What I have loved this week! Week 5. #FridayFavourites

It's Friday again and this Friday is a good one because the longest month is almost over and we are finally heading into February! This week has been a better week for me than last week and I have quite a few favourites to share. I am of course linking up with Erika and Andrea.

The Traitors (Again)

I mentioned the TV show The Traitors a couple of weeks ago, it was a totally new show to me and was on it's 3rd season. As I didn't follow it at all it has meant that I have been able to go back and watch the 1st and 2nd series without knowing anything of the players and most importantly who won. I love it so much that I have started watching the US one now. The game is exactly the same but the personalities are bigger.

Trying new food! 

We get Gousto recipe boxes delivered most weeks and once in a while I will pick a recipe which puts my family right out of their comfort zone, this week we tried Haggis! It was actually Becky, my eldest who suggested we try it which really surprised me. Anyway, I cooked it and it smelled really nice but when it came to eating it, not so much. The flavour and taste was nice but it was the texture which put me off. It was crumbly and felt like eating really weird breadcrumbs. My fella did love it though but he will eat anything. lol

The pub opening back up!

Our local pub has been closed since New Years Day. I'm not going to go into why as it's quite the scandal of our little town but new people have taken over, well old! The amazing chef is now running things and I couldn't be happier. His food is amazing and he is such a nice guy. I hope this time the pub stays open longer than a year. 

Spring candles!

I love to burn candles throughout the year and this week I got myself a couple of spring one's. Carrot Cake and Hot Cross Bun scented. They smell so good and they were only £2.50 each which is fantastic considering the size of them.

A brother who can fix fences!

We had another storm, Storm Eowyn with gusts of wind in some places over 114mph which caused so much damage in some areas. Thankfully where we are it wasn't too bad but it did bring down a couple more fence panels in our back garden. Not the same two which my brother fixed after the last storm, they are still up and look strong. My brother was going to come and fix them on Monday but we were forecast more bad weather so the job has gone on his to do list. He's coming to fix it over the next couple of days.

Blue skies and sunshine!

We have finally had some brighter days and they have been very welcomed. The grey, gloomy weather was getting me down but most of this week has been sunny and bright! It has still been chilly but I am fine with wrapping up warm when I am out and at least it hasn't been freezing!

Booking things!

Last week I mentioned I was planning things and this week I got around to booking a couple of things for the next couple of months which I am really looking forward to. Of course I will blog about them after they have happened but I will be ticking a couple of things off my 50 before 50 list.

10 Ways to declutter your life in January!

January is the month of fresh starts, resolutions and getting our lives in order. It's almost over but wanted to share this blog post. I have been on a mission to declutter throughout this month and I am feeling like I have my house and life in order! Not only that but keeping busy has helped me avoid the January blues a little.

 Here are 10 ways to declutter your life!

Start Small: tackle one drawer or shelf!

The idea of decluttering an entire house can feel overwhelming so start with something manageable. Maybe it’s the junk drawer in the kitchen or a single shelf in your wardrobe. Once you see progress in that one area, you’ll feel motivated to keep going. I started with the kitchen cupboards, moved on to my wardrobe and I have been making my way around the house.

The One year rule!

If you haven’t used something in the past year the chances are you don’t need it. This applies to clothes, gadgets and random household items. Be ruthless! Donate, recycle or toss anything that doesn’t serve a purpose in your current life! I am trying to get the girls to live by this rule as they are hoarders but I have started to be ruthless. Now I just need my fella to throw that bag or wires and cables out. hehehe

Declutter your digital space!

Our digital lives can be just as messy as our physical spaces. Dedicate some time to deleting old emails, organising your desktop and photos which are stored online and uninstalling apps that you no longer use. I did this in the first week of January and it has made the month so much easier. I got rid of all the emails from Christmas about orders that I had made and offers sent to me and sorted all the photos from 2024 in separate folders.

Purge your pantry!

Expired spices, half empty snacks and cans of soup you’ll never eat! January is a great time to clean out the kitchen. Take stock of what you have and plan meals around items that are nearing their use by date to reduce waste.

Create a maybe box!

