tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82944611156542944452024-03-29T03:28:22.517+00:00Glass Half FullTackle each challenge with strength of purpose and an expectation to succeed@FayChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12794270214664413582noreply@blogger.comBlogger366125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294461115654294445.post-41781533909431541352016-03-20T17:40:00.000+00:002016-03-20T17:40:14.084+00:00Be on Plan, When You can<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWips0CWx3o2w-ZevH2GbJVIsvwQkq2rGU4QIoeBqjXVeny4jjuFEOjcByv2FCFeWo8HC8MzjlvuZTRBh0vKslpNkUbOI8kmI_fZLACkqchXl3oHr3npzaKsEjuvJJhEX6uoGkR5Rsxk/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWips0CWx3o2w-ZevH2GbJVIsvwQkq2rGU4QIoeBqjXVeny4jjuFEOjcByv2FCFeWo8HC8MzjlvuZTRBh0vKslpNkUbOI8kmI_fZLACkqchXl3oHr3npzaKsEjuvJJhEX6uoGkR5Rsxk/s320/Picture1.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yes! 4.5 lbs lost this week and on weigh in day felt on top of the world and very pleased with myself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Got home and made the mistake of thinking about the next 7 days. It's going to be hard as we have my Nan's funeral on Tuesday. I want so much to be in control of my eating, however I need to be a bit kinder to myself and chill out about it. It's going to be emotional and I need to roll with that.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">'Be on plan, when you can'</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Rachel Davies (SW Consultant)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Because I am away for 2 nights and 3 days, I have planned up to Wednesday and will hit the supermarket again when we are back. Not so detailed planner either, as I am on holiday so don't need to work out lunches in advance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Saturday</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Meatza and coleslaw (Cheese as HEA and 1 syn for the coleslaw</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sunday</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Full English SW style</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Paprika Pork</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Monday</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Scrambled Eggs and Bacon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gammon, egg and chips for lunch before we travel up</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tuesday and Wednesday we are away but will try and choose wisely! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Not much of plan there really now I have seen it written down! But onwards and upwards</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Will leave you with some of the meals I cooked this week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>@FayChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12794270214664413582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294461115654294445.post-4449447108257680322016-03-13T14:55:00.000+00:002016-03-13T14:57:35.708+00:00Confessionals and Quotes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ytAGoutuPdE6XY0pVAN8snesCELKeY3gAly6Bre8DSgXy-KcmYh6xz_K2G5JeeCq4lY3IrSNQ5N5tyjI-8UPIaa-xhlm8DFxnbuae2nx-FZ9djTWq_EqzXjgUfKIABtJMsZxA3xLYEE/s1600/Albert+Einstein.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ytAGoutuPdE6XY0pVAN8snesCELKeY3gAly6Bre8DSgXy-KcmYh6xz_K2G5JeeCq4lY3IrSNQ5N5tyjI-8UPIaa-xhlm8DFxnbuae2nx-FZ9djTWq_EqzXjgUfKIABtJMsZxA3xLYEE/s1600/Albert+Einstein.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>'You never fail, unless you stop trying'</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Albert Einstein</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well old friend, old blog of mine, I'm back. I'm back on the weight loss thing which has been something I've fought with for a very long time. This feels a little bit like a confessional. 'Please forgive me for I have synned (pun intended) It has been 18 months since my last post and proper week at Slimming World'</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Eeek, it's out there now. I thought I could go it alone, but I don't like it. I like having people around to bounce ideas of. I like learning new things, trying things out, making new friends.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've rejoined, new group, new consultant, new weigh in day. New me? Probably not. I know my weaknesses, just got to learn to embrace my strengths and carry on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So onto one of my strengths, I love a good meal planner! Although weighins are now a Wednesday (at my place of work so no excuse for not attending) meal planning will run Saturday to Friday to help with 'big shop day.' I've gone the whole hog this week and planned every meal. My first weigh is this week and I know if I can get through the first couple of weeks, I will be on fire. I need some losses to keep me motivated.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Plan</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I like to keep the food bill as low as possible. At the moment I aim for the whole week to be about £40 for two of us. I am still however cooking huge portions, I can't get out of Mum mode even though the kids have left home. So, I will either repurpose a meal (bolognaise sauce one night, the next with extra veggies will make a cottage pie), dish up 4 plates and have the same meal the next evening, warmed up in the microwave or freeze to use again the following week. Saves time and money.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Saturday</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Breakfast - Loaded Bacon Sandwich</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lunch - Ham, tomatoes and cucumber</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dinner - Homemade burgers with SW coleslaw and salad</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sunday</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Breakfast - Omelette with beans and spinach</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lunch - cold meat and pickled onions</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dinner - Roasted chicken, with roasted potatoes, carrots, cabbage, brussels and green beans</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Monday</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Breakfast - Beans on toast</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lunch - Chicken salad</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dinner - Roast chicken dinner as above</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tuesday</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Breakfast - SW Fry up</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lunch - Loaded chicken sandwich</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dinner - Vegetable bolognaise, with pasta</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wednesday</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Breakfast - Egg on toast</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lunch - Egg salad</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dinner - Spicy vegetable chili and rice and spinach</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thursday</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Breakfast - SW Fry up</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lunch - left over chili and rice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dinner - Baked potato, beans, ham and spinach</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Friday</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Breakfast - bacon sandwich</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lunch - leftover baked potato and beans</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dinner - Fish risotto, with any vegetables left in the fridge</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's to the week and a loss!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>@FayChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12794270214664413582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294461115654294445.post-25795414521984331832015-02-08T09:28:00.000+00:002016-03-13T14:58:42.623+00:00Meal Planning Monday w/c 9th of February<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">This was posted in February 2015</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Posting early, getting organised, that's the name of the game this week. Can't quite believe I am up at 9am on a Sunday, let alone meal planning, internet grocery shopping and now posting on here. The joy's of having a puppy who doesn't sleep in! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">After a 3lb loss this week (Yay, go me!) I am determined to keep the good work up with a healthy variety of meals. I've planned</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">Vegetable Lasagna</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">Homemade burger and SW Chips</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">Baked eggs with peppers, spinach and tomatoes (page 34 in this months SW magazine)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">Cod Mediterranean Tray Bake (page 68)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">Cottage Pie with carrot and swede mash (page 69)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">Tagliatelle Puttanesca (page 73)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">Fish rissotto and vegetables</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">Pizza and chips</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you hadn't already worked it out, I took inspiration from this months Slimming World magazine. It's good to flick through and get some ideas. Although old favourites are good, variety does spice things up and keeps your taste-buds happy too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />And yes, I know there are more than 7 meals on there, but I go with what I fancy that day and what I am doing and is most convenient to cook. Am beginning to realise I don't follow the planner that much, but for me knowing I have got healthy meals in, means I have no excuse for not eating well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Got green eggs and ham planned for one breakfast, porridge and banana and good old favourite of beans on toast for others. Lunch will be leftovers and am thinking of investing in a <a href="http://www.lawsonshop.co.uk/product/crockpot-portable-lunch-warmer-csc019" target="_blank">desktop crockpo</a>t, what do you think? Cool aren't they and no need to use the communal work microwave! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For more inspiration of what to eat this week, get yourself over to <a href="http://www.athomewithmrsm.com/" target="_blank">At Home with Mrs M</a></span></div>
