Tea + Toast

Breakfast
*chocolate up + go

Lunch
*half greek salad, half coleslaw with sliced roast pork

Dinner
*fillet of fish + vegetables

Snack
*10 almonds
*pear
*mandarin

Dessert
*low carb chocolate

Beverage
* water
* coffee, white - no sugar
*2 mugs peppermint tea

Millie <3

Tea + Toast

Breakfast
*bacon, eggs, home made hashbrown, cooked tomato, mushrooms

Lunch
*simple salad - lettuce mix, cabbage, tomato, avocado + cheese

Dinner
*I made BLTs - well Iain + I shared half each. Bacon, lettuce, tomato... with avocado, cheese + smokey BBQ sauce

Snack
*NA

Dessert
*lemonade icey pole

Beverage
*skinny muggacino
*orange juice
*water (lotsa water)
*4 dark + stormies (rum + ginger beer)

Millie <3

Tea + Toast

Breakfast

* Berry Fruit Jalna yoghurt (its flippin awesome!!)

Lunch
*Nachos with half savoury mince, half chilli con carne, guacamole + light sour cream

Dinner
*bowl of vegies

Snack

*almonds

Dessert

*half an apple

Beverage
*mug of peppermint tea

*pepsi max

*water

*small glass blackberry + apple juice

Millie <3

Tea + Toast

Breakfast
* I was naughty + didnt have breakfast

Lunch
*salad - handful of mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, 1/2 avocado, lemon + black pepper SAFCOL salmon

Dinner
* I made a very strange concoction consisiting of cabbage leaves (as my 'toast') 2 slices of low fat salami, 3 slices of cheese & two fried eggs with cracked pepper (remember I am not looking at fat content just carbs... I can have as much fat as a want, but I choose not to). Was sooooo good!

Snack
*2 tbsp yoghurt + almonds

Dessert
*NA

Beverage
*1.4L water
*coke zero
* 2 mugs green tea

Millie <3

Tea + Toast

Breakfast
* yoghurt + almonds

Lunch
* salad with cherry tomatoes, avocado + salmon

Dinner
* Chicken cooked in oil with chilli served with steamed vegies

Snack
* almonds

Dessert
* half red apple

Beverage
* 2.3L water
* 2 cups organic green tea

Millie <3

Long weekend!

Well, I'm off in about 10 minutes. Iain + I are heading up the coast for the long weekend. It's looking rather overcast out there, but the weather man assured me it we will only experience a shower or two... unless he was lying to me!?!

We're off to Eumundi Markets this morning, then to the Food + Wine festival at Noosa... check in isn't until 4pm. Oh + hopefully I can stop in on one of my favourite landscape photographers gallery - Peter Lik - it's the only one in Australia + its conveniently at Noosa!!!

Have a fabtabulous long weekend + I'll return on Monday.

Millie <3

Sparkles + Dreams

* Knit yourself a scarf for this coming winter - it's already rather chilly...

* Purchase - or even make yourself some funky hair clips (I heart hair accessories!)

* Bake cupcakes for your friends, mother (mother's day is next weekend!) or co-workers. decorate them with coloured icing + nonpareils <3

* Take a walk along the beach. it will clear your mind, make you feel fresh and rejuvenated.

* Think of a person who has made a huge difference or impact in your life, write a letter addressed to them. This person can be someone who's past, a celebrity who inspires you, or someone you see everyday.

* Braid your hair.

* Cook your lover a wonderful meal. let them know how much you love + appreciate them.

* Start a collection of something.

* Go to a yoga or pilates class. You'll feel fantastic, most of the classes have meditation afterwards. If you like it, continue the classes each week. If yoga isn't your thing, try dancing out, or trivia nights, maybe even an art class!

* Write a list of what you are grateful for this week.

