{Love The Little Things}

Joining in again with But Why Mummy Why's weekly blog hop 'love the little things' which is this week hosted by the beautiful Let's Talk Mommy.

Read

This week I have been trying to catch up on my favourite blogs, and I loved this post by @dawniepopsies on Fast Love. I do believe like Dawn that 'you can't rush something you want to last forever' and it's for this reason that I waited 11 months to say the L-word to R.

Heard

My screams as I flew through the trees at Go Ape, Crathes this weekend. Watch this space for the review!

Watched

I've been watching Sherlock on Netflix and have been really enjoying it.

Wore

This morning I jumped on the scales to find that I was 12 stone 6 lbs. This is the heaviest I've been in what must be nearly 3 years. Eek! It's a proper wake-up call and I need to wise up with the eating and exercise. Thankfully I've been getting back into my running, although progress is somewhat slow. But I've done two runs this week and I also was out for a cycle at the weekend too.

Made

The littlest and I made a lamb tagine. It was yum!

And Lastly...

I was at my aunt & uncle's holiday home this weekend with my sister, our partners and a few friends. We had a blast, and it's back to Glasgow and reality with a bump. I'm hoping to put together a vlog with some of our antics, but in the meantime here are a few pics:

My sister organised a red wine & cheese tasting - each person brought a bottle with them

Out for a cycle

Aw :-)

{Highs and Lows of 2012}

Kate  over at Kate on Thin Ice has started a great blog hop meme-thing  asking what our highs and lows of 2012 were.

So here are my answers to her all important questions...

1. What was your happiest event?

There have been a few big events this year for the Glasgow Mummy family. One of the happiest was my little sister's wedding, and in the run up to the wedding there was an amazing circus-themed hen party. Others include my daughter's first birthday party where we hosted an afternoon tea party at the house. There was also my son's 3rd birthday, one of my best friend's weddings, attending the Scottish Fashion Awards and even some of the smallest of things have been the happiest of days... such as taking the kids to the local park after what felt like weeks of bad weather.

2. What was the saddest thing to happen?

Saying goodbye to one of my best friends who emigrated to Australia in October. I miss you guys so much.

3. What was the most unlikely thing to happen that actually went ahead and did?

Hmmm... this is the question that I've found to be the toughest, and have left it last to complete.

There were a lot of things that at the start of 2012 I thought were unlikely. I saw in the New Year as a newly single mum with two screaming, ill babies (I'm so grateful to Becky who came over with her husband to keep me company that night). I had no idea how the year would pan out and at the time I thought I'd never be happy. But here I am, smiling and feeling very positive about 2013. What a difference a year makes... 

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4. Who let you down?

I'd probably say I've let myself down at times. I wish I was more assertive and a bit stronger for dealing with difficult situations. I've come through a lot, but I think I've still got a way to go.

5. Who supported you?

My friends have been amazing...old & new, real & virtual... and my best friend, who just also happens to be my sister.

6. Tell us one thing you learned.

I can't do it all. It's much harder as a single mummy than I thought it was going to be.

7. Tell us one thing that made you laugh.

I laugh a lot. Sometimes at the littlest of things. This weekend I had my sister and her husband staying with us, and what a laugh it was. One word for you Ali... gestunken!! (You had to be there!!)

8. Tell us one thing that made you cry.

As well as the laughter this year, there has been a lot of tears. Sometimes over big things, and others over sad movies or songs. Tears were also shed in the back of a police van...!!

9. Tell us three things your child or children did to make you feel proud.

My children amaze me every day & I'm so proud of them!

My daughter is learning new words and constantly surprises me with little phrases that she's picked up. The other day she said 'love you mummy' for the first time and I was a very proud parent!

We knew at the start of the year that my son needed glasses to help correct a squint. More recently he has been a super star and has adapted so quickly to wearing his new specs and has been an angel at his check-up appointments.

