tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56592212663142683292024-02-01T21:36:05.314-08:00Mrs Brown's ThoughtsClarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07433555828408217614noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5659221266314268329.post-70510266271676147272014-01-15T16:28:00.001-08:002014-01-15T16:28:10.696-08:00I've moved I've been away a while. Sometimes you just have to retreat into your shell, & I did but I am plotting my comeback!<br />
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I'm a bit like Madonna, I just keep reinventing myself (that's prob the only thing I have in common with Madge)<br />
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I am around on <a href="https://twitter.com/BeeHappyHealthy" target="_blank">Twitter</a> & <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/BeeHappyHealthy/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> (my new addiction) building up my ideas, posts & features. <br />
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I'm excited about what 2014 holds for us & look forward to sharing it with you.<br />
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So please please please pop on over to my new blog<br />
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<a href="http://beehappyandhealthy.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Bee Happy and Healthy</a></div>
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Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07433555828408217614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5659221266314268329.post-61240576431778846442013-07-19T06:17:00.000-07:002014-01-15T13:13:00.137-08:00I Love YouI am lucky to have a husband who says I Love You many times each day.<br /><br />But yesterday he said it in a lovely imaginative way! He sent me an AmazeBox.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCt-WcYxHmQ8d8XLXryvm41c-wip3adFjMzcbkbkZas3-h5Z8ZdiBWhbaGfaN__VDM0UmBcW3MrpLPmOrdomeLaBfunntilomjtvWWVb1Y80WO9rAEYi1V7TwnLMLO2Qj8h9FQM8PpaZY/s1600/IMG_1359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCt-WcYxHmQ8d8XLXryvm41c-wip3adFjMzcbkbkZas3-h5Z8ZdiBWhbaGfaN__VDM0UmBcW3MrpLPmOrdomeLaBfunntilomjtvWWVb1Y80WO9rAEYi1V7TwnLMLO2Qj8h9FQM8PpaZY/s320/IMG_1359.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AmazeBox landed on doormat</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://www.amazebox.co.uk/" target="_blank">AmazeBox</a> is a little box that comes through the post with some treats inside. Inside my box was a single red rose, a sweet smelling moisturiser and some yummy chocolates.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqS5ML6lpDmxJwWB7E83SuoH6xvkGL-klMq3Q-Sfr4Xo13E9ygJrAa8SsVWuIII6ar5umsaErt8bp9B5r7EFkZ2jRO0zMZFYKO8zOwPf4iXaWNHhlj0ptoYpVWp0Yt97SXDp5xeWuTf6j/s1600/IMG_1361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqS5ML6lpDmxJwWB7E83SuoH6xvkGL-klMq3Q-Sfr4Xo13E9ygJrAa8SsVWuIII6ar5umsaErt8bp9B5r7EFkZ2jRO0zMZFYKO8zOwPf4iXaWNHhlj0ptoYpVWp0Yt97SXDp5xeWuTf6j/s320/IMG_1361.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />I love you - a special little sentence. At our wedding we wanted our tables to have names so we called them "3 Words", "8 Letters" and "1 Meaning" all meaning I Love You.<br /><br />We also had a Rose Ceremony straight after the wedding. We exchanged single red roses as our first gifts as husband and wife. The ceremony asks us to use roses as a reminder of our special day and if there are times when we are finding it hard to say the words we can use that single red rose to say those special 3 words "I Love You".<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtYvILpwUujdKTgIe9DZdu6tUJRk6V0tlgb9UYav7pu6QViQHVyfmB_MqmQQFoUNpGYJlBM4pchyphenhyphenVtnQP57g9YXGtOYNdZOlCDeGc0lwfujkRxByPkANc_FeaAT42_6RJZJFTcPjUBWdB/s1600/IMG_1363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWtYvILpwUujdKTgIe9DZdu6tUJRk6V0tlgb9UYav7pu6QViQHVyfmB_MqmQQFoUNpGYJlBM4pchyphenhyphenVtnQP57g9YXGtOYNdZOlCDeGc0lwfujkRxByPkANc_FeaAT42_6RJZJFTcPjUBWdB/s320/IMG_1363.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QCK_h-Wh6au8GF28kxBCk-6yR-3RNT_0Smz0yZDuLVQoGja11NWkUxxpkMa_AFbhWmWJU01f2LD43TMJOowhWiZU6WnGM9HAZlcwLQOie2MoQYwlxaaT0ks65FhEJkWFaDftzUAe5k6g/s1600/IMG_1364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QCK_h-Wh6au8GF28kxBCk-6yR-3RNT_0Smz0yZDuLVQoGja11NWkUxxpkMa_AFbhWmWJU01f2LD43TMJOowhWiZU6WnGM9HAZlcwLQOie2MoQYwlxaaT0ks65FhEJkWFaDftzUAe5k6g/s320/IMG_1364.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />What a lovely idea, a little box of treats. <br /><br />If you fancy 25% of an <a href="http://www.amazebox.co.uk/" target="_blank">AmazeBox</a> I have a referral code MSQ4G7<br /><br />Enjoy! Love Mrs Brown xx<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/37/B7B456FBB1F6F3A6771B2BC7843B71CC.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br /> <div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/?px" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=acc8116b-0fd6-4178-94cc-4cd1b1ae7a19" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07433555828408217614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5659221266314268329.post-47221027589107097072013-07-11T14:01:00.000-07:002014-01-15T13:08:00.126-08:00Week so farWeek 2 - I'm still struggling to get into the zone.<br /><br />My eating has been a hit & a miss this week - very much up & down. I'm desperately trying to keep on track.<br /><br />Here's how I've gone with this week's challenges.<br /><br />1. Ditch the scales<br /><br />I didn't ditch the scales, I'm afraid I need them just now. I need to go to slimming class to keep me on track. It would be so easy to let the pounds I've lost creep back on. I was 1/2 pound down, at least it's going in the right direction, but I know I am capable of much more.<br /><br />2. Create an inspiration wordle<br /><br />Now I love <a href="http://www.wordle.net/" target="_blank">wordle</a>, they just look so cool. I played around with it & decided to use words about how I wanted to feel or what I want to achieve. I revisited my <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/MrsBrownThought" target="_blank">Myfitnesspal profile page</a> & it reminded me 'Why I want to get in shape' and 'My Inspirations'. It was good to come back to these reasons & a wordle is a great way to keep these in focus. So I am going to print out my pretty wordle & put it on my fridge. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOyZ5qA1FTBVgLwysrqD2cEXlqAUNrISNAhkyjUk99645rrQmVy9LV3wWT8Z9bUCRpSVyoUBsEvAY3VEa0oxD6VHYSm_DpBbIijXLKOtOez_tZUdf4kDhafSb55Tw_cWw2BRIkAN2hzgNy/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-07-11+at+21.39.14.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOyZ5qA1FTBVgLwysrqD2cEXlqAUNrISNAhkyjUk99645rrQmVy9LV3wWT8Z9bUCRpSVyoUBsEvAY3VEa0oxD6VHYSm_DpBbIijXLKOtOez_tZUdf4kDhafSb55Tw_cWw2BRIkAN2hzgNy/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-07-11+at+21.39.14.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. Track my food every day</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have no excuse, I just haven't done it. This is also one of my goals. So next week I will definitely be back on it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I write it's making me want to do better. I want to really take on this challenge. This week I am really going to plan meals & track to keep on track.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I can do this!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Love Mrs Brown xx</div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/37/B7B456FBB1F6F3A6771B2BC7843B71CC.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br /> <div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/?px" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=ec2936b7-ce86-42a4-92de-f9467decbd97" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07433555828408217614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5659221266314268329.post-92189885228223308072013-07-06T05:12:00.000-07:002014-01-15T13:08:00.136-08:00Weight Loss Goals & Week 1<div class="WEIGHTS-AND-MEASURE-CHALLENGE-button" style="margin: 0 auto; width: 200px;"><a href="http://weightsandmeasure.blogspot.ca/p/201312-week-summer-challenge.html" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img alt="Summer 2013 12 Week Challenge" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-O8GFV0-hznGPe7bffmYeP8v1I9JY6djgJxdoc1ZzSfJ227y99l3joURkcmiAIBsOeJBGgSq8V0VT0x2PRhoMeQWyxnb7A3V4iMA0YEHxO-a_8U8VknC6j72Pn66YhHLpAiSWNdr23tE/s1600/SUMMER+CHALLENGE+LOGO.jpg" width="400" /><br /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I've taken up the <a href="http://mrsbrownsthoughts.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/12-week-summer-weight-loss-challenge.html" target="_blank">12 week Summer Weight Loss Challenge</a> and the first challenge is goal setting.<br /><br />What do I want to achieve over the next 12 weeks?<br /><br />I know I want to lose weight but I need to make my goals - specific, measurable and achievable. I hope by having these weight loss goals it will help provide focus and motivation. These need to positive.<br /><br />It's taken some time, but I think I've got them. My weight loss goals for the challenge.<br /><br />Goal 1<br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;">In 12 weeks I will have lost 1 stone.</span></i><br /><div><br /></div><div>I am attending a slimming class and getting weighed weekly. I have been losing weight ~1lb per week so in order to achieve my weight loss goal I will need to up my game. I will need to lose 2lbs on at least 2 weeks. I think this is achievable, enough of a stretch to challenge me but realistic enough that I'm not setting myself up to fail.</div><div><br /></div><div>Goal 2</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>I will have an exercise routine</i></span></div><div><ul><li><i>I will go to Zumba on Monday and Wednesday</i></li><li><i>I will do my exercise DVD on a Thursday</i></li><li><i>I will go swimming on a Friday</i></li></ul></div><div>I am already going to Zumba Monday and Wednesday but I regularly debate with myself about going. The debating stops. I will be attending because I enjoy it! I am off on a Thursday and a Friday and I am in desperate need of some structure to these days. By committing to an exercise DVD and swimming I can plan my days off and hopefully make them more productive as well as more active!</div><div><br /></div><div>Goal 3</div><div><br /></div><div><i><span style="font-size: large;">I will follow a calorie controlled diet</span></i><br /><br />I have been using <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/" target="_blank">My Fitness Pal</a> for a while, but kinda fallen out of the habit of logging. So I plan to get back on this to keep me accountable. By calorie counting I need to make the right choices, healthy food choices. If you want to support me on there, my username is <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/MrsBrownThought" target="_blank">MrsBrownThought</a>, feel free to add me!<br /><br />So my goals for the next few weeks have been set.<br /><br />As for this week well it's kinda been a right off. My mind just hasn't been in the right place. I am not making excuses just my priorities this week have been to keep me sane! I am in a better place today & with my goals set I feel ready to take on the challenge.<br /><br />I will post mid week how I am getting on with this weeks challenges. Wish me luck!<br /><br />Love Mrs Brown x<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/37/B7B456FBB1F6F3A6771B2BC7843B71CC.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/?px" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=fe877431-0501-4677-a8e8-9da2b42f10e9" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07433555828408217614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5659221266314268329.post-66247599002537375822013-07-03T14:16:00.000-07:002014-01-15T13:08:00.147-08:00All over the place<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBTMn3IYUIApblaAHNwzHoCSzHV6rpS8As2sZLeBcoPw6BRP-Hk_4XOK23T0fctZuWH-rxKmvbt7I9geQzpEeWv7FbR5081S6qOxGPsAYgNjde78c58abP_gEjH8sqK6vrTcUhNsLpEsb/s960/IMG_1305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBTMn3IYUIApblaAHNwzHoCSzHV6rpS8As2sZLeBcoPw6BRP-Hk_4XOK23T0fctZuWH-rxKmvbt7I9geQzpEeWv7FbR5081S6qOxGPsAYgNjde78c58abP_gEjH8sqK6vrTcUhNsLpEsb/s320/IMG_1305.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>There have been some highs and some lows these past few weeks. I've been a bit all over the place.<br /><br />I had a great meeting with my new psychiatrist, his explanations just make soo much sense. So after two brief appointments I felt over the moon when he suggested coming off 2 of my medications.<br /><br />In my mind, I'm doing fine, let's get off the meds - was just what I wanted to hear.<br /><br />I've been feeling broody. I've heard my biological clock ticking. But I wouldn't risk getting pregnant on my meds, I would really like not to have to worry about what harm medications could do, and even better would like not to worry about my mood. Anyways the quicker I'm off my meds, the quicker we can try for a baby. That was my thinking. So yes, I was ready to come off.<br /><br />Off I skipped, chuffed with myself. This guy had seen progress & he felt I was ready to stop popping a few pills each day.<br /><br />5 days later .......<br /><br />I'm a wreck, I'm shaking inside, my stomach is doing flips, my mind is racing, I haven't slept & my to do list at work seems like it's written on a never ending scroll.<br /><br />What happened to the girl who was ready for this? Where is the Mrs Brown that the psychiatrist was so pleased with? The one whose symptoms had improved?