Broome Blunders and Brilliance!

Hello Dah-lings!

2010-04-26T21:08:00.000+08:00

Life of a student is oh so busy! Who would have thought? AND very terrible on the waistline, for me anyway... I (finally) purchased skim milk today, after months of full-fatty milk, and have vowed to stay away from my homemade choc chip cookies....

I have begun to ride to uni , see below... (nearly crashed trying to take this)

My results have reflected the hard yards, so far I have received FIVE (yep, count 'em) High Distinctions, and a Credit for assignments/exams!

I cannot believe it, maybe I am a smart arse after all?

I hope you are all well, thanks for the emails checking up. I hope to update again very soon.

Love yas x

Where Have I Been?

2010-02-22T10:25:00.000+08:00

Everywhere man.. Well, not really. I have been here, but super dooper busy and my poor little blog has been neglected. I'm sorry, smooch smooch.

So here are a few pictures to delight and amuse you, while I get my self together, and write up a real blog entry...

Cooking up a storm - The fish I caught, salad and rice.

Then a Prawn laksa for me... And a Chicken one for hubby

The boys pulling faces...

A First Birthday Party...

And a 21st Birthday Party - Fluro Theme

Hump Life...

2010-02-10T07:44:00.000+08:00

Never mind hump day, I feel like I have been having a hump life.

I am sick to death of repeating myself to my children, every hour of every day. It drives me insane. I need to make a recording, and just play it back

Please don't hit your brother
Put your shoes on
Eat your breakfast, please
C'mon, eat your dinner & don't pick the peas out
Didn't I just say, Don't hit your brother
Yes, that also covers biting him
Please clean your room
Your socks are right there. There. Look down. Under the tonka truck. Well you put them there

Jeepers, no wonder I drink

On a brighter note, I have been exploring my iPhone, and some of the great photography app's. Here are a few attempts at me being arty

WEEK ONE - The Challenge

2010-02-10T07:09:00.000+08:00

Woweeee, aren't you all a clever bunch!!

My wonderful little Broome WW Members have grabbed a hold of the 6 week challenge with both hands, and given it a good shake. So far we done over:

220KM

Then, in the other corner are a cheery bunch of misfits, I like to call the Onliners. These fantastic folk are gathered from the Weight Watchers boards, the We Are Slimming website, and my blog buddies. Together, we have completed over:

250KM

I have got you guys going the other way across Australia...

I am so proud of you all for putting in the effort, big and small. Lets see if we can make week two, as big and week one!

6 Week Challenge - Are You Up For It?

2010-01-31T12:13:00.000+08:00

Thought I'd give you a sneak peak of the meeting I have planned for this week...

We are going to do a 6 Week Kilometre Challenge

I have drawn up three walks around Broome, showing the kilometres of each.

Then each Monday, I am going to give out a raffle ticket for every km walked... the more you walk, the more tickets you get!

After six weeks, I draw out the winner of a WONDERFUL prize!

We are also going to track our kilometres on a map of Western Australia, to see how far we can get from Broome towards Perth.

It is all about HONESTY. I obviously cannot check all my members on their km's walked, but I think we all know that it will only disadvantage OURSELVES if we cheat.

If anyone is keen, I will run an ONLINE competition too. You can walk around your town (unless you would like to move to Broome) on a treadmill or even a crosstrainer. Check in with me each Monday, with the total km you have done for the week.

Let me know via email, or the comments if you are interested, and I will do up a list, and keep a track of your kilometres. And at the end of the six weeks, I will have a nice little prize for you too! Mwah!

The main aim of the challenge is to get some more exercise into our lives, and I hope this will give people a little extra motivation.

Good Luck, bring it on!!!!

Confession...

2010-01-29T07:49:00.002+08:00

Ohhhh Man

I need a kick up the butt, bigtime.... Calvin's pretty cheap, actually!

I haven't been a very good girl, and am moving farther away from my new personal goal... DAGNAMIT!!

Whinge, whinge, moan, groan.... blah blah blah, harden up princess

It is my own fault, I haven't been practising what I preach. As a matter of fact, I feel like the biggest hypocrite!

In three small weeks, I have put on THREE KILOS. Three fudging kilo's, I am so mad, sad, cranky and disappointed with myself. I had been working pretty darn hard, up until then.

The booze, the evil booze was my undoing... And MY choice to drink it

I love it, the little boozey high you get, the relaxation, the giggles. I sound like an alco, but I enjoy a ice cold beer, and crisp dry white at the end of the day.

The downfall is the kj's, the bloat and the bad food choices after one too many.

ARGH! Soooooo, looks like I am going to have to abstain for a while (?!?!) The weight always falls off me a hellova lot quicker when I do

Ok, I will shut up now, and just get on with it. Rant Over

The Other Sister...

2010-01-28T09:41:00.002+08:00

There’s this girl I know... Let’s call her Samantha

I have known her for ages; we went to school together back in the 90’s. We weren’t best mates back then, but were friends of friends.

Then I attended (well, was enrolled) in uni for a year, and Samantha lived across the highway. We became besties, and have been since.

It’s not like we live in each other’s pockets... Samantha lives over 2000km’s away, actually. But she is always there, in the corner of my mind. If she needs advice, I give it (and probably when she doesn’t want it too). We speak when we can, try & catch up once a year – maybe more if we are lucky, but when we get together, it’s like we have never been apart

Samantha has a successful career (yes she actually continued at uni), a gorgeous little apartment close to the city, has travelled everywhere, and goes to all the fab parties and festivals. There are even plans in the works for moving overseas!!! I am entirely jealous of her lifestyle (even though I am very content with mine), and love to listen all her stories over a chilled wine or two.