<br />@FayChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12794270214664413582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294461115654294445.post-85878252891374277192015-02-02T14:19:00.000+00:002015-02-02T20:11:14.245+00:00Meal Planning 2nd Feb<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwgG0zfJHLRjH-AnJS9v6vurjR2iEAtCFJjXhG7Y0NM-9bcxG2ypV8gIKR0JxnTRVUvbjSaXXyaP5qPnUzjuhQAMWiwWlsF3LgKQLRUnVeRoX8losOfeHByEBqxmkS9H_mlLlXkNPWPU/s1600/mpm-different-fonts.png-1024x1024.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwgG0zfJHLRjH-AnJS9v6vurjR2iEAtCFJjXhG7Y0NM-9bcxG2ypV8gIKR0JxnTRVUvbjSaXXyaP5qPnUzjuhQAMWiwWlsF3LgKQLRUnVeRoX8losOfeHByEBqxmkS9H_mlLlXkNPWPU/s1600/mpm-different-fonts.png-1024x1024.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Looking back at last week's menu, I managed to cook just three off the list, pizza, macaroni cheese and zesty chicken. This might explain why I only maintained at Slimming World when I weighed in on Saturday. Am determined to get a loss, so my percentage of following my meal plan needs to increase. Don't get me wrong, I didn't have any non slimming world meals, it's just they weren't as high in speed foods as they could have been,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Onto this week as I try not to dwell:-</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Slow cooker Santa Fe Chicken with boiled potato and veggies (3 syns per portion)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Creamy pasta with cabbage and leek</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Bolognaise and spaghetti</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Baked potato hot dogs, with onions and beans</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Butternut squash and sweet potato risotto</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Beef Stew and dumplings (6 syns per portion)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Egg and chips</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm planning on leftovers for lunches at work, and porridge with banana and blueberries for breakfasts. Wish me luck!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For more menu inspiration, get yourself over to <a href="http://www.athomewithmrsm.com/" target="_blank">At Home with Mrs M</a></span></div>
<br />@FayChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12794270214664413582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294461115654294445.post-24208751052418296932015-01-27T21:22:00.001+00:002015-01-27T21:22:32.384+00:00Meal Planning Monday but a bit late<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBu7B0hTY2NNEQadHI_XmV37wtuyUtlJ93Vi1nv75A2sPA3g4gFoW5wXtOlQ5585dyivDJRcEkZimU6NimP7dHq6u3Ygo_l6MPEtppyvnn8dFrZMnVTWRkxONfKyJGbQzPIWlIvWbJcM/s1600/mpm-different-fonts.png-1024x1024.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBu7B0hTY2NNEQadHI_XmV37wtuyUtlJ93Vi1nv75A2sPA3g4gFoW5wXtOlQ5585dyivDJRcEkZimU6NimP7dHq6u3Ygo_l6MPEtppyvnn8dFrZMnVTWRkxONfKyJGbQzPIWlIvWbJcM/s1600/mpm-different-fonts.png-1024x1024.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My daughter talked me into post again. Flattery gets you everywhere as she said ' I'm going to use your blog for meal inspirations as they always look so good'</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So you can blame this post on her.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I've rejoined Slimming World; 3 weigh-ins and I've managed to lose 10 lbs. I've a mother of the bride picture to look good in, amazing how having something to aim for can motivate you, so thank you to my daughter again.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, onto this week's meals. I've planned a few more than seven, store cupboard or stuff from the freezer meals, so I'm not tied to what we fancy.</span></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Zesty Lime Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Macaroni and Cauliflower Cheese </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Sausage casserole with mash</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Scotch eggs with chips</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Meatballs and spaghetti</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Burgers and wedges</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Hot dog baked potatoes (1 syn per hot dog)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">SW Pizza </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Garlic roasted veggies and pasta</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Been trying to mix my breakfasts up, porridge one day, bacon sandwich another, scrambled eggs, omelette's.And lunches are left overs or couscous, salad and tinned mackerel. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Looking forward to this week! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">To join in, leave a comment with your meal planner and get yourself over to <a href="http://www.athomewithmrsm.com/2015/01/meal-planning-monday-26th-january-2015.html" target="_blank">MrsM</a> herself for more inspiration.</span> </span></div>
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<br />@FayChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12794270214664413582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294461115654294445.post-76712963652560085642014-06-16T19:17:00.003+01:002014-06-16T19:17:36.469+01:00Meal Planning Monday w/c 16th June<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWThEOBqEckL8ApAb79Y-6SOE2x3mVK4rQwv-4pGAb2ps7Iwze4Q4OtSwg7jFm_1_VxbZkUwxelzjYajUOowRzeDpfVhOUBdjZa2P41jG-IkFkXfJAYy1JvmZJif9-KO6m5IWXQhWGbkA/s1600/mealplanningnew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWThEOBqEckL8ApAb79Y-6SOE2x3mVK4rQwv-4pGAb2ps7Iwze4Q4OtSwg7jFm_1_VxbZkUwxelzjYajUOowRzeDpfVhOUBdjZa2P41jG-IkFkXfJAYy1JvmZJif9-KO6m5IWXQhWGbkA/s1600/mealplanningnew.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Meal planning is my forte, sticking to it......meh! However I did say I would post each of my evening meals to FaceBook......and I stuck to it</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTad3yZMNdvrsejt0_Z9tQ6S6M6TutF1P2MkoWEvErl3EENjGomXgEa0M0LBeRQ6KGB6LyfqHTa2jyDfQovUg69sKQFzPeDqB_-JXpekF8l-g9qa4edHtG-rP0u3sZcRDS4gLQlp0_mWk/s1600/Dinner+wc+9th+June.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTad3yZMNdvrsejt0_Z9tQ6S6M6TutF1P2MkoWEvErl3EENjGomXgEa0M0LBeRQ6KGB6LyfqHTa2jyDfQovUg69sKQFzPeDqB_-JXpekF8l-g9qa4edHtG-rP0u3sZcRDS4gLQlp0_mWk/s1600/Dinner+wc+9th+June.jpg" height="235" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Helped having to post an image, because I knew I couldn't cheat!....</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">now if I could just sort out the crafty chocolate, crisps, ice-cream etc I will have it cracked.......</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Onto this week</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Cauliflower cheese with sausages (6 Syns)</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Vegetable rice with prawns (Syn free)</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Creamy pasta with chicken and vegetables (4 Syns)</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Sweet potato and bacon stew (from the freezer, Syn free)</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Saag Alloo (Syn free)</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Sticky gammon stir fry (1 Syn)</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Chicken and SW chips (Syn free)</i></span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This week the challenge is to continue to post my dinner images, but also make sure I'm having a good healthy lunch. Next week the challenge will be to cut out the unhealthy snacks! Small steps, to make big changes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm not pleased with my eating habits at the moment, but only I can do something about that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hope you all have a great week, speak to you soon</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fay xxx</span><br />
