31 got me

So, another birthday, another year older- 31 it is then. 31 feels worse than 30............ it's all going down hill. Spent my birthday with some lovely friends on a trip to Edinburgh, had a warm cherry beer at the Christmas markets.. YUM!

I've spent the last year doing a bit of this and a bit of that, a full-time part-timer and it isn't really worth it. I don't have the time or the energy to be everywhere, doing everything all at once. I need to focus on the last 6 months of my degree, I'm not sure what comes after that. I should really have a plan but I don't.

I should really decide what I want to be when I grow up.

Money making schemes.............

So, hello. Here I am again. I discovered this week that my part time job is on the rocks, I have to re-interview for it in a competitive process with all of the other people who are on the same level. Not to cause any undue irritation, the interviews will be the week before Christmas- very thoughtful oh dear employer. Foolishly (it seemed to me) the news was followed by an appraisal the next day....... So whilst wondering if I will have some regular income coming in I also had to take part in a 'lets pretend this isn't happening situation' conversation about how I see my future there. Sometimes people really have no common sense. For me, this is a part time J-O-B- and even they are like gold dust in these economic times, but for many of the other staff it is the most important valuable 'thing' they have. Suggesting that it may be taken from them could have come with more considerate timing.

This news brings, for me, a cloud of doom and gloom and a re-awakened desire to discover a money making scheme, so far I think I have only been partly successful in this quest. I am making some money doing nothing- it's legit do not worry, but I'd need to make 10x more to rely upon this as a sole income.

Back to the drawing board.

Sunday, day of rest

So, it's 3.30pm on a Sunday. I'm watching X-Factor on repeat, thinking of sewing buttons onto bags and also thinking about all of the managing change revision I should be doing. Work-avoidance you could say, but it is Sunday and sometimes we really do need to take a day of rest and ,well, I can't have tomorrow as my rest day cos that would mean pulling a sickie.

I have to admit to pulling a sickie now and again but more interesting excuses for not going to work have included 'I'm locked IN the house' or 'I can't lock my front door because the key is stuck'. Little fibs, I'm too grown up for such fibs now but the youth of today probably still have to come up with ridiculous little fibs to recover from the effects of drinking on a school night- I'm too old for that too.

I've never found a proper hangover cure, I don't think that there is one. Today's hangover could not face a cooked breakfast. I did have 1000mg of vitamin C at 6am this morning- I think this helps a hangover but it really hasn't given me any energy to do anything. I need to sleep but I'm just not a day dreamer.

Last night I ended up having £2.95 vodka trebles in a bar in Newcastle, followed by chips from Clayton Street Chippy. Not that I remember eating the chips. Trebles are bad. No stories to tell, no dancing, just chatting with friends and this has resulted in a wasted day.

I've been to the park with the dog, thrown some beef and veg into the slow cooker and this is lovely, relaxing but I wish I could fully relax without thinking of all of the things that I should be doing.

Apathy is hard to shake

So, in one week I turn 31............ Making me a ‘thirty something’. This time last year I was in panic; about all the things I felt that I should have done by now and the realisation that my 20’s were heading out of the door behind me. The door closed- that’s for sure, the wrinkle cream is out in full force. They say that age is just a number however in my mind turning 30 was an obstacle, I’d like to pretend that it made no difference, that it passed unnoticed but it didn’t. It was totally a mental struggle for me. In the last years of my twenties I:

·         Took some herbal happy pills as I thought I was losing it- I’d say I didn’t lose my marbles but I certainly misplaced them for a while

·         Walked out of a job- a job that was costing me marbles

·         I started a Business Degree- at the college I dropped out of 10 years ago

·         I also remembered how creative I used to be and started to play with a sewing machine I inherited from my Gran.

So, as 31 is around the corner, I’m still not in a place I intend to stay although in a cheesy way I feel like I started the journey to getting somewhere. I am more skint than I have ever been, but this is through the choices I’ve made and I have a special someone who inspires and supports me through this. I am employed part-time, a student part-time, and self employed part-time. A whole lot of part-time, taking up the whole time. I did regress at one point back to a 9-5 office situation; however the job was so dull I started to feel the mundane numbness looming over me and I realised that it was a change or go mad decision I had to make. I decided not to renew my contract to focus on trying to achieve something for myself. This was the second job I consciously left in two years. Doing this made me realise that I’d never really made any actual decisions for myself. All of the jobs I’ve had have always been ‘just for now’ and I’ve just muddled along, you could say I lack ambition- a lecturer once commented that my ‘apathy was a disease hard to shake off’. This comment has remained with me, not because it was such a personal negative but because it’s very true. Apathy as lack of enthusiasm and as emotional emptiness could describe me effectively, I guess it was true and I never did shake it off.