For items you’re unsure about getting rid of create a maybe box. Store these items out of sight for a few months. If you haven’t missed them by the start of spring it’s time to let them go.

Set boundaries with your calendar!

Decluttering isn’t just about physical stuff, it’s also about reclaiming your time. Look at your calendar and decide which commitments truly matter. Say no to activities that don’t fit with your priorities or bring you joy.

Adopt the one in one out rule!

For every new item you bring into your home, get rid of one you no longer need. This simple rule prevents clutter from building up again and makes you more mindful of your purchases. I started to do this last year with clothes, it really did make me think about what I was buying. Did I really need that dress if it meant I had to part with an older one.

Declutter your mind!

Start a journal, practice mindfulness or set aside time to meditate. These things can help you sort through mental clutter, let go of lingering worries and focus on what really matters.

Organise your finances!

January is the perfect time to tidy up your financial life. Review your subscriptions, cancel ones you no longer use, and set up a budget for the year. Decluttering your finances can free up money for other things that you need.

Get the family involved!

Decluttering doesn’t have to be a solo mission. Involve your family by making it a fun challenge. Assign everyone a room or category and see who can clear the most space. The reward could be a takeaway or a trip out.

Have you been decluttering over the last month?

The Wednesday Hodgepodge! #3

I hope you are all having a good week? It's Wednesday again which means it's time to join in with the Wednesday Hodgepodge with Joyce over at From This Side of the Pond!

1. What was your after school routine like when you were a kid?

Ohh! I will go back to the time when my family and I lived on a farm, when I was a teenager. As we lived out in the middle of nowhere I was entitled to a taxi home from school and as long as it was on time I would get home from school at about 3.50pm. I would grab a snack, get changed and then my evening would be mostly spent outside. We always had at least 5 horses with at least a couple needing exercising. Sometimes I would go for a hack around the village and sometimes around the indoor arena that we had practicing show jumping, it all depended on the weather. I would help my dad feed the cows after I had finished with the horses, my favourite part would be feeding the calves which were being hand reared if it was that time of year. In the summer my brother and I would play outside. We wouldn't eat our evening meal until about 8pm and that was always around the table as a family usually with my brother and I doing any homework that we had. I would then maybe watch some TV and then it would be time for bed. I loved that time of my life.

 

2. January 26 is National Green Juice Day ( I guess it's true everything really does have it's day). Do you juice, as in make your own in an attempt to get healthy? Do you do the green juices? What's your favorite kind of juice (home blended or store bought, either one)? 

I buy fresh juice but I don't make my own. I am not a fan of green juices. A few weeks ago I ordered some juice with a meal deal and they sent me a green juice which I tried and I think it was the added matcha which put me off. I am a big fan of the Innocent Drinks brand, their juices are filled with lots of fruit and extra vitamins. My favourite is Bolt From The Blue which is made from apple, guava, coconut water and a dash of spirulina with extra vitamins 

3. What's something trivial about which you have a strong opinion? 

Pineapple belongs on pizza but only if there is ham! The sweet and salty flavour goes well but pineapple on pizza by itself? That is just madness! 

4. What do you need more of in your life? Less of?

I feel like I need more hours in the day! Just a couple more each day would do me. When it comes to less of something I need less of those every day annoyances which take up time in my day. Like the kids leaving something where it shouldn't be, me going into the kitchen to do something and realising I have to come back to the living room for something or just as I start a job someone ringing me and sending me off track.

5. Give us three adjectives to describe your January.

Grey - It feels like the sun has hardly been shining here!

Comforting – Hearty meals, hot drinks and staying warm!

Long – It’s like 74 days long. Why?

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

A couple of years ago my neighbours were doing all sorts of DIY, they finally moved in and quietened down. They're back at it now. Hammering, drilling and just when I think they have finished they start again.

Picky plates for lunch!

Sometimes, the best lunches are the ones that don’t require much effort. On busy days, when time is tight and energy is low the idea of cooking or even assembling a sandwich can feel like too much. Enter the humble picky plate! It is just a collection of little nibbles thrown together on a plate. It’s part snack, part meal, 100% satisfying and my go to lunch lately!