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<br />@FayChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12794270214664413582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294461115654294445.post-22326336870502812582014-06-09T16:14:00.001+01:002014-06-09T16:14:53.214+01:00Meal Planning Monday W/C 9th June<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiF-VLhfQoC2nwR_vyZFdae8jFfgjzc0B9gFTaxC7C_Qbd4Rwy1rHLrOVcdNpbejnQRorDs0Kmt1reRLvdxJLwZ7wfySwZXIIQ5-3cYQTFJcZSTI-sDXv-KrFYXORMPWvQNVd0g8PTuLU/s1600/mpm-different-fonts.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiF-VLhfQoC2nwR_vyZFdae8jFfgjzc0B9gFTaxC7C_Qbd4Rwy1rHLrOVcdNpbejnQRorDs0Kmt1reRLvdxJLwZ7wfySwZXIIQ5-3cYQTFJcZSTI-sDXv-KrFYXORMPWvQNVd0g8PTuLU/s1600/mpm-different-fonts.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oh my! Haven't done this for a while, but time to get back on the band wagon of planning. And the best way to commit to something, as we all know, is to write it down! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My slimming world menu for the week looks like this;-</span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wholemeal pasta with tomato and garlic sauce with roasted Mediterranean vegetables (syn free)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://faycglasshalffull.blogspot.com/2011/05/slimming-world-butter-chicken.html" target="_blank">Butter chicken</a> with rice and veggies (syn free)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Leftover butter chicken with baked potato and salad (syn free)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Homemade burger, Slimming World Chips and beans (syn free)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Butternut squash risotto and veggies (syn free)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Butternut squash soup with wholemeal roll (8 syns for the roll)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Butternut squash and sweet potato curry (I think, it's in the freezer but no label!)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love starting my day with a bowl of porridge, with banana and blueberries (plus MrC enjoys it too, added bonus!) Lunches will be a little on the fly. Maybe leftovers, or a bachelors rice. I've got the makings of a Slimming World quiche in the fridge, so may have that one lunch time too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've also linked back to the butter chicken recipe, which I've fallen back in love with.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">All of the meals are simple, tasty, easy to prepare and should ensure I have nothing left going mouldy in the fridge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm also going to try and photograph each evening meal in the hope it keeps me on plan and shame's me into doing what I say</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wish me luck! </span></div>
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<br />@FayChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12794270214664413582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294461115654294445.post-17171103622892945572014-05-04T21:45:00.002+01:002014-05-04T21:45:23.914+01:00Dandelions, Buttercups and Daisies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63JlrNKpDLjuWh0vqvDf-SoZTKIo9GYpob0D9YY6R7POlap4anvUAsDlxHHeGBXglq72Wr93QqENqahMV3YtwLOIQ_Or5Q9HzDhsjFh2gylExEK43WTc88YBUr20LeC09EUcZf3AEgw8/s1600/photo+%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63JlrNKpDLjuWh0vqvDf-SoZTKIo9GYpob0D9YY6R7POlap4anvUAsDlxHHeGBXglq72Wr93QqENqahMV3YtwLOIQ_Or5Q9HzDhsjFh2gylExEK43WTc88YBUr20LeC09EUcZf3AEgw8/s1600/photo+%25286%2529.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Not been the best of week's in our family. The news came through that Joy's cancer has progressed to stage 4. Sometimes a little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing and I've been struggling with the news.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I know I'm guilty of overthinking, so I've been trying to keep busy and engineer things so I'm not alone. But my poor dog has felt the brunt, as I was reluctant to take him out for a walk, my best (or worse) time for thinking through problems.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Finally bit the bullet and took the poor canine out, determined to not cry, determined to just enjoy the moment. The sun was out, the dog was making me smile with his enthusiasm for being out and sniffing everything in sight.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I stayed close to home and giving him chance to sniff meant a slow walk, giving me time to enjoy my neighbours gardens. Flowers are blooming, trees have new young leaves and lush green lawns.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I passed several lawns, some beautifully tended and others a little more ragged. When I looked closely, the grass was a little too long, full of dandelions, daisies and buttercups. I remember telling the time blowing the seeds as a child, running after the fairies with my sister. Making daisy chains and arguing over whose was the best and seeing who liked butter by putting the buttercup under her chin to see the reflected sunlight, glowing yellow.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The ragged lawns, edging some gardens, technically were full of weeds. Which to some are an eyesore and nuisance. But taking a step back, I stopped focusing on the individual weed to look at the whole picture; the green grass, peppered with yellow and white flowers and fairies slowly moving in the breeze, was beautiful.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><i><b>And it hit me. I need to stop focusing on the bad news and look at the bigger picture and just enjoy the landscape as a whole, live in the now and make lots of memories to look back on.</b></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>If anyone would like to help Joy a little through this, please take a look <a href="http://faycglasshalffull.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/the-owl-of-inspiration-help-wanted.html" target="_blank">at this post</a></b></span></span>@FayChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12794270214664413582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294461115654294445.post-91047043360446322502014-04-15T11:38:00.000+01:002014-04-15T11:41:12.959+01:00Signing On and Tidy Desks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Ea2RgmNKUAr0eYbbZ3xCHA2m8MGCys2ZaMZEpm4PBZeDpg2_PoqVCpjniqg3VpSE59PS88F3tTqD8hdELgZ_cPapOPszLqKby4raLyiPFwh9gssZ7L7HGnLpdUSnMlaECeEryr7IRrg/s1600/messy-desk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Ea2RgmNKUAr0eYbbZ3xCHA2m8MGCys2ZaMZEpm4PBZeDpg2_PoqVCpjniqg3VpSE59PS88F3tTqD8hdELgZ_cPapOPszLqKby4raLyiPFwh9gssZ7L7HGnLpdUSnMlaECeEryr7IRrg/s1600/messy-desk.jpg" height="199" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today I am job hunting. And tidying my desk. I thought I would just put that out there. It's not to say I haven't been looking for the last 2 months, it's just today I'm having to be more formal about it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I signed on last week for (I think) contribution based job seekers allowance which now means all of my job hunting efforts will be scrutinised. I say, I think because I was totally lost about what I actually applied for because it seemed to have changed between me making the initial claim online and the interview.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm just going with the flow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To be honest the whole thing is a bit scary. Walking into the job centre was scary. Figuring out all the forms, was scary. I've never needed to do this before, so it was all totally new. And scary. And the thought of proving to someone what I have done, how I have done, what I'm planning on doing and so on, does seem intrusive.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9BCGRF-5Row8WKL-ZqU8Y3YjauG2qQO4vJX3H9POT6bGvIfLYjfFBaqmW0atyx5eBSTIlzjqm5jkG15waoloo54gZxjnrbbK1lUAa7yqOCKMom2m7_IGzFLp_tg58udHzhIUhUT4Ig8/s1600/desk-header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9BCGRF-5Row8WKL-ZqU8Y3YjauG2qQO4vJX3H9POT6bGvIfLYjfFBaqmW0atyx5eBSTIlzjqm5jkG15waoloo54gZxjnrbbK1lUAa7yqOCKMom2m7_IGzFLp_tg58udHzhIUhUT4Ig8/s1600/desk-header.jpg" height="168" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">However, when I thought about it, this is no different to actually working. I try and schedule time every day to dedicate time to looking for and applying, so I'm treating it like a part-time job. Reporting in at the job centre, is just like having a meeting with my manager to look at my progress and see what I can do to improve. Well, that's how I'm handling it. Their job is to get me back into work, I'll accept all the help I can! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So today, I'm dedicating some time to sort the untidy desk out, just like I would do if I was at work. Hopefully when I have my next 'performance review' I'll have all the paperwork to hand.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMMWRMKyORYo_8WS237kpFnn8T5hQhVWPqf4qDo87IwzAoMZqUwiHnS6N0zdPoIc8k2xB3pYKm85UpQQ46lUfl2rljBcMUGAmolCtSsGq_ZadsKHjkd5FGEYYIcO5Efl4IX4bspLK0lc/s1600/job-application.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMMWRMKyORYo_8WS237kpFnn8T5hQhVWPqf4qDo87IwzAoMZqUwiHnS6N0zdPoIc8k2xB3pYKm85UpQQ46lUfl2rljBcMUGAmolCtSsGq_ZadsKHjkd5FGEYYIcO5Efl4IX4bspLK0lc/s1600/job-application.jpg" height="198" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm aiming for three applications today, with fully bespoke CV's and covering letters. May not seem like a lot, but if you're going to get it right first time, it takes time to perfect.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And you've got to have targets, this is my new part-time job after all</span><br />
