Day 21: 24th June, Monday

24th June, Monday

Weather: Overcast with some sun coming through
Feeling: Tired

I know it's been a few days, but I've been extremely busy with some personal things the last few days.  I had work on Friday lunch and night and Saturday night, which went well after having my toes done, but i did drop a few things on my feet which wasn't good and made them a bit painful.  I also had a long day yesterday, having to drive out to Bristol (about 200 odd miles away from me).  

I've decided to change my diet to one which my mum had some luck on, it's the Slimming World diet, and yesterday was really good.  I was able to eat a cooked breakfast, with some leftover pasta salad for lunch and a homemade chicken kiev for dinner.  I didn't feel the need to eat much else because the meals were filling and yummy too. 

I also bought a new plate for myself in the hope that I eat less, it actually works.  It was only £1.50 so I'm very happy with the outcome.  I've noticed myself eating both less and slower and I've also noticed a difference in the way I look already, after only a week.  It isn't a huge difference but its noticeable at least.

Anyway, I will be keeping an eye on how well it's going and keep you all up to date with progress.  If you have any suggestions as to what you have tried and tested of if there's anything you want me to try out then let me know.  Leave me a comment, or email me at the usual (sandra.spencelayh.92@gmail.com).  Have fun!

Day 18: 21st June, Friday

21st June, Friday

Weather: Overall sunny, with some cloud and rain at times
Feeling: Overwhelmed

Hi guys, I know its been a few days since my last post but I've been feeling really unwell.  It was back to work for me today though, felt like I couldn't let my boss down as I've been away for over a week now because of my toes and I thought I should go back.  After managing to drop loads of things on my feet, I think they have now become numb to everything I drop on them.  Fingers crossed I don't make them worse.  I had the lunchtime shift at the shop and I also have to close up too, so going in for a couple of hours at 8:30 to close.  I don't think it's going to be hugely busy (I think I more hope than think its not going to be busy).  We'll see.  Anyway, I thought I'd do the blog today earlier than usual because I have work and will get back about 11:30 and a) I won't want to write a blog then, b) I'm still not feeling 100% so will just want to come home and go straight to bed, and c) I'll have to get up early tomorrow to go shopping with my mum (she likes to beat the queues so tries to get to the shop for about 8/8:30 am).

Anyway, today has been quite lazy.  I woke up at 8:30 and drove to Eastleigh (which is about 12 miles away from where I live) for my sister to pick up an application form and drop off a photocopy of her passport to a place I think she's going to be working.  I then came home, had breakfast and went into work at 11am.  Work was really quiet at lunch today, managed to get everything done (it was double delivery day today) and we even closed 10 minutes early.  I then came home, had some lunch (I'm pleased to say I didn't have chips for lunch, although I brought them home from the shop, I offered them to my sister who gladly accepted and I didn't eat one single chip!  Instead I had egg noodles with spring onion, mushrooms, tomatoes and a small salad.) and got on with clearing the house a bit, while watching secret eaters that my mum recorded for me.  I'm just about to go and have dinner and then it'll be off to work for me.

Losing Weight:

Breakfast: 1 slice of granary toast, with 1/4 tin of baked beans.

Lunch: Egg noodles, with spring onion, mushrooms, tomatoes and a side salad

Dinner: Jacket potato with 2 tbsp of pork mince chilli.

Overall I think I've done (will do) very well today.  My portion sizes have been smaller and I haven't wanted to snack as I've tried to occupy myself throughout the day.  I've also made myself drink lots of water (which wasn't difficult as it was very hot in the shop at lunch).

In keeping with number 13 on my summer list here is the picture of the day:

Anyway, I'd love to hear your thoughts on my blog, if there's anything you want me to write about, or if you just want to tell me what you think then leave me a comment or email me at the usual (sandra.spencelayh.92@gmail.com).  Thanks for all your support guys, it means so much to me.  Have fun!

Day 17: 19th June, Wednesday

19th June, Wednesday

Weather: Hot
Feeling: Unwell

Today has been so hot.  I got up this morning and went to the tip with my sister to get rid of some of the garden waste we have from my mum clearing up the back garden.  I then came home and helped my dad clear up his room before having a shower and soaking my feet.  I then cleared my room a bit more, putting more clothes out for charity (yes I have a lot!).  After lunch I had a nap because I really wasn't feeling well.  I still felt rough after a sleep but I got on with cleaning the bathroom.  

Losing Weight:

Breakfast: 1 Juicy Tangerine, 1 Banana

Lunch: Noodles, 2 tbsp baked beans, spices

Dinner: Pork mince shepherd's pie, with swede mash, carrots and broccoli.  For dessert: homemade lemon tart with a tbsp of vanilla ice-cream.