Picky plates are fast. There’s no cooking involved unless you want to throw in something like a boiled egg or heat up leftovers. They’re flexible whether you’re aiming for a balanced meal or just want to use up odds and ends from the fridge. You can tailor them to your cravings, dietary needs or whatever random bits of food are lying around. They can be as healthy or indulgent as you like! You can keep it light and fresh with veggies and hummus or lean into comfort with cheese and crackers. It’s entirely up to you!

The one above included grapes, salted crackers, pineapple and almond soft cheese and mini savoury eggs. The one below has the pineapple cheese, a tangerine, slices of salami, seafood sticks, some pork pie and grapes, I also had a packet of crisps that wouldn't fit on the plate. And yes, I do always use old plates that the kids used to use when they were little. They are bigger than a side plate and smaller than a dinner plate, just the right size for a picky lunch.

How to Build the Perfect Picky Plate!

The beauty of a picky plate is that there are no rules. However, if you’re looking for a bit of guidance here’s a tried and true formula to make your plate satisfying and delicious:

Protein: This could be a boiled egg, a handful of nuts, some sliced meat or even leftover grilled chicken.

Crunchy Stuff: Add a bit of crunch to keep things interesting. Crackers, pretzels, breadsticks or even tortilla chips or crisps work well here.

Fresh Produce: Balance things out with some fruits or veggies. Carrot sticks, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, apple wedges or berries are great options.

A little indulgence: A dollop of hummus, a smear of peanut butter, a couple of chocolate squares or a spoonful of pickle elevate your picky plate to something a bit more special.

Picky plates aren’t just for adults they’re perfect for kids too. Let everyone assemble their own plate from a selection of ingredients and suddenly lunch becomes an activity instead of a battle. Kids love the variety and the freedom to choose their favourites and you’ll love how easy it is to pull together.

In a world where we’re often told to meal prep, cook and plan ahead picky plates feel like a breath of fresh air. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes them fun, no two lunches ever need to look the same.

Do you have picky plates for lunch? What’s your go to combo?

Our weekly meal plan! 27th Jan - 2nd Feb! #MealPlanningMonday

Last weeks meal plan went really well considering I didn't have the greatest of weeks. Usually when I stress out the meal plan is the first thing to suffer. One evening when I was dealing with something it got to almost 7pm and I hadn't even started to think about cooking and the girls were suggesting we get a takeaway, I stayed strong and took them to the kitchen and had them help with cooking our evening meal. We had a great time in the kitchen laughing, singing and just being together. It was just what I needed to give my mood a boost.

I loved the meals that we had last week, the soup, meatballs and pot roast were just perfect for the cold weather and a help yourself evening on Thursday was perfect as I was in no mood for cooking after being out most of the day, getting soaked in the rain and the shopping delivery being over 2 hours late. Hmmf. Stu had Saturday off work so we had an afternoon out in town, shopping for some random things that we needed like hair dye and post it notes and we popped into the pub for something to eat, not our favourite one because that has closed down since the owner upped and left on New Years Day with no warning. The conversations on our local Facebook groups have been very interesting. Eek!

Gousto had some Burns Night meals when I booked this weeks delivery, a lot containing haggis and I thought there was no way my girls would even entertain eating it but they want to try it so we'll see how that goes.

On the menu this week we have:

Monday - Steak pie, mashed potato and veg.

Tuesday - Gousto meal - Burns Night Macsween Haggis With Mash & Creamy Sauce.

Wednesday - Gousto meal - All In One Hearty Beef & Mushroom Pie.

Thursday - Gousto meal - Hoisin Pork Burger With Black Sesame Chips.

Friday - Gousto meal - Thai Style Pork Patties With Sweet Potato Wedges. This is a meal we've had plenty of times but the patties are so good! 

Saturday - Gousto meal - Pork Belly Hog Roast, Apple Sauce & Stuffing.

Sunday - A fry up! Sausages, eggs, bacon, tomatoes, baked beans, mushrooms, black pudding and toast.

What are you eating this week?

A photo every day for a year! 19th - 25th January. Week 4 of #Project365

How is the weekend almost over already! Did we all get through the Storm Eowyn OK? I didn't think the wind was that bad here until I noticed we had lost another fence panel. Ugh! It should be getting fixed tomorrow, hopefully!