<br /><br />The answer, I have no idea. But she has definitely gone. Instead I am left with the Mrs Brown who is struggling, the one who is unsure of herself, questioning everything, including this bloody decision to come off my meds.<br /><br />Did I come off to quickly? Maybe, anyways I can't afford to take steps back. I can't afford to be off work.<br /><br />So I am back on. I'm taking the little pill that seems to be making a massive difference.<br /><br />At least it gave me something to write about, eh? It certainly wasn't another week of feeling nothing. I had plenty of feelings, just not the strong, confident, fine ones I had hoped for.<br /><br />Sorry for the rambleyness of this post but as the title says my mind is all over the place.<br /><br />Love Mrs Brown xx<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/37/B7B456FBB1F6F3A6771B2BC7843B71CC.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/?px" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=fe877431-0501-4677-a8e8-9da2b42f10e9" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07433555828408217614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5659221266314268329.post-29646956084534610362013-06-29T07:19:00.000-07:002014-01-15T13:08:00.161-08:0012 Week Summer Weight Loss Challenge & Link UpI have been a bit quiet on the blog front. I have been struggling for inspiration. Well I've found some!<br /><br />I found a challenge. A <a href="http://weightsandmeasure.blogspot.ca/2013/06/12-week-summer-weight-loss-challenge.html" target="_blank">summer weight loss challenge</a>.<br /><br />I've been keeping up with different blogs on bloglovin and have been drawn to fitness and weight loss blogs. I have long struggled with my weight and always seem to be <b>wanting</b> to lose weight but never actually<b><i> doing</i></b> it!<br /><br />But I joined a slimming group, and for the past 10 weeks I've weighing in. My progress has been slow but mainly because I've had a lack of focus. I've been weighing in, and kinda watching what I'm eating but not really putting in a great deal of effort. I've been selling myself short. Soo ......<br /><br />Challenge Accepted. <br /><br />Every Friday Caitlin over at <a href="http://weightsandmeasure.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/12-week-summer-weight-loss-challenge.html" target="_blank">Weights and Measure</a> will post three new mini challenges. I try to complete the challenges and do a post about my week.<br /><br />I think this is a great way for me to put in the effort and to stay accountable.<br /><br />The challenge will run for 12 weeks - which takes us right up to the day before my holidays! What perfect motivation.<br /><br />This week the challenges are<br /><br />1. Identify three weight loss goals I would like to achieve or work towards over the next 12 weeks<br />- I'm nearly there with my goals but I think they deserve a post on their own - stay tuned!<br /><br />2. Drink 2L of water per day - gonna be a tough one for me, especially with my diet coke addiction!<br /><br />3. Get active - 30mins of activity per day - sure Bailey will help me out with this one.<br /><br /><a href="http://weightsandmeasure.blogspot.co.uk/p/about-me.html" target="_blank">Caitlin</a>'s been so organised there is even a hashtag! #12wkssummerchallenge so I will be tweeting along as well.<br /><br /><div class="WEIGHTS-AND-MEASURE-CHALLENGE-button" style="margin: 0 auto; width: 200px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://weightsandmeasure.blogspot.ca/p/201312-week-summer-challenge.html" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img alt="Summer 2013 12 Week Challenge" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-O8GFV0-hznGPe7bffmYeP8v1I9JY6djgJxdoc1ZzSfJ227y99l3joURkcmiAIBsOeJBGgSq8V0VT0x2PRhoMeQWyxnb7A3V4iMA0YEHxO-a_8U8VknC6j72Pn66YhHLpAiSWNdr23tE/s400/SUMMER+CHALLENGE+LOGO.jpg" width="400" /><br /></a></div></div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/37/B7B456FBB1F6F3A6771B2BC7843B71CC.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/?px" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=fe877431-0501-4677-a8e8-9da2b42f10e9" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07433555828408217614noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5659221266314268329.post-50694344348639309662013-06-01T10:03:00.000-07:002014-01-15T13:08:00.171-08:00The little thingsHello! Long time, no speak. <br /><br />I am not going to ramble on about being away or coming back, all I will say is that today I feel ready to write.<br /><br />Today feels like a turning point, feels like I've been able to stop & take stock. Focus on the little things.<br /><br />I seem to have glossed over the little things that keep me going. I have been missing my zumba, my hair was in terrible need of a colour & cut, my skin was screaming out for a facial and my computer had been gathering dust. The little things that make me feel "me" have been neglected.<br /><br />Today I noticed that things were beginning to slip. I was able to see what I needed to do!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgytQ7PGcMrj1gw-9khj3WE-b9Cigaj7Hzf2f7CqbbtD5j7AawGcFj5UuGj1m6oktzuvzlDAIxDFAadG5uXLUGmDLyn9wBz-PnH1pSvU_MqNJV1J_ax-3cy_oN9Xo4GMCwFHEy2UvV6GL2/s1600/IMG_1340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Shampoo & Conditiner & Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgytQ7PGcMrj1gw-9khj3WE-b9Cigaj7Hzf2f7CqbbtD5j7AawGcFj5UuGj1m6oktzuvzlDAIxDFAadG5uXLUGmDLyn9wBz-PnH1pSvU_MqNJV1J_ax-3cy_oN9Xo4GMCwFHEy2UvV6GL2/s320/IMG_1340.jpg" title="" width="239" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My pick me up - repair kit</td></tr></tbody></table>I got my Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish from the back of the cabinet & gave my skin a freshen up. The difference is incredible, my skin feels smooth & nourished.<br /><br />Then I found a sample of shampoo & conditioner I have carted from the flat to here but had left it hiding in a drawer, probably never to be used! <br /><br />But today I fancied a change, a pick me up. My hair deserved it, my hair needed it! So Tresemme Split Remedy to the rescue. My hair feels silky smooth, it smells divine & looks much healthier.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichofGB7nOD9z7XIIMkzjNaPeyzxLbkBKsJ4-e5MCnGOZ9qphwrHF44McpWJsEn3EBub3JRiK1NVOBfbOd5uwH0vA4S1B63dETfmUo_dl2y5bdR6xjJAqwkIe39kSTjoCSB87KUamv3Mwb/s1600/IMG_1341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichofGB7nOD9z7XIIMkzjNaPeyzxLbkBKsJ4-e5MCnGOZ9qphwrHF44McpWJsEn3EBub3JRiK1NVOBfbOd5uwH0vA4S1B63dETfmUo_dl2y5bdR6xjJAqwkIe39kSTjoCSB87KUamv3Mwb/s320/IMG_1341.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No more split ends!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />And I feel stronger, fresher & more together. It's the little things that can make a big difference.<br /><br />Love Mrs Brown xx<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/37/B7B456FBB1F6F3A6771B2BC7843B71CC.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br /> <div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/?px" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=3e2799dc-3aa3-4c25-8896-2d62ce175fd7" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07433555828408217614noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5659221266314268329.post-7043865843045527702013-04-26T10:47:00.000-07:002014-01-15T13:08:00.180-08:00What have I been up to??What have I been up to?<br /><br />Good question!<br /><br />I have been doing the stuff that <b>must</b> be done - like get washed, dressed, walk the dog, eat, go to work, etc, etc. The stuff that keeps your life normal.<br /><br />But that's about all I've managed. Sometimes I just don't have the energy, the strength or even the will to do anything more.<br /><br />So I have neglected my blog, I even stopped retweeting, I didn't check in on Facebook & Google reader - well apparently it is no more! A little reminder that although I may have been standing still, social media and life in general never stops.<br /><br />Slowly but surely I have been opening my mac again. Dipping my toe into the world wide web again. Catching up with life.<br /><br />And I think I'm ready to jump back in again.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img2.etsystatic.com/000/0/6816622/il_fullxfull.323316034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/000/0/6816622/il_fullxfull.323316034.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Love Mrs Brown xx<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/37/B7B456FBB1F6F3A6771B2BC7843B71CC.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07433555828408217614noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5659221266314268329.post-38551215692270445282013-02-09T06:38:00.000-08:002014-01-15T13:08:00.194-08:00I can see!Hello, I can see you! Not in a creepy way, honest.<br /><br />I can now see, thanks to my new glasses.<br /><br />Last Friday I managed to get to the opticians. I had been putting this off for a while, a few years to be precise.<br /><br />Why put it off? Well, expense & choosing new glasses. I did need new glasses my prescription has changed significantly & I have a new stigma - I have no idea what that all meant but I trust the optician.<br /><br />Specsavers had the Buy one get one free offer so I took advantage & got myself not one new shiny pair but two!! Now I have a choice again.<br /><br />Hold on to you hats as I went for a change! Hubby helped me choose which was good cos the sales people were nice but I do find it hard believe them when every pair looks lovely on you.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwU2RSqpjyIpMUZhG6OlSfLVSV-XZT81DKN45qdebWbznJ4zWrk-aiS_a40mxwl5EjXcg_o6mPgskCehgoXTPP85rgAXimQRo026GwpDCyscJ2_USfG83Q-4IbpHPWDNiZ0CM7t8GlRfb8/s1600/karen+millen+&+gok+wan+glasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwU2RSqpjyIpMUZhG6OlSfLVSV-XZT81DKN45qdebWbznJ4zWrk-aiS_a40mxwl5EjXcg_o6mPgskCehgoXTPP85rgAXimQRo026GwpDCyscJ2_USfG83Q-4IbpHPWDNiZ0CM7t8GlRfb8/s320/karen+millen+&+gok+wan+glasses.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Gok Wan were my first choice. I heard the collection was vintage inspired & hubby went straight for them in the shop.<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><a href="http://www.company.co.uk/fashion/news/gw-by-gok-wan-specsavers-exclusive-range-3" target="_blank">Company Magazine</a> said: </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">GW by Gok Wan is a capsule collection of 30 stunning </span><a href="http://www.specsavers.co.uk/glasses/" style="background-color: white; color: #c78ec0; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px; outline: none; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">glasses</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">. Think cool, retro designs inspired by decades past, from the 1940s right through to the 1970s. Using eye-accentuating colours such as ivory, caramel, navy and grey, coupled with discreet branding, the range oozes subtle glamour.</span> </blockquote>I went for a gorgeous cats' eye shape a big change & still getting used to the statement they make when I wear them but I do love them.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Vf17-yP-G-eIK9B089cTXYrTYzsevxTkX3Mrc0fVwIASBrUdm0wjy7BAW_DPplLCf8IW1osMuyEDa5JgPM3dhw3cgJT-1-stB07aR061ycozkx2LvjfZcspwL_rLPZ1lA4MBk3_epXTg/s1600/gok+wan+glasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Vf17-yP-G-eIK9B089cTXYrTYzsevxTkX3Mrc0fVwIASBrUdm0wjy7BAW_DPplLCf8IW1osMuyEDa5JgPM3dhw3cgJT-1-stB07aR061ycozkx2LvjfZcspwL_rLPZ1lA4MBk3_epXTg/s320/gok+wan+glasses.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>My second pair are from <a href="http://www.specsavers.co.uk/karen-millen/" target="_blank">Karen Millen</a> & after trying on like what felt like every pair in the shop, these lovelies fit like a glove. They also have a nod to the past & leopard print! I decided to get Reaction lenses on these so this pair doubles as sun glasses - how very cool!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>So what do you think? You like my new glasses?</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKM-ZjlvsHi6iX_AjYJ20HbI4UU2mxNXIOTgIhsrrDDQh7Fw7OE3Ol6i_6qA6Z-Zf2_k1yHp7xRDTGF4H9_JU5ZtQwVJIUmipbmID4MgmGn-aTBeyoDbqE3DMEFPn5ZcdxB0DwWB8UQczT/s1600/new+glasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKM-ZjlvsHi6iX_AjYJ20HbI4UU2mxNXIOTgIhsrrDDQh7Fw7OE3Ol6i_6qA6Z-Zf2_k1yHp7xRDTGF4H9_JU5ZtQwVJIUmipbmID4MgmGn-aTBeyoDbqE3DMEFPn5ZcdxB0DwWB8UQczT/s320/new+glasses.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Love Mrs Brown xx<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/37/B7B456FBB1F6F3A6771B2BC7843B71CC.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/?px" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=ac7004f1-8d79-46b9-9310-3d46e857304e" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07433555828408217614noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5659221266314268329.post-37475786048972493172013-02-03T17:00:00.000-08:002014-01-15T13:08:00.241-08:00Highs and Lows<br /><div style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">They say life is not about the destination but the journey. Recovering from depression if you focus too much on feeling better you can miss how far you have come. I wrote a post on <a href="http://mrsbrownsthoughts.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/this-time-last-year.html" target="_blank">this time last year</a>, as it's good to keep track of your journey & not just the highs & lows. My hubby is very good at reminding me not to focus on the negative & the lows but instead to look at the bigger picture. </span></div><div style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Maybe I am just impatient but I want to be 'better'. I want to just be there already! The kid in the back of the car saying are we there yet? every few minutes is me! However the problem is, I have no idea where I am going. There is no map or travel planner for life's journey.