like her all innocent and unaware. Today i had to ring and confirm her details for tomorrow, she was so excited asking me to ask the lady if she could stay the night. After I got of the phone she went grab her suitcase and started packing all her precious things to her. she is actually excited.

Me I am so nervous , I really should be in bed now but just to anxious. We have to be at hospital at 6.45am don't they know my sleep is like gold at the moment. My mum is picking me up and then we have to drop Mikayla off at my friends who will take her to school. Blessing to have a friend is up early every day. Soon to be me.

So in 4 sleeps I will be holding my precious new baby girl. Wow 4 sleeps where did that come from. I am so anxious about having her I wish i wasn't it really does take away from the excitement. so many things are going through my head. I am sad that my dad will never get see my new baby. that she will never know him. I will miss the excitement of seeing his face when he meets his new grandchild something he would of loved.

Tonight i watch Kasey sleep , she is my baby girl and has been for nearly 5 years. It is weird to think i will have a new baby girl. i keep telling her she will still be my baby, but of course she tells me no I will be the big girl.

I will update before Friday. wow can you believe it maybe just maybe i might be come a regular blogger, well for this week anyway.

Best try and get some sleep, the Mylanta has settled so i can now lay down and hopefully get some sleep.

Oh my gosh 11 more sleeps

2008-05-05T20:12:00.005+10:00

That is right 11 more sleeps till I have this baby. Wow It is going so quick, I have been planning to blog an update but I am slack so here I am writing a quick update. And I do plan on another before bubs comes.

So I am booked in for my C-Section on the 16th May. The day before Mikayla's birthday , that's right great timing, although Mikki thinks its great . On the 13th Kasey heads to hospital to have grommets in and adenoids out, yes another great timing. And my mother in law who is my god sent goes in on the 10th for knee surgery. Oh yes and my wedding anniversary is the 18th and nephews birthday is the 20th. I will be forever poor in the month of may because we might as well add mothers day at the same time. Any way such is life.

I have been super busy organising my house with some fantastic help from my Sister in law who came today and cleaned and scrubbed both bathrooms and my laundry. I wonder if we can not use the bathrooms till after bubs is born. Nah I don't think so.

My sister in law also decorated my nursery. I will end of with some photos of it for you and I am making a commitment now to do another update by the end of the week.

Happy Leap Year

2008-02-29T20:18:00.009+11:00

Well Happy Leap Year, what a great day to finally post. yes I know over a month since I last posted.

Yesterday I hit the 28 week mark, so not long now hopefully I will get my date soon for my C-Section, so only about 11 weeks left. I am freaking out badly, My anxieties have got so bad since losing dad. But I am looking forward to meeting our little girl. I had an ultrasound a couple of weeks ago and she was already just over 1kg. So might well be a big baby.

We are slowly getting her room done and buying all the essentials, you know like the little dress in a size 0 I so had to have for next summer and the beautiful pumpkin patch outfit also for next summer

isn't it cute .

And the girls have coordinating outfits with these shorts and Little t-shirts Mikki's in red stripe and Kasey in blue.

I just can't help myself.

On the 16th March my Sister in-law and best friend are throwing me a baby shower. I will be sure to post some picks. Seen my SIL is pimping my baby shower, she is very creative it is going to be beautiful.

Here is a photo of the girls ready for first day back at school , Mikayla started year 1 and Kasey is doing her last year of preschool .

Well once again happy 29th February for the next 4 years.

Time to go read the princesses a story before bed night. Jill

22 + 4

2008-01-21T15:44:00.000+11:00

Hi Everyone, boy I am not very good at this blogging thing am I .

Anyway Happy New Year to all. I have been very busy here getting ready for babies arrival, i had my fantastic sister inlaw come over last week and get me motivated to clear out babies room and my computer/scrapbooking/ toy storage room. Well it got done what a great feeling. babies room is all clear and ready to be painted and decorated how exciting.

Well on baby front all is going well except for a stupid cough I have had for the last week and is not getting much better, especially at night when I breathe funny unsure if it has developed into bronchitis , will being seeing doctor again on Wednesday. Just being trying to resist taking antibotics.

We had our 19week ultrasound on the 28th December all went well except I have to have another ultrasound at 32 weeks as I have a low lying placenta. Which I am not sure is a big deal as I am having a C- section anyway.