Samantha just left here, after an extra-long-weekend visit, and I miss her terribly. She sent me a text of how she cried for the entire plan ride home.

With all the excitement in her life, I still find it hard to believe how Samantha would find someone like me; married, stay at home mum of two boys, the least bit interesting.... Maybe it’s my cooking?

Anyway, I wanted to share a couple of pic's of us from back then, and one of us now

I ♥ you Samantha!

Australia Day - Broomestyle

2010-01-27T21:22:00.000+08:00

Hope you had a WONDERFUL day!!!

Winners Of My Virgin Giveaway!!!

2010-01-20T11:32:00.002+08:00

No, I am not giving away an actual virgin... Just that it was my first competition.

And the winner is....... (drumroll please)

Mad Woman - Yay!!! So your prize pack should be reaching you shortly.

(awe.. Purteee)

As a winner, Mad Woman was required to complete this gruelling interview, of 10 random questions:

1. What time did you get up this morning?
Get up or wake up? I woke up when the rooster that lives with the idiots behind me decided to wake up and crow his stupid head off. I've been researching rooster soup recipes in case I ever catch him. But I didn't actually get out of bed until 8am. I figured I should probably feed the spawnlets.

2. What are you most afraid of?
I'd love to say it was something simple like spiders (which I am...ewww!) or drowning/burning/falling to my death off a 50 story building with only a clown to break my fall (all of which are also scary).....but really it's something awful happening to my kids. That terrifies me. Not enough that I let it run my life or make me over protective (far from it), but enough that it's a thought in my head.

3. What's your natural hair colour?
Y'know, after 8 years I finally know the answer to this question again! It's blonde! I spent so many years dying it all shades of red (from fire engine red all the way to a deep mahogany), blue, purple, pink, and orange that I wasn't completely sure. But it's all natural now and it's a lovely blonde.

4. What was your favourite toy as a child?
That depends on what age I was. When I was really small I had a clown doll that I dragged everywhere. Was I was a bit older I had a Jem doll. LOVED it. Please tell me you all remember Jem & The Holograms. Best. Show. Ever.

5. Have you ever been skinny dipping?
I have indeed. I was considerably thinner, younger and more stupid than I am now. But it was fun :-)

6. What is your favourite Flower?
Ohh I love this question because my answer throws off all the menfolk every time. I love Gerbera Daisies. They're so pretty and simple. I had them on my wedding cake and my hubby likes to buy individual ones every once in a blue moon.

7. What are your favourite colours?
Purple. It's really the only reason that I never killed Barney the dinosaur. I couldn't bear to slaughter a creature made of purple.

8. How many tattoos do you have?

3. Well, technically 4, but two of them make up the one. Confused yet? I have a monkey and a butterfly on the back of my right shoulder. The monkey is for Boy Spawn a.k.a "Monkey Boy" and has a "C" on its belly, the butterfly is for Girl Spawn a.k.a "Butterfly Princess" and has an "A" on its wing. Then on the inside of my left wrist, I have a symbol for sisterhood to honour my relationship with my younger sister. And finally across my back is the big one....designed by ME. One big flower (gerbera daisy) in the middle to signify us as a family, thick vines coming out to show our strength as a family and an individual little flower for each of us in the family. There was no way I was tattooing names on me, so this was a good way to do it.

9. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
Sherlock Holmes...with the yummy Robert Downey Jr. and the sexy Jude Law. Stellar movie!!

10. What is your porn star name? (Name of your first pet, and then your street name)
Tigger Easthaven. Spectacularly UNsexy don't you think??

Stella answers, and she writes killer blogs too. Make sure you check them out!!

I also have three second prize winners, whom are also spiffy bloggers:
Kazz
Shelly &
Linda

Thanks to everyone for getting involved, and commenting on my little blog.

Special kudos to hubby for choosing the winners.

I will have another competition soon, so watch this space!

Win Win Win!!!

2010-01-16T20:29:00.000+08:00

This is my first give away... oooo, how exciting!

I have a Weight Watchers 2010 Diary, and two mini cookbooks up for grabs - and I will even throw in a skinny bottle of bubbley!

All you have to do is tell me (via your comment) what you are going to do, when you get to your goal weight.

It could be:

Buy a new dress
Go skydiving
Eat a whole pavalova - ok not this one

But you get the gist

Looking forward to seeing all your comments!!!

If you have any troubles, drop me a line at shazzydavis(at)live.com.au

I Heart Sunday's

2010-01-11T07:33:00.004+08:00

I live for Sunday's, I really do. I know that the next is normally a work day - but I just love how Sundays just dawdle along

Sleep-in's, lazy breakfasts then late lunches followed by sunset drinks and a light dinner - ah bliss!

Today's food went rather well...

Breaky was muesli followed by a latte at the shops (I love Jamaica Blue, skinny half shot and 1 sugar please)

Then off to Riddell Beach with my kids, hubby, puppy, parents, brother and nephew & niece.

There were hundreds of hermit crabs scurrying about, the boys had a ball collecting them up and having races

Dinner ended up as yummy chicken rolls, followed by watermelon - which, as you can see, was loved by all!

I have been VERY slack, in the exercising department, which makes for very lean meals - if I want to drop these last six kilos. We have swimming lessons this week, so I will endeavour to get my butt in the pool.

Only six sleeps until next Sunday x

She Sells Sushi, By the Sea Shore...

2010-01-07T08:19:00.000+08:00

Say that three times quickly!

The kids have been busting my butt, to make them sushi - so I finally caved, & sliced, rolled & chopped up a storm.