Stu had yesterday off work which was a real treat, he rarely gets a Saturday off but because he had to go in for training on Monday his boss said he could have Saturday! We went into town and did a bit of shopping for random things like ear plugs, hair dye, post it notes and lightbulbs. We stopped off at the pub for tea before we came home which was lovely! We don't have any plans for today apart from catching up on what I didn't do yesterday like the mountain of washing.

After a not so great week I can say now that I am feeling much better about things. These things are sent to try us. I've had a great weekend and next week will be a good one, it's the end of January! Hooray!

Now for a photo every day! 

19/365 - 19th January

Ellie has been watching all the Marvel movies and I have started again too. She finally watched Avengers: End Game and now she see's why it's one of my favourite movies!! 

20/365 - 20th January

A very fancy breakfast for me. Waffles covered in banana, strawberries and blackberries.

21/365 - 21st January

I went shopping with my dad and the final stop was Aldi. He only went in for some fizzy pop and came out with a box full of stuff.

22/365 - 22nd January

Tis almost the season of Hot Cross buns. I have started early this year but they are so good. 

23/365 - 23rd January

I was out on Thursday and had got soaked in the rain and I was freezing so I treated myself to a hot chocolate from Starbucks. At £4 something it definitely was a treat! 

24/365 - 24th January

Another fence panel came down, not one of the one's my brother fixed just after the last storm so he will be happy! hehehe 

25/365 - 25th January

We stopped off at the pub for something to eat after doing a bit of shopping. Had a Tennessee burger with Maple cured bacon, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey glaze, chips and onion rings. The burger was nice enough the rest not so much.

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This week my Word of the Week is: Gone! #WotW

This week my Word of the Week is:

That motivation that I had last week has gone and my upbeat mood has gone with it. We've had a few things going on which have stressed me out and made me feel a tad anxious but that just seems to be my life, especially over the last year. Everything is good now so it's nothing to worry about, it was just a blip.

When things have gone on in my life which cause me stress I feel sick, stop eating, don't sleep and fret about everything but now I seem to be getting used to the stress and I had one night of not sleeping properly, most of a day not eating well but I pulled myself out of the pit of despair that I had found myself in, had a good cry, put my big girl pants on, cooked the evening meal that I had planned and ate a little. Nothing had changed but now I refuse to let situations and things that I can't control ruin my mood for long. I keep singing "these things are sent to try us!". The line from the Wicked song What Is this Feeling. lol My family has a ton of support and people we can turn to for help so when these things are sent to try us we know who to contact.

Surprisingly apart from the day I spent stressing the rest of the week has pretty much gone to plan. Stu officially started in his new department at work and is being kept busy. He had training on Monday and Tuesday which was a nice refresher for him but everyone said it did not need to be over 2 days, they just dragged it out. In the old department that Stu was in there was a 30 minute wait time between calls now he's lucky to have 30 seconds between calls. He has learned to time the last call of the day just right so he finishes work on time. On Wednesday he ended up picking up a call at a minute to five (5pm being his finishing time) and had to deal with it before he could leave for the day.

Ellie has gone to college with the fancy new textbook that I rushed to order last week when she didn't need it until this week. lol and Becky has gone to work with a list of online training tests to do. She had just caught up from the last lot that was sent to her, she is supposed to do the training when she has a quiet moment at work, easier said than done when they are rushed off their feet.

So the past week is almost gone and is history. Next week will be better. How has your week been? I hope you have had a good one! I am of course linking up with Anne who blogs at Raisie Bay for her Word of the Week linky!

What I have loved this week! Week 4. #FridayFavourites

Hello and happy Friday! I like to keep things real here on my blog and this week hasn't been one of my favourite weeks. I am not going to dwell on the negatives though, I have some favourites to share and of course I am linking up with Erika and Andrea.

Watching my dad drive!