Well the big news is we are expecting another beautiful little girl. Wow 3 girls . We were both shocked at first, For me it was more the realty that I am actually having a baby for hubby he was really hoping for a boy, can't blame him, but he is fine now the shock has settled in. I am really enjoying looking at pink baby things again.

Time is going so quickly i will be holding our precious girl in no time. My Sister in law is organising a baby shower for me , she wanted to have one for me seen there is a bit of gap in age since last bub.

Anyway hi to all who I read everyday but I am hopeless at commenting and blogging I really want to say I will try harder. but Well lets see. Jillxx

8 weeks and 4days

2007-10-15T18:15:00.000+10:00

Yes i know always a reader never a writer, so here I am updating. as the title says I am 8weeks and 4 days pregnant. and boy do i know it this time , I have the pleassure of experiencing after nausea pretty much most days and very tired. With the girls I had the odd bit of nausea but not like this.

I am due On the 22 May but will have it the week before as I have c-sections. Well Mikaylas birthday is the 17th and our wedding anniversary is the 18th so we will see how close i get to that.

I have my first scan on the 14/11/07 i think, really can't wait for that it is horrible not having seen it yet. With the girls i went with a private doc and throught the public hospital but unfortunately prices for Ob/Gyn have sky rocket since i had my girls so this time I will just being ging through the midwives at our local hospital. My first appointment is in december,.

sometimes i really cannot believe we are going to have another baby I guess I felt like it was just a dream, but It is happening I am so very excited. anyway I will try and update soon with some photos to share maybe not of me lol catchup soon jill

Wow look who is blogging

2007-09-16T18:51:00.001+10:00

Ahh blogger sux I just had a great post written and it is all gone. Well anyway look who is back to blogging I bet you thought it would never happen.

Well all has been good , we are loving our new house, we have also bought a new car a ford territory i love it it is so nice to drive.

On the weight loss front i have been going great guns i had gone up to 140kgs , I know disgusting but I have been doing lite and easy and have lost 9.9kgs, so I am feeling great again, it amazing how you feel when you are losing weight.

My girls are growing up fast Kase was 4 on tuesday we are a party yesterday into last night for her, but we did have some great news to celebrate , do you want to know what it is?

Well guess what On friday we found out some excting news , some news that we were shocked about but happy, guess what I am pregnant. It is still sinking in we wanted another but were going to wait till after Xmas but it has come sooner so that is great, even if i am on a roll of losing but my doc has assured me i can continue to lose for now. wow another baby i haven't had a baby for ages. considering my baby is 4.

If any of you lovely bloggers out there know of any places to get plus size maternity, I would love to know. Hope everyone is well and i will be sure to update very soon. cya Jill

My Dad the most special man in my life

2007-04-09T06:47:00.000+10:00

1 year ago today my beautiful dad went to heaven, I can not believe a year has gone, I can not believe I survived this past year( of course at times it felt like I wouldn't), I can not believe how things can change in a year, I can not believe he is really gone.

Every day I remember my dad and miss him like nothing else, I guess I still have so much anger over him being taken from me, I feel ripped off why my dad one of the most important people in my life, he was a good man who love his family he deserved to live and see his grandchildren grow, he deserved to have a lovely retirement with the women he loved, I deserved to have my dad longer in my life not till I was just 29. I guess it just isn't fair.

Today will be spent with my lovely family, My Mum , my beautiful little family and my brothers lovely family, We are heading down to the cemetery first to reflect on my dad and the kids will all release balloons up to heaven or as they say to Poppy, Like they did on the day of Dad's funeral, 4 pink and 1 blue. then we will head back to my mums for a day together , for lunch, and quality time together.

I love the photo of my dad i have posted we used it on the service booklets and Darren also had stubby holders made up with it on it. The original photo has Darren in it to, it was taken 1 Christmas before dad start with the progression of illnesses ( heart attack, bowl cancer , then the killer gmb brain cancer) This is how I want to remember my dad carrying a bit of weight but happy with life.

I am still struggling with remembering him this way , I know it will just take time.