I made 2 sorts (the first lot's for me):

smoked salmon
extra light cream cheese
cucumber
spring onion
red capsicum
carrot

cooked chook
fatty fat fat aioli
cucumber
spring onion
red capsicum
carrot

Although making sushi is time consuming - it is really a yummy, filling lunch!!

I approximated 1 point per slice for the smoked salmon ones

Skydiving Naked!!!

2010-01-05T13:18:00.000+08:00

Ok, so I used a fake title to get your attention...

If I had written the real title: "I Love The Library", would you have kept on reading? Hey? I didn't think so!

But what can you do on a stinkin' hot 35 degree day, with 99% humidity? We were a bit sick of the lounge room, and kept spending money when we visited the shops.

There are a very limited number of things to do in Broome, that don't revolve around the pub, so the local library was it! Plus it was quiet, cold and FREE... Perfect!

The kids loved it, and had a ball playing with the puzzles and jigsaw's.

Even Robbo borrowed a book - this is a guy whose entire reading list composes of zoo mag, Ralph & FHM!

Good on you Tim Winton, hubby is a happy chappy!

Need A New Breakfast?

2010-01-03T11:58:00.000+08:00

I just had the BEST muesli, ever. Full stop, period, ever and ever amen

A clever lady named Leanne posted her recipe for Bran and Cranberry Muesli, and it was exactly what I needed - as I have become a little bored with sardines on toast.

I was a bit iffy about the All-bran, but it dissolved into the yoghurt! It is sweet, filling and oh so yummy. With the brand of cranberries I used, my concoction came out to 2.5 points a serve.

So pop on over to A Slimmer, Healthier Me, and give it a crack; you will love it!!! Thanks Leanne!

Magical Broome Colours

2010-01-02T13:17:00.000+08:00

Boabs by the sea...

Roebuck Bay...

Streeters Jetty...

2010: The Past Decade, and looking forward...

2010-01-01T22:36:00.000+08:00

10 years gone so fast... How about a quick rundown?

Drove my little Hyundai from one end of the state to the other, with my sister and a broken ankle
Met the love of my life
Married aforementioned love
Found a dog, Herbert
Created two beautiful babies
Put on 35kg, lost 35kg
Moved house 5 times
Lost an Uncle and a Nanna
Got accepted in to uni, but took a job instead
Quit job after 10 years, got re-accepted into uni

There are a few things lined up for this year already

Uni to learn to be a Primary School Teacher
Hubby turns 32 (I am 28, I decided to go backwards at 30)
My sister is getting married
A couple of friends are having babies
I hope to get back into contact sports mid year
AND I will get to my new goal weight

I hope you have had a wonderful festive season, I sure did. But it’s time to get serious, and get these last 6kg’s off. Wanna join me?

Days 22 - 33

2010-01-01T21:59:00.000+08:00

I have had a VERY busy festive season, and decided to do a mishmash of the last week and a bit.

Things went a bit astray, weight wise. I ate and drank to excess, but had a great time all the same.

Righto then, back on track - and time to drop those kilos!

Ho Ho Ho - Santa's Pooped!

2009-12-29T08:42:00.000+08:00

Everyone repeat after me... PHEW! The silliest part of the silly season has passed!

We are home after five days at a resort; with my parents, sisters family (2 bubs under 4), brother and his partner.

I love them all very much, but at the same time, I am glad to be home. I LOVE my own bed and pillows!

Christmas, by the way, was sensational!!! Lots of prawns, ham & salad, washed down with bubbley and beer. Mmm mm mm.

My children were very blessed by Santa. I think he fooled himself by being way too efficient this year, by putting away all the gifts early. When it came time to deliver the pressies, there were WAY more in his sack than he thought he had...

The boys were very impressed that Santa found his way to the resort, and his reindeer actually left behind a half eaten carrot!

I feigned sleep, when the kids woke and ran past me on Christmas morning, and got to see them do a little happy dance when they saw all the gifts under the tree. I love it

So now that is done, it's only 2 sleeps till 2010... Jeepers!

Days 15 - 21

2009-12-21T07:44:00.000+08:00

15. Killkenny, my most fave beer in the world. Not at all healthy, but so so tasty! To be sure, to be sure
16. My dog Herbert was running low on Christmas spirit
17. Thought I should get a HEAP of fruit, to stop me from eating crap. And we found this weird cherry.. Funny looking hey!
18. My work threw me a surprise leaving party, and gave me these AMAZING pearl, white gold and diamond earrings. YAY!
19. We had a heap of rain, and the kids decided to get out amongst it
20. The wii challenge, great fun, and actually hard work. Gonna earn some bonus points over the Chrissy break
21. Cyclone Laurence kept us indoors for around three days. I don't recall ever seeing such a unpredictable cyclone before. Scarey stuff

OK, I seem to be losing the meaning of this challenge, but I love taking picture - so will keep at it! :-)

Point + Shoot: Sunday 21st Dec 2009

2009-12-21T06:43:00.000+08:00

Mr 8 and Mr 6 (the dark ones on the right) met their Perth cousins for the first time, and were besties straightaway

I love how kids are so unreserved, and play & laugh with their whole hearts... Just gorgeous!

Easy Christmas Cake

2009-12-14T16:56:00.000+08:00

WW Christmas Fruit Cake

1kg Mixed Fruit

2 Cups Strong Black Coffee

200g Block Fruit & Nut Chocolate

2 Cups Self Raising Flour

1. Soak fruit in coffee overnight

2. Chop up chocolate

3. Mix together fruit mixture, flour and chocolate (quite blobby)

4. Bake at 180 degrees for 50-60 mins (I have fan forced, so turned mine down to 160ish)

Cut into 24 bits, worth 3 points each.

Merry Christmas!!!!