‘They’ say that if you put your mind to anything, you can achieve it; I’m a sceptic about this one because ‘they’ are always the people who succeeded. I’m sure that there are many more who tried their very best and failed?

Although I am a sceptic of this I am giving it a go. I will have finished my degree by this time next year, I don’t doubt that I will see this through- I’ve paid for three years of education myself so I will not quit. I have a small business making handmade bags, and although I don’t think that this is something I will continue for long I feel like it’s good practice to having another business of my own. I don’t want to be the voice on the end of the phone anymore, or the person who arranges someone else’s meetings. It’s just not me.

Boiled, soft, runny, dippy eggs!

I LOVE eggs, so my favorite thing in the morning is boiled egg and soldiers! But is there just one answer to 'how to boil an egg'? This is how I get lovely runny eggs (without the egg cracking)...........

• Put the eggs in a pan with about 1 cm of lukewarm water (just a little to start to warm the eggs slowly so the shells don't break)
• Turn on the heat
• When this has warmed a little, add boiling water form the kettle
• Wait until the water is bubbling away
• When you can see that the water is boiling (big bubbles) start a timer
• Time for exactly 3 mins
• When the timer gets to 3 minutes, get the eggs out as fast as you can!

As soon as the eggs are out, I open them all by tapping a tea spoon on the top, if you don't open them straight away the eggs will keep on cooking.................... and we don't want hard boiled eggs!!!

Soft boiled egg and soldiers!

Tasty Falafel Recipe

Another recipe I've found on some helthy eating plan,  it's easy to make and really scrummy!!

Falafel & Pitta (serves 2)

Half red onion (chopped)
Crushed garlic (about a clove)
Tin or carton of chickpeas (375g ish) drained
Small spoon of ground cumin
Small spoon of ground coriander
1 egg

Fry the onion and garlic for a few minutes, till softened.
Take a tablespoon of the chickpeas and put to one side till later (this is added at the end to add some texture). Put the rest of the chickpeas, the spices, onion and garlic to a mixing bowl and either mash or blitz with a handheld food processor until smooth. Add the egg and the remaining tablespoon of chickpeas then mix.

Using your hands, make 6 balls then flatten. Get your frying pan onto a medium heat, add a small amount of spray oil, add the falafel and cook for a few minutes until browned and firm.

Serve with piles of green salad and warmed pitta bread, make a garlic dip by mixing some crushed garlic with natural yogurt and parsley.

Decisions, decisions

Alas, there are too many choices
And decisions are here to make,
To take
But I don't have the answers
The choices are mine to create
To marvel and explore
One foot grounded and a toe in the water,
Itching to go
But I don't know
Whats there
Whats not
I keep jumping and landing on the same spot
A feeling of movement for a minute
That stops
I look back
I look left and right
But forwards blinds me
Ahead is a maze
I don't want to get lost
I remember being lost before
In the darkness
A darkness in my mind
A tunnel of nothing, not feeling
In my head
It haunts me
and all because
I know that it's still there

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How I Lost Weight and still got to work on time! Part 2 Evening Meals

I noticed when I tried sticking to a diet that my portions before were way too big. Now I don't need to rigorously stick to a diet but I do weigh pasta, rice and potatoes to make sure I'm not eating a huge serving. When I make pasta I usually make some additional servings to pop in the freezer for those days when there's nothing in the fridge or for when I just cannot be bothered to cook!

I weigh out (carb diet portions, my healthy eating plan)

• 120-150g of potato or
• 70g of pasta or
• 50g uncooked rice

as one portion, I also always buy brown pasta and rice too.

Evening Meals

Baked Salmon Recipe

I normally use a salmon fillet (about 100g) but any fish fillet would do. With salmon, I wrap it in foil and squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and add some pepper. It takes about 15  mins at 200c in my electric oven. I always check it's cooked through. I serve this with 150g of boiled potato and some green veg (peas, broccolli or asparagus).

Kebabs with Pitta Bread Recipe

For the kebab I'll have 100g of chicken, turkey or pork chopped into cubes.

Thread the cubes onto a skewer with tomato, onion and peppers then squeeze with lemon and season with salt and pepper. Grill, turning frequently until cooked through.

Warm a wholemeal pitta to serve and have lots of salad leaves.

To go with the kebab (so it's like a real kebab) make some garlic sauce by taking a tablespoon of low fat natural yoghurt and add some crushed garlic- mix this through, add parsley if you have any.