Millie <3

Tea + Toast

The Inn at Gothic Eves

Breakfast

* 3 tbsp greek yoghurt, honey, 16 almonds - I only ate half as I did not have a huge appetite, I ate the rest at morning tea

Lunch

* salad - consisting of shredded cabbage, brocolli, cauliflower, cucumber, grated cheese + SAFCOL salmon

Dinner

* cabbage + vegetable soup... well it was more of a broth

Snack

* the rest of my brekkie

* 2 cruskits with avocado + cheese

Dessert

* NA

Beverage

* water

* coke zero

* pepsi max

Millie <3

Tea + Toast

image by The Teapottery

Breakfast

* 3 tbsp natural greek yoghurt, tsp honey, 10 almonds

Lunch
* yes, another salad - consisting of baby spinach, shredded cabbage, brocolli + cauliflower floretts, 1 mushroom, 1 dill pickle chopped, 1/2 avocado, few kalamata olives, grated low fat cheese + breast of chicken lightly marinated in low fat italian dressing - grilled - then sliced into strips.

Dinner
* NA - I wasn't feeling too crash hot earlier tonight, went straight to bed when I got home from work. I was woken by my phone ringing. So I decided to write (as I couldn't get back to sleep!)

Snack
* 16 amlonds

Dessert
* NA

Beverage
* water
* pepsi max - zero sugar, zero carbs!
* coffee, white (no fat milk), with one equal

Now I may seem a tad boring in my food choices this week, but I am really enjoying these meals. I really do need to create a few meal plans for the next few weeks, me thinks :D Get a bit of organisation happening.

Millie <3

Purple Hearts...

Image by artTime

I am...

a lil' tired!
going up the coast this long-weekend with Iainy!!!
is watching Anthony Bourdain - No Reservations (he is awesomely awesome!)

I will...

fill the hot water bottle up in a minute
eventually not crave these dang carbs!

rub lavendar oil on my temples before bed = very calming

I have...

an aching tummy + lower back
two eyes, two ears, a nose + a mouth... + two bushy eyebrows, this calls for desperate plucking measures!!
a tendancy to bite my nails when a lil' anxious :-

I can...

"...do a lil dance, make a lil love, get down 2nite, get down 2nite!!"

see Iain in his 'puter room

not wait til my lil' bro's album recording is finalised - it's so exciting!!!

I definately need...

a new dressing gown... yeah haha I'm such a nanna
some more leg warmers

to knit myself another scarf (can you tell I am freezin my ath off? - yeh I'm over-exaggerating now hehe as it's not like my time in USA... it was absolutely freezin)

I feel like...

a hot bath, but I only has a shower :(

like shopping... however its a Wed night, + nothing's open. I can make a wish list though...

playing 'go fish' with Bella

I miss...

my dads house... he just sold it - it was awesome + on the water front
my lil bro - we don't see enough of each other anymore

... Is it possible to miss relatives that have past that you didn't even know? Ever since my Grandma was telling me about our family past I have had this missing feeling - feeling of loss.

Bella - I always miss having her around the home, we have her only every 2nd weekend

I find it difficult...

staying motivated to lose weight, but not this time! I am determined to keep motivated -positive affirmations!!
realising it is almost half way through 2009!

to think of a theme for my birthday this year - no, its not a special one, I just like celebrating as if I'm turning 21 every year!

I wish...

I was a ballerina

I had a lil' kittain (soon Millie... very soon)

my hair woud hurry up + grow!!! it's past my shoulders now though!

I love...

my life
my family
my lunchbox (it's pink + purple hee hee!)

What are your purple hearts?

Millie <3

Tea + Toast

Image by Craigmooar Tea Rooms

Breakfast

* 3 tbsp natural greek yoghurt, 1 tsp honey, with 12 almonds

Lunch

*salad consisting of baby spinach, 1/4 cup sliced cucumber, 1 sml tomato, 1 mushroom sliced, 1/2 cup shredded cabbage, 1/2 avocado, sprinkle of low fat grated cheese, palm size porterhouse steak sliced thinly in strips, pepper.

Dinner

* bowl of steamed vegies - cabbage, zuccini, brocolli, cauliflower and parsley - wasn't very hungry tonight

Snack

* 16 almonds (the carb cravings have commenced... but I'm sticking to my guns! oh and I can have up to 30 almonds a day!!!)

Dessert

* 1/2 apple

Beverage

* water

* coffee, 1 equal, no fat milk

* pepsi max

Millie <3

Tea + Toast

Flicker image by amysmiffy

Breakfast
* 3 heaped tbsp. natural greek yoghurt (the lowest carb count I could find) with 12 almonds

Lunch
* salad consisting of baby spinach, 1/4 cup sliced cucumber, small tomato, low fat grated cheese, 1 sliced mushroom, packet SAFCOL Salmon Pouch Mediterranean Style

Dinner
* palm size portion porterhouse steak - salt + peppered, with vegies - brocolli, cauliflower, cabbage - shredded, zuccini, little bit of sliced carrot - all steamed.

