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.

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.

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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.

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.

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. 

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! 

http://penguinspastapolkadots.blogspot.com/search/label/From%20Firsts%20to%20Lasts

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.  

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.

Day 4

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

250 Words & Weddings & Blog Challenges.

I'm jumping on this bandwagon today. I know It's a day late for this one but I was so busy with doing the end of month Invoicing yesterday (when it was actually day one) that I didn't have a chance to catch up on anything going on in the blogging world at all. So without further adieu....Here goes.

Day One - Story of Your Life 

I was born Sara Esther Pilling in the Edith Watson maternity unit in Burnley, Lancashire on Saturday 8 April 1978,  A few days later my mum and dad took me home to what would then become my home for the next 35 Years. I have lived in the same house in Loveclough since I came home.

At the tender age of  I was blessed with a little brother - Jonathan (He got married last Saturday)  

Jonathan and Kate. 

and we quickly became close. In September of that year I began attending Crawshawbooth Primary School, just down the road. I have some great memories from there, but those are another story.

Next came Haslingden High School where I made many new friends, then came college and boys and going out with friends most weekends. I became very friendly with a group of girls who were sisters and twins. The first set of twins were friends from college, the second set were friends of the twins from college. It was quite weird in a way. After I left college, I kind of lost touch with the girls and went on to pursue a  career in retail. That lasted almost several years until I decided to leave because my line manager thought she was better than us all and a right cow to everyone. She had a nervous breakdown two months after I left! 

Then whilst I was in between jobs, I met the first and only man who would break my heart, he was a friend of my friend's dad and they played in a band together, he was their drummer. We only went out for a couple of months and it was never destined to work because he lived in Manchester and I wasn't prepared to go down there every weekend, but we stayed friends for a while and then lost touch when the band split. A couple of years later I met Kevin. Kevin is the most caring, loving, gentle man I have ever met. He knows how to treat a lady, he won't take crap from anyone and will tell you straight if he doesn't like you. He's been hurt in the past like me, so we have something in common. 

The week before my brother's wedding. 

After My brother's wedding. 

Enjoying a night out with Friends - OMG how big is my double chin!!!

I think I've gone over 250 words, but hey who cares right? Hope y'all learned a few things about me. I know it's a bit short n sweet but I have still got a load of invoicing to do from yesterday. 

Blog Everyday In May Challenge

BLOG EVERY DAY IN MAY CHALLENGE

I found this on another bloggers post. and I for one could use a challenge esp if now a days I think and believe that I bore my readers and followers to the point they don't even want to comment. Well....how about this Join me on this challenge as well as returning the favor to those who comment you and take the time out of their day to comment you! Those that leave nice comments. The negative and bad ones can be thrown out. 

Here are the rules:

1.  There really aren't any rules. If you miss a day, you can make it up or skip it. The blog police will not come knocking.
2.  You can still post other things every day, too. I plan to do normal outfit posts, life posts, around-Austin posts, and sponsor posts just like usual.
3.  I'd seriously love you if you also include the "blog every day in May" button (below) either on your sidebar or at the end of your posts, but again, the blog police will not come knocking. My main goal here is to get us all back to the basics of blogging, not to gain a million new readers (though I wouldn't mind that). 
4.  Here are the topics. You can be as creative and awesome or as boring and bland as you like with these. Take 'em and run with it. Use creative post titles. Interpret each "prompt" however you like. There's no wrong way to do it. Have fun.

