I didn't share a meal plan last week because I was actually eating out a few times (very rare lately). If you didn't catch my last meal plan you can read it here, 30th January 2017.
The cookbook i've been getting some recipes from this week is Joe Wicks' Lean in 15. If you follow me on social media then you'll know i'm rather obsessed with him, haha. Seriously though, all good looks and nice body aside and there are some fab recipes in his first book.
This week hubby and I are having:
Monday - Homemade healthy pizza adapted from a Kayla Itsines recipe
Tuesday - A surprise (hubby is cooking dinner for Valentine's day)
Wednesday - Cheesy Chorizo, Chicken and Spinach (Joe Wicks Recipe)
Thursday - Joe's Chicken Pie (Joe Wicks Recipe)
Friday - Halloumi Burgers
Saturday - Mussels
Sunday - Roast Dinner
This week the kids are having:
Monday - Curry
Tuesday - Fish Pie
Wednesday - Pasta Bake
Thursday - Joe's Chicken Pie
Friday - Beef Burgers
Saturday - Mussels
Sunday - Roast Dinner
There's a few days that the kids are having the same meals as us but a lot of the time we can't eat together as a family as hubby now works quite far from home. He gets back much later than when the kids would have eaten. I'm still batch cooking some slow cooker meals so that if ever the kids don't like something new i've made them (which happens a lot) then i've always got some things for back up.
What's on your meal plan this week? What are your favourite family meals?
The cookbook i've been getting some recipes from this week is Joe Wicks' Lean in 15. If you follow me on social media then you'll know i'm rather obsessed with him, haha. Seriously though, all good looks and nice body aside and there are some fab recipes in his first book.
This week hubby and I are having:
Monday - Homemade healthy pizza adapted from a Kayla Itsines recipe
Tuesday - A surprise (hubby is cooking dinner for Valentine's day)
Wednesday - Cheesy Chorizo, Chicken and Spinach (Joe Wicks Recipe)
Thursday - Joe's Chicken Pie (Joe Wicks Recipe)
Friday - Halloumi Burgers
Saturday - Mussels
Sunday - Roast Dinner
This week the kids are having:
Monday - Curry
Tuesday - Fish Pie
Wednesday - Pasta Bake
Thursday - Joe's Chicken Pie
Friday - Beef Burgers
Saturday - Mussels
Sunday - Roast Dinner
There's a few days that the kids are having the same meals as us but a lot of the time we can't eat together as a family as hubby now works quite far from home. He gets back much later than when the kids would have eaten. I'm still batch cooking some slow cooker meals so that if ever the kids don't like something new i've made them (which happens a lot) then i've always got some things for back up.
What's on your meal plan this week? What are your favourite family meals?
17 comments
It's now only 8 weeks until we go on our DisneyWorld holiday. Both hubby and I haven't been for about 20 years and it'll obviously be the first time Eva and Ophelia will have gone. We cannot wait.
We're huge Disney fans anyway so I wanted to get lots of Disney themed things such as clothes, travel accessories etc to help add to the fun of the holiday.
I've been trawling the internet to find some travel products and here is my wishlist.
1) Lightening McQueen Cabin Case
One of Eva's favourite Disney films is Cars. There's a new one due out later this year and she is so excited for the release of it after seeng the trailer. The flight to Florida is quite long so we may need a few things to entertain her on the plane.
I found this fab cabin sized case from Samsonite. She would love it. It has 4 wheels which would make it easier for her to push and pull it herself and it'll store all of her flying essentials.
2) Minnie Mouse Suitcase
I can imagine we're going to need to take quite a lot of things with us on our trip (and also be buying a lot) so therefore I think we all need a suitcase.
I found this super cute Minnie Mouse case from Samsonite which I would love for Ophelia. In fact, I love the design so much I actually would quite like it for myself. Again it has 4 wheels which is so much easier to handle.
5) Minnie Mouse toiletry bag
If i'm getting one for Eva then I have to get one for Ophelia. I found this Samsonite one which would match her suitcase.