Both my children are very polite - they say please and thank you (littlest needs prompted still) and just this afternoon, after a friend had visited with her kids, my son said to her daughter as they were leaving (without prompting) - 'thank you for coming to play with me'. That made me proud :-)

10. Tell us one thing that made you proud of yourself.

In May I ran my first ever race, and I properly jumped in at the deep end with a half marathon! I completed the race in 2 hours 12 minutes - I'm really proud of my efforts and we (my sister, her colleague and I) managed to raise a whopping £4500 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

11. Tell us one challenge you overcame.

I guess one of the challenges I faced was to maintain my new figure. After a dramatic weight loss at the end of 2011, was it possible to keep the weight off?? I'm pleased to say that yes, I'm still a size 10. Although I have put on a stone over the year, but I actually think I was too skinny at one point. If I can lose 7 lbs again I'll be very happy.

There have also been parenting things that I perceived as challenges, such as ditching the baby bottles, but it was actually much easier than I thought. Next challenge is to get the toddler to ditch his dummy!!

12. Tell us three things you would like to change about your life in 2013.

I've been giving much thought to my New Years resolutions these past few days.

One is that I'd like to get more organised. This is mainly to do with food - meal planning & cooking from scratch. But also includes planning ahead with friends and family for play dates, visits etc.

Another is that I'd like to bake more regularly with the kids. Ideally once a week, but I think I'll aim for fortnightly to start with.

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My final thing would be that I'd like to make further progress with my 35 at 35 list. So far I've ticked off 7 items on my list, but I've still a lot to do!! I already have one item lined up for January, and hopefully another for the springtime. Watch this space!!

Anyone can take part, and Kate has already tagged a multitude of bloggers - some of whom I would have tagged. So if you would like to be tagged, please let me know.

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{Bit of a Failure}

This week has been a bit of a failure for #groovingmums with Kate on Thin Ice. I've not had the time to attempt the challenges which I'm slightly annoyed at. I can't believe that tomorrow is December already.... where has the time gone!?

Despite not doing the challenges, I have been busy (when am I not?!).

The DIY is still ongoing. I will finish it in time for Christmas! I've picked up some new bathroom fittings from the supermarket (I had looked on eBay for a bargain to allow me to join in with Magpie Monday but couldn't find anything I liked). 

I had also planned a trip to the local charity shops but the weather has been so miserable that I've not wanted to go! I'm taking part in the Christmas Curiosity Project so I need to get going and get my box posted - I've been collecting bits and pieces for the curious person I've been assigned and had hoped to get a few more things from the charity shop. (Bit annoyed as I can't find one of the things I had already looked out, so I'll need to do some searching today in the house to find it again - my son has probably moved it!!). I'm so excited about receiving my box :-)

I went to running club and this week I ran 8.66 miles.... in the wind & rain too! I was also at my weekly Pilates class.

I had a weigh in with my personal trainer and my body fat percentage is now down to 25%!!!!! It was 39% when I started, so I'm giving myself a big pat on the back. Go me!

I've also had a couple of successes in terms of my blogging.... I was mentioned in the Scottish Roundup, the best of Scottish blogging every week, and I also had an excerpt of my blog about #groovingmums published on the Love New Blogs weekly showcase. Yay!

Here are this week’s prompts or challenges if you will.
1. How is your health? Is there a niggling problem that you are avoiding bringing to the attention of your GP? Are you up to date with your smear test and other matters? How can you ensure that you are in tip-top form before the stress of Christmas hits?
2. What does the concept of freedom mean to you? Do you have enough or do you sometimes feel hemmed in with your various responsiblities? When are you cut a bit of slack by your family, friends and colleagues?
3. Laughter Therapy – Can you do something this week that will make you laugh out loud? Perhaps see a funny film, write an amusing blog post or visit a comedy show? Maybe just share a joke with us.
4. Blog Hopping – One good way to make new blogger contacts is via blog hopping. How about taking part in one of the Britmums prompts this week? One is related to the festive season and one is about blogging in the New Year. Visit the Britmums site for more details. http://www.britmumsblog.com/2011/11/britmums-blog-prompt-christmas-wishes/

I have already e-mailed my gastroenterology consultant to arrange an appointment. My Crohn's symptoms seem to be getting a little worse and I want to get this under control before returning to work in January... I'm thinking of asking the in-laws to take the kiddies so I can have a day to myself to relax, have a nice lunch in local cafe, browse the local shops etc and have some precious me-time as there won't be much of it once I get back to work!