My dad is the sweetest, calmest person until he gets behind the wheel of his car and then he turns into angry dad. lol I was off out with him during the week and my eldest wanted to come just because she finds him driving funny too and he didn't disappoint. He got shouty and he was justified. I am glad I don't drive, I would get angry too. People not using indicators, pulling out when there's traffic coming and just not moving when there's no reason. As soon as he leaves his car he is the sweet, calm person that I love again. 

Vegetables!

Our meals this week seem to have been filled with vegetables. The best meal being the Curried Winter Veg Soup! Butternut squash, carrots, onions, potatoes, parsnips and sweet potatoes all went in. It has been cold here, not as cold as elsewhere in the world but cold all the same so was the perfect time for a hearty soup! I remember a time when my girls hated vegetables but they willingly eat them now which makes me feel good that they are eating a varied diet. It makes me forget all about the instant noodles, crisps and chocolate that they eat. 

Speaking to the same person!

I needed to make some phone calls during the week, it could have been so frustrating if I had to speak to someone who didn't know the history of what I needed to speak about and have to explain everything but I hit the jackpot and got someone who I had spoken to before. Instead of the phone call taking absolutely ages it was done quite quickly! Phew! I hate speaking on the phone especially when things are quite important.

The Inauguration ceremony!

I am not going to talk about the rights and wrongs of Trump but I did enjoy watching the Inauguration ceremony. It was fascinating to watch, seeing all the important people dressed in their best. It was a big part of history and I can at least say I saw it happen.

Nice breakfasts!

I am rubbish at eating breakfast but I have been making an effort this week, treating myself. It's won't last but it has been nice. Pancakes with fresh fruit, eggy bread, hot cross buns and bacon sandwiches! I need to find the right balance though, I have been eating so well at breakfast I've been either skipping lunch or having it later which has meant some days I've not wanted my evening meal until much later too.

Making plans!

When things are feeling a bit rubbish I like to make plans and have been over the past week. Plans for February half term from college, Valentine's Day and even the summer! So far I am just planning, nothing has been booked. I need to save a little for that.

What have you loved this week?

Winter Struggles!

We have had a cold snap of weather, well we did when I was writing this blog post it might have changed by now as the weather has been a little crazy for the last year or so. There are good things about winter but it really isn't my favourite season! As much as we all love the twinkling fairy lights, cosy jumpers, and endless mugs of hot chocolate let’s be honest winter sucks and brings with it a unique set of struggles that can only be tackled with a good sense of humour. 

Fashion vs Survival!

Winter fashion looks so gorgeous on Instagram. Sleek coats, stylish boots and those oversized scarves that somehow seem effortless to put on but in reality, getting dressed in winter is less about looking like a Vogue cover and more about resembling a well insulated burrito. I pile on so many layers I can’t bend my elbows and suddenly I'm waddling down the street like a Michelin Man impersonator!

The Cold Toilet Seat!

If there’s one thing that can shock you awake faster than coffee, it’s a cold toilet seat. You’re half asleep, hoping for a peaceful moment, and bam! You’re wide awake hating the winter even more!

Slip Sliding!

Walking on icy pavements is a true test of your dignity! You start off confidently, thinking I’ve got this and then your foot betrays you sending you into an unintentional dance routine worthy of a standing ovation. Think Bambi on ice! The worst part is the realisation that you’re going down, giving everyone nearby plenty of time to witness the spectacle.

Hat Hair Disaster!

Hats are essential in winter but they come at a price: your hair! Take your hat off and you’ve either got flat, lifeless locks or the kind of static frizz that defies gravity. Either way you look like you lost a fight with a tumble dryer.

The Great Heating Debate!

If you share your home with others winter brings a new battleground: the heating. There’s always one person bundled in three blankets while someone else insists it’s not that cold. For those of us trying to keep energy bills in check, there’s also the heating compromise: turn it on just enough so you don’t see your breath indoors, but not enough to bankrupt yourself. My most used phrase over the winter is "shut the door". I want to keep the heat in and my family seem to forget that.

Short Days!

Winter days are a joke. I always say I like the dark evenings, getting cosy but by this time of winter I am over them! Some days it doesn't really even get light at all. Ugh!

The Eternal Nose Drip!