Snack
* 12 more almonds

Dessert
* NA

Beverage
* coffee, no fat milk - no sugar
* black tea
* pepsi max

Millie <3

It's been a while...

Hmmm... I didn't realise how long it's been since my last post.

I seem to be on the mend now, thank goodness, but the past few months have have been tough, emotionally and physically.

I have missed writing. I think about writing everyday + literally jott the notes down, but I never get here - I haven't touched my laptop in weeks (until now that is). I have been using my work computer for essential net 'stuff', just was not interested in being involved with others.

Lack of motivation + depression played a huge part during my absense. The most important person in my life helped me realise that my unhappiness was not the cause of other peoples doing, it was myself who I was angry + upset with. I was blaming everyone around me for my unhappiness + pushing them away. These beautiful people were only trying to help me + did in fact love + care for me. I started looking at myself... looking within myself + discovered a whole new approach to life. I feel amazing.

So... what's been happenin with me?

I had the best Easter long weekend. On the Thursday after work, I met up with a friend for dinner + a cocktail. Her friend later met up with us + we went to an Irish pub where an awesomely down to earth band were playing + a glass of house wine was only $3!!! Sadly, the band played their last song, but we managed to have a few drinks with the members. We were invited back to their place for drinks + listen to Fleetwood Mac Rumours (the best album of all time). We assisted the band in loading the truck with their gear + jammed accoustics til 5:30am. I walked a very long way home, but watched the gorgeous sun rise.
After I slept for hours into the day, Iain + I cleaned the entire house, bagging up old stuff/baggage/junk whatever you want to call it. It felt so good to let go of things, decluttering our workspaces, our bedroom and living room. When we finished, it felt like we could breathe again, it was a fantastic feeling.
I arranged to see my dads family for Easter Sunday, we had a great day - we had not seen them in over a year. They only live 15 minutes from us as we found out.

I spent the whole of the next weekend with my grandmother. The weekend was full of historical stories of my families past - the depth of this information is incredible. I was completely gobsmacked. (I will write about it seperately soon). I took Grandma to a garden expo on the Saturday. The rest of the weekend we cooked, discussed the family history, ate heaps of food, watched crime shows and cooked some more. Cooking is both our passion - something special we both share with one another.

This past weekend we had Bella, Iain's daughter. I haven't mentioned her before - I felt it was too personal. But she is a huge part of my life + there is soooo much I would like to share about her. She is only six, but the most beautiful soul + best friend - we must go way back in a past life. She has been in my life since she was two years old - + no, before you start assuming I stole someones husband/boyfriend I didn't, it's not such a complicated situation for our family, but to others they just don't get it. You will be happy to know we - meaning Bella's mum, Iain + myself get along like a house on fire. Will explain another time... Anyhoo... we had Bella this weekend. We took her to gymnastics, but suprisingly it was closed, due to the ANZAC day public holiday (though, we'd checked their website + it clearly stated open every public holiday except Christmas and Easter... go figure). So we went to this awesome~tastic seafood market (AMAZING seafood!!!) got some crab, oysters + fish + went on our merry way home. Gardening took up most of our day, then a seafood indulgence in the late afternoon. Ian's mum came over for dinner, I made Tuna pasta bake and vegies (recipe to come). Sunday we had a big family BBQ with my rellies by the beach. Bella spent the whole day - except lunch - hunting for hermit crabs with the other kids. T'was a nice relaxing time with family.

Today, I have written up my 'diet plan'. I have dramatically increased my waist line... + everywhere else... + am fed up with feeling fat + frumpy. I am starting a low carb diet, eating mostly meat, vegies, fruit etc... none of my addictions - bread, potatos, PASTA, rice etc etc etc. I was looking through the fat + calorie count book by Allan Borushek, which also lists carb and fibre counts. I was so shocked when I checked the foods I eat on a daily basis - no wonder I look like a heffa!! So 'tis time to take action. Tomorrow is the day... new beginnings... happy days.