Overall my portions today were small and I think that there isn't much that I could change for healthier meals.  To make it even better I could have forgone the lemon tart and ice cream, but I fancied something sweet.  

In keeping with number 13 on my summer list, here is my picture for today, my hair seems to be really curly today, I think that's because when I washed my hair this morning I put it up in a bun to keep it out my face while sorting and cleaning and it just dried while in the bun.

Overall, I think today went very well, if I'd have felt a little better then I would have done a bit more but my head is really hurting today and I'm not sure why. Ah well, tomorrow is a new day.

As always I'd love to hear your plans for the summer or anything you'd like to read in my blog.  Leave me a comment below or send me an email at the usual (sandra.spencelayh.92@gmail.com).  Have fun!

Day 16: 18th June, Tuesday

18th June, Tuesday

Weather: Sunny
Feeling: Full

Today has been an awesome day! As I'm writing this the sun is out and shining and the birds are beautifully singing outside my window.  I didn't really do a lot this morning apart from go through my clothes in my drawers and wardrobe so I can give to charity, which could come under help someone in need, but I'm also going to try and help someone in need in a more involved way.  This afternoon I again went shopping with my sister but for food for dinner this time.  I made homemade guacamole to go with fajitas.

The picture below really doesn't do the colours in it justice.  It was fantastic!  I got the recipe from Benjimantv 0n YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GP2LKHRb3w0)  I didn't use the Sriracha because it's so expensive to get it here in the UK, and I didn't think of it in time to make the guacamole, but as suggested in the video I just added some extra chillies.  

I also arranged the pictures on my laptop and uploaded all my pictures onto facebook of my 21st birthday.  It was such a good day.

Losing weight:

Breakfast: 2x Juicy Tangerines

Lunch: 1x dried noodles with 1/4 tin of baked beans.

Dinner: 2x flour tortillas with turkey, sweetcorn, green beans, mushrooms, homemade guacamole and some sour cream dip with salad.

The meals I had today weren't over-sized at all and they were all healthy.  I could have used wholemeal flour tortillas but we only had white in the cupboard.

 In keeping with number 13 on my summer list, here is picture number 14 for today:

Overall, today has been great. I think tomorrow I'm going to sort out the shelves in my room so my sister can put some of her books on them to get the stuff out the lounge so my parents might feel a bit happier.  

As usual, I'd love to know what you think of the blog as well as anything you've got planned for the summer.  So leave me a comment below or send me an email at the usual address (sandra.spencelayh.92@gmail.com).  Have fun!

Day 15: 17th June, Monday

17th June, Monday

Weather: Overcast mostly, with some sunny spells
Feeling: Happy

Ok, so today I had to go to my Nan's because her cleaner was ill so she couldn't put her rubbish out, so I went down there to help around the house a bit.  I arrived at her house at 9:45 and didn't get home until just gone 12 noon.  I then had lunch and relaxed for a bit because my toes were a little sore having been on my feet all morning.  Then my sister asked if I wanted to go into Southampton with her to go shopping, which I needed to get some stuff so I accepted, but it meant more walking.  We didn't have to walk too far in the end but I got some really nice tops and I even bought my sister a top/dress she really liked, but didn't want to pay the £20 for it, so I thought I'd buy it for her because she's going to Bilbao this weekend.  When we got home, it was a bit of a lazy evening with having dinner, chatting and watching TV.

Losing Weight:

Breakfast: 2 Juicy Tangerines

Lunch: Chicken and Noodle Soup

Dinner: Chunky Chilli and rice with a Fruit pastille lolly for dessert

I think I did well today; I didn't eat large portions and I spent a lot of the day on my feet or walking around.  

In keeping with number 13 on my summer list, here is picture number 13 for today:

I have had a good day today but my feet were a little sore by the time I sat down for an evening of relaxation.  

As always I'd love to hear from you, with what you have planned for the summer, so leave me a comment or email me at the usual (sandra.spencelayh.92@gmail.com).  Hope you're having a fantastic and relaxing summer break. Have fun!

Day 14: 16th June, Sunday

16th June, Sunday

Weather: A little overcast

Feeling: Happy

Hi guys,

As you may probably already know, it's Father's Day, and I want to wish all the father's out there a

I got up early this morning to make my dad a cooked breakfast.  My sister came down just as I was plating up his food.  Lucky for her right... For Father's Day, I bought my dad some books, but a few days ago he asked me if we'd got anything for him, to which I told him I had but it wasn't huge, so what did he want.  My dad asked for socks...! Being the youngest at 21 years old, we've got this system at our house for Christmas, birthdays and Father's Day, that generally my dad buys his present and then my sister and I pay him back.  It's common knowledge in our house that my dad doesn't like surprises because he's not great at hiding his disgust if we get something he doesn't like.  So to save on money, time and the probability of getting him something he doesn't like, we tell him to get it himself and we either pay him back for it or give him money towards it.