And many thanks to Bells from the WAWA Weight Watchers thread x

Days 7 - 14

2009-12-14T06:39:00.000+08:00

Day 8 - Flew to Perth to the knee specialist for my check up. (left pic is before, right is now) All in GREAT, and I can start running in March

Day 9 - I got an early Christmas pressi, an iPhone!!! Yay!!!

Day 10 - Started on the cooking Christmas gifts, these are for the office girls

Day 11 - My son decided he wanted to help cook dinner, and we made sticky ribs together

Day12 - The goldfish has be keeping a keen eye on the kitchen

Day 13 - My bro and s.i.l. popped around, and we had a fun board game, the game of life. I came second with only 1.5 million dollars, hehehe

Day 14 - The ww Rocky Road, ready to give as gifts. I managed to eat only one bit!!!

It Was 8 Years Ago Today...

2009-12-08T06:56:00.000+08:00

...to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health...

Summer Hibiscus...

2009-12-07T07:29:00.000+08:00

So here's my pic for the Point and Shoot challenge.

Walking around the backyard, while hubby was pruning, and came across this hibiscus. Just magic!

Days 1 - 7

2009-12-06T16:35:00.001+08:00

I am quite enjoying the 100 Small Step Challenge, but I don't think it helped me on the scales much this week, hehe

1. Points free soup, as I had a blowout on the Sunday
2. Back on track, with a yummy breaky
3. TTOTM, so felt like some comfort food. Skinny Parmie, yummo!
4. Went to Maccas, and was a good girl. Only a Coke Zero for me
5. My baby turned 6, mwah!
6. I went a got a new dress for Chrissy, retail therapy
7. It's mango time here, our tree is full. They are a fave, and only 1.5 points, mmmm!

I have adjusted my goal weight too, so now I have 7kg to go. Onward and downward, I say!

C is for Cupcake...

2009-12-03T17:11:00.000+08:00

Do you like? Was a bit of an effort, making 50 of the blighters... But, my baby is 6 tomorrow - so what baby wants, baby gets

x

Merry Christmas Mumma

2009-12-03T07:35:00.000+08:00

Just got this from my baby (6) today. Heehee

100 Small Steps Challenge

2009-11-29T10:09:00.000+08:00

I just signed up for the 100 Small Steps Challenge, so will be carting my little Sony snapper around with me everywhere. (That is not my actual camera...)

What's the "100 Small Steps Challenge?", I hear you ask...

Well, go to this clever lady's blog, and check it out: http://imjustlinda.blogspot.com/2009/11/100-small-steps-challenge.html

Basically you have to take one pic each day, of something that you do to show one of the little steps you have made towards health, fitness and well being.

Then you post them up at the end of the week, for all to share, inspire and be inspired.

Yay, I love taking photos so am particularly looking forward to this.

Righteo, I'm off to charge the camera up!

Poinciana Tree

2009-11-28T16:26:00.000+08:00

Here is a pic of the tree down the street, isn't it beautiful!!! I love the tropical plants around Broome this time of year. I will try and get some more shots

Merry (Early) Christmas

2009-11-22T14:32:00.000+08:00

I gave in to the kid’s requests, and put the tree up early, again...

I absolutely love this time of year, I really do. Every Christmas Eve is spent with hubby and the kids, and we sing along with the Carols by Candlelight. The kids put the milk, bickies and carrot’s out for Santa and his reindeer, and we tuck them into bed. I drink 1 or more icy cold Baileys, and wrap any pressies that are left over, and then we slink off to bed too.

This year we are off to a resort here in Broome for 5 nights, to spend it by the pool with Mum, Dad, Sister, BIL and kids, my Brother and his GF. I love them all so much, so cannot wait!!!!!

I know a lot of people struggle with the parties, drinks and general excesses of this time of year, but I like to think of it as more of challenge. As long as there is a skinny alternative to drinks and nibbles, I know I will be fine.

I also realise that it is the time of year to celebrate, so I try not to be too hard on myself. If I can maintain from Chrissy to New Years, I will be a happy woman

So... How you doin'

2009-11-18T20:10:00.001+08:00

I’m well, thanks for asking! Tho I’ve been a bit lonely since quitting Facebook...

Not a great deal has been happening around these parts, but I can proudly say that I have been sticking to my points brilliantly for the past three and a half weeks. AND only having drinks Friday & Saturday night! I know, can you believe it?!?!

And now I only have 2kg to be back at goal, thank fricken goodness

I can honestly say tracking has made a huge difference to my weight loss – I have my journal, and have been using it religiously.

19 points can stretch a fair way; the only thing I am struggling with is having breakfast... I am getting a bit bored with toast, or cereal

Also, I found this blog today on maintaining, and I really like it. Check it out at: http://www.refusetoregain.typepad.com/

Okee dokee, I’m signing out

Cupcakes! Nom nom nom nom...

2009-11-12T23:36:00.001+08:00

Check out these cupcakes I made for Izayah's Class Pirate Party... Not bad hey!

I did lick the bowl though... I wonder how many points were in that!!! hehe

These ones above are little buried treasures (chocky coins), with Pirate flags marking the spot.

And these crazy guys up here, are little cranky Pirates

And these guys are s'posed to be skulls.... Well if you squint, they do, kinda look like skulls.... Don't they???

A Post.... Wow, it has been a while...

2009-11-12T07:00:00.000+08:00

Lordy, lordy.... Last post 30 June 09?!?!

Wow, I am surprised you guys are still here! I would have dumped my lazy arse...