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">How do I define better? How does my psychiatrist & GP define it & do we think the same.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD04x6q7VTfOcnM5xIoVr8ZYyXem8fmLLtWgSdKsC_2-HUUTZVoKcK271ivAXG0Hv6TacIRKifw1nBg6mGEvasl06MsM5rqLeIbKQ6BUUj7ToLR-FIRJXqBUcjeZ6anWjJ4cO4u-WH0rpK/s1600/IMG_1049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD04x6q7VTfOcnM5xIoVr8ZYyXem8fmLLtWgSdKsC_2-HUUTZVoKcK271ivAXG0Hv6TacIRKifw1nBg6mGEvasl06MsM5rqLeIbKQ6BUUj7ToLR-FIRJXqBUcjeZ6anWjJ4cO4u-WH0rpK/s320/IMG_1049.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sometimes the road ahead is bright & simple</span></div><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My main focus for the past few months has been to be getting back to work. The plan for this included establishing routines, pacing myself with tasks & getting used to being with people more. I suppose I have done this.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I have returned to work on a part time basis.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I get up (most days, I am never going to be a morning person! My body just functions so much better at night time).</span></div><div style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I get through my to do list at work & I am not taking stuff home.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I speak to people when I am there, that counts as being sociable right?</span></div><div style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So am I better? Do I still have symptoms of depression is what my GP asks? Well that is the pressing question.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Everyone experiences highs and low, your mood is never constant as it changes throughout the day & day to day. When you've been diagnosed with depression though, I felt like suddenly these changes in mood that are normal for most people didn't apply to me. For instance if I was laughing or having a normal conversation my family would say "oh your much better now" & rightly, I was no longer crying or sitting in silence but I still felt in slow motion or like I was working damn hard at being 'normal'. Am I holding myself back, I asked my key worker. I don't want to be someone who is always playing the victim, oh woo is me. It also works for when I'm just tired or just have no real chat & suddenly family are worrying - are you ok? Are you sure? You don't seem fine - I am allowed to have off days too!!</span></div><div style="line-height: 24px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHNdZxc8DBNL6hCWv6BfYhjYi8tGx7gXzrFcgi2EcEvqJXoWkCZDAxYKizq-xmXKwTEjZla110OBfjm8HUDJ-KxeyQJBlCINuQ376Mv1zSvENS2XHjLNa_xMQX-FhPQlSkr9Cj2u5bNq6/s1600/IMG_0819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHNdZxc8DBNL6hCWv6BfYhjYi8tGx7gXzrFcgi2EcEvqJXoWkCZDAxYKizq-xmXKwTEjZla110OBfjm8HUDJ-KxeyQJBlCINuQ376Mv1zSvENS2XHjLNa_xMQX-FhPQlSkr9Cj2u5bNq6/s320/IMG_0819.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes the road ahead seem like an uphill struggle with barriers along the way!</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I am travelling the road of recovery. I have had some pit stops along the way, I started in Deep Depression then dropped by Hotel Anxiety & stayed there a while, Low Self Esteem Inn always have a room on standby for me & I drop in regularly. I appear to be climbing Voice Mountain at the moment, a new unexpected place that no one else seems to be overly concerned about but for me is terrifying.</span></div><div style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Everyone's journey through life is different. Mine is going through a bumpy patch but that just adds to the adventure, right?</span></div><div style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Please feel free to share a little of your journey below</span></div><div style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Love Mrs Brown xx</span><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="line-height: normal;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/37/B7B456FBB1F6F3A6771B2BC7843B71CC.png" style="border: 0px !important;" /></a></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/?px" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=18064e92-3940-4089-8039-63f7a19a4990" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07433555828408217614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5659221266314268329.post-36969218864686034562013-02-03T06:12:00.000-08:002014-01-15T13:08:00.290-08:00Sunday Social - Brought to you by the number two<br /><div style="background-color: white;"><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Here we go again, its Sunday, so I'm being sociable! A little later than usual but still linking up with the hostess' with the mostestesses - I know it's not even a word! ;-) It's <a href="http://www.ashleylately.com/" target="_blank">Ashley</a><span style="font-size: small;"> & </span><a href="http://acompletewasteofmakeup.com/" target="_blank">Neely</a><span style="font-size: small;"> with this week's questions.</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">This week is sponsored by the number Two.</span></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><b>If you were stuck on an island what are the two material items you would want to have?</b></span></div>Are we talking practical or just crazy wants?<br /><i>Practical</i> (I'm thinking I could survive for longer if I had these as long as there was food as well of course)<br />1. A good supply of razors - or else I'd end up like a hairy animal!<br />2. Music - preferably 80s or cheesy pop would see me through the long days<br /><i>Crazy Want</i><br />1. iPhone - to call home lol<br />2. a hair dryer - my hair looks greasy if I let it dry naturally<br /><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><b>What are the two TV shows you'd watch over and over?</b></span></div>1. Got to be Grey's Anatomy - I am addicted. Plus sooooooo much happens in each episode I never get tired of it. Drama, medical stuff & hot doctors what more could a girl ask for!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.webklik.nl/user_files/2011_03/242696/Seizoenfotos/seizoen_4.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.webklik.nl/user_files/2011_03/242696/Seizoenfotos/seizoen_4.1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />2. My second choice is not so clear cut. I think at mo I would have to say New Girl - it's my new obsession & seen a few repeats already & still find them funny! It's Jess!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://hdwpapers.com/walls/tv_new_girl_wallpapers-normal5.4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://hdwpapers.com/walls/tv_new_girl_wallpapers-normal5.4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>If your house was on fire what two things aside from family, pets, etc would you grab?</b></div>Sadly I know I would go for my phone & my laptop - it would be a big loss to me to lose both of these. My mum did have a house fire, I wasn't in at the time, but everything can be replaced nowadays even photos & memories.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>What are your two favourite articles of clothing?</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Scarfs! I wear one everyday, even though it doesn't comply with uniform policy. I need a scarf!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>What are your two movies that you saw in the past year would you recommend to us?</b></div>This one sticks in my mind. Use your time wisely.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Mjs9VWkdKD0" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />Not in the last year but also sticks in my mind - had the cinema to myself & loved Michelle's take on Marilyn.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/U_tbnTM7zVE" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>What are your two biggest guilty pleasures?</b></div>1. Galaxy minstrels but I don't like labelling chocolate as guilty pleasure so I'd say cheesy 80s music (two in one line, I must really like the number two)<br />2. Buying yarn because it's pretty even though I have too much already - I do the same with shoes!<br /><br />Love Mrs Brown xx<br /><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/37/B7B456FBB1F6F3A6771B2BC7843B71CC.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/?px" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=567c727c-640a-4af7-9fc6-76fe76cc4f67" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07433555828408217614noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5659221266314268329.post-40198135042625981272013-02-01T13:32:00.000-08:002014-01-15T13:08:00.336-08:00Now to Settle InNow to settle in to our new house.<br /><br />I think we are at that settling in phase now in the house.<br /><br />We have had all our 'firsts'<br /><br />Like our the first unlocking of the front door<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNovT0zYin7A7-zv8KeJjU_PNJNF87X0IsRLqMXOof5NmnOw9NelRvnM1EejiForSdIBZ1Us9TWq82xEqOswk7upjL85082xtf16GszLI_c9L2JBFo5S0swRf2TDT8m7_EYDcxMTaAXxmG/s1600/Unlocking+our+new+front+door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNovT0zYin7A7-zv8KeJjU_PNJNF87X0IsRLqMXOof5NmnOw9NelRvnM1EejiForSdIBZ1Us9TWq82xEqOswk7upjL85082xtf16GszLI_c9L2JBFo5S0swRf2TDT8m7_EYDcxMTaAXxmG/s320/Unlocking+our+new+front+door.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Our first walk with the dog<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXVKTLYK3CEtjlG_3-L8iSmLCyxDS9z9ql93SLgl_eu17aBzt7s0BSsBLFlxW7wK1_I_Kwf7SYyxQ3opIxpUUJrWlpxIw1tKmv6eVVhFG5WDleIVlIyP7dnjaLliSl1aU1cfPZkf2AIxV/s1600/Mrs+Brown+First+Walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXVKTLYK3CEtjlG_3-L8iSmLCyxDS9z9ql93SLgl_eu17aBzt7s0BSsBLFlxW7wK1_I_Kwf7SYyxQ3opIxpUUJrWlpxIw1tKmv6eVVhFG5WDleIVlIyP7dnjaLliSl1aU1cfPZkf2AIxV/s320/Mrs+Brown+First+Walk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />We even had our first mouse (sadly Hector is no longer with us!), then my first cold shower & I've already managed my first night on my own.<br /><br />You get the picture we're past that stage, now just trying to settle in. I am desperately trying to find a new routine, get some normality back. I find routine really helps me feel in control & on top of my mood.<br /><br />Still feel a bit up in the air, with new furniture coming & rooms still not finished as a result. I've unpacked, I've got things in the 'right' place, I've started decorating & making the place ours but what next?<br /><br />Where do you start to build a new routine in a new house? <br />What it is that makes you feel settled, comfortable in your house?- any ideas will be gratefully received!<br /><br />I looked & used checklists for moving so off to google I headed. I've not only moved house, I've moved area. So I have found a few ideas to get me settling in to a new town.<br /><br />1. Be a tourist - I am going to make a list of the things in our area you can get up to & get together with Mr Brown to plan some outings. This is set out a plan for my days off (I like plans!) & will be a fun way to get to know the area. I am going to start with at the local inn I noticed lots of leaflets for tourists that should be a good place to start!<br /><br />2. I'm going to get myself a local paper. Why didn't I think of this?! Such an easy way to get to know the local goings on. Ok I'm not sure what day it comes out or what it's called but I'm sure hubby will help by enquiring at the shop.<br /><br />3. Check out the village hall - I think I know where this, I also think they have a Scottish Women's Rural Institute (<a href="http://www.swri.org.uk/WhoWeAre/AboutUs.htm" target="_blank">the Rural</a>) - a group of women who get together for classes & demonstrations in cooking, crafts, homemaking & keeping up Scottish traditions. My gran & older aunts have been members in their communities. I'll see if I can pluck up the courage to go!<br /><br />That should be enough to keep me going & get me settled in.<br /><br />Wish me luck.<br /><br />Love Mrs Brown xx<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TUENmhJtSlni9Do7tKuUBLBVaUbV6xGJdk1Rs_HTNO5027B5uwggE2c0VksorN-s3lRFCtNikw3nj2bfe9hhI8glOJogE1bZeeNNCTOTX3lhnjweMQo93L41RkbW0152NYTwRuTerM7Z/s1600/MRS+BROWN+THOUGHTS+SIGNATURE.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TUENmhJtSlni9Do7tKuUBLBVaUbV6xGJdk1Rs_HTNO5027B5uwggE2c0VksorN-s3lRFCtNikw3nj2bfe9hhI8glOJogE1bZeeNNCTOTX3lhnjweMQo93L41RkbW0152NYTwRuTerM7Z/s320/MRS+BROWN+THOUGHTS+SIGNATURE.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/?px" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=567c727c-640a-4af7-9fc6-76fe76cc4f67" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07433555828408217614noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5659221266314268329.post-1804768483690861502013-01-27T08:00:00.000-08:002014-01-15T13:08:00.389-08:00Sunday Social<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6f9CA8ZX8IhuJSAa590wQHN4o-k_7f0uugbvlZ9i2l5oq-Y_1MPxV49B6utLkZtiD1xnac1XlsZrcvi-CES__vgwUSZd0OC1n4O8tw1iPRns_BEYnvVHaL9c-nk543EJqstcdXpDWrb8C/s1600/SocialSundayButton3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6f9CA8ZX8IhuJSAa590wQHN4o-k_7f0uugbvlZ9i2l5oq-Y_1MPxV49B6utLkZtiD1xnac1XlsZrcvi-CES__vgwUSZd0OC1n4O8tw1iPRns_BEYnvVHaL9c-nk543EJqstcdXpDWrb8C/s320/SocialSundayButton3.png" width="261" /></a></div>Sunday comes round so quickly these days! That time again where I link up with <a href="http://www.ashleylately.com/" target="_blank">Ashley</a> & <a href="http://acompletewasteofmakeup.com/" target="_blank">Neely</a> for Sunday Social.