We're more or less up to date... :D

Millie <3

Tea + Toast

... my last splurge prior to my "diet plan" commencing tomorrow... probably wasn't such a great idea to eat as much as I did, my stomach is going crazy *gurgle grumble gurgle*.

Breakfast
* Up & Go - chocalate flavour

Lunch
* left over homemade potato salad (recipe coming) and
*two chicken kebabs - consisting of chicken breast, capsicum, onion and mushroom in a garlic, chilli and soy marinade

Dinner
*left over tuna and mushroom pasta bake(which had been frozen)

Snack
*nacho cheese shapes & home made avocado dip (recipe to come)

Dessert
*bowen mango icecream

Beverage
*water
*can of lemonade

Now obviously, you can see carbs are my downfall. But this is going to change from tomorrow! A healthier approach in my meal choices = equalling a happy, sexy goddess at the end of it all :D

Millie <3

Tea + Toast

image by aiobhan

Breakfast
*up + go

Lunch

*left over chillie chicken stir fry

Dinner

* roast lamb, potato, sweet potato, carrot, garlic and onion served with greens

Snack

* muslie bar, peach, 3 sugar plums, grapes

Dessert

* 2 sugar plums (I'm the sugar plum faerie :D)

Beverage

* water

* instant coffee

Millie <3

Tea + Toast

Breakfast

* special k + physical no fat milk

Lunch

* home made BLT (with egg + beetroot for me) on fresh wholemeal bread

Dinner

* hotdogs with ketchup, mustard, sauerkraut, cheese in a hotdog roll :D (we watched the travel channel showing famous hotdog stores in USA - craved them bad - especially after eating nothing for 3 days)

Snack

* iceblock - pear + peach flavour

Dessert

* NA

Beverage

* water - 1.5L bottle

* pepsi max

* green tea with camomile

Millie <3

iTC progress...

This is only going to be quick, as I'm not well at all. I have been sleeping + running to the bathroom all day (trying not to give too much detail) I also have a massive headache :\ not good at all. I think it must be a virus, as I have not eaten anything that would make me sick. Will advise on my iTC progress over the weekend, a the rate I'm going I don't think I will be doing anything but sleeping tomorrow. Sorry this isn't very positive - I feel like absolute crap!

Millie <3

Tea + Toast

Image by Hugo Provoste

Unfortunately, I have not been well today. I have only eaten a grated green apple + drunk as much water as I can stomach. Hopefully, I will feel better tomorrow.

Millie <3

Purple Hearts...

Image by Two Sugars

I am...

going to be on my lonesome all next week - Iain will be in Sydney, it will be be the first time I have been alone for a week in this house
exhausted!!! Michael's PT sesh really took it out of me!

full of excitement about iCT + what I will achieve at the end of it

I will...
try + make it to the body balance class during lunch tomorrow!

be sleeping like a baby tonight

be positively fine next week while I'm all by my lonesome

I have...

aching muscles!

a sloshy tummy hehe!

nearly finished the book I am reading (well re-reading Celestine Prophecy)

I can...

not feel my toe... my new shoes squished it all day long... now its numb!

hear Iain snoring - HA!

I definately need...

to overcome my fear of being alone - next week is a perfect opportunity!

to remember the scarwy monsters wont jump out at me!

to upload the photo's I have taken this week

to buy cork boards to hang in my new "office" in my room!

I miss...
snow!!!!

travelling

I find it difficult...

choosing a computer chair - IKEA have some really cute ones!

I love...
wasabi coated peanuts (completely addictive)

making lunches!

What are your purple hearts?

Millie <3

iTC progress...

Just a quick note to say I had a personal training session (PT sesh) tonight + I feel fabtabulous! I feel so good now. I had the crappiest day at work, it was crazy busy + was told I should start looking/applying for other positions. Lucky I have been working on some already! I have been drinking soooo much water! I slosh everytime I walk haha! + use the toilet like a pregnant woman (no, I'm not pregnant). Water + Gym = Feeling Awesomeness!!

I am going to be soooo sore tomorrow! haha - it's good pain... just got to keep telling myself that.