Dad I wish you were still here I am sure you are watching over us and thank you for giving me a life I will never forget. I Love you and miss you . You will never forgotten. xoxxoxoxoxox

Need to kick me in the bum

2007-04-03T09:05:00.000+10:00

Well what a bad couple of days I have been having, I hope on the scales this morning for an unofficial weighin and yes i was in the wrong direction, I guess that happens when all you do for 4 days is eat total crap , including succumbing to the dreaded cadbury easter egg (yummo).

So last night I lay thinking about how crap I felt this afternoon after eating shit food all day including a custard tart of which I had been thinking about for a few days and you know what it really wasn't that nice. I realised that today I had to get back up and remake my commitment to myself to eat yummy healthy foods, which in turn will make me feel better and probably not have that afternoon slump I have been having lately.

Seen we are moving house I really need to do this for me to help me have the energy to do all the work that needs to be done, and i may not get as many walks in over the next week or 2 so My eating needs to be on track.

So today I got up and had 50g of my lite muesli (3points) topped with a not fat yoghurt(1 point) and my favourite juice (1.5 points ) so i know feel satisfied.

I guess I really don't feel that I have got into my zone for weightloss yet you know where nothing gets in your way even though I know my weightloss has been great, I really am bluffing my way through the weekends and them making up for it all week, I really don't want to do that, I want to be making the good choices all the time. I have some lovely winter clothes that I could be wearing this winter, but I really need to lose around another 6 - 8 kgs to get back into them. I don't want to have to be buying clothes in this size. So my weighin is not for another week and a half so If I really put in an effort I think I can be under the 130's and be back on track.

On the moving front all going well still haven't got a date for moving out of here. Cooling off finishes today on this house. I also discovered I think I have a bad Tupperware obsession. When we get in the new house I will be ebay a heap, you just can't use what I have . better go do some chores and more packing cya J

Week 4 weigh in -1.0kg

2007-03-31T13:24:00.000+10:00

Just a really quick post . I didn't quite make the 120's bummer 100g's off . i don't have weighin till 2 weeks now due to good friday so i hae to make sure I am really good over easter so i can get into the 120's.

Really busy at the moment packing ahh. What a big job. Boy I have shit everywhere. Still don't have a settelment date on our house, cooling off finishes on tuesday so hope fully the solicitors can give a date by then. It is very fustrating i will happy when I know how much time we have left here.

Anyway really need to keep packing will update later. jill

Week 3 weigh in -600g and the continuation

2007-03-26T21:22:00.000+10:00

Well my last post started with my feeling of fustration on the sale of our house, well I never got to finish it, I was going on to write how the sale had fallen through after one day well it did, but I never got to finish my post because later on that day my fustrations turned into Joy when someone else bought our house for $6000.00 more yes thats right over night and more money.

So all is going well but boy has it been an exciting time we have found another house this one here . It is everything we want and need. So life is going ot be so choatic for awhile, seen the buyers of our house want a shorter settlement ,o f which we will probably go for after easter then we have alonger settlement on the house we bought so it looks like we will be living with my mum for about 6 weeks. We only got asked about the short one today so tomorrow i will start the packing ahh!

So anyway I lost 600g this week of which I am happy with. We gave up our trainer last week, just an expense we don't really need moving into a new house. so its is on to traking and walking.

Anyway of to bed, the busyness starts tomorrow. where to start. cya J

Feeling very fustrated then it all changed

2007-03-19T09:05:00.000+11:00

Yesterday we had an offer on our house, we felt like it was never going to happen, so we were so excited and happy I think what feels like the happiest in a long time. read on for more

Busy week and my week 2 weighin -1.1kgs

2007-03-16T20:10:00.000+11:00

Thats right I had a loss of 1.1 kgs this week and I am very happy. I plan on having a really good weekend seen my trainer has challenge me to a week of following his menu plan so cutting back on my treats ( ww ice cream, mars lites, juice of a morning) , he also set me a training program of which i feel is just a little to hard for me at the moment let alone where do i fit it all in. Currently I am training 3 days a week for 1hr with him and walking around 20- 30 mins the other days and I really feel this is enough at the moment. Iam sure maybe I will have to up it as the weight goes down. But trying to fit in 2 walks a day of 45mins is really not doable..

I think he would like to of see me with bigger losses but I am very happy with 2.5kgs in 2 weeks. but I am trialing his menu this week He would like to see me lose 3kgs( yes that would be nice) but I really happy with steady losses, at least I know it is achieveable.

