Tuesday, 22 January 2013

C25k app and more

My treadmill got delivered today so less of the excuses of I can't run with 4 kids (a double pram, hip dysplacia and one who's distracted by anything shiny!)
Well now it doesn't matter if its hot, cold, raining, the kids are sick all the excuses are gone, forever!
Since most of my training so far has been fast walking because of the kids I decided I download the c25k app to help me along
Wow it's tougher than it sounds but I did my first days training and feel amazing, tired yet amazing!
In just 9 weeks I should be able to run for 5km and hopefully by 13 weeks run 10km without stopping!
Self doubt had started to come in and I was doubting myself if I could do this my confidence is regaining I CAN DO THIS!

Sunday, 20 January 2013

The RMFA Gratitude Project days 21, 22, 23 & 24


Day 21 - Birthdays


Today (January 21st) is my birthday, I am grateful to have survived another year despite the hurdles I have had along the way.
Another year to say I did it, this year of my life will be my strongest yet, my bravest, the best!

Day 22 - Equipment



Fingers crossed my financing is approved for this little baby, a birthday present to myself (hopefully!)
I always complain that whilst we can go out and walk with the kids I can't run with them, I decided to change that and thanks to the world of online applications I applied at midnight to tie in with my birthday now just the waiting game to hear back from them!

Day 23 - Motivational Pictures



Whenever I feel slow or sluggish I search for these and am left feeling pumped and alive, ready to go!
I think I'm going to get some sticky notes and write them down and stick them around the house so I am always reminded and motivated

Day 24 - Decluttering



As I pack and go through things and get rid of things that aren't used it feels GREAT! There is a long way to go but the new house will be clutter free, clean and beautiful :)

Wednesday, 16 January 2013

The RFMA Gratitude project days 17, 18, 19 & 20





Day 17 - Wii games
I know a blog about bettering my life and it includes video games but these games are great for when I can't get out of the house, I was sceptical at first but they really do get your heart pumping and the sweat rolling


Day 18 - Finances
Our financial status was and still isn't what I would call good but when I rang an institute a few days ago to find out about a course I wanted to attend they offered finance options BUT since I've never gotten a loan, rent instead of own and don't own a credit card he said it was near impossible.
This got me thinking whilst it obviously has its restrictions it also has a major benefit, even if at the end of the week I only have $1 left it is my dollar, I owe it to nobody where millions upon millions of others are hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt and I can proudly say I am debt free.
This is also where the tables turn my husband and I are taking over the business which he works for so we will be owing money on that and since he is in the same financial  boat in the fact he would never own a credit card, has never owned property etc his boss (who is AMAZING) is going to finance us.


Day 19 - Eyesight
I am truly blessed to be given the wonderful gift of eyesight being able to see the colours of the world


Day 20 - The house I live in (for a few more weeks!)
No, I do not own it but I live in it with my 4 children, it came to us and gave us a breath of fresh air, we have amazing landlords who are so friendly and helpful. I comfortably afford the rent on my own before any monetary contributions from hubby.
It is our safe haven, it is home.
It will be sad to say goodbye to this little house, it has been good to us as too have its owners.
Thank you Brad and Jenny for trusting in us to take care of your investment

 

Sunday, 13 January 2013

Letting go

I have created a new Facebook profile (it was easier than doing a massive, massive cull) and I feel amazing, lonely but amazing.
Lately I've come to realise I had so many "friends" but no friends, why did I have them then? So many people who judged me and hurt me when I gave birth to Willow that they don't deserve to be in my life still but to not be lonely I kept them even though they didn't respect me.
If I want to overcome my depression, if I want to be happy I needed to let go of these false friendships.
Since I have I now have a spring in my step, I could dance. I feel alive, being able to post and not think twice before clicking send without wondering if ill be judged or if they'll all start talking behind my back again, it feels amazing!

Friday, 11 January 2013

The RFMA Gratitude Project - Days 13, 14, 15 & 16





Day 13 - Artwork
I know I already have crafts but my paintings are different they put me in a whole different world and give me the opportunity to remember significant events in my life such as the tragic loss of my cousin, Lee.


Day 14 - 12WBT
The new round hasn't even started yet but I have found 6 lovely ladies to run in our event, such a fantastic community and I wish everyone well taking part in Round 1, 2013, lets kick some butt!