Terribly sorry for the lapse, how about an update on what’s been happening? Ok then

Well since the ACL snapped, and then was repaired, until the day (1month ago) that I could start exercising, I PUT ON 6KG... dagnamit

Not really eating crap, probably (definitely) drinking too much, but the big thing was the NO exercise!!! It just made it almost impossible to NOT put on.

But on a happier note; I have been cranking the bike and pool exercises since and so far have lost half of that, and as of this morning weigh in at 70.2kg. YAY, 3 kg till I am back at goal!!

ALSO, I have some big news... I have resigned from my job, which I have had for over 8 years, and am going back to school!!! Yes I am crazy, but I am also looking forward to being a Primary School Teacher in four years time. It is something I planned to do 9 years ago; however life got in the way. So before I get too old and wrinkly (not that there is anything wrong with that) I decided it was time.

Hubby thinks it’s great, and wonders if I get to wear a short uniform (dirty bugger), kids are excited and want me to come to their class to teach, but I am a bit nervous and wonder if we can afford it....

Rob says to follow my dreams, and I love him for it. Let’s see how happy he is when he is doing overtime! Kidding, might have to find a night-time job?

What would be a great after hours job I could do?? Send some suggestions my way!!!

Going Great Guns!

2009-07-30T14:53:00.000+08:00

Howdy bloggers

Thing are going well in the land of Shazzy. I have been back on track since my last post, and dropped a couple of kg's to boot, woohoo!

This is great, as we have Ladies Day at the Broome Races, next Wednesday – and my work has a tent & I am hoping to squeeze into a pretty new frock. Free booze and nibbles too, yay! (I’d better bank up some points...)

Speaking of which, I don’t spruik about products very often, but I can totally recommend the ww pedometer. What a great invention! It beeps when u earn bonus points, and tracks the week for u. LOVE IT!

In other news; I just had news back from the orthopaedic surgeon, and I am scheduled for my knee reconstruction for 6.30am on the 14th of August.

Yeh, I know, it’s soon hey! So I fly to Perth on the 9th for a pre-op appointment, and we go from there.

I can’t wait, then its intense physiotherapy for 9months, and back into the netty & touch footy (hopefully).

That's about it for now, hope u are having a great week too!

I Once Was Lost, But Now Am Found

2009-07-20T21:02:00.000+08:00

First of all, can I apologise....

Sorry it has been so long! There have been many ups and down around these parts over the last few months.

1. My computer died, and had to buy a new one - argh
2. I did end up tearing my ACL, and am up for a knee reconstruction. Boo Hoo
3. Scoregasm’s lost the Grand Final by 1 point – and I couldn’t play
4. I turned 31 last Thursday (See my sunset nibbles pic above)
5. I have fallen off the health kick wagon, and have been dragged behind the cart.

PLUS... The last two weeks I have been on holidays, eating and drinking myself into oblivian! Though it was FUN, my jeans are paying for it now.

OK, so they are all downs...

BUT, I have decided to pull my sorry butt out of the gutter, begining with bloggging again.

SO, the hard work begins again, but funnily enough, I am actually looking forward to it. Here goes, wish me luck

Haydo's Curry - Delish

2009-04-06T20:44:00.000+08:00

I love Matty Hayden, not only for his muscley arms & rugged good looks, but to top it off - this man can cook! The perfect package!

So, I am going to share this recipe from his first cookbook, which I LOVE, and make all the time. I have figured out that it is 4.5 points per serve, plus rice:

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons ground coriander
2 teaspoons sweet paprika
2 teaspoons curry powder (see below)
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon chilli powder
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
Pinch ground cardamom
Pinch ground cloves
1 onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
3 curry leaves
1 stalk lemon grass, white part only
2 green chillies, deseeded & finely chopped
2 tomatoes, diced
2 cinnamon sticks
600g chicken thighs
1 cup evaporated coconut flavoured milk
½ cup water
Steamed rice to serve

Directions:
Combine the coriander, paprika, curry powder, salt, chilli powder, turmeric, cloves and cardamom. Rub all over meat, cover the meat with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours.

Heat oil in a large saucepan, and cook onion until soft and brown. Add the garlic, ginger, curry leaves, lemon grass, chilli, tomato and cinnamon sticks and cook over low heat for 3 minutes, stirring regularly.

Add chicken, cover and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add the coconut milk and the water, bring slowly to the boil and simmer for 20 minutes. Not too high, or the milk will separate.

Take out the cinnamon sticks, lemon grass and curry leaves before serving.

Serve with rice.

Curry Powder
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons coriander seeds
3 tablespoons cumin seeds
1½ tablespoons sweet cumin seeds (fennel seeds)
1 cinnamon stick
10 dried curry leaves
10 cardamom pods
10 cloves
½ teaspoon fenugreek seeds
½ teaspoon yellow mustard seeds
1 tablespoon rice, washed and drained
1 tablespoon dedicated coconut
¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg

Method:
To make curry powder, place all ingredients in sequence into a dry frying pan over medium heat. Cook stirring, until well browned and fragrant, but take care not to burn. Leave to cool, then grind to a fine powder. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a year.

It is so worth the effort of making your own curry powder, you can taste the difference.

Enjoy, Love Me (Channelling Haydo's)

ACL - Anterior Cruciate Ligament

2009-03-29T19:47:00.000+08:00

Last Thursday night, touch footy. No subs, down by 4 tries.

I turn to the side, go to push off my right leg and "POP", my Dad heard my knee pop from 20 metre's away.

I went down like a sack of potatoes, yelling like a little girl "Ah my knee, my knee, Owowowowow"

And then excruciating pain from inside my knee, radiated down my leg, and I knew I was in the shit.

Then, after immediate ice application, the pain subsided. So I poked my knee at the front, the back, and then the sides,.... Nothing. Weird. It was just killing me, and now it's ok. I couldn't walk on it, or straighten it, but the pain is no longer crippling me.