{What I Wore Wednesday #6}

I'm linking up with Transatlantic Blonde for her 'What I Wore Wednesday' blog hop. I'm uber jealous as she was lucky to win a competition allowing special access to the new Versace range at H&M. You can check out what she bought here.

If you haven't already seen my post, then you can check out my new capsule wardrobe which I recently purchased from House of Fraser on a personal shopping trip. I can't recommend it enough, and it's a free service!!

Here's my outfit from this week:

Dress by French Connection

Jeans from Next

Boots from M&S

Glasses, as usual, are by Dior

{And the beat goes on}

So, here's my #groovingmums update for Kate's Getting your groove back blog hop.


This week has been a bit 'bleugh'... can't think of a better word to describe it, sorry! I've now completed my three treats that I had lined up for achieving and maintaining my weight loss (cupcake masterclass, spa visit with a friend and personal shopping trip). I kinda feel like I've not got anything much to look forward to and despite the weight loss and feeling a bit better within myself things still aren't brilliant and I'm not sure if I have my groove back or not... 


However, I suppose there is Christmas next month which I'm very excited about as my toddler seems to be starting to understand about Christmas, probably due to him being at nursery. I've also got my 30th birthday in January which I need to start planning... thinking of having a party at the house but not totally sure yet. My to-do-list just keeps getting bigger and bigger!


This week I've only managed one run on Sunday with the running club girls and I did 7 miles! A new personal best, so I'm pleased with my achievement. *mentally ticks off one of the challenges from last week!* I'm sure that by May 2012 I'll be able to run the half marathon as planned... I might even do it in a decent time!

Healthy eating wise I've been so-so. I've indulged in quite a few cakes... had a massive scone at garden centre with hubby and the kids at the weekend (it was yum though!) and I also had one delivered to the house from Sponge which was delicious! I've not weighed myself so I'm not sure if I'm still at my target weight or not... got my personal trainer this week so I'll find out then :-/

I've continued with my painting and decorating at the house. I'm actually just back from B&Q where I was getting some more supplies as I plan to do some more painting tonight once the kiddies are in bed!

I have been enjoying my new wardrobe and I've been making an effort to mix n'match with my new clothes and wear things that are a little bit different for me.

On Saturday night I was at a friend's new house for a housewarming party. Hubby stayed to babysit the kids so I went along on my own. I was a bit nervous... I wasn't sure if I was going to know anyone there and I was feeling rather self conscious despite my amazing new clothes. I wore my skinny jeans, orange pussy bow blouse and my leopard print boots and I got a few nice comments about my shoes which made me feel more confident. Aside from my friend who's house it was, I knew one other person there, but I had a fab night and met some lovely people... There was no dancing though so I failed on Kate's challenge from last week (unless dancing about in the kitchen with the kids counts??... maybe the neighbours can vouch for me!).

In terms of Kate's other challenges, I have shared a favourite, but sad, poem in my Poetry blog post and I also took part in Kate Takes 5 listography blog hop which was harder than I thought it would be!

Yesterday I did some baking with the toddler (he licked the bowl - does that count!), and my hubby took the cakes to his work today for his staff. I was practicing my recipe for my Christmas cupcakes for the neighbours.... vanilla sponge with a gingerbread frosting... although I used pink spotty cupcake cases and heart decorations whereas my Christmas ones will be a bit different. I got a text from hubby to say that one of his staff members said my cakes were 'the nicest she's ever had' and 'well done you, everyone loves them'. So I was very pleased with that... success!

I packaged the cakes in the cupcake boxes I shared in my fabulous finds post

Here are the challenges set by Kate for this week:

1. Winter Warmth – how can you treat yourself to something that keeps you warm in this wintry weather. A new hat, scarf or pair of gloves? A pampering session involving heat? A hot chocolate every night for a week? Whatever warmth means to you. 

2. Money – is it time you thought about your finances? This will mean different things to different people. Do you have debts to sort out? Do you need advice on benefits? Is it worth joining an credit union as a way to build up savings and with access to credit? Is it time you set a budget for Christmas and stuck to it? It is absolutely up to you how you interpret this one. 