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<br />@FayChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12794270214664413582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294461115654294445.post-28171873682804659032014-04-14T16:12:00.003+01:002014-04-14T16:12:45.934+01:00Slimming World Friendly Sweet Sticky Onion Relish<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is sooo good, it doesn't last long in my house because I keep eating it! Easier than you think and should keep for three or four days in the fridge, plus its Syn free on Slimming World</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ingredients</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">500g of thinly sliced red onions</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">100ml balsamic vinegar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">150ml apple cider vinegar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 tablespoons of sweetner</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 cloves of crushed garlic</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 tablespoons of chopped thyme</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Salt and pepper to taste</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Method</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Put all the ingredients into a large, heavy bottomed pan. Bring it up to the boil and then simmer, covered for an hour. Give it an occasional stir to make sure it doesn't burn. Remove the lid for the last 10 minutes or so, to thicken up the lovely sticky sweet syrup. Once cooled, season to taste.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've had this with burgers, lovely and tangy in a salad, goes well with chicken and beef on the side of your plate, or stirred through plain rice or couscous to liven it up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Go on give it a go! </span><br />
<br />@FayChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12794270214664413582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294461115654294445.post-62944355403901178512014-04-14T15:58:00.000+01:002014-04-14T15:58:04.196+01:00Slow Cooker Beef Tomato and Red Pepper Casserole<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHms6VVdtv41CA7V9La3sGHihqI4OYri9DWkAIaD1n_yfS39tqAAxSYBJkVGMk-8512lWH5SxDF-fN1K0Wv8KjWGU5qD-h5G83ISFR3L_XcQ6LVnORPdNA5RFV_Sl_P9DMHYZGcQ7nIf0/s1600/photo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHms6VVdtv41CA7V9La3sGHihqI4OYri9DWkAIaD1n_yfS39tqAAxSYBJkVGMk-8512lWH5SxDF-fN1K0Wv8KjWGU5qD-h5G83ISFR3L_XcQ6LVnORPdNA5RFV_Sl_P9DMHYZGcQ7nIf0/s1600/photo2.jpg" height="320" width="282" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is a delicious, melt in the mouth and incredibly easy to make recipe to boot. Was inspired by the Coleman's Slow Cooker sachet, but objected to the Syns. So created my own version.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You literally chuck all the ingredients into the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours or low for eight hours. Creates its own sauce or gravy from the juices, serves 4 and is Syn free on extra easy</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ingredients</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">400g of casserole beef with all visible fat removed and cut into cubes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 large red onions, cut into wedges</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3 red peppers, cut into slices</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tin of chopped tomatoes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 tablespoons of tomato puree</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 cloves of garlic</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 beef Oxo cubes (or equivalent)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 tablespoons of mixed herbs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Salt and pepper to season</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I said, chuck it all in, stir and leave for as long as you. I had this with steamed greens and new potatoes, but it's very versatile. Try it with spicy couscous. Or baked or mashed potato with plenty of superfree veggies. </span><br />
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<br />@FayChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12794270214664413582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294461115654294445.post-27971312889763906522014-03-25T16:01:00.004+00:002014-03-25T16:01:57.716+00:00A Letter From Heaven<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello Ann</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I found this while tidying up last week, a photocopy of a poem written by a man called Fred Nolan for his family for when he died. I can't remember how I came across it originally, but thought immediately of you.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>To my dearest family</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Some things I'd like to say</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>But first of all to let you know that I arrived okay</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I'm writing this from heaven: Here I dwell with God above</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Here there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Please don't be unhappy just because I'm out of sight</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Remember that I am with your every morning, noon and night.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>That day when I had to leave you: when my life on earth was through</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>God picked me up and hugged me and He said: 'I welcome you</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>It's good to have you back again. You were missed while you were gone</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on' </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>God gave me a list of things that He wished for me to do</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>And foremost on that list was to watch and care for you</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>And when you lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>God and I are closest to you in the middle of the night</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>When you think of my life on earth and those loving years</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Because you are only human they are bound to bring your tears</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>But do not be afraid to cry. It does relieve the pain</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Remember: there would be no flowers unless there was some rain</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I with that I could tell you all that God has planned</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>But one thing is for certain though my life on earth is o'er</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I'm closer to you now than I ever was before</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>It was always my philosophy and I'd like for you to do to:</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>If you can help somebody who is in sorrow and pain</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Then you can say to God at night: 'my day was not in vain'.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>And now I am contended that my life was worthwhile</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>And as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Just lend a hand and pick them up as on your way you go.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>When you're walking down the street and you've got me on your mind</b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind</b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>And when it's time for you to go; from that body to be free</b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>Remember you're not going; you're coming home to me</b></i></span>@FayChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12794270214664413582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294461115654294445.post-61232018464039031772014-03-25T15:18:00.001+00:002014-03-25T16:10:04.286+00:00The Owl of Inspiration ...... help wanted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>I need some help readers to fill this with inspiration, love and determination.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's an Owl card holder, which sits over my little sister's mantlepiece. She's got one card in it at the moment. It reads</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>'New Beginnings Are Often Disguised As Painful Endings'</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">All through my cancer journey, my inspiration has always been my sister, Joy. She was just 19 years old when first diagnosed with cervical cancer. It took nearly ten long years of trying this treatment and then something else and so on, before the cancer was finally eradicated with two cycles of chemo. Traditional laser treatments didn't work. But she did beat it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And through it all, she was a rock. She had poise, purpose and a wicked sense of humour. She was rarely downbeat, even through the throwing up and baldiness and just got on with things. I wanted to be like her, my little sister who had the strength to get through it and win. And win she did. She was clear for over ten years, where she carried on living life and having two beautiful children.