<br /><br />This week the theme to the questions is We're Getting Deep<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>What is your ideal way to relax?</i></b></div>Walking the dog or meditating<br />Listening to music also soothes me - weirdly though I have to <a href="http://mrsbrownsthoughts.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/how-to-relax.html" target="_blank">plan to relax</a>, doesn't happen naturally very often.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Where is your favourite place to be?</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLbkUWC6Ifp-GWsKnSLf5QY4xMqBGb-iXkuOdtJO3I6SeWlp0bfvypzVgbvGWTYo06BZUlpXjOaEFde-4NLcZQnHh9O1P0jiR7NUQhheYv0MhlniOHTtdT8B_j8Z5h5gMuAA6FhlvVcPx/s1600/IMG_0724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLbkUWC6Ifp-GWsKnSLf5QY4xMqBGb-iXkuOdtJO3I6SeWlp0bfvypzVgbvGWTYo06BZUlpXjOaEFde-4NLcZQnHh9O1P0jiR7NUQhheYv0MhlniOHTtdT8B_j8Z5h5gMuAA6FhlvVcPx/s320/IMG_0724.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>By the sea - even on a freezing cold windy day in Scotland I love the beach or my bed!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Who do you consider your biggest role model?</b></i></div>Stumped - not really sure I have one<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>What does you life look like in 3 years?</b></i></div>Happy.<br />Maybe a wee kiddie? Oh I've said that out loud now.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>If you could go back & change one decision what would it be?</b></i></div>I think if I ponder this one too much I could get quite deep but I think the best answer for me would be Everything happens for a reason. You may not know the reason now or ever so I don't want to change that big master plan for me!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>What is you biggest accomplishment in life thus far?</i></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKp5W6Pds4TRH_45eVEop28CDM7ca4Mm5BcDAOwfWfA-bb0b_lO88NWY7QyjH7kLyyddhbb4mNezQw0bC4lx3L5Xw6oS9XiAzilBAtXaRmV8kxVFIaw5_cxX5_Y9MISg3fONLUMnTIbCXL/s1600/IMG_1080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKp5W6Pds4TRH_45eVEop28CDM7ca4Mm5BcDAOwfWfA-bb0b_lO88NWY7QyjH7kLyyddhbb4mNezQw0bC4lx3L5Xw6oS9XiAzilBAtXaRmV8kxVFIaw5_cxX5_Y9MISg3fONLUMnTIbCXL/s320/IMG_1080.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><b><i><br /></i></b></div>This is a funny one for me as recovering from depression you need to learn to accept lots of little accomplishments along the way. I used to say getting my degree but honestly there was days (not so long ago) when my biggest accomplishment was getting dressed. My <a href="http://mrsbrownsthoughts.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/i-did-it.html" target="_blank">fire & glass walk</a> has also got to be high up the list.<br /><br />Enjoy what's left of your Sunday,<br /><br />Love Mrs Brown xx<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4FlB-nejQr21gGyfonp4dxnecx3RStnjIlPiiF6dEsFTVAnI2WA0kh_4XG6ZNkaCLqA6Qq_KTyUNbuMbqd97pBTFXPNuuv_Wl_h2oKHUlGfpxpuxapNxKFHUcgF3Tki1HI8Zb4UUIVz_/s1600/MRS+BROWN+THOUGHTS+SIGNATURE.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4FlB-nejQr21gGyfonp4dxnecx3RStnjIlPiiF6dEsFTVAnI2WA0kh_4XG6ZNkaCLqA6Qq_KTyUNbuMbqd97pBTFXPNuuv_Wl_h2oKHUlGfpxpuxapNxKFHUcgF3Tki1HI8Zb4UUIVz_/s320/MRS+BROWN+THOUGHTS+SIGNATURE.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /> <div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/?px" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=567c727c-640a-4af7-9fc6-76fe76cc4f67" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07433555828408217614noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5659221266314268329.post-33171734394601950652013-01-24T17:00:00.000-08:002014-01-15T13:08:00.436-08:00OverloadedMoving day has been & gone but it has left a lasting lesson.<br /><br />Our family helped us do the move ourselves. We packed up all our belonging into a van.<br /><br />Yes I did day - <b><i><u>A</u></i></b> van.<br /><br />It didn't look much but the many trips up & down 3 flights of stairs at the flat confirmed we had a lot of stuff.<br /><br />As I said in my <a href="http://mrsbrownsthoughts.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/moving-house.html" target="_blank">moving post</a>, we did clear out. We had several trips to the recycling centre to get rid of "stuff". <br /><br />Not enough stuff.<br /><br />On our trip to the new house, my father in law got pulled over by the police. The van ended up getting weighed & it was indeed overloaded. It was heavier than it should have been.<br /><br />Anyways bit of phone calls & extra vans later we were back on our way & unloading.<br /><br />The van didn't look overloaded. It was full, but not bulging or straining. However it was most definitely too much stuff.<br /><br />I have thought about this (probably too deeply!) & I feel the van is quite like our life. Full of stuff & we are happy to be full & carry the load, but sometimes it just isn't safe. Sometimes we need to share the load. To make it manageable.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMfGY_rmcczwxAEI6WzsNKEflvfA320HQyVwX4jJxAbq0hFtvcbAYDeps8uyY9Xp8yVjRsQ9G9LYmUb3MpBIEmv0z1fksF3o1N-i3vOgxyUxBcwa9e2AK3pz6UWTELU4B1BFgj9yE3OAp/s1600/tumblr_lsaxm2kHHn1qkol0qo1_250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMfGY_rmcczwxAEI6WzsNKEflvfA320HQyVwX4jJxAbq0hFtvcbAYDeps8uyY9Xp8yVjRsQ9G9LYmUb3MpBIEmv0z1fksF3o1N-i3vOgxyUxBcwa9e2AK3pz6UWTELU4B1BFgj9yE3OAp/s1600/tumblr_lsaxm2kHHn1qkol0qo1_250.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />There is nothing wrong with lightening the load, sharing or asking for help. Sometimes you need an extra van!<br /><br />So we are in - probably with more stuff than we need but we made it, with a lot of help from our family!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Do you let yourself get overloaded?</i></b></div><br />Love Mrs Brown xx<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/37/B7B456FBB1F6F3A6771B2BC7843B71CC.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07433555828408217614noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5659221266314268329.post-37822882192242909842013-01-20T17:00:00.000-08:002014-01-15T13:08:00.484-08:00Pay it Forward - For the love of Snail Mail<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container zemanta-img" style="float: right; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="zemanta-img"><div class="zemanta-img"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pay-Forward-Kevin-Spacey/dp/B00005B4BI%3FSubscriptionId%3D0G81C5DAZ03ZR9WH9X82%26tag%3Dzemanta-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB00005B4BI" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: clear:right;"><img alt="Cover of "Pay it Forward"" border="0" class="zemanta-img-inserted" height="300" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5143YKTC2EL._SL300_.jpg" style="border: none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="206" /></a></div></div></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption zemanta-img-attribution" style="text-align: center; width: 206px;">Cover of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pay-Forward-Kevin-Spacey/dp/B00005B4BI%3FSubscriptionId%3D0G81C5DAZ03ZR9WH9X82%26tag%3Dzemanta-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB00005B4BI" target="_blank">Pay it Forward</a></td></tr></tbody></table>Pay it Forward - what a lovely film. For those who haven't seen it - you should! A boy tries to change the world for the better.<br /><br />Pay it Forward is all about passing it on. Instead or paying "back" someone for a good deed they instead do a good deed for 3 more people & so on & so on. Spreading the good deeds around for all to enjoy & benefit. Watch the movie it could bring a tear to a glass eye - my description is some what lacking but you hopefully get the idea.<br /><br />I first came across this in blogging land on Ashley's blog <a href="http://www.andourstorycontinues.com/2013/01/pay-it-forward-love-snail-mail.html" target="_blank">It Is What You Make It</a>. I was a little too late to become one of her lucky 5 but then I came across it again on Rebecca's blog <a href="http://taylormadehappiness.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/pay-it-forward-with-snailmail.html" target="_blank">Happiness is Taylor Made</a> & was very lucky to sneak into her lucky 5!<br /><br />Here I am holding up my side of the bargain, the catch so to speak. I am Paying it Forward.<br /><br />So this is all about Snail Mail - who doesn't still love a wee letter landing on their door mat!<br /><br /><b>The details:</b><br /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 26px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The first 5 people to comment with their email will receive from me, sometime in this calendar year a letter or card and a surprise gift from me! There will likely be no warning, it will happen when the mood strikes me. </span></span><br /><br /><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>The catch? </b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Those five people must make the same offer on their Blog (or Facebook status if you don't have a blog)</span></span><br /><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I am happy to post internationally! Don't hold back on the comments, I don't mind admitting I'm terrified I won't get 5 but I am putting it out there anyway!!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Love Mrs Brown xx</span><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/37/B7B456FBB1F6F3A6771B2BC7843B71CC.png" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px !important;" /></a></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/?px" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=127ca258-871e-42f4-84cd-f413c2acb6f7" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07433555828408217614noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5659221266314268329.post-60782788961768934562013-01-20T08:51:00.000-08:002014-01-15T13:08:00.533-08:00Week of 3s - Sunday Social<div style="text-align: center;">Happy Sunday!</div><br />My first <a href="http://acompletewasteofmakeup.com/sunday-social-17/" target="_blank">Sunday Social</a> in our new home. I want to get a blogging schedule going & Sunday Social gives me a chance each week to post & answer some great questions so you can get to know me a little better.<br /><br />This week is the week of 3s.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Top 3 favourite kinds of food</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div>1. Italian foods - pasta, pizza, garlic, gelato<br />2. Bread - I have a weakness for freshly baked bread & we got a bread maker for Xmas so be making our own now!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPFicM48MNgupezMf6Rjz9MVmcmlYOb9L9-CC0jIc5Kdzxt7jBTzKsF6Vjnbp86L1WBSuBeB3aMfWVKYWGB8PUc5oVmXfNhF8QyePROfM4xXD4p3nh_El2cj_y8pfjRUxmys7Iprax8Pz/s1600/IMG_1212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPFicM48MNgupezMf6Rjz9MVmcmlYOb9L9-CC0jIc5Kdzxt7jBTzKsF6Vjnbp86L1WBSuBeB3aMfWVKYWGB8PUc5oVmXfNhF8QyePROfM4xXD4p3nh_El2cj_y8pfjRUxmys7Iprax8Pz/s200/IMG_1212.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />3. Mexican - this love affair started in America - tacos, chilli, chipotle!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>First 3 things you do in the morning</i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">1. Switch off my alarm<b>S</b> (I need a few snoozes!) on my phone, I also check for any messages or tweets</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_YO81_AblKX_3a1vjsFKi-Z6O95lKSQMEE5vPyEtXXLfiIznc-ehlOnp-ttwfK8Y43QGRsRAMlTxohUmdA0EDiLE6kqW1jZigMjmi32VC8jpNBFMhx_1uxQiOaM6Dge4hG26OU6y0QmZ/s1600/IMG_1269.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_YO81_AblKX_3a1vjsFKi-Z6O95lKSQMEE5vPyEtXXLfiIznc-ehlOnp-ttwfK8Y43QGRsRAMlTxohUmdA0EDiLE6kqW1jZigMjmi32VC8jpNBFMhx_1uxQiOaM6Dge4hG26OU6y0QmZ/s200/IMG_1269.PNG" width="133" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">2. Say good morning to my Bailey Boy</div><div style="text-align: left;">3. Go to the loo!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Last 3 things you do at night</i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">1. Take my night time tablets</div><div style="text-align: left;">2. Get washed & changed for bed</div><div style="text-align: left;">3. Check my alarm is set for the morning then roll over & sleep ..... that's the plan anyway!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>3 TV Shows you NEVER miss</i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">1. Eastenders</div><div style="text-align: left;">2. Greys Anatomy (although now wait & get all on DVD)</div><div style="text-align: left;">3. RiverCity - a Scottish soap, just love the accents & humour of it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bectu.org.uk/_uploads/news/rivercitylogo4web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.bectu.org.uk/_uploads/news/rivercitylogo4web.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>3 Places you want to visit</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmvWCrIrpc6wv4KOaPXtdSIq7t_Q_mMRRtvVTXiQF3t9mpetSGS4GHdBmfroR_Ozb8VJiJ2YoRl3NzsYPLbCoeeV1TwhT4hVywjxR6xI9EF-oPyijSv_30TUw9Vl7Jy_ZMj7UVmj0ovQA/s1600/IMG_1188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmvWCrIrpc6wv4KOaPXtdSIq7t_Q_mMRRtvVTXiQF3t9mpetSGS4GHdBmfroR_Ozb8VJiJ2YoRl3NzsYPLbCoeeV1TwhT4hVywjxR6xI9EF-oPyijSv_30TUw9Vl7Jy_ZMj7UVmj0ovQA/s320/IMG_1188.JPG" width="226" /></a></div><br />This one is easy - we have these 3 places drawn into this picture<br /><br />1. Florida<br />2. New Zealand<br />3. Canada<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>3 people you can always count on</i></b></div><br />1. My hubby<br />2. My doggy - yes he counts<br />3. Myself - I'm stronger than I look!