I have done EFT everynight. Have been making my lunch everyday (I am so surprised with myself - usually I would be too lazy to continue it through, but so far so good). I still really need to get cracking on my 'junk' - be rid of some of my old clothes - or just bag them + make cushions/quilt with them someday soon or give them to lifeline. I have noticed my confidence has boosted since last week. I liaise with many people with my job, Minister's, director's, external stakeholders, departmental staff, members of the public all day everyday. I used to be very intimidated by these people, but communication has come to me so easily lately. It feels so good + it doesn't make me look like a shy-mute anymore either :)

I have not been working on my portfolio this week, but I should be doing some this weekend.

So, so far so good. I am very happy wih my progress thus far + everything will eventually come easily to me. OK I am in desperate need for my beauty sleep, so I am going to leave you my pretties. Until tomorrow!

Millie <3

Tea + Toast

Breakfast
* yoghurt, muesli + berries

Lunch
* ham, cheese, mustard sandwich on light rye bread

Dinner
*tuna salad

Snack
* carrot
* two lamingtons
* handful of wasabi coated peanuts

Dessert
*NA

Beverage
* 2.3L WATER!! - Going to the gym certainly helps with water intake!
* 2 mugs peppermint tea

Millie <3

iTC Progress...

Not much to report, I have had a very busy day preparing for tomorrow's meetings, etc. I have been continuing drinking water, eating healthy + I had a Body Balance session this evening (pilates, yoga + tai chi all in one class) + then meditated earlier tonight :D it's a very nice wind down from my hectic day at work. It'skind of a shame they only have one body balance session in the evening during the week - I guess I could go in my lunch hour on a thursday as well? Might suss it out this week.

Oh! I have been making a positive effort in prettying myself up in the mornings! I usually wouldn't have enough time to put on make up or style my hair differently, but I am making time of a morning. I just need to have earlier nights so I don't feel so tired of a morning.

Millie <3

Tea + Toast

Breakfast

* Yoghurt, muesli + berries

Lunch

* ham, cheese, lettuce sandwich with raddish + ginger seeded mustard

Dinner

* vegetable noodle dish

Snack

* carrot sticks

* celery sticks

* 2 lamingtons

Dessert

* NA

Beverage

* 1L water

* orange + ginger juice

* 1 black earl grey tea

Millie <3

iTC Progress...

I got my computer desk today!!! wheeee! I need to rearrange our room + purchase a computer chair then I shall be set + ready to rock n roll!! I am getting rid of the negativity in my life - clearing the air, clearing my mind, cleansing my soul - with the use of EFT of course + positive actions I am taking. I have been drinking a lot of water which is a little hard to stick to, but it's not so much a chore as the days go by. Ihave been on the 2L water a day challenge for a lil while now. From someone who never drank water (only herbal tea really) to drinking the quantity of water I have been lately is a HUGE effort for me. It feels great. I meditated this morning, but think I will change it to doing it in the evenings as I don't really have the time in the mornings of a work day - I woudl get up earlier but I am already getting up at 5:30am everyday - a girl needs her beauty sleep! On that note, I am off to bed. Apologies for the short note, you'll hear from me tomorrow though!

Millie <3

Tea + Toast

Flickr image by abbietabbie

Breakfast

* yoghurt, classic crunch muesli + sliced banana

Lunch

* chicken + salad sandwich

Dinner

* I don't even know what to call it... I made my wonton mince mix, served it with the wonton soup broth + cooked vermicelli rice noodles in it - was soooo goood! Ate it with chopsticks :D

Snacks

* sliced carrot, celery + cucumber

* 2 lamingtons

Dessert

* NA

Beverage

* orange, carrot, beetroot, celery + ginger juice

* skinny cappucino

* just over 1.5L water - (still drinking now)

Millie <3

How I'm going thus far...

So, today is the first day of iCT. Hehehe - I am so full of excitement, happiness and am eager as to what tomorrow will bring.

I woke up + smiled, knowing exactly what today meant, the beginning of something fabulous. To be honest today was more about getting my head together, writing in my journal, writing lists of what I need to purchase + writing "day plans" in my diary for this week. I did pretty myself up for it all though :D

One of my challenges is to make my lunch everyday. Yes, it seems simple to you, but it has been really hard for Iain + I. We are constantly saying we will make our lunches, but we never actioned it. So... Iain + I went shopping + we both purchased funky lunch cooler bags. I only just finished packing both our lunches.