Winter turns your nose into a dripping tap that no tissue box can tame. You step outside, and within seconds, your nose decides to run. Worse, if you’re wearing a scarf, it becomes a sponge for the sniffles because nothing says “winter glam” like a damp wool accessory stuck to your face.

Slush!

Fresh snow is magical but give it a day and it turns into grey, slushy misery. Walking through slush is like stepping into a puddle made of cold, wet regret. Worse, it splashes back onto your trousers, leaving you with damp, freezing ankles that remind you how cruel life can be. It’s snow’s way of saying  you loved me yesterday and now you must suffer!

What do you dislike about the winter?

The Wednesday Hodgepodge! #2

Thank you for welcoming me into the Wednesday Hodgepodge community, it was my first time joining in last week and I really enjoyed reading your posts and finding new blogs to read. I am joining in again and got the questions earlier in the week from Joyce over at From This Side of the Pond!

1. What's a winter memory you treasure (can be from any winter in your lifetime)? 

I love the snows days we used to have when my girls were little. School would close and they got to spend the day playing outside throwing snowballs and building snow men. Back in 2010 we had a lot of snow and it lasted a good few days before it got slushy and icy. The girls had great fun, I remember them crying because I took them back inside. I had to, they were freezing. They just didn't want to miss out in playing in the snow.

2. Tell us about the last time or a recent time you were caught up in red tape. Does it send your frustration level off the charts or is it something you've come to expect when dealing with any sort of bureaucracy?

It was during the summer when we had things going on in our life. It was so frustrating, the red tape meant we often felt helpless, had to do everything by the book and just wait things out. We are still caught up in that red tape but over the last few months I have learned that it is a process which takes time, lots of time. If I've head "just hang on in there" once I've head it a hundred times.

3. Do you eat/like fish? Do you cook fish at home? What's your favorite fish dish? Ever been ice fishing? 

I like fish as long as it doesn't smell too fishy! I don't cook too much at home and what I do cook is usually battered for home made fish fingers or breaded fish. I do love to have fish, chips and mushy peas especially for a meal out or at the seaside.

I have never been ice fishing, frozen lakes are not something that we have here but I love the idea of it, it certainly sounds like and interesting experience.

4. Did you watch any of the US President's Inauguration coverage on Monday, Jan 20? On a scale of 1-10 (with 1 being not at all and 10 being very very) how interested are you in politics in general? Do you follow/keep up with/ get involved with local politics? 

Yes, I watched most of the coverage of the President's Inaugurations. It was so interesting. In general I am not that interested in politics, yes I keep up with what is going on in the world but keep my opinions to myself until it is time to vote and then I make sure I do my part.

5. What's the coziest thing you own and what makes it so? 

I would have to say my blanket which I am under now. It is part of the living room. It is just a nice thick blanket, of course has a Harry Potter design but it does a great job of keeping me warm in the colder months and means I don't have to put the heating on as much when I am in the house by myself.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

The January Blues are hitting me. I thought I was doing so well keeping myself upbeat but this week so far is testing me. I am sure I will be fine but ugh at life at the moment.

Trying a bit of skincare!

As a teenager the only skincare routine I had was washing my face with soap and water and if I was feeling a bit fancy I might put a bit of moisturiser on. I am in my mid 40's now and up until recently nothing much had changed. I swipe at my face with a makeup wipe or slather on some random moisturiser when my skin felt particularly dry but a proper routine? Nope.

Fine lines have appeared, my complexion has more of a tired look than a natural glow and don’t even get me started on the random dry patches that have popped to taunt me. Clearly it was time to take action and just before Christmas I did just that adding some skincare bits to my Christmas list and this is what I have been using since Christmas day. Now I stand in front of my bathroom mirror with more bottles than a science lab, wondering if I accidentally became a chemist. lol

Cleansing!

I got a the Simple Refreshing Facial Wash that promised to wash away make up, dirt and other impurities without leaving your skin feeling tight or dry. I lathered up, rinsed off and was happy. My skin didn’t feel like silk, but it also didn’t feel like sandpaper so I counted it as a win! I still use the cheapo wipes from Primark for quickly washing off make up before I cleanse.

Moisturising!