Day 1, Wednesday: The story of your life in 250 words or less (or one paragraph... no one will be counting your words... probably)
Day 2, Thursday: Educate us on something you know alot about or are good at. Take any approach you'd like (serious and educational or funny and sarcastic)
Day 3, Friday: Things that make you uncomfortable
Day 4, Saturday: Favorite quote (from a person, from a book, etc) and why you love it
Day 5, Sunday: Publicly profess your love and devotion for one of your blogger friends. What makes them great? Why do you love them? If you don't have blogger friends, talk about a real-life friend or even a family member
Day 6, Monday: If you couldn't answer with your job, how would you answer the question, 'what do you do'?
Day 7, Tuesday: The thing(s) you're most afraid of
Day 8, Wednesday: A piece of advice you have for others. Anything at all.
Day 9, Thursday: A moment in your day (this can be just a photo or both a photo and words)
Day 10, Friday: Most embarrassing moment (s). Spill. 
Day 11, Saturday: Sell yourself in 10 words or less
Day 12, Sunday: What do you miss? (a person, a thing, a place, a time of your life...)
Day 13, Monday: Issue a public apology. This can be as funny or as serious or as creative as you want it to be.
Day 14, Tuesday: Ten things that make you really happy
Day 15, Wednesday: A Day in the life (include photos from throughout your typical day - this could be "a photo an hour" if you'd like)
Day 16, Thursday: Something difficult about your "lot in life" and how you're working to overcome it
Day 17, Friday: A favorite photo of yourself and why
Day 18, Saturday: Tell a story from your childhood. Dig deep and try to be descriptive about what you remember and how you felt.
Day 19, Sunday: Five of your favorite blogs and what you love about them
Day 20, Monday: Get real. Share something you're struggling with right now.
Day 21, Tuesday: A list of links to your favorite posts in your archives
Day 22, Wednesday: Rant about something. Get up on your soapbox and tell us how you really feel. (a pet peeve, a current event, a controversial topic, something your husband or roommate or neighbor or boss does that really ticks you off)
Day 23, Thursday: Things you've learned that school won't teach you
Day 24, Friday: Your top 3 worst traits
Day 25, Saturday: Something someone told you about yourself that you'll never forget (good or bad)
Day 26, Sunday: Something you read online. Leave a link and discuss, if you'd like.
Day 27, Monday: A letter to your readers
Day 28, Tuesday: Only pictures
Day 29, Wednesday: Five songs or pieces of music that speak to you or bring back memories. Use Grooveshark or YouTube to include them in the post
Day 30, Thursday: React to this term: Letting Go
Day 31, Friday: A vivid memory

April Snapshots 2013

I haven't done this one in a while.

1) Candle Scents This month.
Black Coconut, Coconut Bay, Velvet Cupcake.

2) What I'm Reading this month.
Striker - Michelle Betham.
3) Top 3 2 Songs I was Drawn to.
Eric Clapton - Wonderful Tonight (this was my brother and his wife's chosen song for their first dance).  Jerusalem. 
4) Movies I saw.
Django Unchained. 
5) Calendar Image for the Month.

I know it's not exactly a calendar image, but it's something that's happened this month.

6) New recipe I tried this month. 

Slimming World - Creamy Garlic Mushroom Tagliatelle. 

7) Restaurants where I ate.

The Alma Inn - For my brother's wedding reception. Nino's - For mine, my dad's, my mum and dad's wedding anniversary and to celebrate my brother getting married. New Waggoners - Kevin taking me for lunch on my birthday. 

8) Five things I loved this month.

1) Spring finally arriving. 2) Having my family around me when we were at Nino's. 3) Kevin meeting my parent's properly and actually getting on with my dad. 4) Celebrating my brother's wedding. 5) Having Kevin there by my side to get me through the day.  

9) Three goals I had for this month:

1) To get my stone award. 2) Complete Unit 4 of my business admin course. 3) Download a new book for my kindle. 

10) This month I looked forward to: 

My brother's wedding.

11) Something I want to be thankful for this month.

My weight-loss. 

12) A photo I took this month

Me and Kevin and Jonathan & Kate's wedding. Kev - you look good in a suit babe. wear one more often please!!

Jonathan & Kate are Married. Love you loads little brother.

First Dance as Husband & Wife.

Five for 5

It's Monday again. I will be keeping this short and sweet. it's been a very busy and emotional weekend.

RED = In-complete. GREEN = Completed. PURPLE = Semi-Complete.

1) Try on ALL holiday clothes. - Did this last week and am pleased that everything STILL fits. So that means that I haven't put any weight on!

2) Sort out and Try on clothes for the wedding. - This was done on Friday night.

3) Lose 4lbs. Ok so it wasn't actually 4lbs but I did maintain, which I am happy about. I was surprised this morning after having lost 1lb.

4) Find a job. - Nope still not happening.

5) Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. - Didn't eat as much as I'd have liked but still managed it most days.

So on to this week's goals.

1) Lose those last few pounds - I NEED MY STONE AWARD!!!!!
2) Drink 2 liters of water a day - I NEED TO START DOING THIS FOR DEFINITE.
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.

First Things First Lottery, People & Bad Days.

I'm linking up with Halie this week for First Things First. I didn't do one last week, but this weeks topics sounded like such good fun, I didn't want to miss out. 

So without further adieu, here we go.

1. What's the First thing you would do/buy if you won the lottery?
Hmm. If I won the lottery, the first thing I would actually buy would be an Apple Mac. Preferably a Mac Book Air. I really need a new laptop for blogging and doing school stuff on. My Fujitsu is so slow. Then I would buy a nice red mini cooper and drive over to Kevin's work (when he gets a new job) I will turn up in reception and ask to see him. If they refuse to let him come into reception, I will ring him and tell him to come down because he is handing his notice in right now and we are going to the airport. 

2. First person you call when you get amazing news.
This one might just depend on the news. Usually I'll call Kevin, but then I'd call my mom. If it was to say I had won the lottery, I would call my parents first, then I'd call Kevin. 

3. First thing you do when you get home after a bad day.
Now if I've had a really really bad day, I would make a cup of tea. Run a bath and just chill. After a nice hot bath, I like to sleep. Last night I came home and had a bath, then after my tea I just went straight to bed and slept. I feel so much more refreshed in the mornings after a good night's sleep.

Looking forward to linking up next week.

Five for 5

Going to be short and sweet this week. I am NOT a happy bunny today.

RED = Incomplete. GREEN= Completed. BLUE = Semi Complete.
1) Use e E-cig everyday.Pleased with this one.
2) Walk/Workout at least 3 times this week. This just didn't happen.
3) Pay £20 off O2 bill on friday. Nope.
4) Eat fish or chicken with  all week. Could've done a little better with this one.
5) Delete all the apps I don't need or use everyday. See above.

Next weeks goals are as follows:

1) Try on ALL holiday clothes.
2) Sort out my clothes ready for Johnny's wedding on Saturday.
3) Lose 4lbs.
4) Find a JOB.
5) Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables - ALL week.

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Ok, I've finally got around to jumping on this bandwagon. This has been floating around blogland for a few days now, so I'm gonna hop on board. (Erin, you're a genius for starting this -- and you didn't even realize what you started!) 


The Good

1. I am a great listener.  Although I do like to Listen. I don't always give good advice back though. 

2. I am very Tech Savvy. My parents aren't and are always asking me to help them out! 

3. I stick to something once I put my mind to it. Like blogging. 

4. I am determined to lose another stone before my holiday in July. Currently going to slimming world and have almost got my stone award. Just need to push a little harder and It will come.

5. I have never taken drugs - Like Hard drugs. 

The Bad 1. I get paranoid easily. Of Kevin's ex-workmate.  I'm sure she fancies him.  2. I'm crap with saving money. Seriously I need to save some. 3. I have smoked since meeting Kevin. I did smoke before meeting him but not as much. I was more of a social smoker. I know its a bad nasty habit, I really need to kick this bad habit.  4. I drink far too much Diet Soda. If it didn't taste so damn good. Coca Cola/Pepsi Cola I blame you for getting me hooked .  5. I am cheating on SlimmingWorld. I know I shouldn't but I am. At the moment I am taking Raspberry Ketones and they seem to be working. I've got 2.5Lbs to lose this week.  The Ugly 1. I can go days without showering. It's gross, I know. But I seriously hate being wet and having wet hair. (For the record, I'm generally an every-other-day showerer, but I hate it and it feels like work.) 2. I am extremely messy at home. There is a pile of clothes, bags etc at the foot of my bed. I have too much stuff.  3. I can go a day without brushing my teeth. I know i should brush twice daily but seriously it's too much like hard work. 4. I have dry skin in between my toes. It's seriously bugging me. Nothing seems to get rid of it. 5. I argue with Kevin about my work situation. He knows I can't pay him in full every month, yet he still wants paying.