So, up the hospital I go, tendons are nice and tight, so I must have hammy tear. A 3 to 4 week injury, oh well. Doc says get to the Physio tomorrow.

Checking into my Physio, I tell her about my hammy, which she quickly rules out. Oh-oh....

After a few knee test's it looks like my ACL. I have to book in for a scan, and see what happens from there. If I have torn my ACL, it’s a knee reconstruction (argh) and a year off sport. But hopefully it’s just a strain, or something, and I’ll only have to be off for a month (fingers crossed)

Will let u know, as soon as I do. And I should be able to share my secret soon too, promise xxx

6 WEEK CHALLENGE - WK 6

2009-03-24T17:36:00.000+09:00

Woop Woop!

I did it, I just ran the length of Cable Beach Road. Yey!!!!

I am so proud of myself, didn't think I would be able to do it. I think I could have gone even further, but the kids were complaining they were hot (and we forgot to bring our water, silly billies)

At my WW meeting this week we had a "Happy 21st (week) Birthday Party", so we didn't get to check on our 6 week challenge - so I will be sure to do that first up next week.

We also had a competition, to see who could guess how much weight we had lost together as a group, over the past 21 weeks - and the lovely Suze won the prize, guessing 413.4kg. I could hardly belive the total myself, I am so proud of everyone! I have such a great bunch, and really love being a Leader here in ole Broometown.

Anyway, I had better get on to dinner, Stir-fried Adobo Pork tonight - yummo!

PS, Sorry It's been so long between posts, I have a secret, but can't tell you yet... Stay tuned

Getting There....

2009-03-11T07:26:00.001+09:00

This week has been great so far, check out our Beach Touch Footy pics above!

And just found out I won the Quarterly Award (Highest Weight loss per Attendance) for my Weight Watchers meeting, yay!

Here's to the rest of the week!!!

Zen Teachings

2009-03-06T11:03:00.000+09:00

1. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me for the path is narrow. In fact, just piss off and leave me alone.
2. Sex is like air. It’s not that important unless you aren’t getting any.
3. No one is listening until you fart.
4. Always remember you’re unique. Just like everyone else.
5. Never test the depth of the water with both feet.
6. If you think nobody cares whether you’re alive or dead, try missing a couple of mortgage payments.
7. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you’re a mile away and you have their shoes.
8. If at first you don’t succeed, skydiving is not for you.
9. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.
10. If you lend someone £20 and never see that person again, it was probably well worth it.
11. If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.
12. Some days you are the bug; some days you are the wind screen.
13. Don’t worry; it only seems kinky the first time.
14. Good judgment comes from bad experience … and most of that comes from bad judgement.
15. A closed mouth gathers no foot.
16. There are two excellent theories for arguing with women. Neither one works.
17. Generally speaking, you aren’t learning much when your lips are moving.
18. Experience is something you don’t get until just after you need it.
19. We are born naked, wet and hungry, and get slapped on our ass … then things just keep getting worse.
20. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

There's something in that for all of us x

The Scoregasm's

2009-03-06T08:30:00.000+09:00

It's been a while, I have been a very busy girl

Touch footy has started, and my team is called the Scoregasms...

A team of old mates, and new mates, we are quite a motley crew - I will try and get some pics.

Had our first real match last night, and couldn't quite get over the line. However, there were LOT of positives:

- We only went down by 2 tries; and the other team has been together for a few seasons
- Whilst I am never one to blame the ref's, a couple of tries were from decisions that could have gone either way
- It was great to see the newies getting in there, and having a crack!
- We looked so hot in our mint green shirts
- It was great fun, and a good EVEN game

So we are heading down the beach on Sunday, for a mix and mingle with a couple of other touch teams - plus a webber & a couple of beers

Can't wait!

Gooooooooo SCOREGASMS!

I Am Alive

2009-02-27T06:48:00.000+09:00

Hi All

I am here; I am alive, and happy to say maintaining!

However, my six week challenge is lacking a bit in the motivational department…

Here is my list of excuses:

1. Hubby has been working late each night, can’t leave the kids at home
2. Its too bloody hot
3. There has been a tropical storm every second arvo
4. My iPod is flat
5. I have to cook dinner
6. I just don’t feel like it

Like a good leader should, lest assess the above, and challenge these excuses

1. I could do my 40 sec circuit at home, while hubby is working late
2. Do one of my exercise DVD’s in the air-conditioning
3. As above, or workout on the veranda
4. Charge it up in advance, doofus
5. Cook it after school/work. Hubby can reheat
6. Harden up Princess

Ok, so I wouldn’t say that to a member, but as I am talking to myself, HARDEN UP WOMAN!

It’s all about planning. We fail to plan, means we plan to fail.

I have an advantage, as Touch Football has now started, and Netball is soon to follow, so without even trying, my exercise will be getting a massive boost. BUT, I still really want to be able to run up Cable Beach Road (and beyond??)

Tonight’s the night; I am going to start by walking/running to take Iz to his first Tennis lesson at 5pm.

Will blog in over the weekend, and let u know how it all went

x

Erk, Fat and Crapiola

2009-02-15T18:25:00.000+09:00

That’s pretty much how I am feeling at this very moment…

I have had the worst week, eating and drinking wise, on record!

I would love to blame my best bud, who has been staying with me for the past week – however it has been ME who chose to eat, drink and snack my way into oblivion over the past 10 days.

THE BUCK STOPS HERE!

And to top it off, now I am a week short on my 6 week challenge, and have no-one to blame but myself.

So, now what?

I get my head on straight, get my meals planned for this next week, and put my shoes on everyday.