3. Art – How much do you know about art? Would you like to share a favourite painting with us and tell us why it appeals to you? Do you create things yourself that you would like to promote? Would you like to learn more about art and how might you do that?

4. Blogging Fun – How about taking part in Magpie Monday where bloggers celebrate bargain pre-owned finds whether located in charity shops, car boot sales, Christmas fairs, Ebay or whatever? You will find details with the lovely Liz over on the Me and My Shadow blog.

Perhaps this is the excuse I needed to buy a gorgeous hat I've spotted in a local gift shop? ;-)

Catch up with me next week to see how I got on...

{Ooh! That's Pinteresting! Home}

I'm busy doing some decorating at my house and so this week for Tina Gray's Ooh! That's Pinteresting! blog hop I thought I would share some of my inspiration from my 'For the Home' pinboard. You'll see that I'm a big fan of grey at the moment!

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{Listography - Top 5 Random Likes}

Kate on Thin Ice suggested we take part in Kate Takes 5 Listography this week as one of her #groovingmums challenges.  I LOVE lists!!! The topic this week is the "Top 5 Random Things I Like"...

So, here goes...

1. Pick n' mix sweets, preferably fizzy sour ones (I would go as far as saying that I was addicted to these about 8/9 years ago)

(BTW it's taken me nearly 30 minutes to think of item #1 so goodness knows when I'll finish this post!!!)


2. Completing forms (just like The Mother Experiment)... when I was little I'd get forms from the Post Office, or where-ever I could get my hands on them, and take them home to complete in my neatest handwriting. Sad, I know!

3. Paper... Coloured, patterned, plain, glittery... I'm very much into crafts and I have a few box files of various bits and pieces of paper (although sometimes I like them too much to cut them up & use them!). At my primary school there were two class visits one year.  I was very jealous of my friends who went to the paper factory.... where did I go I hear you ask... the fish factory!!

(Starting to really struggle to think of more things now...)

4. Being snuggled up in a sleeping bag (doesn't necessarily need to be in a tent!!)... For a while my boyfriend (now hubby!) knew never to call me on a certain evening (think it was a Wednesday) between the hours of 9 and 10pm because I'd be tucked up in my sleeping bag lying on my living room floor watching Sex & The City and munching on a big bag of pick n' mix!!!

5. Movies and books that make me cry.

Done...phew! That was way more difficult than I thought it was going to be!!

{What I Wore Wednesday #5}

This week I'm linking up with Transatlantic Blonde for her 'What I Wore Wednesday' blog hop... and yes, this week it's actually running and I'm properly linking up rather than doing it on my own... whoops!


I've decided to share a couple of outfits this week...
Away to the local shops for a walk with the kiddies...

Black long sleeved t-shirt from Tu, Sainsbury's

Skinny jeans from Next Tall

Black flat boots from Debenhams...I think they're Nine West but I'll have to double check!

Here I am in my painting gear....!!

Black long sleeved t-shirt from Tu, Sainsbury's

Jeans from Topshop Tall

Brown belt from Topshop

At the Personal Shopper...

Silk flower printed tunic from M&S

Skinny jeans from Next Tall

Brown ankle boots from M&S

Brown handbag from M&S

Glasses by Dior

{A Productive Week}

Yep, it's that time of the week again already and I'm linking up with Kate for her Grooving Mums blog hop.

One of the challenges from last week was to Embrace the Spirit...

"This will mean different things to different people so respond in a way that makes sense to you. It might involve revisiting a place of worship, taking part in a religious festival, meditating, looking at which goddess you most identify why or whatever makes sense to you."

I'm ashamed to admit that I've not done anything towards this challenge... Will perhaps try and incorporate this into a post somehow over the coming week.

The next challenge was Body Fun...

"Do something to your body that you would not normally do. Paint your toe-nails, wear lipstick, colour your hair, wear make-up to take it off for a day if you usually wear it, play around and experiment."