Prawns with Garlic & Chili and Rice Recipe

Make 50g of rice according to the packet. Drain.

In a pan add some chopped garlic and chilli, add veg chopped up into tiny chunks (or frozen peas and carrots would do) add 60g of cooked prawns and warm through. Add the rice, some soy sauce and a squeeze of lemon or lime. Sprinkle with some sesame seeds and serve.

Chicken Salad Recipe

Grill or roast 100g of chicken breast and serve with a large salad. Mix 120g of new potatoes with one tablespoon of low fat yoghurt and a small squeeze of salad cream, add spring onions and black pepper.

(Or serve with 120g of new potatoes and some steamed green veg)

Meatballs and Spaghetti Recipe (serves 2)

To make the meatballs:

In a bowl mix, 250g of lean mince, half a chopped onion, basil (dried or fresh) salt and pepper and about a tablespoon of tomato puree. Mix together then shape it with hands into 6 balls. Grill the meat balls for about 10-15 mins till cooked.

For The Sauce

Add half a chopped onion and sweat for a couple of mins (add a splash of water, not oil) then add a crushed garlic clove and some chopped mushrooms. Add a squirt of tomato puree and cook for a couple of mins. Add a dash of balsamic vinegar and let it reduce for a min or so then add a tin of chopped tomatoes. At the last min add a handful of ripped basil leaves and some fresh spinach.

Serve with 140g (70g per person) of brown spaghetti cooked to packet instructions.

I always have some frozen spaghetti and meatballs in the freezer for emergencies!!

Ok, there I go, sharing some recipies that helped me lose weight that also taste good too and are not difficult to make. I have loads more that I might get round to adding...............

Snacks................ I don't go without, as well as having a couple of pieces of fuit each day I'll sometimes have a cup of tea (skimmed milk) and a biscuit (sometimes even a kit kat) but only now and again! I also sometimes have a little bag of pretzels or some quavers (or any bag of crisps less than 100 cals) but I would only have one snack per day.

How I Lost Weight and still got to work on time!

My Diet, How to Lose Weight (even when your short of time)

I've always been someone who thinks- how to lose weight without exercise?

I know exercise is good for you, but I don't like it! I have however lost a couple of stone over the last year or so, I lost most weight in the first four weeks, then kept the weight off. Then I do a holiday diet, a few weeks before I go away- everyone needs a good bikini diet! If I've overdone it I can go back to eating healthy meals for a couple of weeks and feel great again! 
I thought I'd share some recipes, taken from various diets and adapted to make preparation quicker. I work full-time, so I don't have time to start the day making a complex breakfast and prepare a packed lunch too. So here is what I tried and it worked for me.

I'm not a dietitian, nor am I a doctor- if you are thinking of dieting it's recommended to check with your GP first.

Quick Diet Workday Breakfast Recipes:

I have to admit to never having breakfasts in the past, but after trying it I'd never go back to rushing to work on an empty stomach!

I try to start the day with a glass of warm water with a slice of lemon (not essential but I really like it)

I also have a coffee every morning with SKIMMED MILK (I'm sure cutting out the caffeine would be a good thing but that's not gonna happen)

Breakfast Recipe 1: Scrambled Eggs on Toast

1 Slice of brown or wholemeal toast with scrambled eggs.

This really doesn't take long at all, whilst the toast is toasting I’d beat 2 eggs and add a splash of SKIMMED MILK and seasoning (easy on the salt) microwave for 1 min then beat with a fork, pop back in the microwave on full power for 1 min. (or a bit longer for firmer eggs)

That's it. Put the egg on the toast and I have a quick tasty breakfast. I also add a raw or grilled tomato and grilled mushroom when I have the time.

This is so quick that I have it quite often, I'm sure that it is best to vary your breakfast though.

When I have more time, scrambled eggs are better made in pan and I'd add parsley or chives!

Breakfast Recipe 2: Bacon and Mushroom Muffin

I toast one wholemeal breakfast muffin, and grill one slice of lean bacon and a large mushroom until cooked. Put the bacon and the mushroom in the muffin (add sauce but not mayo) and go! If cooking bacon in the morning is going to be too time consuming I grill it the night before, store in the fridge then zap in the microwave in the morning (making sure it's piping hot) before I stick it in the muffin!

Breakfast Recipe 3: Muesli & Yogurt

A small low fat pot of yogurt, 50g of sugar free muesli, I chop a couple of different fruits (I like banana & kiwi) and chuck them all into a bowl and that's it. I'd also use frozen raspberries or maybe raisins if I have no fresh fruit. If I'm in a hurry I pop it all into a tupperware cup and eat en-route to work, you could even do this the night before.