No excuses. No Bullsh*t. No Giving up.

SIX WEEK CHALLENGE - WK 1

2009-02-10T15:13:00.000+09:00

Hey there, we had a great WW meeting Monday night, so thought I’d share…

I challenged my members to a Six Week Challenge, with emphasis on a goal that isn’t scales related.

For example, some members chose the following:

Fitting into a jacket, that is a bit too small
Drop their cholesterol level
Getting best player at Touch Football
180(!) Push-ups in a row (And will do it in front of everyone, too)
Play with the kids every afternoon

Mine is to be able to run the whole length of Cable Beach Road (which I just calculated at ONLY 1.6km…..)

I know it probably sounds lame, but I am not a distance person, so I think I am going to find it quite difficult.

But the challenge starts today, and I will pace myself, and build it up by heading off on my 6km walk, with bits of running included.

I think it is important to remember there are other ways to measure our successes along the way, not just on the scales. Along with weight loss, there are also positive outcomes with our size measurements, fitness levels, and health & wellbeing as well. And I think you will find that if you can also try and focus on positive, long term lifestyle changes, rather than the quick-fix, “gotta-lose-10kg-for-a-wedding” idea, you will find that the weight that you lose will actually stay off.

Feel free to join me, on the Six Week Challenge, and I will keep checking on you, to see how you’re travelling.

And you can keep an eye on me too!

Food, Glorious Food

2009-02-05T06:50:00.000+09:00

Been struggling to get back on track, after my week away.
So I've practised what I preached, and have had yummy, healthy meals over the last couple of days. For example:

Curry Chicken & Rice (6 points)

My Fave Porridge with Dried Apricots & Almonds (4 Points)

Todays lunch, Chickpea, Egg & Tuna Salad (5 points)
(You are not going blind, the egg is cooling on the bench, and I have to grab some tuna on the way to work, hehe)

Off for a walk this arvo, if these storms will let me :)

What A Week!

2009-02-02T16:09:00.001+09:00

Sorry I haven't posted, just got back Saturday arvo

Thought I'd throw in a few pics from my week. I LOOOVED the fireworks in Perth - they were amazing!

I haven't been for years, and I really enjoyed myself

That's my gal pal Samantha, she always makes sure I have fun!

And then I thought I'd throw one in of my puppy, Tessa

On the weight front, I was EXTREMELY naughty, and seemed to have put on 1kg. Not tooooo bad considering I drank and ate waaaay too much, including curry from this sensational restaurant in Subiaco. Check it out at http://www.littlechutneys.com.au/

But now its nose down and bum up (well, running actually)

Probably a good time to share with you my fave quote, which I will be chanting all this week:
You don't drown by falling in the water; you drown by staying there. Edwin Louis Cole

Luv Me xxx

Happy Birthday My Darling

2009-01-22T21:04:00.000+09:00

Australia Day is my darling husbands birthday.
Which works out great for him, as he has a public holiday every year, and fireworks, to boot!

He is my rock, and has been by my side, through thick and thin. (And fat & skinny)

So as a tribute...

10 Things I Love About Rob:

1. Sky blue eyes, that change with the sky or ocean

2. Big swimmers muscles

3. Not hairy

4. Fantastic father

5. My best friend

6. Our love of the same beer(s)

7. His soft spokeness

8. Big hands

9. He knows everything about me

10. He loves me for who I am

There is also a list of 10 things that piss me off about him, but 'cos it's his birthday, I'd better be nice, and not print that....

Hahaha

I am away next week, so won't be able to post until i get back.

Have a great Aussie Day, make sure you have a (lean) lamb chop, and a cold beer!

Love Shaz

(Happy Birthday My Love!!!!xxxxx)

Monday - Part B

2009-01-19T20:22:00.001+09:00

Woooooot Woooooot !!!!

I did it, and it has paid off. I dropped 1.5kg, and am almost back to my personal goal.

So delighted to be just under my WW goal, hooray :) and hope to stay in between the two forever.

So, back onto the maintenence, but I think I will keep up with walking as I am really enjoying it!

Tell you what though, I am looking forward to a FEW bevies, but I will try to keep them within my daily points total (23).

So excited, I am off to celebrate with a skinny cow icecream and frozen berries

xxx Hip Hip..... Hooray

Monday - Part A

2009-01-19T07:28:00.000+09:00

The correct way to weigh yourself

Well its here, Monday, I made it...

Recapping the list:

1. Alcohol free week

2. No takeaway food

3. Walk every afternoon

4. Do 1 weight session

5. Have greens at LEAST once a day

I weigh in tonight, and I'm pretty confident that I did alright, as follows

1. Not a drop, oh man, that was hard (Maybe I should join AA, instead of WW)

2. Easy peasy

3. Yes, and surprisingly fun. But it was bloody hot here

4. Sort of. I carried hand weights on my last 2 days of walking. Then did a few presses when I got home.

5. Of course :)

I will blog back in this evening, and let you know how it went

:) Shaz

Dinner - Comfort Food... mmmmm

2009-01-15T19:59:00.000+09:00

Sliced Potato Cottage Pie

This was HUGE, and serves four, with a points value of 7, per serve

The kids & hubby also gobbled it up, so it was great all round!

(Page 24 of the Eat Together book, Satisfaction Plan week 5)

BTW, this week has been really good so far, and I have stuck to my checklist, from my previous blog.

Half way there. I just hope I can resist the booze on the weekend.

Let me know if you want the recipe, and I will post it up...

xxx

No TV, No Beer Make Sharon Something, Something...

2009-01-13T09:46:00.000+09:00

I weighed in yesterday, and put on a kilo (as expected). NO BEER for me this week!