Either way, I won't be writing much today.  But in keeping with number 13 on my summer list, here is picture number 12 for today:

I'd love to hear what you've given your dad for Father's Day, so leave me a comment or email me at the usual (sandra.spencelayh.92@gmail.com).  Have a great day!

Day 13: 15th June, Saturday

First of all, I have to apologise for not writing yesterday I really wasn't feeling well.  I went to the hospital with my Nan in the morning and because I had to run back to the car, my feet were hurting after the surgery on them.  So i stayed with my feet up for the rest of the afternoon, but felt dizzy and just unwell in general.  I did take a picture yesterday, but I apologise for looking rubbish.  I've also added the picture from Thursday into today's post because my sister was using my lead and I couldn't get the picture on my laptop.  Anyway, yesterday is over, I'm feeling a little better today, so here is today's post:

15th June, Saturday

Weather: Mostly sunny, but with showers

Feeling: In pain but feeling slightly accomplished

Ok, so today I got up and decided not to go shopping early with my mum, but got up a little later thinking that she'd already gone.  Apparently not, I went downstairs to find my mum on her hands and knees in the utility room because there was water all over it.  We still don't know what caused the water being all over the floor, it was either the washing machine or the dishwasher but no clue which one.  Either way I then got roped into helping my dad cut down the tree in the front garden. I ended up falling over a lot because I couldn't balance with my toes being uncomfortable, my mum found it highly amusing when she saw me, but she was kind enough to help me finish picking up the leaves.  I then spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing and taking time to myself.  It was lovely. 

Losing Weight:

Breakfast: None

Lunch: Tomato Soup with a handful of cooked macaroni pasta

Dinner: Homemade chicken curry, with rice, poppadom  and mango chutney.

Overall I think today went really well, I don't think I've gone overboard with the eating.  I should have had breakfast but i still didn't feel 100% but other than that, I think I did ok.

In keeping with number 13 on my summer list, here is picture number 9, from Thursday (13th June):

Here is picture number 10, from yesterday:

And here is picture number 11 for today:

Anyway, that's all for today guys :) Hope you're having an amazing summer break, and as always I'd love to hear from you.  Either leave me a comment or email me at the usual (sandra.spencelayh.92@gmail.com) Have fun!

Day 11: 13th June, Thursday

13th June, Thursday

Weather: Mostly sunny
Feeling: Lazy

Another short post today, as I haven't done a lot again.  I'm having a few lazy days at the moment.  Woke up latish (9am) and stayed in bed for about an hour but then had to run into my parents room to pick up the phone that was ringing.  I ran round the end of my bed but didn't miss the leg like I thought I would, I stubbed my toe and hobbled as quickly as I could to the phone hoping they wouldn't hang up before I got there, which has happened before.  Luckily I got to the phone and talked to the person on the other end, but then had to hobble downstairs to find out when my dad would be home for them to ring him back.  I then managed to dust the lounge while watching Flubber (I haven't watched it in a long time and it was on anytime on Sky, so I thought "why not").  Got the dusting done, and then my dad came home and asked me to help him with cleaning and vacuuming the rest of the house.  So the house is now clean, not tidy as my sister's stuff is still all around from moving out of her house in Cardiff.  This afternoon I have just cleaned and read my book (trying to read The Lord of the Rings... I know, I know, but I'm actually enjoying it so far). 

I have taken a picture, but my sister is borrowing my lead at the moment, so I will upload it tomorrow with the post I write tomorrow.

As always I would love to hear about your plans for the summer, so leave me a comment or email me at the usual (sandra.spencelayh.92@gmail.com).  Have a great summer break, have fun!

Day 10: 12th June, Wednesday

12th June, Wednesday

Weather: Cloudy and raining all day

Feeling: Can't get comfortable

Today has been a boring, lazy day, I'm not going to write much for today as there literally wasn't much I did. I had the dressing on my feet re-done this morning, so no more bulky bandaged toes, which I'm hoping will be better tonight while I sleep.  I then came home and did almost nothing for the whole day apart from sort out my mum's (technically in my name still) laptop: updates, of which there were 24 important updates, cleaners and clearers for the laptop.  It took me about 3 odd hours to sort it out because there was so much to do on it.  