I had booked myself in for a make-up lesson which I thoroughly enjoyed. I picked up a lot of new techniques and for someone who very rarely wears eyeliner I am now feeling more confident at applying it. What a difference it made to my overall look by having some nice eye make-up done! My mum always swore by the mantra 'look good, feel good' and I do believe in this too. I always feel much better when I've had my hair done or my nails painted. I rarely paint my fingernails (I've had them done at salons a couple of times, but I'm rubbish at applying nail polish myself!). I'm going to make the effort to paint my nails this week as I've got another 'Keeping in Touch' Day at my work this week.

I've had a very busy week... I've been continuing with the decorating at my house (in my painting gear just now actually!) and I'm making good progress. I've done a little bit more Christmas shopping and I think I only have hubby to buy for now. My sister came to visit and we had our make-up lesson and personal shopping trip (more on this in a separate post - it was brilliant!). I've been a bit better with the healthy eating (except for the massive sticky toffee pudding my sister and I consumed!!) and I even went on a run on Sunday morning by myself (5 miles!) as running club was too late for us to make our shopping appointment. I got my wedding & engagement rings cleaned at a local jeweller and I put in some of my mum's jewellery to be cleaned also. I'm going to make more of an effort to accessorise my outfits. My sister and I also did a photo session with my kiddies in the park for this year's Christmas card and I was designing it last night on the computer... I've been very productive!! I can't help but think though that this is a case of 'fake it til you make it' as described by Katie over at Dazed, But Enthused.

Unfortunately, part of my tooth has come out... I had root canal treatment on it a few years ago and I think I might need to get a crown which I'm not looking forward to. Ever since the root canal treatment I've been having sort of panic attacks in the dentist's chair. I've never had an issue with the dentist until now. I have to keep reminding myself to breath and try to focus on other things whilst I'm getting my teeth checked. I've got the dentist tomorrow and I'm already not looking forward to it.

Here are the challenges for this week:

"1. Set your own challenge, something that is meaningful to you. Or even better, include a challenge in your blog post that all grooving mums might want to have a go at.
2. Investigate poetry and share a favourite with us whether poetry is something you indulge in often, sometimes or never.
3. Dance whether at an event, in the privacy of your own home or out on a walk with the children.
4. Take part in the Listography blog hop over at Kate Takes 5. It will help us all get to know each other that little bit better."

I'm going to put my thinking cap on regarding setting my own challenge... it might be something like a new personal best for my running, or to attempt something different with my hair style... not sure yet. Poetry is not my thing, but I will do my best to see what I can come up with. Dancing I love...might need to be in the privacy of my own house but watch this space and see what I get up to! I'm also going to take part in the listography... keep a look out for my post.

Hope you've all had good weeks #groovingmums!

{What I Wore Wednesday #4}

I'm linking up with Transatlantic Blonde for her 'What I Wore Wednesday' blog hop and I'm sharing an outfit from yesterday (I think I'm a bit out of sync with the posts, so I apologise, but I thought I'd join in anyway!). I went to get my hair cut and coloured and then had a lovely lunch with my good friend Becky from The Olive Dragonfly blog.

Here I am...

Glasses - Dior

Necklace - was my mums

Grey tunic with brown leather trim - Wallis

Boden patent trainers

I'm off on my personal shopping trip with my sister this weekend, so I'll hopefully have lots of fab outfits to share over the coming weeks! Hope the hubby is ready as it's all going on his credit card...!!!

{Ooh! That's Pinteresting... Words}

I'm linking up again this week with Tina Gray for her "Ooh! That's Pinteresting" blog hop.

This week Tina has shared some images on the theme of 'hugs'. I thought I would share with you some quotes, words of wisdom, sayings & phrases that I've pinned to my 'Words' board.

This was one of my first pins...I then went on to lose 3 stone & dropped 3 dress sizes {image credit}

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Yes please... {image credit}

Not long until I hit my thirties! {image credit}

Happiness {image credit}

Need to work on this one... I think sometimes I can be too nice {image credit}

Live your life... {image credit}

Ever since my mum died, I've kept reminding myself of this... {image credit}

Thought I'd end with an amusing one! {image credit}

{What I Wore Wednesday}

Taking part again this week with Transatlantic Blonde for her What I Wore Wednesday bog hop thing. Join in if you fancy - all you need to do is share an outfit from the previous week and then join in with the linky on her blog.