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But now it's back, and in my eyes, not playing fair. She has already had a five week course of radiotherapy, however it's gotten worse, and is now <a href="http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-help/type/cervical-cancer/treatment/cervical-cancer-stages#3" target="_blank">stage 3b</a>. Sounds so innocent doesn't it. For many of us stage 3b won't mean very much. But for Joy it's an intensive and gruelling treatment regime of chemo every two weeks and radiotherapy three times a week for at least four months. And then see what happens.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And this is where you guys come in. I know Joy gets a lots of pleasure and inner strength from quotes like the one already sitting in her owl. I'm on the look out for more. Whenever I pass a card or nicknack shop, I'm in there, having a rummage. But you can help.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Have you got a picture which inspires and takes you to a calm place? A postcard with a quote which resonates and gets you through a difficult time? Or an ironic comic strip to make you laugh? If you have and can part with it, please help me give it a new home and fill Joy's</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wasn't sure how to do this, and I don't want to give her lots to do, but thought if you contacted me, I can give you my postal address and I will get them sent on to her. I've put some contact details below. And please feel free to pass this on to others. The more the merrier! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">She's a strong and independent woman, who will get through this, and an owl full of inspiration, an instant visual reminder has gotta help.......</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Contact Details</u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Email: OwlofInspiration@Gmail.com</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/FayC" target="_blank">@FayC</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/fay.churchward" target="_blank">Fay</a></span></div>
@FayChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12794270214664413582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294461115654294445.post-90873891698216436322014-02-16T20:37:00.000+00:002014-02-16T20:37:00.321+00:00Sunshine Roasted Root Vegetables<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oh my goodness, this was divine. I've been wanting to try it for a while after I saw this recipe for <a href="http://www.greatbritishchefs.com/recipes/beetroot-sweet-potato-recipe" target="_blank">roasted beetroot and sweet potato</a>. It looked so delicious.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Finally managed to track down some beetroot from Tesco and, me being me, decided to not follow the recipe but go my own way. So here it is!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wq54GoLrX1NtwSsgknOQdjkgLpH498eFxj-1_3qfAv2_W3pXMUmvjpqheXmWztCamcoXYPxUzDnwBXFSTVO9HoOKR0tUCWBarM580Z-7z850EPXE7lhibxrU-Gsv9uDkUajh-7vPz7U/s1600/beetroot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wq54GoLrX1NtwSsgknOQdjkgLpH498eFxj-1_3qfAv2_W3pXMUmvjpqheXmWztCamcoXYPxUzDnwBXFSTVO9HoOKR0tUCWBarM580Z-7z850EPXE7lhibxrU-Gsv9uDkUajh-7vPz7U/s1600/beetroot.jpg" height="320" width="291" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The beetroot stains the other veggies, which is where I got the name from. It's so tasty, filling and Syn free.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Ingredients</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3 sweet potatoes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5 beetroots</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3 parsnips</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3 small potatoes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4 carrots</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 onion</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 tbsp garlic granules</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 tbsp dried rosemary</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 tbsp dried thyme</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Salt and pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fry light</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Method</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">All the vegetables were peeled and chopped into bite sized pieces before putting into a large roasting dish. I know beetroot is very red, but was surprised by how much it actually stained my chopping board and hands, so be careful! I don't know why, but didn't think they were THAT red when raw. I had lobster in mind, which changes colour once cooked. But I was wrong, beetroot is very very red. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I sprinkled the herbs and garlic over the vegetables, with a good amount of salt and pepper. Added some hot water, enough to just cover the bottom of the pan, before spritzing with fry light and covering tightly with tin foil. I put it in a hot oven for about 50 minutes. You're aiming to almost steam the vegetables. If you chop them smaller, they'll cook quicker and visa versa. Check your veggies are cooked through though with a knife; Your oven may take longer than mine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Take the tin foil off about ten minutes before the end to help them crisp up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The natural sugars in the beetroot, make the dish lovely and gooey, as well as a beautiful pink colour. It's comfort food of the highest order and delicious.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had it by itself, but it would also be beautiful with grilled chicken or your weekly roast, or even some shredded cabbage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Enjoy! </span>@FayChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12794270214664413582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294461115654294445.post-24824220394905921912014-02-01T16:22:00.000+00:002014-02-01T16:22:30.752+00:00Photo A Day - February on the cards? <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Finally done it, a whole month of a picture a day. A little hiccup at the end, am sure I can be forgiven. Staying with my sister and lost the adapter to take images off the card and onto my PC. So photo's taken, just not uploaded.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here are all 31 days</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYyGjRdpOJR1vBomN1OBPEXoiQ6cxmBeSlZ_pX3SZ-000nw0UG6tJeH7x825KcwEAprVesurJ9FWjPez2Ykoue9bygNIJQDgKobn7MclOMAb0j01WF7cg6NqTYXDdehzFav81R4KTEJI/s1600/January+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYyGjRdpOJR1vBomN1OBPEXoiQ6cxmBeSlZ_pX3SZ-000nw0UG6tJeH7x825KcwEAprVesurJ9FWjPez2Ykoue9bygNIJQDgKobn7MclOMAb0j01WF7cg6NqTYXDdehzFav81R4KTEJI/s1600/January+Collage.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">and day 31 (which I couldn't add in above!)</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5ZGRHgCp-sqOJZBOq0rLcoO2fM3Bec65hTYa1x8tUAko2u5iQ3REggRHKaWbyHRcVnWO6vowemTG6IsoXPPEfyzYqPFz1yw8o3MudQ6U-8D31mOymJTW36WeFrKM4rpUHT7XSJSN7Zg/s1600/Day+31+-+Polka+Dot+roundup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5ZGRHgCp-sqOJZBOq0rLcoO2fM3Bec65hTYa1x8tUAko2u5iQ3REggRHKaWbyHRcVnWO6vowemTG6IsoXPPEfyzYqPFz1yw8o3MudQ6U-8D31mOymJTW36WeFrKM4rpUHT7XSJSN7Zg/s1600/Day+31+-+Polka+Dot+roundup.jpg" height="135" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you'd like to see the full images with prompts and description you can either take a look at my other blog <a href="http://faycglasshalffulldepiction.blogspot.co.uk/#uds-search-results" target="_blank">FayC Depiction</a> or my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fay.churchward/media_set?set=a.694433257257745.1073741829.100000732325791&type=3" target="_blank">Facebook Album</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now the question is, do I continue into February???</span>@FayChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12794270214664413582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294461115654294445.post-58346514681703424982014-01-24T23:37:00.000+00:002014-01-24T23:37:02.887+00:00Slimming World Friendly Mixed Bean Stew <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLXgcyC1jENLdn67jZBDrUdeYl_8rSmCMXPIIru5RGSvaJDpGYOPshTE1K8j9zs8ROsbWr1-2-dPjaNqx-B1LpoxpIzt4xguW6Q6V7ucd8INPF-YjNwd0hAyLdhkfRZRHBOf4cNBKCEM/s1600/1604449_706978179336586_1739522407_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLXgcyC1jENLdn67jZBDrUdeYl_8rSmCMXPIIru5RGSvaJDpGYOPshTE1K8j9zs8ROsbWr1-2-dPjaNqx-B1LpoxpIzt4xguW6Q6V7ucd8INPF-YjNwd0hAyLdhkfRZRHBOf4cNBKCEM/s1600/1604449_706978179336586_1739522407_n.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This mixed bean stew is</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> versatile and free on the extra easy plan. It's another meal where I use whatever I have to hand. So don't worry if you have to improvise, that's my type of cooking! Just to warn you, it makes a lot so use a large pan with a lid.