Thursday, June 13, 2013

50 Things you KNOW You want to know about me!

Thanks to Allie & Jen for introducing me to Steph's fabulous idea. 

Get ready to know 50 things about me you {probably} didn't know and {more than likely} could have gone without knowing. 

#Sorrynotsorry- Thirty Something Girl

Here we go....

1. Do you like blue cheese? Yes I like it but not as much as Stilton Cheese.

2. Have you ever smoked a cigarette? Yep. And unfortunately I still smoke now. Although I currently have 4 left and intend to use my Electronic one and give up.

3.Do you own a gun? Nope. Nor would I want to own one. They are nasty things.

4. What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? What's Sonic? Do we even have that here in Blighty? 

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Sometimes. Depends what I'm going for and which doctor. Our doctor who we used to go see when we were little has retired now...Long live Dr Bill!

6. Do you like hot-dogs? Oh Yes! Especially those big juicy 12" ones from costco with onions and mustard and ketchup...

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Water and then I'll have a cup of tea with Semi-Skimmed Milk. Then I might go on to Green Tea.

9. Can you do push-ups? Never wanted to but yes, girly ones though!

10. What’s your favorite meal? I've a few. Mum's red rice and Kubbah. Or a nice Stir-fry. Love a bit of Mash as well, but just Mash on it's own. 

11. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry? I love all my Jewelry, but if I had to pick a favourite, it would be the Charm bracelet that Kevin bought me a few years ago. 

12. Favorite hobby? Writing, Reading and Blogging. Ooooh and Photography!

13. Do you work with people who idolize you? No. They wouldn't know how to idolize me!

14. Name a trait that you hate about yourself? I can be quite shy when meeting new people. I'm also quite stubborn and haven't got a lot of willpower to stick at something.

15. Middle name? Esther after my Grandma on my mum's side. Now I wish it was something else because we fell out (or rather my grandma fell out with us) with her over 2 years ago and haven't spoken since. I doubt my wonderful Grandad Hawil (Sadly no longer with us) would have had something to say!

16. Name 3 thoughts at this moment: Whether there's enough Milk(Oh hey thanks dad!), what time Kevin's interview is today. Should I write up chapter's 5 and 6 of my book today.

17. Name 3 things you bought yesterday: Some Nivea sunblock for my face, a bottle of diet pepsi and some gaviscon indigestion/heartburn tablets.

18. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink.Water, Tea(Green included) and Diet Soda.

19. Current worry right now? Money, finding a job!

20. Current hate right now? Having to work until 10.30 pm on Saturday because of stupid stock-take!

21. Favorite place to be? On the Beach in Salou(I'll be there in just under 5 weeks!) Kevin's house.

22. How did you bring in New Years? Very drunkenly with Kevin and our friends at a bar.

23. Favorite place to go? Salou. Manchester. 

24. What is your most recurring dream? I can't say I have a recurring dream.

25. Introvert or extrovert? Extrovert when I want to be.

26. What color shirt are you wearing? Long sleeve brown with short sleeve grey tee.

27. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? Oh yes.

28. Can you whistle? Yep! But I can't wolf whistle.

29. Favorite color?  Purple, Blue, Grey. Black

30. Would you be a pirate? Errr No.

31. What songs do you sing in the shower? I don't have time to sing in the shower. In, wash and out!

32. Favorite girl’s name? Chloe/Roxanne

33. Favorite boy’s name? Kevin

34. Who is your loudest friend? He's more an acquaintance than a friend, but Simon. He gets louder and louder and louder after each beer! 

35. What’s in your pocket right now? My iPhones 4 and 5. Lighter.

36. Last thing that made you laugh? Honestly, Oh an episode of the Call Centre (a tv programme over here) the other night. This guy was playing Wii and let go of the controller and literally chucked it into the chipboard ceiling! Kevin had to re-wind it so we could watch again. We were both in tears.

37. Bed sheets as a child? Sarah Kay, Rainbow Brite. |Lol. That Rainbow Brite makes me cringe.

38. Worst injury you’ve ever had? Never really had one!

39. Do you love where you live? It's ok I guess. Just wish we didn't get as much sodding rain!

40. How many TVs are in your house? 5. One in the living room, one in the kitchen, one in my room, my mum and dad's room and one in the study that doesn't work.