<br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Enjoy your Sunday! </span><br /><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Love Mrs Brown xx</span><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/37/B7B456FBB1F6F3A6771B2BC7843B71CC.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/?px" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=127ca258-871e-42f4-84cd-f413c2acb6f7" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07433555828408217614noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5659221266314268329.post-57333360760096375362013-01-15T13:24:00.000-08:002014-01-15T13:08:00.581-08:00Medication<br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I recently started another medication. I now take 4 tablets<i> every</i> day. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysKjVP6lZ4D0y1F2PJ1Mv8BifxwjAvW53qiBXPkV7NNfR35tPp0J1rK7oL9OiJHLE7Z6pQTzmbtMDVqLDkMF1ZD3nvxn3yAw3j6thQk4epwOC6QWQPfPFxq_bTkn7hhSZXY-L4GO6Th5g/s1600/IMG_0459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysKjVP6lZ4D0y1F2PJ1Mv8BifxwjAvW53qiBXPkV7NNfR35tPp0J1rK7oL9OiJHLE7Z6pQTzmbtMDVqLDkMF1ZD3nvxn3yAw3j6thQk4epwOC6QWQPfPFxq_bTkn7hhSZXY-L4GO6Th5g/s1600/IMG_0459.JPG" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The funny thing about me & my medication is that when I need it I don't want to take it! Now my mood is going through a bright patch I find myself doing the silly thing of questioning the need to keep taking the meds. So I write this as a reminder of my antidepressant experience.</span><br /><div><br /></div><div>When my mood was particularly low I struggled with the diagnosis of depression and what mental health meant to me. I didn't want to be on antidepressants cos that would mean admitting I was depressed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Deciding to take the medication, was the right treatment for me. I know it may not be for everyone. I discussed it with my GP, my psychiatrist, my hubby & good old wikipedia. Wow, I made that sound easy.</div><div><br /></div><div>It wasn't.</div><div><br /></div><div>Know that, starting medication wasn't easy for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>Antidepressants take some time to be effective. My doctors said you have to give it at least 4-6 weeks to notice any effect. AND what they failed to mention is that they may not work at all for you. </div><div><br /></div><div>There are lots of different types of antidepressant meds that can be prescribed, & they work in different ways. So if one class of drug doesn't work they can try another. But this all takes <b>time</b>. Time when you are at a very low point. When you desperately want the medication/something/anything to work.</div><div><br /></div><div>I tried 3 different medications before I found <b>one</b> that started to help. So after all these months searching for some pharmacological help, what did I do? I stopped taking the meds. I don't need them any more, I'm feeling better. My mental health is looking up.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then .......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Crash. I dip again. I end up with anxiety plus back to struggling. Struggling to get dressed, struggling to get myself in a shower, struggling do anything that involves <i>any</i> effort.</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't tell anyone cos I feel ashamed that I am not following the treatment. How stupid can I be? I go back on them but can't get back to where we were! In the end it is a combination of antidepressants that help lift my mood. Did I take myself off them again when I was feeling better? Yip! </div><div><br /></div><div>Know that when you have mental health issues - you will do things you know aren't logical but you will do them anyway. Cos at the time the mental illness doesn't care about logic, it wants to keep you in that place, the illness doesn't want any help. But the part of you that pushes past this, will win. At some point.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KXkNpklbLED9WgD5YdlVXYKHbBb3VA5Ubdrslm5y8r5hQqo_TFvxH5y6i8kxGzSRDtiV9_SKdW-JnUyuElFQGAg4vpXiiO3F2IeyWa_ECxAPdpaRFkriAL_aPdABmZqoKBlyPXP5BZOm/s1600/IMG_0501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KXkNpklbLED9WgD5YdlVXYKHbBb3VA5Ubdrslm5y8r5hQqo_TFvxH5y6i8kxGzSRDtiV9_SKdW-JnUyuElFQGAg4vpXiiO3F2IeyWa_ECxAPdpaRFkriAL_aPdABmZqoKBlyPXP5BZOm/s320/IMG_0501.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>Side effects - I think I've been lucky. Mine tend to make me drowsy, especially when I start a new regime. I take most of mine at night so I use this side effect to my advantage to try get a full nights sleep - sleep is also a very important part of my treatment! I have put on weight but I am unsure if this was the medication or just my poor eating habits, which I now know are one of my signs that my mental health is dipping.</div><div><br /></div><div>I learn more about me & my depression as we go along. The more I learn, the more prepared & in control I feel. This helps with my anxiety. I have agreed with my psychiatrist that I will continue my medication for at least 6 months after I feel well. This may sound like ages, but it's nothing if it means I don't dip on the mood roller coaster. </div><div><br /></div><div>I like that we have a plan. It makes it easier to take the medicine.</div><div><br /></div><div>Keep taking the medication. Plan any changes with your doctor.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Have you used antidepressants? Any side effects?</b></i> </div><div><br /></div><div>Love Mrs Brown xx</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/37/B7B456FBB1F6F3A6771B2BC7843B71CC.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a><br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/?px" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=39379797-dc49-48cb-9018-3af7a34f3f21" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07433555828408217614noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5659221266314268329.post-13022666587795550832013-01-08T08:08:00.000-08:002014-01-15T13:08:00.628-08:00Moving HouseWe are moving house!<br /><br />Moving week has finally arrived. We have been living with boxes for what feels like ages now but it is now really happening - we are moving house!<br /><br />I've looked at moving checklists, moving tips, change of address list - I've searched online many at time for some inspiration or organisation to this move. But there is only so much you can do before the big moving day and there is a limit to how organised we can be.<br /><br />I like organisation, hubby likes clean & tidy so we are both really struggling to get our head around these past coupe of weeks living with boxes, packaging & stuff just lying all over the already cramped flat.<br /><br />You wouldn't believe the amount of stuff we have accumulated over the past 4 years in our wee flat. We had several clear outs & several trips to the dump! & still we have enough stuff to fill 3 cars & a lorry!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPMJpnkqexmaF4qjuVLzBds6OMZC5NYnfXRex9UZ-zfYH3A9XsW837GFf2vdfeHoUe4ov8uTDQD3U7Ld7DJBmkI5AGkrm-EjqRV_5FJ7EUet8uiL_NwvnTeYxpI7wDLdE0C7TH_Aeamun/s1600/moving-house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPMJpnkqexmaF4qjuVLzBds6OMZC5NYnfXRex9UZ-zfYH3A9XsW837GFf2vdfeHoUe4ov8uTDQD3U7Ld7DJBmkI5AGkrm-EjqRV_5FJ7EUet8uiL_NwvnTeYxpI7wDLdE0C7TH_Aeamun/s320/moving-house.jpg" width="262" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is how I imagine move day!</td></tr></tbody></table>We have had some good times here, and some not so good times. This is the flat we first moved in together. This is the place we decided to get a hamster. Then we decided the flat was big enough for a dog. Our first home as a married couple but just not big enough for what we have planned. Moving on to better things.<br /><br />Onwards & upwards.<br /><br />I may be a little quiet over the next few days due to the move & getting our internet connection sorted in the new house. So I will leave you with some pictures of the chaos we have been living in! & my biggest tip for moving:<br /><br />Don't take anything you don't really need - be brutal with the clear out. Remember you have more stuff than you think you have!! Oh and start early!!!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6bZhptuUUonanVGOuYyCSlupy2gJFCwVSmq_gyarOfgmuh4w2RBa-ZyPI00AdXIzshvtA6oH0qtMREQ77dbt14kkZQth7GJVOc42j6rl7YDxqqSb3AD0ZQB3ikh_A9D3UlvZuVbLLNyr/s1600/moving+house+Mrs+Brown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6bZhptuUUonanVGOuYyCSlupy2gJFCwVSmq_gyarOfgmuh4w2RBa-ZyPI00AdXIzshvtA6oH0qtMREQ77dbt14kkZQth7GJVOc42j6rl7YDxqqSb3AD0ZQB3ikh_A9D3UlvZuVbLLNyr/s320/moving+house+Mrs+Brown.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We've been playing Spot the Dog in all the mess, good game eh?</td></tr></tbody></table>See you soon in the new house!!<br /><br />Love Mrs Brown xx<br /><br />(a lot of exclamation marks in this post but forgive me I am a little excited)<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54491/37/B7B456FBB1F6F3A6771B2BC7843B71CC.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a><br /> <div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/?px" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=d989a56b-25c2-4798-9b21-6e9a5f6fe062" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07433555828408217614noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5659221266314268329.post-90040694401972284072013-01-04T13:43:00.000-08:002014-01-15T13:08:00.716-08:00First Ever Sunday Social<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>My First Sunday Social</i></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEvJKjJhS-m6pU227zVwtv367SMIbfWVonJVdT0MUs1CC5jcyui-SU8OtTFnTytA6EOSudok9T-23a4ZNVKSgaYTcrqMKl_Sp5hQNThqm92mUymmsziaZXbri_8A3uTOgLU6THdA_IUN7/s1600/SocialSundayButton3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEvJKjJhS-m6pU227zVwtv367SMIbfWVonJVdT0MUs1CC5jcyui-SU8OtTFnTytA6EOSudok9T-23a4ZNVKSgaYTcrqMKl_Sp5hQNThqm92mUymmsziaZXbri_8A3uTOgLU6THdA_IUN7/s320/SocialSundayButton3.png" width="261" /></a></div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><br />It's about getting together, getting to know some new people & being sociable.<br /><br />So here's some answers to this weeks questions so you can start getting to know me a bit better.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>1. Do you plan to change any of your eating habits in the new year?</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Century Gothic, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">YES! Recently my eating habits have been slipping so I wanna get things back on track with eating decent foods instead of snacking on rubbish! Moving into our new home I plan on putting our new kitchen which is double the size of our present kitchen to good use! I also have a new bread maker & new food processor so they will definitely be influencing my food choices in the coming months.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-ZMhqfASvLfppWBro7xoH712FrvU4LHsQcp1trwPZ1wMaynv_4rqN9kDJ2iTw6p4BJz3aUQDtHt0j1TyzPsVR3esesE0Q4l2Cm56E7Gq6J5ueHXl9WOCLULp3wEir11sUyopmg36Zejr/s1600/IMG_1212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-ZMhqfASvLfppWBro7xoH712FrvU4LHsQcp1trwPZ1wMaynv_4rqN9kDJ2iTw6p4BJz3aUQDtHt0j1TyzPsVR3esesE0Q4l2Cm56E7Gq6J5ueHXl9WOCLULp3wEir11sUyopmg36Zejr/s200/IMG_1212.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>2. Any workout tips to get us back in shape after the Holidays?</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Century Gothic, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My tip would be "Work Out". Just do something. If you want to see a change in your body, you have to change what you do with it! I have tried many workouts & it really is true if you do something you enjoy you are more likely to stick at it! My fave at the moment is Zumba at my local class. I also wrote about a review about <a href="http://mrsbrownsthoughts.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/new-year-new-review-nike-fuelband.html" target="_blank">Nike Fuelband</a>.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvGleawOcl6kQ9mpSiw-1esUn4YQNEi-WMDrhCmpz59sGwukRqRnPLiDA0e16hFqqr1NcEypZZMY4gDyP00pyTVkFFH99tArgoRRCALEu3A4ZK5Xsu4rKF9PszgTsMjZCdqOXa6bRSKKC/s1600/IMG_1173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvGleawOcl6kQ9mpSiw-1esUn4YQNEi-WMDrhCmpz59sGwukRqRnPLiDA0e16hFqqr1NcEypZZMY4gDyP00pyTVkFFH99tArgoRRCALEu3A4ZK5Xsu4rKF9PszgTsMjZCdqOXa6bRSKKC/s200/IMG_1173.jpg" width="149" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>3. Favourite thing you did over the Holidays?</i></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqj4MXyzKg67UDUGzYe-1DEfPugNo7FTGDOOj_9L9c-6B1aRMd5DcNiGBm6Bt87_aYacrv6V6b74HrIOo0CSqNgQqBQ0AsdNbPgPLOce0Ss1xHFTJCg4_Zd96zJQTm-sxcQoBA4Qku8Gb1/s1600/51ly59rn+pL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqj4MXyzKg67UDUGzYe-1DEfPugNo7FTGDOOj_9L9c-6B1aRMd5DcNiGBm6Bt87_aYacrv6V6b74HrIOo0CSqNgQqBQ0AsdNbPgPLOce0Ss1xHFTJCg4_Zd96zJQTm-sxcQoBA4Qku8Gb1/s200/51ly59rn+pL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">We played the game we got our nieces for Xmas - Don't Say It! All the family round the table playing games is great. Best part was a 5 year old trying to describe a Goat. The clue was it goes "Grrrr" We were all stumped! It was such fun & a lovely memory of the girls understanding the game quicker than the Grandparents!</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>4. What is something you hope that you accomplish in 2013 that you did not in 2012?</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Century Gothic, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Probably something that is in the air a lot this time of year. Weight Loss. I started off well on my journey last year then went a stray gonna make 2013 my year to do it.