</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ingredients</span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 large chopped onion</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 leeks shredded</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3 chopped peppers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 chopped carrots</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 chopped courgette</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tin of chopped tomatoes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">500g passatta</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3 tbsp of tomato puree</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3 tins of beans - I used chick peas, black eyed peas and adzuki, but you can have any combination</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3 tbsp of mixed herbs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3 crushed garlic cloves</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3 tbsp of Worcester sauce</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 beef stock cubes (or you can use vegetable stock)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Couple good glugs of balsamic vinegar</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Method</span></u><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Put the onions in the pan with enough water to cover the bottom and cook until softened, takes about 5 minutes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Add all the chopped up vegetables, balsamic vinegar and garlic and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring regularly.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Chuck in all the other ingredients, plus about 200ml of water (I usually half fill the empty tin from the tomatoes and use that) Stir and simmer with the lid on the pan for about 30 minutes. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The stew should be thick and glossy, if it isn't thick enough for you, continue simmering for another 10 minutes with the lid off.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Season to taste and serve! </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I like it in a huge bowl with a big spoon! MrC enjoys it with a chunk of bread to wipe up the gravy. You can try it stuffed in a wholemeal pitta, or on a baked potato, or with rice or over pasta (with a little cheese ??! ) or maybe all of them if you're good with leftovers! It makes a lot! I've got my eye on some which I'm planning to use to stuff red peppers and then bake.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oh, and if you like it spicy, try adding some chilli, beautiful! </span><br />
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<br />@FayChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12794270214664413582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294461115654294445.post-73189438188687532042014-01-22T17:30:00.002+00:002014-01-22T17:49:28.412+00:00Beef Casserole Recipe - Slimming World Syn Free! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5XtydLbSDNy80-xzUSeZmNI5uMI-2M3cyPH88Hrb5tk-cVNxP3yXl3JjG-9po6CT1Vwkt_fy1KwaSYMfMucxqFfzs0GEladidkuEJdcfaeyLG50exJ8Sqdex44ROD7Vhy8spFn9gahg/s1600/Day+22+-+Nice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5XtydLbSDNy80-xzUSeZmNI5uMI-2M3cyPH88Hrb5tk-cVNxP3yXl3JjG-9po6CT1Vwkt_fy1KwaSYMfMucxqFfzs0GEladidkuEJdcfaeyLG50exJ8Sqdex44ROD7Vhy8spFn9gahg/s1600/Day+22+-+Nice.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is a delicious, warming and easy recipe for beef casserole. I'm not very good at following recipes myself, I tend to not weigh anything unless I have to or forget to buy an ingredient here or there. Whoops! So this one, although my own, is to be used as a guide. Go with what you fancy (or have in the fridge!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's Syn Free on Slimming World's Extra Easy plan. Pack it full of vegetables if you want to and/or serve with extra vegetables and get food optimising.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Ingredients</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">500g of stewing beef</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 large chopped onion</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4 carrots, sliced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4 or 5 large handfuls of fresh washed spinach</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Beef stock made with 2 stock cubes (about a litre I think)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 minced clove of garlic (or 1 large tbsp of garlic granules/powder) If you haven't got a mincer, bash it around a bit with the back of the knife and chuck it in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Method</u></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dry fry the beef in a hot pan until all browned. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Set the meat aside, drain out any fat from the pan, but leave the brown bits. Add the chopped onions to the pan and add a little water (just enough to cover them) Soften the onions, making sure all the lovely brown bits from the beef are dislodged from the bottom of the pan. These will give your casserole a lovely flavour.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once softened, add the beef you'd set aside earlier, sliced carrots and minced garlic (or granules/powder) and add enough stock to cover the ingredients in the pan.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bring everything up to boil, turn the pan down, add the lid and simmer for about 60 minutes. Stir occasionally and if needed add more water.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Five minutes before serving, check and see if it needs any salt or pepper. I tend to season at the end, especially when using stock cubes as they can be very salty.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once seasoned, add the spinach leaves and stir through.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Voila! </span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The casserole can also be cooked in the slow cooker or oven. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Slow Cooker</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Brown the meat and cook the onions as directed, add all the ingredients into the slow cooker and cook for 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low. Add a little less stock and only check it once about half way through. Did you know every time you lift the lid on your slow cooker, you should add 20 minutes to the cooking time? Stir the spinach in 25 minutes before serving.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oven</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For the oven, follow points 1 to 3, then transfer into a casserole dish. Put in the oven with a lid for 60 to 90 minutes at 190 degrees. Stir the spinach leaves in 5 minutes before serving.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Can be frozen, just leave the spinach leaves out and add when its reheated.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Served with rice or potatoes and a portion or three of vegetables, whatever takes your fancy. Would also be great over a baked potato.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Enjoy! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Variations</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Try adding some extra herbs or chilli to spice it up</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">At the end, you an always add a dollop (technical term) of fromage frais to make a lovely creamy gravy. (this will add a couple of Syns though)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Worcester sauce or mustard powder can also be added to give the casserole added depth of flavour and taste. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Experiment, find what you like. That's what makes cooking fun! </span>@FayChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12794270214664413582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294461115654294445.post-31465599421502324152014-01-21T13:13:00.000+00:002014-01-21T13:13:07.040+00:00Photo A Day Challenge - Week 3 Round Up<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Phew, 21 whole days and I'm still here, posting an image which fits the prompt set by Chantelle over at Fat Mum Slim. Never thought I would stick to it..... or enjoy it quite so much.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm finding it's helping me focus on the photography, whether that's taking it or finding an image in my archive, and to think outside the box about the normal pictures I would take.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The images on the Facebook page. which people post to, are just inspiring and I can lose hours looking through them.I </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">t's a closed group, but you can request to join, just search for 'FMS Photo A Day'</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's my round up for the week.</span></span><br />