The only exercise I have done today is walk Lilly, but it is Sunday + I have planned to go to the gym tomorrow night. We've both eaten really well today too. (mainly as we went grocery shopping last week knowing we're doing iCT). I tell you what, I am REALLY surprised at how supportive Iain is being about iCT. He never used to be like this, but I think he can now see how serious I am about it this year and the positives about the whole challenge. He also has 'goals' he wants to achieve + I completely support him. It makes it a whole lot easier when you have someone there. Even if they aren't participating, they are still there for you, which is the most wonderful feeling.

Last year I didn't have this support, he was rather negative about it, but we were both going through a lot of crap at the time. Since then, I learnt about EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), yes, I learnt it from the wonderful Gala Darling - EFT has changed my life incredibly - and I still have so much more I need/want to work on. Everytime I think of something it goes on my list + when I feel ready to work on it, I do.

If you're interested about EFT, check out Gala's demonstration below.



Well, I'm off to bed now. Have a fabulous day tomorrow!!

Millie <3

Tea + Toast

Breakfast

* yoghurt & sliced banana

Lunch

* chicken + salad sandwich

Dinner

* bowl of steamed vegies with oyster sauce

Snack

* carrot + celery sticks with hummus

Dessert

* NA

Beverage

* 1.5L water
* black earl grey tea

Millie <3

1st Feb - you know what that means!!!

Gala Darling's iCiNG Transformation Challenge (iTC) kicks off tomorrow... actually I just realised its 12.24am February 1st! hehe iTC kicks off TODAY!

It has taken me quite a few days to really think about what to challenge myself for iTC. I know this seems like a HUGE list, but I am already doing most of them – I want to make sure I follow through with them everyday.

* Organise my junk – clean house = clear mind;
* Find/connect with my true self + gain confidence;

* Use EFT daily (Emotional Freedom Technique) – I still have a long list of things I want to work on;

* Eliminate the negativeness in my life (thoughts + people);
* Meditate;
* Continue my 2L-of-water-a-day challenge;
* Exercise daily – gym classes 3 times week, yoga/pilates, treadmill/rowing machine + continue personal training sessions every Wednesday;
* Eat healthy, make my work lunches everyday;
* Practice raw food diet – I don’t feel I am completely ready to dramatically alter my diet yet, but it is something I have been wanting to do since last year;

* Continue diet diary - Tea + Toast;
* Apply for at least 2 jobs a week;
* Continue daily entries in my journal;
* Continue working on my photography portfolio to apply for mid-year course;
* Make a marvelous effort of appearance every morning of every day;

* Tell people (friends + family included) about my blog - no-one knows about it.

My intention is to blog my progress everyday, despite whether I fail or not (just part of the process). As Gala said - 'tomorrow is another day'. If I fail I will just pick myself up and keep charging on.

Millie <3

Tea + Toast

Breakfast
* two slices of toast with vegemite + avocado

Lunch
* lean beef burger (I know it is my last maccas meal ever again!!)

Dinner
* chicken parmigiana with garlic + chive roast potatoes (first time I've ever made chicken parma it turned out AWESOME)

Snack
* carrot

Dessert
* 2 lamingtons + choc chip ice-cream

Beverage
* 1L water
* 2 cups black earl grey tea
* 1 pepsi max (tomorrow am cutting out all soft drink)

Millie <3

Tea + Toast

Flickr image by abbietabbie

Breakfast

* bacon + egg toasted sandwich

Lunch

* vegetable noodle soup

Dinner

* 1 lamb chop with salad - tomato, cucumber, beetroot + cheese

Snack

* NA

Dessert

* fruit iceblock

Beverages

* yep, you guessed it - lotsa WATER! but I did have;

* 3 cups honeydew green tea - soooo goooood!

Millie <3

Sparkles + Dreams ~2~

Flickr image by Crystal Writer (Power out at home)

* Make your lunch every day! Trust me, you will save so much moolah!

* Make a collage of your inspirations - words, people, objects, etc etc. Hang it somewhere you will see it everyday. If something new inspires you add it to your collage (or create a new page).