41. What is your worst habit? Smoking. I never seem to have money. Spending.

42. How many dogs do you have? No dogs. Although a little Yorkshire Terrier would be lovely. 

43. Does someone have a crush on you? Not that I'm aware.

44. Do you own slippers? Yes. I have two pairs. 

45. What is your favorite book? Striker by Michelle Betham at the moment. Harlan Coben's Play dead a close second.

46. What is your favorite candy? Lately? Toffee Crisp. 

47. What is your favorite sports team? Manchester United. San Diego Padres. 

48. What song do you want played at your funeral? Don't want to think about that just yet.

49. What were you doing at 12 AM last night? Sleeping. 

50. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up this morning? Whether or not I need to actually get up and go to the bathroom.

This was so fun! Glad it's circulating!! Go do it! Inquiring minds want to know 50 random things about YOU! 

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

This Month I'm Looking Forward to.....

I am getting seriously excited about seeing this place again! My beloved Salou on the Costa Dorada. This time in just over four weeks I will be lying on that beach. Lying by that pool. Soaking up the sun. Frolicking in the sea with Kevin. Having a laugh with his folks and playing Bingo at the Black Bull or Funky Monkey...Trying to win the 1000E (euro) Jackpot!  Playing cards on the veranda, drinking  San Miguel's and brain freeze. Catching up with our lovely friends Encarna, Narcis, Benet and Carmen, Rosario and the others. 

The Pier

Salou by Night

The nighttime rush

The main beach. Ours is a little cove...so much quieter.

Seriously I cannot wait for this..... Every year we say we will try something different, try somewhere new. But we always end up back here...I really do love this place and this year will be my fifth time here and Kevin's like tenth! It's always such wonderful weather and despite not having  the rest of the gang with us...it will be just as much fun!

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Linky's & Stuff


I'm honoured to be linking up for this today (It's a day late, I know!) with Laney  as I've never actually done one of these before. Here's hoping I'll make a few new friends....





♥ Host: Me (Laney - Night Owl) also known as "Owl Tell It Like It Is" and "Owl Always Blog"



♥Please leave a comment with how you're following and your blog address so I can return the favor. 

♥My Blog Hop includes everyone ! Kick off your shoes, pull up your chair, grab your favorite beverage and let's get to Hopping!

♥Follow the Host (me - Laney)

♥Link your blog post up using the linky tool below! It can be ANYTHING! 

 ♥Visit 3 or more other blogs, say hello & make some new friends! Grab the Button and share it on your page please. 

♥Please leave a comment with how you're following and your bloggy address so we can return the L♥VE!

 ♥Most Importantly: Have a Great (and Safe) Week Everyone!

Monday, June 10, 2013

Five for 5


Link Up time again with Jenn and Jess - Here goes. Green for Complete, Orange Semi-Complete, Red Incomplete.

1) Drink Plenty of water again. At least 2-4 bottles everyday.

2) Lose that last Pound or 2 today and get my Stone award and Body Magic award at Slimming World tonight! - This is a MUST DO!

3) Wash all of my holiday clothes ready for our holidays.

4) Write an up to date list of what I want to take on holiday.

5) Get Kevin to order me a new batch of Raspberry Ketones for the holidays.

Next weeks goals are as follows:

1) Drink plenty of water again.

2) Lose 2.5Lbs at Slimming World

3) Wash and Iron ALL my holiday clothes.

4) Write THAT list of what I want/need to take on holiday.

5) Update and put more music on the iPhone.




Tuesday, June 04, 2013

Holiday's & Silver Body Magic and Salou.


I missed last weeks Tuesday Topics, because of work. But this week I will try and link up with my 8 goals for this month.

1) Shift this stone and another 1/2 a stone ...which is about 14.7lbs (BEFORE OUR HOLIDAYS IN 6 WEEKS!) I just needed 2lbs off at slimming world last night and I bloody well put on because I hadn't eaten enough to burn the fat, even though I was up and down all day at work! But a bonus was getting my Bronze Body Magic Certificate!!!! 

2) Achieve my Silver Body Magic award at Slimming World before we go on our Hols to this wonderful place. 

Salou's Promenade

Hotel Calypso - Our favourite hotel. 


3) Wash and Iron all my holiday clothes. 

4) Make a list of what I want to take. 

5) Download some books to the Kindle. 

6) Put more music on my iPhones. 

7) Buy a Kaftan type top for the beach/pool. 

8) Order some more Raspberry Ketones before we go away.

Hopefully I'll be able to link up next week too. 



Monday, June 03, 2013

Five For 5.


1. Use the last of the free guest passes my mom has for the gym, get to the pool twice. Only got to go swimming once last week. 