Mikayla is doing really well at school i can't believe we are nearly at school holidays of which I am really looking foward to. Yesterday she had nursery ryhme day at school and she wents as Jill. I will be sure to post some pics over the weekend.

anyway that is all for tonight wich me well for a good healthy eating weekend.
cya j

Why are weekends so hard

2007-03-12T18:05:00.000+11:00

......... boy i really struggle with weekends, i was so determined to be so good on Sunday that all went out the window when we ended up having Darrens brother and his wife and our little nephew over, I bought all good stuff except for some chips for the kids and jatz I made a ww friendly dip and ended up eating way to much of dip and chips. Lunch was ok but i am sure i could of keep my portions a bit smaller. So needless to say after they left I felt angry and ended up having a binge on bikkies, of which i will not be buying again. I did manage to go for a walk last night and didn't eat dinner.

So there goes my tracking for 2 weeks , today i have been great i am tracking on Calorie King this week just to see how i like counting calories actually it has been good I haven't really worried about when I was going to eat again. I have been for a 20min walk, and drank 8 glasses of water. Back to my personal trainer tomorrow so here is hoping I can undo any damage by Friday.

I will leave you a photo of the girls and their cousin yesterday enjoying lunch together.

Boy Am I sore

2007-03-11T09:29:00.000+11:00

thats right I am a bit sore today , we had our last training of the week yesterday and it was a real high intesity work out we went the oval, and my trainer wanted to do a high one today to help increase my fitness levels and wow I am so glad we don't train again unto tuesday night, I will make sure i go for a few walks but hey no running. I am really enjoying the training I just can't wait to start seeing the results.

We had a great night last night the girls went to a movie night at dancing so we headed of to thai with some friends. My good eating went right out the window, I haven't quite got in the swing of choosing healthy options when I am out, although i did drink alot more water then I usually would, but ate way to much including dessert.

Not much else planned for the weekend, I was looking foward to not waking up from an alarm this morning and what happened bang i was wide awake at 7.20am and couldn't get back to sleep. But i was alseep by about 9.30pm last night so i hade probably had enough sleep. I might even go now and have a little more sleep Darren is still in bed so it would be nice.

Not much else to report cya J

Week 1 weigh in -1.4kg's

2007-03-09T20:08:00.000+11:00

Well Had my first weighin and I lost 1.4kg's , I am really happy with the results. My trainer was very happy but wants to have a look at my food diary to see what things can change. I know I need to eat more fruit and maybe have better brekkies, oh and stop having dessert every night. He wants me to try only having dessert 2 nights a week, wow that will be a challenge, nut I am willing to give it a try.

Yeah I am so glad it is the weekend it is so nice to break the bore of Mon to fri routines, I really appreciate the weekends more now Mikayla is at school.

We have training in the morning, which is going well hopefully there will be no rain in the morning so we can go to oval and not the gym, and then the girls can come. Tomorrow night the girls have a movie night at dancing so some of the mum's and dad's are off to Thai. yummo I am going to eat so good tomorrow so I can go and enjoy thai. I love thai.

cya J

Day 3 and going strong

2007-03-07T21:21:00.000+11:00

Well I am jsut finishing off day 3 , So far so good I have come within my points each day, I am on 28 points so that is heaps most days I am saving 4. had another training session last night, boy am I sore today, but I still went for a 15 min walk today and made sure I did some stretches. I have discovered some muscles I haven't felt for ages. I hope I am not this sore tomorrow as I train again tomorrow night.

Kasey is off to work with Darren tomorrow which is great I need another to get a few more things done of which i didn't get to do today.

We had Mikayla's first parent teacher conference last night, all was great we sat down and her teacher just looked at as and said no problems here she is going great I don't have problems with her. We were very proud kinder parents last night.

Just a short post tonight, can't wait to pot my weighin results.cya J

Day 1

2007-03-05T17:46:00.000+11:00

Day 1 : I am feeling great right know , I have stuck to my points all day actually i haven't even really obessed over them. At about 3 i got a bit hungry, but actually stopped and asked my self if I was really hungry, seen I had had lunch at 1.30, which was a big salad with lots in it including egg, pumpkin and potato and finished off with a banana, so I knew it should carry me further, So i got out my water bottle and thought that if at 3.30 i was still hungry I then could have afternoon tea, well I am only just having it at 5.50, usually I wouldn't eat this late to dinner but Monday nights we eat later as the girls have swimming, so I thought I better have something light so I don't end up bingeing, So a nice cup of popcorn is doing it.