* iCiNG Transformation Challenge - Miss Gala Darling (!!!!) begins this Sunday, 1st February. I am SO excited that Gala is running another iCiNG Transformation Challenge. Have a think about how you want to challenge yourself this month + join in! Maybe some of your New Year goals. It's fantastic, everyone supports you as you go, you can encourage others too. Gala will write motivational articles to help you out during the month. Talk about inspiration-excitables overload!!

* Take your camera with you everywhere. You will never complain that you'd wished you had your camera!

* Wear black + white for a day.

* If you had your own flag, what would it look like? what would it represent? Paint it on canvas or material , attach jewels, beads, anything you want (it's all about you). Hang it up where everyone can see it + be proud.

* Re-read your favourite novel. You may read a section you did not notice the previous time.

* Make yourself a notebook. Get 2 sheets of A4 or A5 card (depending on what size notebook you'd like - you can get plain or coloured card too). Place sheets of lined or printing paper (the same size as your card either A4 or A5) between the two cards - one at the front, one at the back. Make sure they are all level, and hole punch 2 holes one side of your (almost) notebook (you can place a bulldog clip at the top to hold them all in place if that's easier). Thread your favourite ribbon, shoelace, cord through the holes, tie it in a bow. Feel free to decorate the outter card to personalise it even more - Voilà! you have created your own notebook.

* Create a playlist of your favourite of all time songs and dance your butt off!!!

* Write a list of what you are greatful for this week.

Millie <3

Tea + Toast

Breakfast

* Up + Go - it's equivalent to 2 weetbix in a bowl :D

Lunch
* 1 tuna + avocado sushi roll, 1 tuna + cucumber sushi roll

Dinner

* small piece of steamed fish (with garlic, chilli + scallions) + vegies

Snack
* NA

Dessert

* few spoons of organic natural yoghurt

Beverage

* water, water and more water - I think i drank over 2 litre's today - I did I drank a bit over two 1.5L bottles!! :D and still drinking it! it's a bit annoying having to get up 3 times at night to pee hehe but it's so worth it!!

Millie <3

Back At The Gym

Tonight I joined a gym. I did previously have membership with this club but at a different location, however personal commitments forced me to cancel at the time. The personal trainer I had wasn't very encouraging and was negative, she would say "you're not doing it properly!" but never showed me what exactly I was doing wrong. Despite me enjoying the group classes, I became even more selfsconcious and just did not want to be there anymore - just because of one negative person.

Over the past year I wished I didn't let that person get to me, I wished I didn't cancel as I really enjoy exercise - the relief of stress, the confidence I felt, loss of weight and toning. I felt great when I worked out - especially pilates. So while I was not a member to any club I bought several fitness DVDs, but made excuses to not use them or only watch them once + they sit in the DVD stand for months collecting dust. I would constantly complain that I am putting on weight + feel sorry for myself, when really I should have been doing something about it instead of sitting on my butt and sulk.

This year has been incredible for me already, I have such a positive outlook on life and my surroundings. My BFF, Libby, asked me last week (after several previous attempts last year) if I would join the gym with her as both her and I need support with our fitness - gym buddies :D. We were out shopping last Thursday and she ran into the manager of the gym - Wayne, they talked for a while, I was introduced to him and she advised him I was thinking about joining the gym too (yeah I kept saying I would think about it), Wayne asked me "well, how about I give you a free month and see how you go?". I accepted. Then Libby asked me to have a personal training session with her on Wednesday I said yeah why not - it was super cheap too.

So tonight, I went to the club, wrote out my details for the free month, spoke to Wayne for about half an hour then Libby came in. Our session was at 5:30pm we said our goodbyes to Wayne, but he asked me to come see him afterwards to get my temporary card. We met our trainer - Michael. He worked our BUTTS off, and thighs, calves, upper arms, and stomach. I am feeling muscles I never knew I had! He was very encouraging, delivering his attention to each of us equally, gentle but firm, showing us the how to do the exercises, informing us of what area's of our body will benefit from them. Michael is a fantastic personal trainer. I think I thanked him 3 times. After we stretched we gathered our bags and headed to the front desk to see Wayne. Wayne handed me my temporary card... I ended up joining the gym - not because of the way they usually persuade you - I really enjoyed the workout and felt this is what I want to do - plus I had to be a member to continue PT sessions with Michael + Libby. We booked another session for next week.