In keeping with number 13 on my list (to take a picture everyday) here is the picture for day 10:

I know it's been a short blog today, but tomorrow will be longer and probably include more details about today.  Not much more to say though.

As always, if there's anything you want me to talk about in my blog, leave me a comment or email me at the usual (sandra.spencelayh.92@gmail.com). To get updates on my blog, follow me on Twitter: @SanjSpencelayh. Hope you're all having an amazing summer. Have fun!

Last final thing want to give a big shout out to my good friend Scott who's celebrating his 23rd birthday today! So happy birthday to him! Xx

Day 9: 11th June, Tuesday

11th June, Tuesday

Weather: Started off drizzly, got sunnier through the day

Feeling: Lazy

Today, due to having my toes done this morning, has been very lazy indeed, including sleeping from about 1:30pm until 5pm.  I was a little nervous about having my toes done this morning, but it went well overall.  The guy was really nice, a little like my dad: makes a lot of jokes; which I found comforting because I'm so used to it.  

I really haven't done anything else today, which is horrible when I want to do things.  My sister brought a lot more of her stuff back from Cardiff on Sunday night/Monday morning, and during the day yesterday we got it all out of the car and just sort of dumped it in the lounge.  It's still there today and I was looking at it when I got home and just wanted to help my sister move it and clear it for my parents, but with my toes having done I can't really do a lot before they start feeling uncomfortable.  I've also noticed that I'm walking oddly on them, which isn't good, because it could cause problems long term.  It's only been a day though.

As for the burn I caused myself yesterday, it feels a lot better, not hurting as much, only when I rub clothing across it.  Like this morning when I got out the shower and completely forgot it was there, and rubbed my towel across my arm and quickly remembered it was there.  

Losing Weight:

Breakfast: I didn't haven't breakfast again today, only because I wasn't hungry due to nerves.

Lunch: I had a large salad with baked beans and beetroot for lunch

Dinner: Pork mince chilli and rice with birthday cake for dessert.

Snacks: Mars ice cream after lunch.

Overall, I had a good day food-wise because I didn't eat too much and feeling better not eating constantly.  Usually during the summer I end up having food from work most days and evenings, but this time I've been good and there have only been 2 occasions where I have had food from work.  I'm not sure if I've lost weight yet, but I'm going to weigh myself on Sunday morning and see how I've done.

Today has been a good day overall and although I haven't really done anything I feel absolutely shattered.  Tomorrow, I have to go back to the toe place to have the dressing redone, which my Dad will be taking me to.  I found out today that I can actually drive tomorrow, but my Dad has already moved his students around to take me, so might as well take advantage of it.

In keeping with number 13 on my summer list, here is the picture for day 9:

As always I'd love to hear your views of the blog overall, or if there's anything you want me to write about or if you want to let me know what your plans are for the summer then leave me a comment, or email me at the usual (sandra.spencelayh.92@gmail.com).  Hope you're having a great break.  Have fun!

Day 8: 10th June, Monday

10th June, Monday

Weather: Started off cloudy but got sunnier

Feeling: Lazy

Today has been a lazy day because my sister got in early this morning and I helped her get dinner and then sort some things out before going to bed around 1am.  I woke up about 8am, and decided to get some breakfast and amble around until my sister woke/got up.  While she was asleep I ordered the second part of her birthday present, so that's all sorted I needed to go shopping to get a few bits for the BBQ we had in the evening.  So once my sister had got up we slowly got ready and took our time to go to the shops, where I picked up the new Die Hard movie for my mum at a bargain price of £10.  We picked up the few things we needed and then drove home, unpacked and by that time it was 12:30 so we got some lunch.  This afternoon was spent trying to get my printer to work (if any of you know how to make a printer work after changing the ink, cleaning the printer head and nozzles etc then please leave me a comment or email me, address will be below).  I also took some stuff round to the tip and obviously had printer on the brain because I kept calling the toaster I took round there a printer.  The guys round there must have thought I was crazy because I just kept calling this thing a printer without even realising it.  Got home and phoned LivingSocial Deals and was on the phone for about 15 minutes, waiting in a queue (starting at 15th), to get to the first caller in the queue, have the phone picked up and hung up straight away.  I was fuming... I called back and I had to wait another 25 minutes to talk to someone, luckily this guy didn't hang up, but the guy started talking to my dad after a while when I had no idea what else to say, and my dad told me after a while that this guy would ring us back.  6 hours later... no call back, so my dad has now sent them an email asking them to get back to us. 