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</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPORFstxvWqWUkrLWAqc3XkGkWUAw4O4SKB1m9hDQ_Trxt9lMvByAQquQv0K41Av8nMP9U_qlFV8dot8yzaSHfIys5F6kPmIGHBUc5xy1OM8fnA3acFH_iGNjIfskvyyxnmHV9pAILDA/s1600/Week+Three+Round+Up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPORFstxvWqWUkrLWAqc3XkGkWUAw4O4SKB1m9hDQ_Trxt9lMvByAQquQv0K41Av8nMP9U_qlFV8dot8yzaSHfIys5F6kPmIGHBUc5xy1OM8fnA3acFH_iGNjIfskvyyxnmHV9pAILDA/s1600/Week+Three+Round+Up.jpg" height="236" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's a mix of staged images and quick candid shots taken with my iPhone.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I post regularly on my other blog, <a href="http://faycglasshalffulldepiction.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">FayC Glass Half Full Depiction</a>, if you'd like to see more images and descriptions to go with these prompts.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And if this inspires you to give the challenge a go, take a look at <a href="http://fatmumslim.com.au/happy-new-year-now-get-camera-january-photo-day-thing/" target="_blank">Chantelle's Blog</a> for details.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> You don't have to do a full month or even a week. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can post up when you want to, there's no pressure. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> quality and type of image is wide and varied, from the quick snap on the phone to something beautifully edited with Photoshop.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So if you're looking for a distraction, due to say illness or wanting to take you mind off snacking (yup, thats me!) to improve your photography skills, or just try something different, then what's stopping you from giving it a go?</span></span>@FayChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12794270214664413582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294461115654294445.post-39716952419698186382014-01-20T10:32:00.000+00:002014-01-20T10:32:54.459+00:00Meal Planning Monday 20th January #MealPlanningMonday<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://athomewithmrsm.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Meal Planning Monday" border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y129/jodiddley/mpmframe200a_zps9bddd4de.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week's menu looks like this</span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baked potato, beans and cheese (Cheese as HE)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Liver and onions, with carrot and suede mash with vegetables (Syn free)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pork, rice and beans (Syn free)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pork casserole with potato and vegetable (Syn free)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bean bolognaise with carrot & courgette tagliatelle (Syn free)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stuffed peppers with bacon and rice</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Am pleased to say I didn't throw any food away last week. Every last scrap was used up, nothing was wasted. I'm pretty good at using up food but there's usually something which ends up in the bin. Let's see how I get on with this menu and food shop.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fingers crossed I've lost a pound or two when I weigh in later too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't forget to check in for more meal planning inspiration over at Mrs M's. Click the image at the top of the post.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take care and have a great week! </span></div>
@FayChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12794270214664413582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294461115654294445.post-250225770583505872014-01-15T16:08:00.000+00:002014-01-15T16:08:10.985+00:00Photo A Day Challenge - Week 2 Round Up<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yipppeeeee!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Week two completed and I think I've made a few Facebook friends as well. Thoroughly enjoyed this week's prompts. I even set up four of the images to fit rather than resorting to archived pictures, so feeling very pleased with myself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The prompts were</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8: Lucky Number</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9: Natural</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10: Manmade</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">11: Looking Down</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12: Colourful</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">13: Makes Me smile</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">14: Three Things</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeB25KBrlxnRpR6Zu8C6_n-VYn5xVrKw2ZgjT_ZLrZq2w8FWrw9w3V0tjJK20pUxI9XBqmx0OSxJe7FObaZar5e28BpETIbnpGOCH03j2Ysk4s4mEkKCI3JxJJzRKE05pk92bRhi5sYCQ/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+week+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeB25KBrlxnRpR6Zu8C6_n-VYn5xVrKw2ZgjT_ZLrZq2w8FWrw9w3V0tjJK20pUxI9XBqmx0OSxJe7FObaZar5e28BpETIbnpGOCH03j2Ysk4s4mEkKCI3JxJJzRKE05pk92bRhi5sYCQ/s640/PicMonkey+Collage+week+2.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What do you think?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://fatmumslim.com.au/happy-new-year-now-get-camera-january-photo-day-thing/" target="_blank">#FMSPhotoADay</a></span></div>
@FayChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12794270214664413582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294461115654294445.post-33769622244901681302014-01-13T11:22:00.000+00:002014-01-13T15:08:05.481+00:00Meal Planning Monday - 13th January #MealPlanningMonday<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://athomewithmrsm.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Meal Planning Monday" border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y129/jodiddley/mpmframe200a_zps9bddd4de.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Really enjoyed last week's menu and hopefully when I weigh in later, I'll be able to report a loss because of it. The paprika pork was amazing and I'm having it again, but with chicken, if that makes sense. I'm cheating a little though. Last week I used the Sunday roast to make a couple of meals, which was very cost effective, so thought I'd do that again. So at the time of posting, I'll have already had the roast chicken! Hope you don't do me under the trades description act.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Onto the plan</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Roast Chicken, potato and vegetables - Syn free</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://faycglasshalffull.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/slimming-world-butter-chicken.html" target="_blank">Slimming World Butter Chicken</a> - Syn free</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paprika Chicken - Syn free</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leek and Potato Soup - Syn free</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Butternut Squash Risotto with green vegetables - Syn free</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomato Beef Burgers with rice and vegetables - Syn free</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Liver & Onions with Mash and Cabbage - Syn free</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Slimming World Chips, Eggs and Mixed Beans - Syn free</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just realised it's all Syn free! Fabulous. Plenty left for snacks! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lunches will be left overs or savoury rice and porridge with fruit for breakfast (which I must admit am loving more than I thought I would)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And if you're wondering what tomato beef burgers are its a meal I've picked up somewhere. I'll post the recipe later this week, please check back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There you go, sorted. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't forget to check out other meal plans with At Home with Mrs M. Click the badge at the top of the page to get yourself there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Update at 1500 YAY!!!!! 4lbs off. Last weeks plan really worked!</span></div>
@FayChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12794270214664413582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294461115654294445.post-42503981997256252142014-01-07T23:06:00.000+00:002014-01-07T23:06:29.708+00:00Photo A Day Challenge - Week 1 Round Up<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Set myself a challenge for January of joining in with <a href="http://fatmumslim.com.au/happy-new-year-now-get-camera-january-photo-day-thing/" target="_blank">#FMSPhotoADay</a>. 'What's that?' I hear you say. Well, it's just what it says on the tin. You're given a prompt for each day and take a photograph which fills the brief.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you want more details go and take a look at Fat Mum Slim's page <a href="http://fatmumslim.com.au/happy-new-year-now-get-camera-january-photo-day-thing/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I tried to do this last year and failed, so I can't quite believe I've managed a whole week already. I want to learn how to use my camera and this is really helping: it keeps me looking out for great pictures to take and generally just have some fun while I'm doing it!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Facebook page is brilliant, some wonderfully talented and generous people post from all over the world. The images are just mind blowing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I've also been posting them over on my other blog <a href="http://faycglasshalffulldepiction.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Glass Half Full Depiction</a>, which was set up just for photography. But thought I'd give a weekly round up here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope you like them! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7z0Gr4G4usgMgf_NvWtYfPhyphenhyphen7JVajqMvRpcBv17wQ4yfyKSQpDy3cooX7s9PuRi8rz5rLzFNJK54-cxCXMpcE3Upmd50mMMdUe8Ku6RVTDRQCOO4kg4l9cReJSe4Mk_Suu_YMEON-M8/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7z0Gr4G4usgMgf_NvWtYfPhyphenhyphen7JVajqMvRpcBv17wQ4yfyKSQpDy3cooX7s9PuRi8rz5rLzFNJK54-cxCXMpcE3Upmd50mMMdUe8Ku6RVTDRQCOO4kg4l9cReJSe4Mk_Suu_YMEON-M8/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" height="236" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What do you think?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you'd like to join in, give it a go, it's lots of fun</span><br />