I went for a 15min walk early , I started out and it started to rain but I thought just go it is only water.

So tomorrow afternoon it is back to my trainer, Still a bit scared, I guess once I start losing weight and getting fitter it wont be so scarey and seem so hard.

I read Ashwee's blog today and she wrote about following program 1 week and then not the next and so on so she is challenging her self to 2 weeks of full tracking with 2 free days, So I have decided to follow but instead of 2 free days I am going to have 2 free nights. So then in 2 weeks I will go on with the next 2.

Anyway off to make Beef stragnoff for dinner boy am i looking foward to dinner. Cya J

Not Liking these starting photos

2007-03-03T23:30:00.000+11:00

I had my girlfriend take these photos last night , for starting photos I am so not impressed I look terrible and so unhealthy in my face. these are a real motivation, I can't wait to putting up the next progression photos where i am sure I will look so much better.

I went to my firends last night we try to get together if one of our hubbies has gone out , we will just sit and around and chat, I really needed that last night. We both tried on clothes that we want to fit into soon which was good , to see what we have to do to get back into them.

So I have decided to count points from tomorrow , starting just for month when i will be doing 3 PT sessions a week. then I will reasses in a month. So for know in my head I only have to commit for a month then I am sure in a month when I see results, I will have the motivation to do the next goal. I need to break this Journey up into small attainable goals.

Anyway girls i need to go to bed . We have open house tomorrow fingers crossed someone wants to by our house. c ya J

Sore Thighs

2007-03-02T17:35:00.000+11:00

Hi all ,Sore thighs that is what I have. I started with my personal trainer on Wednesday night, Darren is doing it with me we did a fitess test on Wednesday and then back last night for our first official workout, hence my sore thighs. Wow I am very motivated on the excerise side but i am really struggling with my food. My reasoning I am confused as to wether to track points or to just write down what I am eating or try Core.

My pros for points is i know it works for me and I can have an arrangement of different foods.

Cons sometimes it just feels like to much to track it can get very obessive and I don't want that.

For just writing down what I am eating for some reason I don't feel in control and i like to be in control, and most of the time i end up counting the points in my head to see where i am at. But the Pros being not obessing over points, I guess maybe i have answered my own question.

Maybe while I am starting out it might be a good idea to stick to counting, and feel confident I am doing the right thing.

I would love to do core but I really don't think I am ready for that maybe once I am a little more commited you know when I have lost more and fell in control of my eating I might give it a go. I would love anyones opinion on this . That would be great.

I need to make my decision tonight as i need to get going, I am really looking foward to losing weight again to get into my smaller clothes i have so many nice winter clothes in my can't wait to get back into clothes box. My trainer is so motivating i was on the phone for 1/2 hour today with him motivating me . Anyway more on my training later. C ya Jill

Why can i never commit to myself

2007-02-19T16:55:00.000+11:00

I ask myself again why I am not important enough to lose this weight that is such a baggage in my life. I commit to challenges or unchallenges and I am very motivated and then something happens and I don't commit to it, ahh. I really love the task Beckie has set did great for the first week but well the rest is history and yes I can still continue but boy I get frustrated with my self.

At school 1 of the mums has started a biggest loser comp and i could potentially win around $500 that would be great but I lost 1.6kgs in the first week and then put on 1.3kgs in 2nd ahh. Well something has to change. Maybe I need to set smaller goals that will gradually change my ways. Any ideas would be very much appreciated.

I found this great website today busymothers the sell a great little companion to help keep busy mums lives in order probably a bit like the control journal from FLylady but everthing is done for you it is $69.95 but i will have to wait and see when finances pick up but then i wonder wether i would use it.

Well something really needs to click in this head of mine, as I really want to be pregnant by the end of the year but want to get to around 100kgs before i try so this isn't only for me but for Darren and the girls to .

I am glad i got some of that of my chest. Time to go get the girls ready for swimming. cya J