So I have made this checklist of things to do, or not to do, before next Monday:

1. Alcohol free week
2. No takeaway food
3. Walk every afternoon
4. Do 1 weight session
5. Have greens at LEAST once a day

The last one is a freebie, cos I do that anyway, but I wanna head start, hehehe

Wish me luck!

Family Fishing Foto's

2009-01-10T08:18:00.000+09:00

Thought I'd pop up some fishing pics of the family, from up at Mercedes Cove...

Riding Along On My Push-Bike Honey

2009-01-10T07:42:00.000+09:00

Good Morning

I ate pizza last night, AND drank 4 beers.... so to combat my splurge, I rode to work this morning....

You know when you drive around town in the car, in the comfort of your bucket seat and the air conditioning - you sort of check out the roads and think, "Yeh, that would be a nice casual bike ride... I could do that...."

Well, it's not, I can't and won't do it again!!!! That was a highway to hell!

To the untrained eye, a long flat roads look just that, long and flat.

Bit nooooooooo, it is a looooong INCLINE of a road, that makes you pedal on the lowest gear possible, until your feet are rotating in a blaze of glory, but you are moving at approximately 3cm per minute! And to top it off there was a delightful "breeze" blowing at me, head on.

Arrrgghhh!

Ok, ok – so I am turnin’ it up a bit, it wasn’t ENTIRELY that bad, and I may have exaggerated a tad around the edges.

The ride only went for 20 minutes, I had a wonderful view of the beach sand dunes the whole way, and saw three eagles. (The bird kind, not the footy player’s unfortunately).

I DO feel fantastic (now I’ve stopped sweating)
I HAVE made a positive choice in riding to work
I AM at goal, so I don’t have to feel guilty about every “bad” food choice
And one slip up IS NOT going to put me back up to 100kg, I don’t have to be afraid

So maybe I will take that bike ride again; time went so quick, and I was at my destination before I knew it…. A little bit like my weight loss journey, really.

Keep plugging away, and after a while you look back, and you realize that there is a greater distance back to where you started from, than there is to where you need to go to. And what a great feeling it is when you actually arrive!

xxxx

Mmmm, Dinner

2009-01-06T20:41:00.000+09:00

Check out my Dinner!!!

Steak and couscous with cherry tomato sauce. Served with an Avocado salad, and garlic bokchoy

Was soooooo good, i had to take a pic!

7 points from the Fast Start book. Let me know if you want the recipe

xxx

Monday Night

2009-01-06T06:54:00.001+09:00

Back on track today - And it feels good already

Just had our meeting, and it went well. A lot of members are still away on holidays, so not as many smiley faces as there would normally be. Plus the Chrissy break plays havock with the waistlines (mine included)... But two new ladies - YAY!

I've attached a pic of me, from the day I went in to have my youngest (who is now 5). It reminds me of how far I've come, so I don't beat myself up too much, over putting on a little bit of weight.

With this in mind, I have still decided to do the "Fast Start" this week, & give myself a boost. This will hopefully help shake those couple of pesky kg's that have attached themselves to me since Chrissy.

Todays menu went like this:

Breaky-
Apple & Sultana Museli

Coffee

Snack-
WW Rich Toffee Bar (I am so addicted to these, OMG feel like one now)
Coffee

Lunch-
Beef, Chutney & Salad Sandwich on Soy-Lin Bread

Snack-
Banana

Dinner-
Steak, Couscous & fried up toms, mushies, onion & bokchoy
Avocado Salad

Snack-
Decaf Coffee
WW Nibblies

Looking back, too much coffee - hence I am awake now blogging, instead of sleeping. But was satisfied all day, so thats a bonus.

Ok, will attempt to have 1 less coffee tomoz, or maybe swap 1 for another decaf.

Night Night!

Family Time

2009-01-04T22:03:00.000+09:00

Rohan, Myself & Izayah

Bye Bye 08 - Hellooooo 2009

2009-01-02T21:37:00.000+09:00

New Years Resolutions...

Mine is to maintain my weight, within 2kg's of my goal, for 2009.

Chrissy & New Years has been a challenge, that's for sure. But lucky for me, I have all the help I need with WW. Going to do the Fast Start this week, and get back in the game.

Santa came up with a wii, so the family have been addicted to bowling for the first few days of 09.

So we thought we better get out of the house...

I have attached some pics of the family, having active time down the beach. It feels so good to be able to keep up with them again.

This year is going to be a ripper, I can feel it!

xxx

Before & After

2008-12-22T20:42:00.000+09:00

A little bit about my journey:

"When are you due...."

Those four words, about 5 years ago, was a turning point for me, and when I decided to join Weight Watchers.

I was in a music store, and a guy asked me when I was due. His girlfriend elbowed ribs, and I stood there stunned. I choked tears, said I’d had already him, ran out shops and cried all the way home.

I found I couldn't play netball or touch footy - both sports I once loved. Plus, I couldn’t keep up with my toddler either.
I was sick of shopping in Plus Size section of Target, and tired of being so sweaty, hot and bothered all the time.

When i joined I weighed just over 100kg

So I decided I wanted my life back, and joined, that was just over five years ago.

And it's the best decision I have ever made

xxx

New Week - New Program at WW

2008-12-15T21:15:00.000+09:00

Wow, just got back from the meeting, and after trying out the new Fast Start, I have lost 2.4kg in 1 week! Holy Crapoly!

It works, I was very SATISFIED, and not hungry at all.

Lovin it, woo hoo! I urge u to give it a go :)

PS, the pic is of me sitting on 200kg, which is what my Broome members have lost so far,over the past 10 weeks!

xxx