2. Drink 2-4 bottles of Vittel water everyday. I am pleased with this one because I had more than enough water everyday. 

3.  Try out a new recipe. Didn't get round to this but Kevin did make a meat and potato pie all by himself. Which was good. So maybe it should be an Orange. Lol. 

4. Work out twice at home. Didn't get to do this either because I was over at Kevin's a lot last week after he had his operation.  

5. Make Kevin a main course and a sweet on Sunday this week. We ate out yesterday for tea with Kevin's brother and nephew because Kevin didn't feel like cooking anything and it was HIS turn.

This week's goals are:

1) Drink Plenty of water again. At least 2-4 bottles everyday.

2) Lose that last Pound or 2 today and get my Stone award and Body Magic award at Slimming World tonight! - This is a MUST DO!

3) Wash all of my holiday clothes ready for our holidays.

4) Write an up to date list of what I want to take on holiday.

5) Get Kevin to order me a new batch of Raspberry Ketones for the holidays.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Five for 5


I'm a day late linking up with Jess and Jenn this week, because we had a public holiday yesterday and as you know I'm usually bang on time with my Five for 5 post. GREEN = COMPLETED. RED = INCOMPLETE.  PURPLE = NEARLY THERE. 


1) GET SHUT OF THESE LAST 3LBS THAT I NEED FOR MY 1ST STONE AWARD - I will be positive about this and stick to my eating plan.

2) Keep a food journal and PLAN, PLAN, PLAN. - If I do this I won't end up eating crap and have things I shouldn't be having.

3) Keep a journal for the week to help focus on the positive things from the day.

4) Get to the gym/pool twice and push towards my Bronze Body Magic award at Slimming World.

5) Buy Kevin a Get Well Soon card. - He's going in hospital for a Hernia operation on Wednesday so I will be giving him plenty of TLC if he's allowed home on Wednesday night.

Did bad last week, only got to the pool once. Last week was a bit hectic, I spent most evenings with Kevin after his operation on Wednesday night when he was allowed home. So it's no wonder I haven't stuck to any of my goals.

This week.....

1. Use the last of the free guest passes my mom has for the gym, get to the pool twice.

2. Drink 2-4 bottles of Vittel water everyday.

3.  Try out a new recipe.

4. Work out twice at home.

5. Make Kevin a main course and a sweet on Sunday this week.

Monday, May 20, 2013

Five For 5



Linking up with Jess and Jenn again.  This week I've had a bit of a bad week. Well next week will be great because I am determined to shift a stone before I go away in July. I have 8 weeks.  RED = Incomplete. GREEN = Completed. ORANGE= Almost Complete.

1) Get shut of these last 3Lbs. This just doesn't  seem to be happening. I have been sticking to my slimmingworld plan and watching what I'm eating and keeping track of my syns. I seem to put on, then lose, then maintain and put on. Same cycle week after week.
2) Get to the gym and swim twice this week. I managed to get there once last week!
3) See if Kevin will order me some more Raspberry Ketones. I think Kevin ordered me some more, I will have to find out when I speak to him.
4) Focus on the Positives each day. This worked out great. I will be doing this again this week.
5) Keep a journal for the week. I am a bit disappointed that this didn't happen.

This weeks tasks are as follows:-

1) GET SHUT OF THESE LAST 3LBS THAT I NEED FOR MY 1ST STONE AWARD - I will be positive about this and stick to my eating plan.

2) Keep a food journal and PLAN, PLAN, PLAN. - If I do this I won't end up eating crap and have things I shouldn't be having.

3) Keep a journal for the week to help focus on the positive things from the day.

4) Get to the gym/pool twice and push towards my Bronze Body Magic award at Slimming World.

5) Buy Kevin a Get Well Soon card. - He's going in hospital for a Hernia operation on Wednesday so I will be giving him plenty of TLC if he's allowed home on Wednesday night.



Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Wordpressing malarky

I'm on Wordpress now! Follow me here.

20 Questions for May 2013

Dawn Hasn't done one of these in a while. It's good to link up. 

1. Paper, plastic or bring-your-own?
Now that depends, if I'm shopping we usually bring our own bags for life. They're plastic and strong enough to carry bottles and tins and jars. 

2. What's the next trip you're planning to take?
I don't think I've really got anything planned until Summer Vacation. We're going to Salou again.

3. You are going to the beach for the day. Your essentials--sunblock, bathing suit, towel, sunglasses, water and snacks--are provided for you. One ONE other item do you bring with you?
My Kindle to read and probably my iPhone to play games and social network.

4. What was the last food you *really* craved?
Chicken Liver pate on toast. But it's very high in Syns according to the slimming world app, so i might try and make my own!