While my dad was on the phone though, I managed to scold myself with boiling hot soup, which my sister was making for my Nan.  I was asked to blend the soup in my blender, so having watched food shows in the past who've used blenders with hot soup, I took the middle thing out the lid, which would let steam out.  However, there was still some splashes coming out. So I put the middle thing back in the lid, and pulsed the blender, but then thought "oh this will be fine!" and held down the lid with my right hand, the pulse button with my left finger and after a few seconds out came the scolding hot soup cascading all over the kitchen floor, the work surfaces, the cupboards on the wall, and funnily enough, underneath the top cupboards, which have lights underneath... Needless to say I screamed and jumped backwards looking in amazement at the mess I'd created by being careless, knowing what would happen, deep down, if I did what I did.  It was carnage when my mum got home, I was sat on a chair in the kitchen with my arm under cold running water, my sister was barking orders at me to keep my arm under the water whilst running around me trying to finish the preparations for the BBQ.  It was a bit of a nightmare.  Anyway, we then got on with the BBQ and had a lovely array of food.  I cleaned the BBQ completely and it now looks really good.  So I'm happy with that.

Losing Weight:

Breakfast: 2 Crumpets, one with chocolate spread, the other with margarine and marmite

Lunch: My soup with noodles

Dinner: BBQ - 1 burger, 1 minted lamb kofta, 1 sausage and plenty of salad.

Snacks: Fruit Pastille ice lolly

Overall I think today went very well, especially considering we had the BBQ for dinner, usually I would eat loads at a BBQ, so I was pleased I could enjoy the food without feeling stuffed to explosion after, I felt pleasantly full.  I haven't drunk much today, which I really should have done! I haven't got a headache which is good, but I think I've had a lucky escape.

In keeping with number 13 on my summer list (to take a picture everyday) here is today's photo:

I know I look really bad in this picture as I'm ready for bed and knackered for some reason, long day tomorrow too.  I have my toe surgery tomorrow, really nervous about it, but it should mean I have more time for writing on here which is always a plus.

It's Father's Day on Sunday, and I'm all up together with that: card sorted and written, presents wrapped and waiting for the day now!  Let me know if you've got anything special planned for your dad this week, or if you have bought him anything that you'd like to share that would be awesome!

Anyway, I'm off to bed now, let me know what you think of the blog, if there's anything you want me to talk about, or if you have any comments about the blog, I'm open to suggestions. Leave me a comment on this post, or email me at the usual (sandra.spencelayh.92@gmail.com).  Have fun!

Day 7, part 2: 9th June, Sunday

9th June, Sunday

Weather: Sunny, hot but with a cool breeze at times

Feeling: Happy

Today, I wanted to get up early, finish off painting the last fence panel out the front, then wash the Clio, then go and get my Nan to bring her to ours for the usual Sunday afternoon.  However, my Nan wasn't very well today, so I painted the fence panel, which in the heat and sun was quite tiring, so I took a break after painting it, then waited for my dad to come home so the three of us could go down to my Nan's and give her some food, put away her shopping and see if there was anything we could do for her.  I had said to my Nan previously that I would clear out her cupboard under the sink, but hadn't yet got around to actually doing it.  So I went down there, and decided to do that while my parents were flitting about doing other things.  I got rid of a lot of items I believed to be too old to be kept.  At least now we know that my Nan doesn't need anymore gloves, cloths or dusters for a long time.  By the time we got home it was about 3pm, so we had some food for a late lunch and then I went back up to my room to read, watch "Supernatural" (I'm almost caught up) and get my results from uni and read through the feedback from it.  Around 5:30 we decided to put the oven on for dinner.  It was ready just in time for the F1 racing to start so we watched that while eating dinner and then I (not hugely interested in F1) went back up to my room to read.  Don't worry about any spoilers because I don't know the result.

Losing Weight: 

Breakfast: Again, I didn't have breakfast as I wasn't hungry and wanted to get on with painting the fence after waking up later than I intended.  I did have the leftover rice from the night before about 11am though.

Lunch:  (around 3pm) I had some of my noodle soup, which was mostly water

Dinner: Steak Pie with mashed potato and vegetables with a beef gravy and horseradish.  Dessert was my mum's make shift Eton Mess: jelly, with squirty cream, mini marshmallows, meringue nest and 1tsp of hot chocolate powder.

Snacks: 1 mini chuppa chup lolly.

Overall I think today went very well considering the odd eating times.  I enjoyed the dessert after dinner, but I believe after the day I've had that I was able to have it without going over the top.  