So, here's my outfit from Thursday last week when I went into work for a 'Keeping in Touch' day:

Glasses by Dior

Black Dress by Gok Wan at Sainsbury's

Tights from M&S 100 denier wool

Boots from M&S

If you haven't already noticed, I love Marks and Spencers! I don't know if that is a good thing for a 29 year old, but I do. I've got so many great items of clothing from M&S, in particular from The Limited Collection and Autograph (not a fan of Per Una I have to say). I do find that their trousers aren't long enough for me (I'm just under 6 foot tall) and their knitwear doesn't tend to wash well (I always end up with things shrinking in the wash despite following the care instructions). On the other hand I love their shoes, accessories, dresses (have a fab leopard print number from The Limited Collection) and underwear. I hope that you don't think less of me now that I've admitted that! My friends think it's hilarious as they're always asking me where I got things, and more often than not my reply is M&S!

{Grooving, or not as the case may be...}

I'm linking up again this week with Kate on Thin Ice for her weekly #groovingmums Blog Hop. This is week #6 already, and we're now into November... where has the time gone? Grab the badge that features above and check out Kate's blog if you fancy joining in.

I've had a bit of a mixed week if I'm honest.

My dad was here last week which was lovely to catch up with him and his wife. My son adored having his granddad around - we went to the garden centre and you could here my son shouting at the top of his voice from all corners of the store... 'Granddad, where are you?'. My sister also came down for one night and we had a mini-celebration for my dad's 60th (which is actually in November, but we won't see him again until April). I enjoyed being the hostess (I used to love hosting dinner parties b.c.) and I prepared a few nibbles for our friends & family which went down a storm (big thanks to my friend Claire for the inspiration for all the canapes). We also had a day trawling round some fabric shops and I'm feeling inspired to get the sewing machine out to make some curtains for the house (watch this space!). My sister has already made a cushion amongst other things with the fabric she purchased (she's child-free so can get things done much quicker than me!).

Some nibbles.... healthy-ish!!

On Thursday after my dad left I had a 'Keeping in Touch' day at my work. I'm due to start back in January, but had a day of training organised. I have to admit it was nice being back, even though I spent the afternoon reading Standard Operating Procedures! I wore my new Gok Wan dress (size 10!) and got a few nice comments about my new slim figure.

At work.... 

I also had a lovely night away in a 5 star hotel with a friend. We had a day of pampering at the spa followed by a lovely dinner that we got all dressed up for...

Dressed up for dinner in my new Wallis spotty dress

For Halloween on Monday I took the kiddies in their pirate outfits to visit granny & grandpa and they had a lovely day. My sister-in-law also came along with her two little ones so my son had great fun playing with his older cousin.

Last night, my friend Becky and I went to a flower arranging course. It was a one-off 2 hour course at a local florist and I had a great time and learnt loads. I'll do a separate blog post on this, but here is a quick photo of my creation:

However, here are the negatives (thought I'd start with the positive, up-beat bit!)...

Sticking to the healthy eating has been difficult now that Maria, my personal trainer, has said I can ditch the food diary. I've had too many nice cakes with my dad when he was here followed by a weekend of indulgence... must try harder this week.

I've also not been feeling great. I've had a bit of a cold and my tummy has been a bit sore too. I've been a bit of an idiot when it came to my Crohn's medication. With my weight loss I should have really reduced the dose of my medication, so I've technically been taking an overdose and I've been getting some not-so-nice side effects! My own fault really. My dose has now been lowered, but it's going to take a wee while for things to settle out. 

I've also not been doing much exercise... partly because I've been too busy and partly because I've been feeling a bit rubbish. I'm finding it difficult to go out running in the evenings now as it's so dark and it's not really safe to go on my own. I would go in the morning before hubby & the kids get up, but again it's too dark. I'm finding it really tricky to keep to the exercise plan at the moment and I'm feeling sluggish and a bit bleugh...

I feel like all I do is go round and round the house picking up stuff all the time and don't actually get anything done... dirty nappies, messy clothes, toys, more toys and even more toys...

Here's hoping the week picks up!