5. What is the last thing you changed?
My bed sheets.

6. Have you ever peeked at a present?
Yes. It would be when I was a kid.

7. What is your least favorite part of the morning?
The getting up part, I hate waking up and getting out of bed.

8. Ocean or pool?
Depends. The Ocean for the calmness at sunset. The pool for chilling out and swimming.

9. Name three of your guilty pleasures.
Yankee Candles. Peanut Butter. Jelly Bellys. 

10. Who was your high school celebrity crush?
I think it was Leonardo DiCaprio. Yes I remember I had pictures of him all over my walls and my school books were covered with posters of him.

11. Other than church, to whom did you make your last charitable contribution?
I can't remember.

12. What was the last thing you created?
A photo album with pictures of my brother's wedding, for his return from honeymoon.

13. Do you attend church?
I used to when I was little but don't go as much now.

14. What item do you always seem to forget when you're packing to travel?
I usually don't take enough adapter plugs for travelling to Europe.

15. How many email addresses do you use?
I use two regularly: my personal email and my work email. 

16. What kind of camera do you use?
I have 2 cameras. A FujiFilm 3200 Bridge DSLR and a Canon Ixus 10. But I tend to use the camera on my iPhone 4 and 5 when I'm out and about.

17. How old is the oldest pair of shoes you own?
That would have to be a pair of trainers - Reebok ones that I bought when I was about 14 on holiday in California.

18. What was the last pill you took?
My contraceptive pill. 

19. Who was the last person to instant message you?
My brother iMessaged me. He's justgot home from his honeymoon in Mexico.

20. Which board game was your favorite when you were a child?
Monopoly, Cluedo. Trivial Pursuit. Any of the classics.

Monday, May 13, 2013

Five For 5


 

Hey Y'all. Linking up with Jenn and Jess again for weekly Five for 5. 

Going to be a short one again this week. 
RED = Fail. ORANGE = Semi- Complete. GREEN = Success.

1) Drink at least 2 litres of water everyday. NO DIET SODA - except on the weekends.
2) Eat Fish and Chicken again ALL week - these last few pounds WILL come off!
3) Have fruit and yoghurt for lunch.
4) Plan for Saturday - Kevin's having a boys night (which I am NOT happy about, he knows I hate not seeing him on the weekend :-(
5) Buy some denim shorts for the holidays.

Now for this weeks goals.

1) Get shut of these last 3Lbs.
2) Get to the gym and swim twice this week.
3) See if Kevin will order me some more Raspberry Ketones.
4) Focus on the Positives each day.
5) Keep a journal for the week.

Thursday, May 09, 2013

Day 9, Thursday: A moment in your day.



 

Realizing six and a half years ago that I would want to spend the rest of my life with this man. 

Wednesday, May 08, 2013

Grocery Shopping and Personals.

I'm linking up with Halie for a new version of First Things First -  I'm so excited today, because today Hallie and Halie are re-starting their weekly link-up, with just a slightly spiced-up version, From Firsts to Lasts!  Today though, let's just jump right into our 'first' topics! 



The first aisle you hit up at the grocery store.
This usually depends whether or not the grocery store in question is Tesco's - You see most Tesco stores have a clothing section right? Unless they're the Tesco Express ones. Another factor I consider is, if I'm with my Grandma or my Mum. If I'm with my Gran, then normally it's the Fruit and Veg aisle, but with my Mum we generally hit the clothing section. I'm not a big fan of food shopping but if it needs doing then I'd rather get in and get done.

First store you head to at the mall.
I have to admit, I don't really go to the mall much these days. I used to go quite a lot before I met Kevin. Kevin hates shopping. He will mostly buy his clothes on-line, but if I do get to the mall, whether it be Trafford Centre or Arndale Centre (Both in Manchester UK), it's most like to be Selfidges in the Trafford Centre or Marks & Spencer in the Arndale. 


10 Favorite Foods - This one will be fairly tough!

  • My mum's homemade meatballs or Kebabs
  • Spaghetti Bolognaise
  • Cauliflower Cheese
  • Chicken Stir-Fry
  • Tacos with Chilli 
  • Kubbah
  • Any sort of Pasta with meat and ragu sauce.
  • Mushroom & Cheese Omelette 
  • Salmon baked in the Oven
  • Roast Chicken/Beef with Roast Potatoes and vegetables


9 Favorite Movies (In no particular order)

  • The Green Mile
  • Titanic
  • Toy Story 1,2 & 3
  • Impossible
  • Olympus Has Fallen
  • The Goonies
  • Bad Teacher
  • Friends With Benefits
  • Father of The Bride
  • Cheaper By the Dozen