This one felt easy. I’ve used moisturiser before how hard could it be? Except now there are moisturisers for day and night, ones with SPF, one's with hyaluronic acid and ones that cost as much as my weekly food shop. I picked a couple of night one's that were on offer in Poundland of all places.

The Biovene Vitamin C Night Boost is Anti-Aging and hydrates skin overnight with Vitamin C and Organic Mango for optimal age support to instantly moisturise skin, assist in recovery and introduce a beautiful glow for the next day.

The Biovene Retinol Night Lift is an tightening overnight moisturising cream with powerful Retinol and Organic Strawberry to help restore firmness and support in minimizing the appearance of fine lines.

I alternate these each night before I go to bed and I can say my face has been feeling smoother and looks better each morning. During the day I have been sticking with the Nivea Soft Moisturising Cream for Face, Hand and Body which I've been using for years and it's a brand that works for me or the Tesco Kind & Pure Fragrance Free SPF30 Moisturiser for a bit of protection from the sun if I am going out.

When I had covered the basics I went down a rabbit hole of reading about serums! Did I even need them? Apparently I do according to my youngest. She seems to know more about skincare than I do. Do I need vitamin C? Retinol? Niacinamide? (Niaci-what?!) I chose a few things.

The Aura Balancing Face Serum is packed with nourishing Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E, helps strengthen your skin's natural barrier for a happy, glowing you. I got this from Home Bargains and from Poundland I got the Body Stories Fresh N Dewy Face Serum which is infused with Vitamin C and Niacinamide to help give a beautiful and glowing complexion. I can't say I have noticed much difference during the day using these but I feel all boujee and good about myself so that's a bonus that I wasn't expecting.

As a bonus I got the Biovene Vitamin C Eye Boost! This is an age correcting eye boost moisturising day and night treatment for skin rejuvenation under the eyes with Vitamin C and organic mango that helps minimize the appearance of dark circles, fine lines and refresh tired looking skin.

It was just what I needed, I always look tired around my eyes and I don't even think it's an age thing, the dark circles have always been there. I think this is something which will take time to work but I am persevering. 

Starting a skincare routine after years of winging it is hard. For the first few days I felt like a self care goddess. I was cleansing, moisturising and putting serum on then life got in the way. One late night turned into me staring at my face wash thinking do I really need to wash my face or can I just skip it this one time? Spoiler: I skipped it. My new skincare routine hasn't really changed my life but it has changed how I think about taking care of myself. There’s something satisfying about taking five minutes to focus on me even if I’m fumbling my way through it. My routine isn’t perfect, but it’s mine. 

Do you have a skincare routine, what products would you recommend?

Our weekly meal plan! 20th - 26th January! #MealPlanningMonday

These Mondays seem to be coming around quickly! Last weeks meal plan went brilliantly! We loved the mushroom pie and the tomato soup was such a treat. It was nice mid-week to have a break from cooking a proper meal and just open a tin of soup and makes some sandwiches to go with it.

This week is going to be confusing, Stu is working today instead of having his usual day off but does have a day off later in the week. It's going to make me think today is a Tuesday and his day off will feel like a Sunday or a Monday! I feel like I have just got back on track with what day it is and now I am going to be confused again.

Last week the weather did warm up a little, at least the temperature said it was higher but it didn't feel it. I couldn't bring myself to go and sort the garden out. There didn't feel much difference in temperature between 3°C and 10°C, I blame that the sun wasn't shining. Hmmf. It's set to be grey, gloomy and misty this week. It's not going to ruin my mood, I am staying positive! The January Blues are not going to get me!

On the menu this week we have:

Monday - Gousto meal - Curried Winter Veg Soup With Parsnip Crisps & Yoghurt. A new recipe for us and it sounds like a great one to start our week.

Tuesday - Gousto meal - Saucy Onion Gravy Beef Meatballs & Crushed Potatoes.

Wednesday - Gousto meal - Oven Baked Pork Belly & Winter Veg Pot Roast. I will cook this in the slow cooker instead of the oven.

Thursday - A help yourself type of tea meaning we will all have something different that we fancy. It's a good way to use random bits up out of the freezer.

Friday - Pizza.