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>5. Name 3 things happening this year you are excited about and why</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Century Gothic, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5ohLztTtTpeXjWTxbqjQnC0COj4nhUYQSlUzbCci7ePl8wGsCGjdZFqDKQrlgVOA8OzV9aObOPm2zPXPfoEr6vqF0TaZ1uvSwP81TPWG9Dd1szDQHgllT8_bBRDMsNpKPFIKJvwDzvvl/s1600/homedream.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5ohLztTtTpeXjWTxbqjQnC0COj4nhUYQSlUzbCci7ePl8wGsCGjdZFqDKQrlgVOA8OzV9aObOPm2zPXPfoEr6vqF0TaZ1uvSwP81TPWG9Dd1szDQHgllT8_bBRDMsNpKPFIKJvwDzvvl/s200/homedream.png" width="183" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Moving House</b> - because we've been waiting for this move so long!! Plus the move will open up so many new exciting things for us in 2013.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Century Gothic, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>My 30th Birthday</b> - growing up this year!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Century Gothic, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Our first BBQ</b> in our new garden - hopefully we'll have some sunshine this summer so we can really enjoy the garden</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07433555828408217614noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5659221266314268329.post-5175975434500483742013-01-04T13:03:00.000-08:002014-01-15T13:08:00.814-08:00Blog Awards<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>"I have nominated you for a blog award."</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Probably the best comment you could receive on your blog, right??</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was very excited, I mean me, a blog award! I have only been rambling on here for 6 months - really an award?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Well ........</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65oxmSCNHPsV5njJ_0WtoCsa0mHUTZuySrUcKIBsfVvSGUiVWvoKQ463ZJSxDQR8EI4aBynuIcPs0riu9QaUOohM9NctMAwgRitFGFy7nk46uzgPypcqdf9L0P102lhtrpRChUBeVmsYf/s1600/Liebster-Award.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65oxmSCNHPsV5njJ_0WtoCsa0mHUTZuySrUcKIBsfVvSGUiVWvoKQ463ZJSxDQR8EI4aBynuIcPs0riu9QaUOohM9NctMAwgRitFGFy7nk46uzgPypcqdf9L0P102lhtrpRChUBeVmsYf/s200/Liebster-Award.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A lovely wee logo but what does it mean?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was nominated by <a href="http://miyaloves.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Miya Loves</a> a pretty blog following the Life, Loves & Likes of a blooming beauty. She has beautifully outlined the rules of the award. I have to answer some questions & pass it on. Right.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was then also nominated by <a href="http://teachingwithafashion.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Teaching with a Fashion</a> a fashion loving third grade teacher. On her blog she explains the origins are a mystery but that Liebster means "favourite" so it's like nominating your favourite blog.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Great. It's an award nice award from where, who knows but pass it on to your favourite people.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What a lovely idea!! The cynical me just couldn't rest with that so off to google I go!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlupRQWlAohUpvA5oEmY10bUk6Vs_4cJdnhiVsppWsCbkZOpfk41uHx8CvMg_6K0RV1FHoUwKcj1f0vO-5na4-xzpUxlOHwnEupWxMRErs2UqL4AKESFJLgQxPXOSY2ElCNfS0mp8QUaR/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-01-04+at+18.32.03.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlupRQWlAohUpvA5oEmY10bUk6Vs_4cJdnhiVsppWsCbkZOpfk41uHx8CvMg_6K0RV1FHoUwKcj1f0vO-5na4-xzpUxlOHwnEupWxMRErs2UqL4AKESFJLgQxPXOSY2ElCNfS0mp8QUaR/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-01-04+at+18.32.03.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">1,690,000 results!! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">WOW I'm in good company with this blog award</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrkiBl5zxrdvy2y_2-gHHiSXG-dm2PzkwvA7Ytm5ZsMfszyMsLy3QazuIFvuSVrLJh7uZCmRajy8TIo2vMvQyS9r74VtPa-rHyPOBHVabDVmwegBbmk07UIscHtosehjjLkn0EzxMUVHW/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-01-04+at+18.31.00.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrkiBl5zxrdvy2y_2-gHHiSXG-dm2PzkwvA7Ytm5ZsMfszyMsLy3QazuIFvuSVrLJh7uZCmRajy8TIo2vMvQyS9r74VtPa-rHyPOBHVabDVmwegBbmk07UIscHtosehjjLkn0EzxMUVHW/s200/Screen+Shot+2013-01-04+at+18.31.00.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Okay so the dictionary I looked up said Liebster was German & definitely a word of endearment. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So ............</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I accept!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Liebster Award Rules</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65oxmSCNHPsV5njJ_0WtoCsa0mHUTZuySrUcKIBsfVvSGUiVWvoKQ463ZJSxDQR8EI4aBynuIcPs0riu9QaUOohM9NctMAwgRitFGFy7nk46uzgPypcqdf9L0P102lhtrpRChUBeVmsYf/s1600/Liebster-Award.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65oxmSCNHPsV5njJ_0WtoCsa0mHUTZuySrUcKIBsfVvSGUiVWvoKQ463ZJSxDQR8EI4aBynuIcPs0riu9QaUOohM9NctMAwgRitFGFy7nk46uzgPypcqdf9L0P102lhtrpRChUBeVmsYf/s200/Liebster-Award.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><ul><li style="text-align: left;">Thank the person that nominated you</li><li style="text-align: left;">Write 11 facts about yourself</li><li style="text-align: left;">Answer 11 questions asked when nominated</li><li style="text-align: left;">Nominate 11 blogs with less than 200 followers</li><li style="text-align: left;">Ask them 11 more questions</li><li style="text-align: left;">Go to the blogger page & let them know you have nominated them!</li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Kinda like a tag game, or link up but with a pretty button & a massive acceptance speech! </span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Bear with me guys - it's for an award.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>11 FACTS</b></div><div><ol><li>I am Scottish but was born in Germany ( my dad was in Royal Air Force so based abroad when I was little)</li><li>I say I am 5ft 3inches but I am really only 5ft 1 (Size really does matter to some girls!)</li><li>I have 2 tattoos (& want loads more!)</li><li>I got my tongue pierced when I was 16 years old</li><li>My eyes are blue</li><li>I am on the donor register (Useful thing to know guys!)</li><li>I was a highland dancer for 11 years.</li><li>I won the Robert Burns Competition at school for singing when I was 11yrs old</li><li>I have a letters after my name BSc & RD (posh, eh?)</li><li>I don't really like chocolate - shock horror</li><li>I love 80s music & cheesy pop</li></ol><div>PHEW - that was harder than it looks!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>11 Answers to Questions asked by <a href="http://teachingwithafashion.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/liebster-award.html" target="_blank">Teaching with a Fashion</a></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Decided you have to go to her blog to find out the questions, more fun having random list of answers!!</div><div><ol><li>To be a paediatrician </li><li>Yes, I just 'knew' when I met my hubby</li><li>Would be New Zealand - not been yet</li><li>Knitting</li><li>Speak a foreign language</li><li>Both but better at Singing</li><li>Dirty Dancing</li><li>Online</li><li>Not into Sports</li><li>My hubby</li><li>In our new house!!</li></ol><div><b>11 Answers to Questions asked by <a href="http://miyaloves.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/nominated-for-liebster-award.html" target="_blank">Miya Loves</a></b></div><div><ol><li>No</li><li>I have 3 penalty points on my driving license!</li><li>Spring</li><li>Quiet</li><li>To get back into my Duchess Sating Coast Dress</li><li>A doggy, called Bailey</li><li>Learning new things</li><li>Grey's Anatomy</li><li>Knitting</li><li>Scotland </li><li>June 2012</li></ol><div><b>Now to ask my 11 questions - I feel a mix of these two is perfect!</b></div></div><div><ol><li>When did you start your blog?</li><li>Describe one goal for 2013</li><li>Do you have any pets?</li><li>What was your childhood dream?</li><li>Do you believe in love at first sight?</li><li>Are you a Dancer or a Singer?</li><li>What is your favourite movie?</li><li>Do you prefer online or in store shopping?</li><li>What is your favourite thing about blogging?</li><li>What is your favourite hobby?</li><li>Diet Coke or Pepsi Max?</li></ol></div><div><b>Now to pass it on, to 11 blogs that deserve a real award! Check these ladies out.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Please note you if you are on my list I think you are a darling, a sweetheart. Please remember that when you start writing your acceptance speech!!</b></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theadventuresofally.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/kate-moss-lillabelle-truly-adorable.html" target="_blank">The Adventures of Ally</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thecurvedopinion.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/i-am-not-lemming.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+Vicky_Coop+(The+Curved+Opinion)&utm_content=Google+Reader" target="_blank">The Curved Opinion</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://unevenlemmingbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/ah-2013-ive-been-expecting-you.html" target="_blank">Unevenlemming Beauty</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://adressisforlife.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/twice-as-nice.html" target="_blank">A dress is for life</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bringingalongocd.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/vision-board-for-fighting-my-ocd_4.html" target="_blank">Bringing along OCD</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sheselec.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/ootd-thursday-and.html" target="_blank">She's Electric</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sunnydaysarelove.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/whats-for-lunch.html" target="_blank">Sunny Days R'Love</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ashleenikol.com/2013/01/high-five-for-friday.html" target="_blank">ashLeenikol</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thebroderie.com/2012/12/amazing-gluten-free-pasta.html" target="_blank">The Broderie</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sharelovealways.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/therapy-thursday.html" target="_blank">Share the Love</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://teatreevintage.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Tea Tree</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">DONE!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07433555828408217614noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5659221266314268329.post-21125190845163705132013-01-03T10:03:00.000-08:002014-01-15T13:08:00.864-08:00New Year, New review - Nike FuelBandThis post has been sitting with a title for ages. I was scared to write it as I am not exactly an athlete who needs sports tracking but hey <b>I am</b> joe public & this is my blog for <i>my</i> thoughts, so here goes a post about Nike Fuelband.<br /><br />Very aptly timed for all your new years resolutions to get healthy or lose weight.<br /><br />As a dietitian I have the nutrition know how to lose weight but I just can't resist a good gadget to help me on my way. In fact if you were to ask someone to describe me based on my gadgets/stuff they would probably think I was a gym bunny or health enthusiast. I am neither of these.<br /><br />I do however want to lose weight & many companies have put some good technology to use in helping you achieve your health goals. I am currently road testing a few. The first my Nike FuelBand.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>What is a Nike fuelband?</i></div>Well put quite simply, the fuelband is a wrist band you wear and it tracks your daily activity. <br /><br />It also looks very simple, kinda like those charity wristbands that are given out to raise awareness of terrible conditions. But this is no plain wristband this is a 'Nike' band. Press the button & this bad boy jumps into action letting you know how much 'fuel' you've earned. You set a goal for the day & the band lets you know if you are on track.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV477cmoGtVBsBboK0B2PACZMqVpUfFXBMMyNouOYfsGaT0wUi519UpQwNzml2idvVGar0r1onTxZ-hReQWuy9D6zKA-jV5njy3eUh7MVJStAIPe0M6u386dnWYmoT9LOF7MnrlR0NK8pB/s1600/IMG_1173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV477cmoGtVBsBboK0B2PACZMqVpUfFXBMMyNouOYfsGaT0wUi519UpQwNzml2idvVGar0r1onTxZ-hReQWuy9D6zKA-jV5njy3eUh7MVJStAIPe0M6u386dnWYmoT9LOF7MnrlR0NK8pB/s320/IMG_1173.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mrs Brown's Nike Fuelband</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><i>How does is work?</i></div>I'll hand over to the nike guys for this one.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica W01 Roman', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;">Through a sports-tested accelerometer, Nike+ FuelBand tracks your daily activity including running, walking, basketball, dancing and dozens of everyday activities. It tracks each step taken and calorie burned. It also tells the time of day.</span></blockquote>Kinda like big brother, the band tracks my every movement & at the touch of a button I know if I've been on a go slow day & firmly in the red or if I'm having a killer day & smashing my goal.