Breakfast Recipe 4: Peanut butter on toast

2x slices of brown or wholemeal toast with peanut butter on- simple. I have a glass of fruit juice too.

Breakfast Recipe 5: Chocolate Croissant

Cut a low reduced fat croissant in half and warm in the grill then spread with a teaspoon of chocolate spread................ YUM! If you’re in a rush, it doesn’t even have to be hot but it tastes much better warmed up! Although this one is quick and tastes GOOD it doesn't fill me up for long so I'd have it with a glass of orange.

Breakfast Recipe 6: Grilled Breakfast

OK, so that's the working week done, as a Saturday treat I have a Grilled Breakfast:

1 grilled rasher of lean bacon

1 grilled reduced fat or vegi sausage

1 grilled tomato

1 grilled flat mushroom

1 fried or poached egg (if frying use spray oil)

1 slice of brown toast.

Sunday: Beans on Toast

Half a tin of beans on 2 slices of brown toast!

Quick Working Lunch Diet Recipes

I try to take my lunch to work with me, but there will always be the times I either forget to pick my lunch up or don't have time to make it at all, if I do have to buy lunch out I get a sandwich with no mayo.

I try to make a sandwich or wrap the night before and keep it in the fridge. I also take 2 pieces of fruit with me to eat during the day.

I make either a tortilla wrap, a sandwich with 2 slices of brown bread or a small bun (about 50g) with the following fillings:

1. 2x slices of turkey with salad and low fat salad cream
2. 2x slices of ham with low fat cream cheese spread and salad
3. 2x slices of beef with mustard and salad
4. 2x slices of chicken with salad and low fat salad cream
5. Half a tin of tuna (or salmon) with salad and red onion, either with low fat salad cream or a squeeze of lemon.

Or I take to work, a 300ml tin of minestrone soup with a small bun. (I check the ingredients of the soup to make sure it has lots of beans in)

I've seen a few healthy eating plans with salads and pasta salads for lunch, but I rarely have the time to make them for work. Great if you have the time, I'd just say with all of the lunch sarnies and salads- watch out for the mayo, and only use a small amount of low fat salad cream!!!

So, that's the working lunches at the weekend when I have more time I like to have:

Tuna Pasta and Beans Diet Recipe

Cook 70g of pasta (I try to use brown pasta but it doesn't matter really)

In a large bowl mix half a tin of tuna, chopped red onion, tomatoes, and add a drained (small) tin of three bean mix. Squeeze in the juice of a lemon and add the cooked pasta, throw in some chopped fresh parsley or basil f you have any. You can eat this warm or cold and I'd also have a green salad with it.

Prawn Tattie Salad

You need about 150g of cooked potatoes, chopped into cubes. Add a tablespoon of low fat greek (or natural) yogurt and a tablespoon of low fat salad cream.  About 50g of cooked prawns, a chopped tomato and some chopped spring onion. Add some black ground pepper and mix together. Serve with some spinach leaves. You can swap the prawns for tuna, ham or 40g of reduced fat cheese.

The recipes have come from different diets and have been adapted to be made as easily as possible. Each is one serving.

30 Strikes

So in the real world, fighting 29 was never gonna be a battle I was gonna win! Ta da... I am now the big fat 3-bloody-0 and nothing has actually changed!! It is a new year, a new day not not a new life......................

The plot is to still locate a (genuine) money making scheme, so far the options are:

1. Find a new location for a Travelodge and get paid £500 per room! Wowzer this must be the best idea yet however, I got no reply to my suggestion! Boooo here is the link if you have a better idea than mine travelodgedevelopment.co.uk I shall endevour to keep my eyes open for development sites!
2. Have a brain wave and get paid for it, hmm I better get my thinking hat on, this web site pays for ideas that they use ideabounty.com
3. If I was a little bit more scientific I might be able to get paid to solve a problem for one of the companies at innocentive.com I'm waiting for a moment of absolue genius (still).
4. Create a wonderfully wonderous website of my own that everyone would like to go to and buy things...... I've made a start but didn't get very far, if you want to make your own site at mr site, click the banner at the bottom of my page for 'mates rates'!



The link for discounted mrsite, get your own website!!

5. Come up with some cracking one liners or poems for greeting cards, I have heard that card publishers pay for these ideas (I will let you know if I have any luck with this one)!

I've already tried the online survery for money, mystery shopper companies and looked into all sorts of other odd websites offering to make you rich for a small investment!! Well I will not be making any investment into an online money making scam.............. I'm looking for a real get rich quick plan!!!!!!

We can all dream anyway!!