I feel oh so great that I joined! I still got my free month too :) regular workouts were a major in my New Year goals so I feel I am slowly (but positively) getting my life to the way I want it to be. Healthy, Happy + Positive.

Have an awesome rest of your week! (I'm sure I will be aching in pain tomorrow but it will be the best pain I've ever felt XD)

Millie <3

Purple Hearts...

flickr image by CupcakeMomma Singapore

I am...

excited + participating in Gala Darling's iCiNG Transformation Challenge

sourcing out what computer desk to purchase this weekend

re-reading The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield - read it it's fantastic!

happy :D

I will...

begin my "transformation" on Sunday!!
be painting my nails with my new fuschia polish

be applying for 2 jobs this week

I have...
major regrowth - natural sandy hair meets longer black hair doesn't look too pretty (HA!)

been writing in my journal everyday :D

many creative ideas

I can...
not believe how good I am feeling lately!

do anything I set my mind to

I definately need...
to make a hair appointment with Kristi next week

a computer desk, all my laptop gear + notebooks are strewn all over the dining table + living room

to put my creative ideas into action!

I miss...

fluffy-butt (my kitty when I was younger)

I find it difficult...

staying focused lately, I need to take fish oil tablets to assist with my concentration (could be the 5 weeks I had off work though hehehe!)

I love...

+ appreciate my family + friends
seeing everything as a positive, not a negative

food

What are your purple hearts?

Millie <3

Tea + Toast

Vegemite

Breakfast

* 2 slices light rye toast with vegemite + sliced avocado (it's sooooo yummy! try it!)

Lunch

* chorizzo potato salad with seeded mustard dressing

Dinner

* 1/4 roast chicken (breast) with roast vegetables

Snack

* carrot sticks

Beverage

* 1 milky earl grey tea (with breakfast)

* 1 black earl grey tea

* water

Millie <3

First day back...

Well! Today wasn't as bad as I built it up to be. It was actually a HUGE relief... however as soon as I walked out of the lift on level 22 (top of the building) I was blessed with a gigantic pile of papers... papers in which I had to get onto right away due to the urgency. Of course, you know that wasn't it. I walked through the secured door to my unit, spoke to my collegues for, oh, say 10 mins, walked to my desk and sighed. It was as though I had never even left.

It was the strangest thing, hearing the phone ring for the first time. I dont have a home phone, only mobile. So hearing this strange familiar sound coming from this object on my desk with a blinking red light *drIiiiIIIIIiiiiinNNNNNNGGGGGG* sent chills down my spine. "What is that noise I hear? OMG it's the bedevilled phone. What do I say? OMG I've forgotten how to answer the phone!" Honestly, I did! I forgot what to say when picking up the phone! 5 weeks is quite a long time away from what comes natural to you every other day, but after that freak-out moment I was A-OKay! Well, on the phones anyway. I managed to forget what my password was on my computer. And how to swipe my card to get into the door... AND I had this HUGE pile of work on my desk (not just the pile I had just been given).

Overall I had a very productive day + am actually glad to be back behind my desk... (let's give me til the end of the week and ask me how I'm doing K? :D)

Have a fantastic day tomorrow :)

Millie <3

Tea + Toast

Cat Tea Party
Beautiful artwork by Ruth Sanderson - Golden Wood Studio

Breakfast

* greek yoghurt with honey + blueberries

Lunch

* toasted chicken, avocado + cheese sandwich + side salad

Dinner

* char siu with rice, home grown chillies + capsicum (Iain's specialty :D)

Snack

* NA (was wayyyy to busy to snack!)

Dessert

*NA

Beverage

*water, water + so much more water

*oh! + 1 black earl grey tea

Millie <3

Tea + Toast

Flickr image by Zalita

Breakfast

* pancakes with fresh blueberries, dollop cream + icing sugar

Lunch

* steak sandwich

Dinner

* left over Wonton Soup

Snacks

* NA

Dessert

*NA

Beverage

* 1 bottle of champagne - Yellowglen Vintage 'Bella' - Celebrating Aussie Day - classy :D

* lotsa water - more than usuall due to the champers

Millie <3