In keeping with number 13 on my summer list (to take a picture most days (I had to change it after this week)), here is today's photo:

To show you how messy my room was before and how much I cleared it yesterday, here is a before and after shot of it:

If you want me to talk about anything in my blog, or if you want to tell me what you're doing over your summer break, let me know by leaving me a comment, or sending me an email at the usual address (sandra.spencelayh.92@gmail.com).  Have fun!

Day 7, part 1: 8th June, Saturday

8th June, Saturday

Weather: Hot and Sunny

Feeling: Tired but accomplished

Today has been good, I started off by sorting out my room which was good because I managed to clear up everything that my sister has put in my room, as she is in the process of moving from her house in Cardiff back into my parent's house.  While my mum was out shopping I got on with clearing, I turned my bed through 90 degrees which allows me to sleep better.  The main problem I had with this was where I would put my desk, but as I'm not using it much at the moment anyway I have made it almost impossible to use.  But I was so happy to be able to open both my curtains instead of just one side.  By the time my mum got back from the shop, I had moved everything and made it so my sister's stuff was along my window as well as turned my bed and generally cleaned and cleared my bedroom.  

I was happy with my progress so took a little break, which unfortunately turned into about a 3 or 4 hour break whilst helping mum with putting the shopping away, having "breakfast" which was more like brunch or lunch, and then generally helping out around the house.  I finally got back to my room about 2pm.  I decided to put on an episode of "Supernatural" and watch that while I finished off the last bits of my room.  I slowly got through finishing it just in time to be called downstairs to put the washing out, while my dad put on some rice for dinner (it was Chilli night, which I was happy about as I've been wanting Chilli for a long time).  After dinner I had a little bit of time to relax before getting ready to head out to work at 8:30pm.  I was on the late shift, which I don't mind because usually it's quite quiet and on Saturday night, we do a thorough deep clean of everything.  It wasn't too busy and I managed to clean everything in time for closing.  My boss had even cooked me some food to take home at 11pm.  I ended up getting home at just gone 11, but didn't end up going to bed until almost midnight because my parents were still awake and then mum and I started talking (as usual) and so slowly ambled upstairs around 11:50.  

Losing Weight:

Breakfast: I didn't really have breakfast today, as I wasn't very hungry, but I did have a slice of bread and margarine (light, obviously) at about 11:30am

Lunch: I had lunch about 2:15 after making some soup (more like a broth) with cabbage, (I know sounds bad but try it, it's yummy!) carrots, mushrooms, rice noodles, vegetable stock cube, pinch of dried chilli flakes and some water.

Dinner: Pork Chilli and Rice.

Snacks: I had 2 mini chuppa chup lollies spread out throughout the day.  After work I ate half of the rice my boss had prepared (rice twice in a day, I know, bad right!)

Overall I think I did ok today, I didn't need the rice when I came home but I was a little hungry after work and it was very nice of my boss to give me some food.  I drank plenty throughout the day so I was happy with that area of the diet.  Next week is my toe surgery so will be doing less exercise next week but after that I hope to increase my exercise as well by going on the Wii Fit/Wii Fit Plus/Zumba at least 3 times a week.  

In keeping with number 13 on my summer list (to take a picture everyday... ok, maybe not everyday now but most days) here is today's photo (which I took after work so I was very tired):

I'd love to hear from you guys, let me know about your summer plans, what you've done so far or anything you want me to talk about by leaving a comment, or sending me an email to the usual (sandra.spencelayh.92@gmail.com).  Hope you're having a great break, have fun!

Day 5, part 2: 7th June, Friday

7th June, Friday

Weather: Torrential rain to begin with then sunny in the afternoon, crazy right?!

Feeling: Overwhelmed.

The weather seems to have been all over the place today, firstly it started off as pouring it down with rain, with thunder and lightning, the works basically!  I had to take my Nan to the Dr's this morning, so I got up, washed my hair and then suddenly got a phone call from my sister telling me she'd forgotten some things and wanted someone to take them to her at work by 1pm.  I had literally just got out the shower at this point and was wrapped in a towel with my hair dripping everywhere I walked.  My sister had forgotten that I had been asked to take my Nan to the Dr, and I hadn't told her before the call that I had work at 12, because I didn't know until after she'd left that morning.  I said I would try my best but it meant that I was rushing around trying to get things sorted before having to go to work.  I got back from the Dr's and dropping stuff off for my sister at 11:22, and I had to do my make-up, hang the washing up, get dressed, sort out the lounge of my presents, and have breakfast in 30 mins.  I managed to do everything except take my presents upstairs.  I went off to work, it wasn't too busy so I was happy as Friday is the main delivery day for the shop.  I finished work and got back home to have lunch at just before 2pm.  I then relaxed a bit after my rushed morning, took my presents upstairs and then tidied my room a bit before rushing out to work for 4:30pm.  I worked until 8, so I was happy it wasn't later as my mum had rung the shop while I was there asking me to bring home dinner for her and my dad.  I got home and there was a wonderful smell of Chilli wafting through the house, so i had some of the chips that my parents didn't want (tiny amount really) and had some Chilli on top.  It was gorgeous.  I loved it. Mum had used pork mince instead of the usual beef, and I couldn't fault it.  I would definitely use it again.  