Day 15 - My wonderful husband
Without him I don't know where I would be he rescued me from an abusive relationship, he has given me the strength to be me, he has supported me. He is my best friend, my soul mate and I love him beyond words


Day 16 - The quiet moments
We all know just how much some days even 5 minutes of nothing can save our sanity especially after she had a nosebleed and does NOT deal well with blood



Tuesday, 8 January 2013

Clean eating meal plan

A big change for us has been how we eat, lots of clean foods now and quite a few raw foods too. Some of the recipes below have been adapted from the links for my family to accommodate my twins allergy to dairy. If you would like to know how to do this simply comment and I will reply :)
The reason I have supplied links is although I would LOVE to take credit for these wonderful recipes I sadly can't so it is only fair I believe to point you in the right direction.
For now I'll just start with dinners
Click the titles for the links


Monday night - Quinoa cakes and salad


The recipe is for strips but to be more toddler appealing I am cutting into nuggets










Thursday night - Raw pasta sauce
This is amazing! I don't have a thermomix but it still turns out devine





Friday night - Sweet potato gnocchi with a basil pesto




Saturday night - Moroccan spiced burgers


Sunday night (birthday dinner) - Starters - Mushroom Soup




Main - Roast chicken

There is quite a bit of food here since monday is my birthday and I am celebrating with family on Sunday and having a nice meal - all clean but with big meals still come a calorie build up, bring on the workout for the 22nd!


Roast veggies


Gravy


Dessert - Black forest trifle
This is where I come undone my indulgence - it's my birthday right?! My absolute favourite dessert in the entire world


So there you have it some amazing recipes and what will be served in our household next week
Enjoy xx

Monday, 7 January 2013

The RFMA gratitude project days 9, 10, 11 & 12

Almost caught up!
Day 9 - Studying from home




Having 4 children and raising them alone until we moved I am blessed that institutes such as Childbirth International let me study from home in my own time once the children are tucked up in bed.
I am currently studying to become a birth doula, childbirth educator, breastfeeding counsellor and post-partum doula and absolutely LOVE it. I might even admit it is making me slightly clucky (don't tell me husband!)

Day 10 - Lifestyle changes


We used to live on a farm and this was my beloved pigs Chop and Gypsy, once lease ended and our landlord decided to live there herself so we had to move and we all still miss farm life, our plan is to buy land when we are able and start again.
I learnt the value of meat and vegetables, we raised our own pigs, sheep and dairy cow and some chickens as well as grew our own fruit and vegetables. Such a different life and I cannot wait to have it again and embrace it



Day 11 - ICU nurses


This is my son the eldest of twins in this picture he is 9 weeks old and critically ill even medical staff were unsure if he would make it, I watch them resuscitate him numerous times, his organs started failing, his lungs had collapsed and a machine was keeping him alive.
Thanks to many wonderful nurses and doctors at the Monash Medical Centres ICU he is now a happy, mischievous  20 month old

Day 12 - Friends


I don't have many friends in fact you could count them on one hand and still have fingers left over, I'm somewhat of a loner, this used to upset me, everyone around seemed to have tons of friends, what was wrong with me?
A lady has just recently come into my life and she is amazing and made me learn what real friendship is and although she went through a really hard time to end up where she is it is a blessing in disguise for the both of us to find true friendship

Sunday, 6 January 2013

The RFMA gratitude project day 5, 6, 7 and 8

Playing catch up again! At least thats a good sign I've been too busy to sit at a computer all the time :)

DAY 5: The ability to walk

This is how we walk everyday, 4 children and a double pram, we do 2.5km in the mornings and 2.5km before the twins bedtime.

DAY 6:  New beginnings


Our new home - the Gold Coast!
Whilst myself and the kids are not there yet my husband is and is loving it! We are house hunting at the moment and as soon as we get one the big move happens.
Welcome to sun, happiness, owning a business and a whole new start.

BRING IT ON!

Day 7: Feta Cheese!


It may seem like a weird thing to be grateful for - feta really?
But yes, since embarking on a life of health and fitness I have come to appreciate the little luxuries and this is mine! I'd have it on everything if I could.
My mornings often start with vegemite on toast and a little crumbled feta
Its great on beans on toast, tacos, risotto, you name it!

Day 8 - Sunshine!


The view from my front step today - glorious, glorious sunshine! A wonderful 36 degrees outside, the sun motivates me and makes me happy and a great reminder to drink water :)

More to come on the catch up soon, I have to work tonight so probably tomorrow

From flab to fab!


I normally wouldn't post photos of myself wearing a bikini - actually I'd just never wear a bikini EVER!
But I've mustered every ounce of courage within in my to post this and it's quite scary really, I hate how my body looks after a multiple pregnancy and 2 c-sections but I will learn to love it again, I WILL.

Here are my shots from all angles at the beginning of this journey, I will do regular updates as my training intensifies and I get more confident with my diet and lifestyle changes.
Today:






less than glamorous and lots of work to do, I know I'm not fat but flabby and it depresses me. Even though I fit a size 10 I can't wear a lot of clothes due to the muffin top and the bits that poke out where they shouldn't - If only I could just transfer it all to my boobs and actually have some life would be grand!
Anyway thats all from me for now
Never give up!