6) Winnie the Pooh blanket
I'm hoping that we will be able to get Ophelia to have a couple of naps on the plane and therefore we need to make it as comfortable and as cosy as possible. This blanket from the Disney Store will be perfect for snuggling her in.
We're huge Disney fans anyway so I wanted to get lots of Disney themed things such as clothes, travel accessories etc to help add to the fun of the holiday.
I've been trawling the internet to find some travel products and here is my wishlist.
1) Lightening McQueen Cabin Case
One of Eva's favourite Disney films is Cars. There's a new one due out later this year and she is so excited for the release of it after seeng the trailer. The flight to Florida is quite long so we may need a few things to entertain her on the plane.
I found this fab cabin sized case from Samsonite. She would love it. It has 4 wheels which would make it easier for her to push and pull it herself and it'll store all of her flying essentials.
2) Minnie Mouse Suitcase
I can imagine we're going to need to take quite a lot of things with us on our trip (and also be buying a lot) so therefore I think we all need a suitcase.
I found this super cute Minnie Mouse case from Samsonite which I would love for Ophelia. In fact, I love the design so much I actually would quite like it for myself. Again it has 4 wheels which is so much easier to handle.
Even though the temperate in Florida will be warm, it may be a bit cool at night when we are waiting around for the fireworks etc. I found this Minnie Mouse stroller footmuff from obaby which I thought would be great. It's a universal one so it should fit our stroller.
Eva is now at an age where she likes to pack everything herself so this toiletry bag from Samsonite will be perfect. She would think it was fab. It will be great for packing her toothbrush, tangle teaser etc.
If i'm getting one for Eva then I have to get one for Ophelia. I found this Samsonite one which would match her suitcase.
6) Winnie the Pooh blanket
I'm hoping that we will be able to get Ophelia to have a couple of naps on the plane and therefore we need to make it as comfortable and as cosy as possible. This blanket from the Disney Store will be perfect for snuggling her in.
I need lots of things to keep the girls entertained so this stationary set from The Disney Store is fab as it zips up so all the contents stay together. There are plenty of things inside it to keep Eva occupied.
I know most of the things in here are too old for Ophelia, but it saves a lot of arguments if they have their own. We definitely don't want arguments and tantrums on an enclosed aeroplane!! Ophelia can still do some drawing and then I can give the rest of the bits to Eva. This set is also from The Disney Store.
Eva is old enough to have her own seat on an aeroplane so we like to try and make her comfortable. This small cushion from Dunelm should fit nicely on her seat and fit into her hand luggage.
As i've already mentioned I need lots of little things to keep Eva entertained on the aeroplane. I also think it's good to give them things they've never had before (to keep them interested). I found these small play sets in the Disney Store which will be great for imaginative play and they are small enough to pack in hand luggage.
These little backpacks are brilliant as they have reins in them. Ophelia can toddle but i'm sure by the time we go away she will be walking properly. This will be great to help guide her amongst the busy crowds.
Eva is Frozen obsessed so this playset will be a very welcomed addition. It's also from the Disney Store.
Let me know if you see any other Disney themed travel products.
Next to feature on my Valentine's series is my fab friend Harriet from http://tobyandroo.com/.
1) Are you married,
engaged or in a relationship and for how long?
I’m married and for almost
ten years!
2 2) Where did you
meet?
I’ve recently written about
how we met here (http://www.tobyandroo.com/how-i-met-my-husband/) – it’s a rather long story but essentially I was
with the wrong person who left me shortly after we got married – Adam was the
wedding co-ordinator and when we bumped into each other in a club he said
“How’s married life” and I told him we were divorced and why, he replied “What
a fool!” and we’ve never been apart since.
3 3) Where was your
first date?
Well, we were already
together but our first “date” was at a restaurant in York called Maxi’s
Chinese. He dropped a rib down his front.
4 4) Describe your
partner in 3 words
Supportive,
tactile and handsome
5) What are the
things you love about them the most?