Losing Weight:

Breakfast: I had 2 slices of white toast with light margarine and marmite (love it or hate it? Let me know in the comments.

Lunch: My boss gave me 3 spare ribs which had just been cooked to try out for their new menu, so I did it as a help and an experiment more than because I wanted/asked for them.

Dinner: Pork mince Chilli with less than half a handful of chips

Snacks: Rowntree's Fruit Pastille Ice lolly, small piece of birthday cake, 1/6 piece of cherry pie 

Overall I think I have done very well today, I don't think I've overindulged hugely.  I could have had a few less sweet things, but 3 meals overall which are relatively good for you (ish). Ok, maybe I could have had a better day but I believe as long as I exercise and eat less than normal I will lose weight.  I am definitely eating less than I was at uni, and I am exercising.  

As stated in my previous post, I am not taking a photo today, but will start again tomorrow.  I haven't really got anything planned for tomorrow, apart from sorting out my room, maybe going shopping with mum in the morning, but nothing is fixed yet.  

I'd love to hear your thoughts of this blog, let me know if there's anything you'd love to read about, or if there's anything you may not like.  I hope you're enjoying but please, please, please let me know.  I welcome any feedback you may want to give, good or bad.

Let me know what your plans are for this summer, if any, by leaving me a comment  or emailing me at the usual (sandra.spencelayh.92@gmail.com).  Keep on reading my blog for updates of my summer list.  Have fun! 

Day 5, part 1: 5th June, Wednesday and 6th June, Thursday

5th June, Wednesday

Weather: Hot and Sunny

Feeling: Celebratory

Today is my birthday, and my mum took the day off work so we could spend the day together.  I was woken up by my family coming into my room singing happy birthday and my sister holding a tray of food.  She had made me pancakes from scratch so I could have them with maple syrup.  After breakfast, mum and I got ready to get the train to Portsmouth.

We drove into Southampton and got the train to Portsmouth.  Firstly, we walked to the Spinnaker Tower to buy tickets to go up the tower and then also for the new Mary Rose Museum in the Historic Dockyard.  I was wearing two, quite large, badges that said "21st" and so at the Spinnaker Tower, I was given a chocolate bar for free, which was nice.  We were told that we had to book a slot for the Mary Rose Museum, so we walked back to the Dockyard.  There was a long line and being so sunny and hot, my mum told me to go stand in the shade.  My mum was queuing in the sun for about 25 minutes, which I felt really bad about. When we finally booked our slot for 3pm (it was about 12:30 at this point) we thought it was about time for lunch, so walked to the closest chip shop and got some chips for lunch, which we sat and ate looking at HMS Warrior which was lovely.  We then strolled back to the Spinnaker Tower and spent about an hour taking in the views around the structure.

By this point my mum was in need of a coffee, so we got the lift back down to the ground and strolled through Gunwharf Quays and found a Krispy Kreme stall and I bought mum a coffee and myself a cold drink.  I was also given a free doughnut which was also really nice.  After having a drink we strolled past the shops window shopping and walked back towards the Historic Dockyard.  We took lots of pictures walking through the Dockyard on the way to the museum.  I would definitely recommend the museum to people of all ages because there are so many different activities and the way they have created the ship and allow you to explore different aspects of the boat on three levels.

After leaving Portsmouth, it was time to go out for a meal with the family.  I wasn't expecting to be able to drive my dad's teaching car, but I realised how lazy the car is.  It tells you when to change gear, of which there are 6 (I'm only used to 5).  There were 2 balloons at the table for me when I arrived, which was so nice.  We had a lovely meal and after we went back home for the cake which I posted a picture of in yesterday's post.

In keeping with number 13 on my summer list (to take a picture everyday) here it is:

6th June, Thursday

Weather: Hot and Sunny

Feeling: Tired

This morning I was asked by my neighbour to help with iTunes and their iPad.  They wanted to have music on their iPad but were technically challenged in how to do that.  First of all I couldn't understand why iTunes wouldn't download, but then for some reason it would.  Then the CD's weren't being picked up on iTunes, but then again, for some reason it would.  But then the next CD wasn't being picked up by iTunes again.  Nothing I tried would work and so by about 1pm I decided to call it quits and go home to have lunch.  About an hour later my neighbour rang the doorbell and told me that she had to shut down her laptop after every CD for it to work.  I was glad it was working for her but couldn't understand why she would have to restart each time for it to work.  If any of you know could you let me know by leaving a comment, that would be great.  