<br />@FayChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12794270214664413582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294461115654294445.post-14291770274802636302014-01-06T15:12:00.000+00:002014-01-06T15:12:05.253+00:00Meal Planning Monday 6th January 2014 #MealPlanningMonday<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://athomewithmrsm.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Meal Planning Monday" border="0" src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y129/jodiddley/mpmframe200a_zps9bddd4de.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, here I am joining up with Mrs M's meal planning Monday, just like the old days. I may not have posted the meal plans, but I've still been doing them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They'r</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">e still Slimming World friendly and I've a good feeling about 2014!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week's plan, with some help from my Slimming World group friends, as I'm still suffering from a really bad cold and needed some inspiration, looks like this:-</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Slimming World Tomato Soup (the one with pickled onions) Syn free</span></i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Beef Stew with Dumplings 10 syns (syn free if you leave out the dumplings)</span></i></span></li>
<li><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://www.slimmingworld.com/recipes/chinese-sweet-and-sour-pork.aspx" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Sweet and Sour Pork</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and rice 1 syn</span></span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://www.slimmingworld.com/recipes/paprika-pork.aspx" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Paprika Pork </a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Syn free</span></span></i></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Homemade Burger and Slimming World Chips and salad Syn free</span></i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Lamb chops, mash and vegetables Syn free</span></i></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We'll be having the stew over two nights, once from the pot and again in the oven, with the dumplings like a cobbler. And yes, there's a lot of pork, but we had a large joint of it on Sunday and with there just the two of us, it'll keep us going.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Breakfast will be porridge made with water (which I actually love) and fruit. Lunches will be something from the leftovers of the evening before, so they could be interesting. I'm determined to waste as little food as possible and make things go further.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMvOwjF6XsFJRe7crlESYi_GSf9kp0uIeWEW21E8HIVwd7Cjz-CxKvMinayvnm1TORZLa1f0UBjFXzP3gBG_z6qyQ3TAKeJHBKAwTbk9RKVqxfMrtwWpAJd5XxCXc2zrHYoL7gQYrU5GQ/s1600/1484123_697545213613216_919977719_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMvOwjF6XsFJRe7crlESYi_GSf9kp0uIeWEW21E8HIVwd7Cjz-CxKvMinayvnm1TORZLa1f0UBjFXzP3gBG_z6qyQ3TAKeJHBKAwTbk9RKVqxfMrtwWpAJd5XxCXc2zrHYoL7gQYrU5GQ/s1600/1484123_697545213613216_919977719_n.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't forget to check out other meal plans <a href="http://athomewithmrsm.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/meal-planning-monday-6th-january-2014.html" target="_blank">over at Mrs M'</a>s and I'll check in next week and see if I've managed to actually lose some weight</span></div>
@FayChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12794270214664413582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294461115654294445.post-18191236188166390902014-01-01T12:59:00.000+00:002014-01-01T12:59:26.280+00:00It's the little things .......<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">......which make a big difference</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You know, the small things someone special in your life does for you, which maybe inconsequential to anyone else, but mean the world to you. Here are my top 10 courtesy of MrC</span><br />
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When the TV remote or my kindle needs charging, I can pass it over and know it'll be sorted</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Any IT queries? He's onto it, he's my very own helpline number</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Always available for wonderful foot rubs when the pin wielding fairies start.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Organises the media centre, so all our music and films are available at the touch of button</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Knows what I need, before I even realise it and sorts it out</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Had the brilliant idea of having remote controlled sockets. So easy turning on cabinet lights now, rather than scrabbling behind, trying to find the switch.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Something needs backing up/setting up? It's done, no need to worry about it</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Does all the research when buying new stuff, from the best washing machine to the right paint for the job</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Says the right things at the right time</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just knows and gets me</span></li>
</ol>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHg6gbR2KpM3VzazOVfLJxiAJjidabbzP9qC6f955xjrXJonUMuZPeQH8lSj3N-0q2KorsqpcE_bC889tVYAO-q7qk0g6ivR_2hUqGaYHlUbJaiFiM_YNxDBDuy_ZVTIjSUZPic1IwObI/s1600/Purple-Butterflies-butterflies-35243898-1680-1050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/butterflies/images/35243898/title/purple-butterflies-photo" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHg6gbR2KpM3VzazOVfLJxiAJjidabbzP9qC6f955xjrXJonUMuZPeQH8lSj3N-0q2KorsqpcE_bC889tVYAO-q7qk0g6ivR_2hUqGaYHlUbJaiFiM_YNxDBDuy_ZVTIjSUZPic1IwObI/s320/Purple-Butterflies-butterflies-35243898-1680-1050.jpg" title="Image Credit" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm so lucky to live with my best friend, what more could a girl ask for? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>What little things do your loved ones do for you which make a big difference?</b></i></span><br />
<br />@FayChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12794270214664413582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8294461115654294445.post-16277995068774437432013-12-31T14:11:00.000+00:002013-12-31T14:11:39.257+00:00Footsie update<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Had my appointment yesterday as a whole two weeks had flown by since I was taken off the trial drug for a while (see </span><a href="http://faycglasshalffull.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/all-clear-with-pin-wielding-fairies.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> for the post) Anyone would think we've had Christmas or something since then.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well the good news is, the head honcho of the trial and my oncology consultant, doesn't believe the trial is the problem. If it was, I would also be suffering with similar symptoms in my hands. I'm pleased to say I'm not, I think I would find that quite distressing. I can ignore toes, but fingers? Nah, I don't think so.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGukPQKFjW5Cxpob90VYbb1vsTTNuHawwa0z24LGGqESx-vRjyd7wEwBXOt9u8hBmPq9v98v8wAKwAkb_AdVJmr1zzX994Ocjz5efS9VoUmS_Pnf0-BI5B1v_PCelB1NZ-xa-ajyAxjFE/s1600/feet.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGukPQKFjW5Cxpob90VYbb1vsTTNuHawwa0z24LGGqESx-vRjyd7wEwBXOt9u8hBmPq9v98v8wAKwAkb_AdVJmr1zzX994Ocjz5efS9VoUmS_Pnf0-BI5B1v_PCelB1NZ-xa-ajyAxjFE/s1600/feet.jpeg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, what is it?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, regular twitter and Facebook friends and readers of the blog, do you remember the saga of #BrokenBum? You know, the one I whinged about for months to anyone who would listen (and plenty who didn't!) The one I visited my GP about several times and would told it would just get better? Well, it did actually get better, after 15 months, so they were right on that score (although it pains me to say it) However, it might also be the cause of the numbness. As it healed, resulting scar tissue may be pressing on nerves which run through the coccyx, making the tootsies feel like pin wielding fairies having a field day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simples! And I may not have been a hypochondriac after all! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And even better, he's prepared to investigate why, so I'm now waiting for an MRI scan. When asked if I had any metal anywhere I replied with "no, and no homemade prison tattoos either". He laughed, so must be a House fan. Either that or he was just being polite........</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Either way, I'm to start back on the drug next week, so happy days. Now all I've got to do it find a way to keep the fairies at bay........</span><br />
<br />@FayChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12794270214664413582noreply@blogger.com0