8 Favorite Musical Artists

  • Snow Patrol
  • Journey
  • Take That
  • Bon Jovi
  • The Lumineers
  • Coldplay
  • Daniel Bedingfield
  • Avicii
  • Anything with a dance beat
  • Kelly Clarkson

7 Things I Love Right Now

  • My iPhone 5
  • Spring (If It does actually come!)
  • Holiday Planning
  • Blogging
  • Finding time to get out with my DSLR - It's a Fuji Film.
  • Kevin's new sofa - He's just bought a new leather one and it's so comfortable.
  • Looking over my brother's wedding and Honeymoon Photos.

6 Places I'd LOVE to Visit

  • Mexico 
  • San Francisco
  • New York
  • Texas
  • The Gold Coast
  • The Great Barrier Reef


5 Favorite Games - Do iPhone Games Count????

  • Words With Friends
  • Draw Something
  • Snabbit/Back to the Future
  • Angry Birds
  • Bubble Mania

4 Things I'd Like to Do Again

  • Work for Marks & Spencer - I said I never wanted another job in retail but I was happy at Marks'.
  • Go to Australia - I love this place and Melbourne is the one City I would love to live.
  • Witness my Brother get married - I know him and Kate are perfect for each other so when I say get married - I would like to see them renew their vows.
  • Go ski-ing - Only been once when I was ickle.


3 Things I'd Like to Do in 2013

  • Blog More
  • Lose 2+ Stones
  • Take More Photos and be a better Photographer.

2 Facts About Me

  • I can be stubborn. 
  • I hate it when Kevin changes plans at the last minute and they don't include me!
1 Meaning Behind My Blog Name

  • Hmmm this could be a tough one. It was originally called Pink Banana. I have no idea where that came from. I guess it's just a random collection of things that are going on in my life that I want to share.  



Tuesday, May 07, 2013

Blog Everyday In May - Days 6 & 7 Jobs and Spiders

Today is a double whammy - I couldn't do any blogging yesterday because I only had my iPhone with me for most of the weekend, Blogging on the iPhone is ok, don't get me wrong. It's just easier to edit things from the pc/laptop.

Anyway I know I've missed out on a couple of these, but I'm going to catch up now and hopefully I'll be back blogging everyday.

So  Day 6, Monday: If you couldn't answer with your job, how would you answer the question, 'what do you do'?

I'm an Administrative Assistant. Short, simple answer. I'd like to thing of myself as an amateur blogger, photographer and all round nice person. Or to put it mildly - A Dogsbody.

Day 7, Tuesday: The thing(s) you're most afraid of.

Oh this is obvious. Spiders. I just simply hate them. Even the small ones. 

I think my fear got worse when my brother decided he wanted a Chilean rose tarantula  as a pet. In the summer it lived in a fish tank in the garage, but come winter he would bring it inside and kept it in his bedroom, in a smaller glass cage. The cage had a plastic mesh roof with a small flap on top so that you could get it out (not that you would want to.) and every night I could hear it tapping either it's leg or it's fangs on the flap. It would sit upside down against it.

I was secretly relived when it died. It scared the hell out of me that Spider. I have always been afraid of spiders ever since.

Five for 5



Ok it's a day late but we had a public holiday here yesterday so that's my excuse for not blogging.

1) Lose those last few pounds - I NEED MY STONE AWARD!!!!!  - I put 1/2 a friggin pound on!!!!! Why can't I shift this last few pounds!!!!!
2) Drink 2 liters of water a day - I NEED TO START DOING THIS FOR DEFINITE.- Yes. I am happy I managed this. 
3) Prepare a welcome banner for MR & MRS PILLING. - MY BROTHER'S BEEN ON HONEYMOON.
4) Get in at least 3 lots of activity - THIS IS A MUST DO!
5) Start a saving plan for mine and Kevin's wedding. - Jonathan and Kate's is out of the way now, so I need to concentrate on mine.

On to this weeks goals.
1) Drink at least 2 litres of water everyday. NO DIET SODA - except on the weekends.
2) Eat Fish and Chicken again ALL week - these last few pounds WILL come off!
3) Have fruit and yoghurt for lunch.
4) Plan for Saturday - Kevin's having a boys night (which I am NOT happy about, he knows I hate not seeing him on the weekend :-(
5) Buy some denim shorts for the holidays.

Sunday, May 05, 2013

Day 4

"A Girl Should Be 2 Things:- Classy And Fabulous." - Coco Chanel.