I then painted the gate down the side of the house after lunch and managed to make it look better, which my parents were happy with.  I had work at 4:30pm until 8:30pm so it was nice seeing everyone again from work, and it wasn't too busy which is also good.

Losing Weight:

Breakfast: I didn't have breakfast today, which I know isn't good but I didn't feel very well, so I didn't want to make myself possibly feel worse by eating something.

Lunch: 75g penne pasta, 1/4 tin chopped tomatoes, herbs, chilli powder.

Dinner: Ham Salad Sandwich.

Snacks: None

Overall I think I did very well today.  I resisted getting anything from work because I kept telling myself I wanted to lose weight and the problem mostly came last summer when I was working most days (lunchtime and evening) and I got leftover chips at lunch and then getting either chips or Chinese in the evening.  I got into this bad habit and put on so much weight and so this year I know what to do so I don't get into the same bad habits as last year.  

Unfortunately I did not take a picture today, but I will start taking them again on Saturday.

As usual I'm open to suggestions or topics of interest, and as always what your plans are (if any) for the summer.  Let me know by leaving a comment or emailing me at the usual (sandra.spencelayh.92@gmail.com).  Keep on reading my blog for updates of my summer list.  Have fun!

Day 4

I will be back tomorrow to write my blog properly, I've been busy today sorting out things for neighbour, painting and work. But tomorrow there will be 2 posts: 1 for yesterday and today, which I hope to write by lunchtime and then the other I will write after work tomorrow night. Thank you all for your patience, hope you're having a great break! Here's a picture of the amazing birthday cake my sister made, much love to you all :)

Day 2: 4th June, Tuesday

4th June, Tuesday

Weather: Hot and Sunny, again!

Feeling: Tired/accomplished

As with yesterday, I thought it would be good to carry on with my "hard work", so I went down to Nan's and started on helping her clear her house.  It was a bigger job than I first imagined, I only managed to get through one section of her wardrobe and the coat cupboard she has.  There were so many shoes!!!!! I like shoes, I have a lot of shoes but this was beyond anything I had ever seen before.  What I found very good, though, was how Nan was so easy with the things I said to her,  I think she realised I was actually there to help her so she didn't seem to get irate about me going through her things.  But the most miraculous thing was how she seemed to value my opinion and didn't say anything when I told her what I thought about her clothes.  Going through Nan's shoes, I found out she had 14 pairs of slippers, 3 of which were the same!  I managed to persuade her to give a lot of her shoes to charity though so the outcome was fantastic.

Overall it's been a very good day, lots of things to give to charity, so it's helping people, which is nice to know :)  and I'm so proud of my Nan to start the process of sorting out her house, a small step at a time.

Losing Weight:

Breakfast: 2 Kiwi fruits

Lunch: Rice with mackerel in tomato sauce

Dinner: Macaroni cheese

Snacks: 1 pack of fizzers sweets.

I'm very pleased with my progress of eating today, I've managed to keep my portion sizes smaller which if I keep this up I should be able to lose my goal weight of 1 stone by the end of the summer, I'm hoping for more but if not I'll be happy with 1 stone.  I was exhausted when I came home after helping at my Nan's house, I think the high bran would have been better for a day like today as it would have filled me up for longer.  Drinking wise, I still didn't drink as much as I should have done, however, I wasn't in the sun so I don't have a headache, but I need to drink more water.  

In keeping with item 13 on my summer list (take a picture everyday) here is picture 2:

Tomorrow is my 21st birthday, so not really planning on doing much on my list.  Number 1 (to lose weight) will go completely out the window as my sister was cooking my cake this evening and it's basically a heart attack in cake form.  She made it at her house in Cardiff with her housemate and it looked phenomenal, so I asked her to make it again for my 21st and she agreed.  I will take pictures tomorrow and put them in my blog either tomorrow or Thursday.  I will try to write a blog tomorrow but I really don't know what's happening.  After tomorrow though it's back on with the diet and strict eating to lose weight. 

I'd love to hear about your plans for this summer so let me know by leaving me a comment on this post, or send me an email (sandra.spencelayh.92@gmail.com).  Also I'm open to suggestions, if there's anything you want me to write about or anything really then also leave a comment or send an email.

Keep on reading my blog for updates of my summer list.  Have fun!