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>What information does it give you?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">From the band you can quickly gauge how much fuel you've earned & what time it is. Sync it with the app on your phone & you get even more detailed information like, calories burned, steps taken, & active time. Also plugging in your band to charge from the laptop gives you access to past records looking at your weekly, monthly, yearly stats! To keep you going & cheer you on you even get badges, trophies & cheers!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRXWEVIRuBlcsy_p_hKfOgN1apXs3Y0jNo-i63egZjh0JsaSFivtJ9BAs6UVuQLTi-g3TRrl-rcok4Lbijk7IJ57RdvitCRrqvsFDHHCMiBi8BBO9_ikQiOm2SwwrYE5JHlgpbur3uyBh/s1600/Day+Mrs+Brown+Nike+fuelband+shot.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpRXWEVIRuBlcsy_p_hKfOgN1apXs3Y0jNo-i63egZjh0JsaSFivtJ9BAs6UVuQLTi-g3TRrl-rcok4Lbijk7IJ57RdvitCRrqvsFDHHCMiBi8BBO9_ikQiOm2SwwrYE5JHlgpbur3uyBh/s320/Day+Mrs+Brown+Nike+fuelband+shot.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jIriKk4ftYRojg8o12UW476Cl-VUImfffShMaQtJTXrAoXsZFkFcn-zGBDs7iW6KwvT3QeyT6mQu8d4mHA3ApgarVrLcZ1npDiimQB0SUW7IthO1dFa7HHffNpGZRcqRCOZhcEw8fEyl/s1600/Best+Day+Mrs+Brown+Nike+Fuel+Band.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jIriKk4ftYRojg8o12UW476Cl-VUImfffShMaQtJTXrAoXsZFkFcn-zGBDs7iW6KwvT3QeyT6mQu8d4mHA3ApgarVrLcZ1npDiimQB0SUW7IthO1dFa7HHffNpGZRcqRCOZhcEw8fEyl/s320/Best+Day+Mrs+Brown+Nike+Fuel+Band.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>What do you use it for?</i></div>Well it works by keeping you accountable to your daily activity levels. Usually these gadgets are designed for sports people or athletes trying to improve their performance but I think the fuelband is great for say Mrs Brown who wants to lose weight & is struggling with the exercise bit. You can set goals of how much calories you want to burn, you can try improve your streak, you can look back on what your month has been like - lots of info to keep you motivated to do more activity.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Would I recommend it?</i></div>If you want to MAKE IT COUNT - Fuel up! Nike is racking made easy. Nike makes me feel included in the sports tracking. Converting activity into fuel,<i> kinda</i>, makes you able to compete with athletes. With the fuelband, unlike the trainers & watch - I don't need to be good at sports I just need to join in! Move - that's all you got to do! Anyway I can/want. This is lucky for me as I don't really shine in the sports arena. In fact it's probably why I've stuck with it. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnbLIaHhZdR6vR81F1N7WzvURb3syAEsmXmplYCQ95BzmuI7rAOCus-h4YzEbiiEnZTuGHUOtdfo3_qXe-eq_PU3rDpOAiahsyOugDT3pkYlczbMAJLbjvyovvZ7UP1xBZ4xDPQwONfN-/s1600/Year+view+Mrs+Brown+Nike+fuelband.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnbLIaHhZdR6vR81F1N7WzvURb3syAEsmXmplYCQ95BzmuI7rAOCus-h4YzEbiiEnZTuGHUOtdfo3_qXe-eq_PU3rDpOAiahsyOugDT3pkYlczbMAJLbjvyovvZ7UP1xBZ4xDPQwONfN-/s320/Year+view+Mrs+Brown+Nike+fuelband.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />I wear it every day, & yes my enthusiasm has reduced. At the start I love getting a cheer & would be running on the spot at night just to make sure I met my goal & didn't lose my streak. Now I have stopped that <i>but</i> I do care if I am on target to reach my goal & it does make me think about how many 'low' fuel days I am having. So it depends what you are looking for, & it's not cheap! For me it is another useful gadget that keeps me on track.<br /><br />My fitness resolution this year? Well, to hit my goal more times than last year. I have also set a goal to burn 10,500 calories in 3 weeks thats 3,500 calories a week - that is the calories needed to burn off 1lb of fat each week!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Do you have any fitness goals this year?</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Any fitness gadgets you would recommend?</i></b></div><br />Love Mrs Brown xx<br /><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/?px" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=512cc261-5f60-4590-8486-1dcb0defcc07" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07433555828408217614noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5659221266314268329.post-3767162866681766112012-12-30T10:27:00.000-08:002014-01-15T13:08:00.911-08:00What a year! Part 2I started my round of <a href="http://mrsbrownsthoughts.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/what-year-part-1.html" target="_blank">What of a year! Part 1</a> but only got half way through before I felt we needed a comfort break!<br />To recap we are half way through 2012, my mood has lifted, I am back at work, I've started a blog & I've been married a whole year, okay?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>July</b></i></div>I went looking for a car & ended up buying one! That was one expensive window shopping trip. Of course New Car Equals Road Trip.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FLjvjy08_RI4iSWQEtRmZVklSsoa5moF6EHSW5u354F_5DyilM3Rl9F6-NfokXmjP4PRRvwxdjBHaHwqn_S4pXZMJc726zBq5aEIzrYTH4TfC1mUdbtyo1RO8ts0d0xr_GgNp9vsnDTD/s1600/IMG_0494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FLjvjy08_RI4iSWQEtRmZVklSsoa5moF6EHSW5u354F_5DyilM3Rl9F6-NfokXmjP4PRRvwxdjBHaHwqn_S4pXZMJc726zBq5aEIzrYTH4TfC1mUdbtyo1RO8ts0d0xr_GgNp9vsnDTD/s320/IMG_0494.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New car smell & banging tunes - great combo!</td></tr></tbody></table><b></b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><b><i>August</i></b></b></div><b></b><br /><div>I am settling in well at work, getting used to the office & patients again when I get a bout of toothache. This is the kinda pain that stops you in your tracks. I bite the bullet & decide I have to see a dentist, not an easy decision when you have <a href="http://mrsbrownsthoughts.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/dentophobia-part-1.html" target="_blank">Dentophobia</a>. I manage to pluck up the courage & they some how talk me into coming back - cue my <a href="http://mrsbrownsthoughts.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/reoccurring-dental-nightmare.html" target="_blank">Reoccurring Dental Nightmare</a>! I have to say though I am very proud of myself for finally facing my fear & getting my oral health back on track. I have a few more sessions before I am classed as 'dentally fit' (yes, apparently that is a term in the industry) but I am well on my way to a celebrity worth smile.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>September</b></i></div><div>My birthday month. <a href="http://mrsbrownsthoughts.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/another-year-older.html" target="_blank">Another year older</a>. My work colleagues really pushed out the boat & made me Cola Cupcakes!! I have a bit of a diet coke addiction, something I am hoping may be part of my new years resolutions, if I make any!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLuNdZTI4w2rCTTqdqYEp8o-HLuN5MAht64i2URF5zmKrgrF73GLaMdWb9ImAMTvZvtwaQIRXhp6w-KMKilQjqD6rBwLeeGjhC3GkkiECY9PRshJhYmvh_fbEEsfJ0LErbYyYFPA0e5hFD/s1600/IMG_0763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLuNdZTI4w2rCTTqdqYEp8o-HLuN5MAht64i2URF5zmKrgrF73GLaMdWb9ImAMTvZvtwaQIRXhp6w-KMKilQjqD6rBwLeeGjhC3GkkiECY9PRshJhYmvh_fbEEsfJ0LErbYyYFPA0e5hFD/s320/IMG_0763.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They were delicious!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>October</b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ahhh my first holiday of the year & I crank up my <a href="http://mrsbrownsthoughts.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/feeling-sheepish.html" target="_blank">knitting</a> again. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: right;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: right;">My first Brown family holiday! My first time travelling as Mrs Brown! Just before we go on holiday we accept an offer on the flat - </span><a href="http://mrsbrownsthoughts.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/under-offer.html" style="text-align: right;" target="_blank">We are Under Offer</a><span style="text-align: right;">!! & we are now on the move.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGVgQfhRKSzhMkCEvFz3HU5XFTn-5Ee8OzOdfbwWBTtlO3gezzsF6dz2KKOpUFUoSEnjthBxNJYFDqrpItmKjsM0m8f8TDNOSGgJbpQY5C8H2ioKDN-7IvP0qGEBgFolu78HE2VXgngmE/s1600/Lake+Orta+Italy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGVgQfhRKSzhMkCEvFz3HU5XFTn-5Ee8OzOdfbwWBTtlO3gezzsF6dz2KKOpUFUoSEnjthBxNJYFDqrpItmKjsM0m8f8TDNOSGgJbpQY5C8H2ioKDN-7IvP0qGEBgFolu78HE2VXgngmE/s320/Lake+Orta+Italy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0-fIafz6cJYnk5pYNt77A1RQ8BDE9BoYCBZ7BlB8pU8HuZXzOrNBh4x8k56J6woHjHoR96tSsT5rNPpSoLDUDOMlpWT6RGifuhUbV_434TlKjO1mHS3Mk24IYdmEiWGpwjOf8hyphenhyphenVWsS1/s1600/Lago+Orta+Italy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0-fIafz6cJYnk5pYNt77A1RQ8BDE9BoYCBZ7BlB8pU8HuZXzOrNBh4x8k56J6woHjHoR96tSsT5rNPpSoLDUDOMlpWT6RGifuhUbV_434TlKjO1mHS3Mk24IYdmEiWGpwjOf8hyphenhyphenVWsS1/s320/Lago+Orta+Italy.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />November<br />My second holiday of the year! Another first, this time my first time flying business class. I think it suits me!! Also my first time in Turkey & my first time on going out with Mr Brown for business with his colleagues. A lovely break but I did bring along a bit of <a href="http://mrsbrownsthoughts.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/anxiety-holiday.html" target="_blank">anxiety on holiday</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwE3cnopJpwnAVTXtPIiXW-wp6o-SHUA68tbiGaECC-AuQxUOVR6VU4KTcTGmldbQdMk-vKPPQtDao7UDFo32vmxlab3I5hEY0WRofHHFZcpnjDkv0-MRftGrCsu-hlqy7TBBMKYt0Efrd/s1600/Mrs+Brown+Antalya,+Turkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwE3cnopJpwnAVTXtPIiXW-wp6o-SHUA68tbiGaECC-AuQxUOVR6VU4KTcTGmldbQdMk-vKPPQtDao7UDFo32vmxlab3I5hEY0WRofHHFZcpnjDkv0-MRftGrCsu-hlqy7TBBMKYt0Efrd/s320/Mrs+Brown+Antalya,+Turkey.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Then my proudest achievement of 2012 - my <a href="http://mrsbrownsthoughts.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/i-did-it.html" target="_blank">Glass & Fire Walk for Charity</a>. Enough said! Just goes to show I can do anything I put my mind too!<br /><br />We are getting there I promise!!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>December</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">A milestone - I have been back to work following long term sickness with depression & anxiety for 6 months. I am proud of myself & how I am <a href="http://mrsbrownsthoughts.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/dealing-with-depression.html" target="_blank">Dealing with my depression</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I wrote a guest blog post for Black Dog Tribe - <a href="http://mrsbrownsthoughts.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/loving-someone-with-depression.html" target="_blank">Loving Someone with Depression</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We have a new house & move in 14 days!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And some how I managed to squeeze in another holiday before <a href="http://mrsbrownsthoughts.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/its-beginning-to-look-lot-like-christmas.html" target="_blank">Christmas in Prague</a>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcTfPEPL_6D-m3F7eE3ugfrqYfqSKYOIAkIaZljWVkM24ECAM9a4WBuRpyl1TA0R2c3nH2tTPbyIYuEGxnYg4ELMQP-_U-sbdR3uUP8BKn0GpdUxnOVVF69KJ351Cv0CEJwjuZR9S91x6/s1600/Christmas+markets+in+Prague.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcTfPEPL_6D-m3F7eE3ugfrqYfqSKYOIAkIaZljWVkM24ECAM9a4WBuRpyl1TA0R2c3nH2tTPbyIYuEGxnYg4ELMQP-_U-sbdR3uUP8BKn0GpdUxnOVVF69KJ351Cv0CEJwjuZR9S91x6/s320/Christmas+markets+in+Prague.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So as I wave a fond farewell to 2012 - I say "What a Year!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bring on 2013!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>What did you do in 2012? What does 2013 hold for you?</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Love Mrs Brown xx</div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/?px" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=ec27fb95-1d7a-4b07-8682-19bd6df778dc" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07433555828408217614noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5659221266314268329.post-84258814666712778912012-12-28T12:56:00.000-08:002014-01-15T13:08:00.957-08:00T.G.I Friday!!<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Thank God It's Friday!</b></i></div><br />Friday means no work. Today it means getting back to some sort of normality following crazy christmas.<br /><br />The aim of the the day is :<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Feel Good Friday</div><br />So after dragging myself back to work yesterday I booked a pamper session in Sanctuary. Mr Brown treated me to a lovely facial. This is no ordinary facial this is so much more. I get along side my facial, a head massage, a lovely scrub, a hydrating mask AND a neck & shoulder massage! It is an hour of pure bliss from which I emerge with 'bed head' & glowing skin.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijnjd7ai8GCt_qO9ROinhciatqAzMwlgZvu5HD7A9wYjmzV9ywsDqvBVuq1T0ntPX7SP7gUHbTfcj3wqN9W1zKO2VBvn68c8nMof5kS2reKwZq2MkSUtWMF9F11BjfaL0uHfreYmnEZ2Z/s1600/Facial+Friday,+Sanctuary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijnjd7ai8GCt_qO9ROinhciatqAzMwlgZvu5HD7A9wYjmzV9ywsDqvBVuq1T0ntPX7SP7gUHbTfcj3wqN9W1zKO2VBvn68c8nMof5kS2reKwZq2MkSUtWMF9F11BjfaL0uHfreYmnEZ2Z/s320/Facial+Friday,+Sanctuary.