Saturday - I am not sure yet, Stu is off work so I don't know what we have planned. We have to do something, he rarely gets a Saturday off work.

Sunday - Toad in the hole, mashed potato and veg.

What are you eating this week?

A photo every day for a year! 12th - 18th January. Week 3 of #Project365

I have found the best way to get through January, keep that busy that you don't know if you're coming or going and you soon forget about it being the longest feeling month. lol I don't seem to be getting through my to do list each day because I keep adding more things to it or just doing random jobs not even on my list. I have been full of motivation this past week, I'm worn out and I'm looking forward to a lazy today today doing nothing much at all. My to do list today is have a shower, change my pj's and play The Sims 4!

Stu has had an interesting week at work, they had the big bosses in looking around and they decided to change things and move people from one department to another. Stu was in digital sales and is now working in retentions which means when people phone up to cancel their account he convinces them to stay by offering deals. He has just been giving everyone what they want. Yeah, have 3 months with 50% off your bill or here you go you can have faster broadband free for a month to see how you get on. He's loving it. lol

Now for a photo every day!

12/365 - 12th January

We had football on the TV for most of the day, I actually enjoyed it. It was FA Cup matches so there was a real point to it, they had to win or it went to extra time and penalties and the losing team was out of the cup!

13/365 - 13th January

A new Gousto meal to us. Umami Portobello & Chestnut Mushroom Pie, it looked nothing like the picture on the recipe card and I added mashed potato but it tasted good!

14/365 - 14th January

I sorted out the shelves in the dining room, I really should have taken a before picture! Yes we do need all of the sprays and deodorants, it's where we keep them for the whole family.

15/365 - 15th January

Ellie urgently needed a text book for college so I rushed to order it, paying extra for next day delivery only for her to say she didn't need it until next week! Kids!! 

16/365 - 16th January

I did a facemask, I am making time to pamper myself a bit more this year. Yes I had the facemask on while I was sorting the washing but who cares my face felt better for it. I am an expert at multitasking. hehehe

17/365 - 17th January

Just me! I've just noticed I need to wash my coat, it has make up around the collar. Oops.

18/365 - 18th January

Does anyone else have loads of leftover chocolate from Christmas? We are still working our way through it. We have loads of crisps and treats too. It feels like we're saving money by me not having to buy any with the weekly shop!

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This week my Word of the Week is: Motivation! #WotW

This week my Word of the Week is:

What is happening to January? It's flying over, well for me it is. I have been keeping myself busy and for once I have so much motivation that I feel like I am running out of hours in the day to get everything done that I want to. I don't know if it's a new year thing, fresh starts and all that or the fact that I have been sleeping better so have been waking up feeling energised or eating better but whatever it is I am taking it and running with it.

My family keep coming into the house asking where things are as I am still on a decluttering mission and if things are dumped in places where they shouldn't be I am finding a new home for them. Not the bin yet but if I find one more set of fake eyelashes or nails in the living room I will be binning them, a certain little lady has been warned. hehehe I am sat here looking at a set of drawers in the living room and thinking about sorting them out but I have other things on my to do list which need to be done first including writing this blog post.

I had a phone call from college early in the week and I could have just took it and then talked things over with Ellie and that would have been it but no, I decided when it comes to college I am not letting things just happen. Learning from the mistakes of last year gave me the motivation to go to college and speak to the staff that I wanted to, had Ellie speak to the staff members and even though it was nothing serious it is now all talked over and we are all on the same page.

As I am writing this the sun is shining and that always gets me motivated. I've just unpacked the food shop and ended up having to take my jumper off as I was so warm and I am sat in a t-shirt. It's hard work dragging the bags from the front door to the kitchen. It feels so strange having bare arms, it feels so long since I sat here without a long sleeved top on. Our house isn't cold, I just like to be cosy. It felt like a reminder that warmer days are coming and I can't wait for the spring. My family and I have also thought further ahead and are making plans for the summer and even Autumn. Those plans have given me the motivation to be even more careful with money and start adding to our savings pot again after spending up before Christmas.

How has your week been? I hope you have had a good one! I am of course linking up with Anne who blogs at Raisie Bay for her Word of the Week linky!