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I haven't been for ages for any treatments so my skin was badly needing this treat!<br /><br />As I opened the front door I was greeted with the smell of baking bread, mmmmm. Our new bread maker is in full swing & looking to be a firm favourite for feeling good. Today we have an Oatilicious bread to have with my Scottish winter warmer 'Stovies'.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wy66BhokuK3PlkNHEgks1relyZPkIcjYHYfVkSxCzFvMFd6rp9hjea2nAmHdmKFEbJ22XSFKXCepLuA9oim3W58GqKla7nReqxyEmnjN_dRhYxoHWgJcf7T5zFppORJlJJbXeVx8j6I9/s1600/IMG_1200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wy66BhokuK3PlkNHEgks1relyZPkIcjYHYfVkSxCzFvMFd6rp9hjea2nAmHdmKFEbJ22XSFKXCepLuA9oim3W58GqKla7nReqxyEmnjN_dRhYxoHWgJcf7T5zFppORJlJJbXeVx8j6I9/s200/IMG_1200.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>The best part of getting a new house for me is being able to decorate the way I want! So a afternoon perusing the sofas, furniture & paint gave me loads of feel good vibes & ideas for our new home<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-LPohSYO29KKgrMgYT4rxbujB9nHY87Olij4em2Fsmtc0lUUm5nXEbOK2Zeh54DtYW-Fi-Tbz3KnOEadNxyhgPSUghnoE6WY_zYaF7FpnqTQtiX-DNS5ZiQHca91YKha4zboCy7K2GUb/s1600/Mrs+Brown+decorates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-LPohSYO29KKgrMgYT4rxbujB9nHY87Olij4em2Fsmtc0lUUm5nXEbOK2Zeh54DtYW-Fi-Tbz3KnOEadNxyhgPSUghnoE6WY_zYaF7FpnqTQtiX-DNS5ZiQHca91YKha4zboCy7K2GUb/s320/Mrs+Brown+decorates.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>What do you do to feel good?</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>How did you spend your Friday?</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Love Mrs Brown xx</div><br /> <div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/?px" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=ba850ecb-ab23-4c20-b1dc-1973bf0eedca" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07433555828408217614noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5659221266314268329.post-8153399772315317062012-12-24T07:27:00.000-08:002014-01-15T13:08:01.004-08:00Little Letters, Dear SantaChristmas Eve is upon us & for once I am feeling rather organised. So I've been hop, hop, hopping around some beautiful blogs when I came across a feature called <a href="http://www.freckled-fox.com/search/label/Little%20Letters%20Link-up" target="_blank">Little Letters</a>. A link up feature where people can write a little letter to any one or any thing!! <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZtKMsu0NHTCsTEa91b7rDx5eWXq55l7PFJdX210cx3_TwiwA-uQpFKW2FHVb8hiG7ytesfYfeQ2hJfkQUvSUdmbHog3wEeRsRttatNdE_aF1-hVYa4KvYW8ackaOuJKJY2UyNJlWxu7m/s1600/150x162littleletters_zps9ca1ed9f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZtKMsu0NHTCsTEa91b7rDx5eWXq55l7PFJdX210cx3_TwiwA-uQpFKW2FHVb8hiG7ytesfYfeQ2hJfkQUvSUdmbHog3wEeRsRttatNdE_aF1-hVYa4KvYW8ackaOuJKJY2UyNJlWxu7m/s1600/150x162littleletters_zps9ca1ed9f.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I haven't written to Santa yet so he was the first person to spring to mind. So here goes a Little Letter post & my first wee linky up (oooh I feel proud!)</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dear Santa,</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have been a very good girl this year, I think! I have done a lot of learning, I have enjoyed a wonderful year with my hubby & doggy & I am feeling much better in my mood. I went back to work part time, & I think I am coping just fine.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I know I'm a bit late any requests but that's lucky as I feel already blessed this year. So my only wish would be for a happy & </span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>healthy new year.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Oh & anything you could do to make sure we have a smooth house move on the 11th of January would be gratefully appreciated!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Hope your feeling as organised as me Santa, </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Safe Journey when you are out & about tonight,</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Love Mrs Brown xx</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've thought of a few more little letters I would like to add:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dear Mr Brown - you are amazing.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dear Brown family - I love you lots & so happy to be part of a caring bunch.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dear family & friends - I couldn't have made it through this year without you.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dear movers - thanks for your help in advance!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dear flat - you have been good to us but we just need more space, you will always be our first home xx</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dear new house - look out we're coming!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And I think that is enough!!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>What a lovely feature? Do you have any one you would like to write to?</b></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love Mrs Brown xx</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/?px" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=39ab0e7c-16b9-46e1-a66f-95b85e631bf9" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07433555828408217614noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5659221266314268329.post-50337352357593992082012-12-23T08:29:00.000-08:002014-01-15T13:08:01.054-08:00What a year! Part 1What a year! The year 2012 has been a busy one for me. <br /><br />I read a few yearly round ups & thought it would be a great thing to do. AND it is!! Going through & remember all the year's achievements is such a lovely task. I have also read a lot about keeping a jar of memories throughout the year then going through them at New Year. I may have to try this out!<br /><br />I have just sat & went through my diary, my blog, & my hubby to work out what happened in the year 2012, hold on to your hats - it's a long one!! In fact think I will do it in two parts!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>January</i></b></div>The start of the year saw me join the gym! Your probably thinking, yeah like a load of other people!! But for me this was a big deal. This meant over coming fears of a room filled with buff, fit people all pointing & staring at me the fat, sweaty newcomer. As with most fears, it was no where near as bad! Did I keep it up, well no I didn't but I can now proudly say I have been inside a gym & I might have even liked ;-)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOoT8__YmPPUUiXyyMb5tMAfjzhqvFDD-FE8EjQ8sNRttKg6lCx2R3ftiQR6A004Jpx0cBQx53EeSLe8giuXNKolzWknKhh19YZvLa6hwFtSzgnabwXe6DvYv-HAq4hyuxlVG48DZrxVb/s1600/IMG_0733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOoT8__YmPPUUiXyyMb5tMAfjzhqvFDD-FE8EjQ8sNRttKg6lCx2R3ftiQR6A004Jpx0cBQx53EeSLe8giuXNKolzWknKhh19YZvLa6hwFtSzgnabwXe6DvYv-HAq4hyuxlVG48DZrxVb/s320/IMG_0733.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>February</i></b></div>I think this is where you start to see me stepping out my comfort zone.<br /><br /><ul><li>I enrolled on an online Life Coaching & Counselling course & with 100% on my first assignment I reignited my love of learning.</li><li>I went to a Vintage Styling night at Miss Dixie Belle & thoroughly enjoyed myself!</li><li>I did a days sewing class - finally learning how to use my sewing machine properly.</li></ul><div>All these things made forced me to focus on myself. To mingle with other people, to venture out of the flat & to start living again.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>March</b></i></div><div>This was a tough time for me. My <a href="http://mrsbrownsthoughts.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/the-dog-that-saved-my-life.html" target="_blank">beloved dog, Bailey</a> was very unwell & the vet couldn't figure out what was wrong. I started to question myself again but after some tests at the Vet School in Glasgow & a special prescription diet he is back to his chirpy self & helps me through each day. (cue dog photos!) Also in March having been off my work for a very long time, things started to get very serious with talk of terminating contract & retirement due to ill health (at 29!!) so I had to stand up for myself & March was when I contacted my union representative & started to take charge of my recovery back to work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZJ7ybdh6DW4FGgjR1Mdnzligvj9DWGf321tmZQjkG20GaNorR11R2xrst6IttJxC0kCGcWY13NNLXTnxheGBqI8h01xUIvt-7M8Za1ACUcoKegFafkeMnpmoo_h83YhzTbJaXBunO_ic/s1600/Mrs+Brown's+Dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZJ7ybdh6DW4FGgjR1Mdnzligvj9DWGf321tmZQjkG20GaNorR11R2xrst6IttJxC0kCGcWY13NNLXTnxheGBqI8h01xUIvt-7M8Za1ACUcoKegFafkeMnpmoo_h83YhzTbJaXBunO_ic/s320/Mrs+Brown's+Dog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>April</b></i></div><div>Hubby's birthday. Mr Brown is a wee April Fool. The day when his mum went into labour & everyone said ha ha April Fool but no joke, Mr Brown was born. He's getting old but still tries to act young - by sticking out his tongue in photos??</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YsbyH-1-O3crOLzI6MhcjadIUIaw9e3YvAX9E9449nOqd9vKtfRQrErM2wwYQ-Hr9mKsBphNVONvkaypsHUDjL9O1yMHPO3pMfrYuqRZCuevUHdLl2QxFba2hmz44ImfLqi265feyPJS/s1600/Mr+Brown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YsbyH-1-O3crOLzI6MhcjadIUIaw9e3YvAX9E9449nOqd9vKtfRQrErM2wwYQ-Hr9mKsBphNVONvkaypsHUDjL9O1yMHPO3pMfrYuqRZCuevUHdLl2QxFba2hmz44ImfLqi265feyPJS/s320/Mr+Brown.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>In April I had a few sessions of hypnotherapy & although I was sceptical I do think it helped me work through some issues.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>May</b></i></div><div>I was obviously feeling brave & enrolled on a Happiness Workshop. Me & a full day being happy? Well it was great. A fab trainer in <a href="http://www.sorridimi.com/" target="_blank">Lesley</a> & learned some great skills to use NLP in real life. Just what I needed as we raced through the year.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>June</i></b></div><div>The middle of the year - & things started to get busy!! This was our one year anniversary. Paper. A whole year we survived being married. I got Mr Brown a lovely gift (if I do say so myself) from <a href="http://www.treeoflifeforyou.co.uk/" target="_blank">Tree of Life For You</a> - this talented lady asks you what you want to be included in the design then sets about doing a gorgeous picture entwined with all your memories. You should definitely take a look at her stuff! Go now! Our picture is even on the front page!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy70-jlAQxID953oYx31gQ1WDs-fRJHqzNsv_aMPafLZjS70JPDgDNVrGeKGS_7BUuAXVNs3gzm0SkfQ_rURDWyx5MInBXckDFlPIx7YC_OBiRvIoN97LDwdSKc0ZfkBb6y2ZZvChQG1wg/s1600/IMG_1188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Team Brown - Tree of Life For You" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy70-jlAQxID953oYx31gQ1WDs-fRJHqzNsv_aMPafLZjS70JPDgDNVrGeKGS_7BUuAXVNs3gzm0SkfQ_rURDWyx5MInBXckDFlPIx7YC_OBiRvIoN97LDwdSKc0ZfkBb6y2ZZvChQG1wg/s320/IMG_1188.JPG" title="Team Brown - Tree of Life For You" width="226" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I went back to work in June. In deciding to go back to work, we agreed that part time would be a good idea. So I now work Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & enjoy a long weekend - every weekend!! See my post <a href="http://mrsbrownsthoughts.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/monday-for-part-timers.html" target="_blank">Monday for Part Timers</a>. It has definitely made a difference in being able to switch off & I feel that my life no long revolves around work & work alone. Which is a good thing! All work & no play made Mrs Brown a sad girl.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was obviously feeling good at this time as I started lots of new ventures too. I started the blog for one! Check out my scary <a href="http://mrsbrownsthoughts.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/im-starting-blog.html" target="_blank">first post</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With the help & encouragement of lovely friends I set out starting the <a href="http://mrsbrownsthoughts.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/change-challenge.html" target="_blank">Change Challenge</a>. A weight loss group with a difference. It was all about healthy eating, but all in an encouraging environment with no selling involved. The girls did really well & I am extremely proud of setting up such a group & using my skills to help others. Unfortunately I found the commitment just too much with work & my ever busy head so I had to wind down the group after two sessions, but it doesn't take away from what we achieved during 2012. So a big thanks to all of the ladies involved.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Only half way through the year & what a year! Soo much to look back on with proud fond memories.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>What are you most proud from 2012?</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Love Mrs Brown xx</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /> <div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/?px" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=39ab0e7c-16b9-46e1-a66f-95b85e631bf9" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07433555828408217614noreply@blogger.com4