I love that Adam is so
supportive of my work, he is always the first one to cheer me on with my
successes and push me when I’m flapping over a failure.
6 6) What has been the
most memorable day you’ve had with them?
Gosh, SO many days! I don’t
think I could choose one – labours, our wedding day, going to the wrestling
together as a couple for the first time after our daughter was born (first
weekend away in years!)… so many days!
We don’t really!
8 8) If Yes, what do
you normally do?
We might get a
take out or even go for a date night but it’s not really a big thing for us.
9 9) What has been the
best and worst Valentine’s gift or card you’ve ever received?
We don’t do cards!!
1 10) What’s
your ideal date night?
A night at the
cinema followed or preceded by a film, failing that a day date somewhere without the kids!
1 11)What’s
your favourite romantic film?
Love actually
1 12)What’s
your favourite love song?
Our wedding song – You make
it real for me by James Morrison
1 13)What’s
your favourite love quote?
Infinity x infinity – it’s
something Adam used to say to me. I used to say “I love you” and he would reply
“And I love you, infinity x infinity, end of.”
14)What
is the most romantic place you’ve ever visited as a couple and where would you
like to visit?
Most romantic place? Hmm
that’s a tough one. We’ve stayed in some beautiful hotels and made them
romantic for ourselves, but we’d both love a couples holiday somewhere like
Mauritius!
You can follow Harriet and her blog here:
Instagram @tobyandroo
Twitter @tobyandroo
Facebook /tobyandrooblog
I've always remained honest when I write and I like to give you a real insight into my life including all the ups and downs. Before Christmas I did so well in dropping 2 dress sizes and I was loving exercising and eating healthily. You can read all about that journey here, Drop 2 dress sizes in 6 weeks .
However, Christmas and New Year came and went and i'm ashamed to say I have been to the gym once since Christmas!!!! I am literally hanging my head in shame. I'm gutted. I have broken the habit and once again I now have cabin fever about going back. I literally cannot get my butt off the sofa and cannot be bothered.
I am determined to get back into exercising as I loved it when I was doing it. It gave me more energy and the pheromones I got from it were exhilarating. I just need to get back in the habit. If you're the same here's 10 ways to get you back into it:
1) Start with something easy
I think this is key to getting back into exercise. Don't climb mountains straight off and have realistic expectations. A walk every day could be a great start to getting you more motivated.
2) Get a training buddy
I did some group training sessions last year and I loved the support you get from someone else. Getting a training buddy has a number of benefits. You have company, it's a great thing to do if you're shy or not very confident, you get support from them and above all you won't want to let them down.
3) Try something new
Exercise doesn't have to be the same thing all the time. I actually get bored incredibly easily. You're more likely to continue to exercise if you try new things out. You could try a new class or a new sport. There are so many things to choose from such as swimming, running, walking, climbing, weights and there are lots of different types of classes with brings me on to my next point.
4) Do a class
Booking a class is a great motivator. If you're booked in, you are less likely to cancel. You have the group element to it and therefore more likely to keep going during the class. With someone else training you for the class, you are going to get a more effective workout. I always try harder in a class than I would on my own.
There are so many classes to try such as body pump, yoga, kettlebells, spin and don't forget other ones such as aerial circus classes, pole dancing, belly dancing. You name it, there's something for everyone.
5) Plan ahead
Planning exercise into your diary is key. Decide what days you are going to exercise and stick to it. Write it on a calendar, in your diary and on your phone so you don't forget. I also think training on a Monday will set you up for the week ahead.
6) Get a personal trainer
If you can afford a personal trainer then they are 100% worth it. They can tailor workouts for you and teach you what to do. They are there to give you physical and emotional support. Every time i've had one, i've never regretted it.
7) Do something at home
If the idea of a class or the gym is daunting then try exercising at home. You can get yourself some weights to do at home or even some cardio equipment if you have the space and the money.
You could do a workout video. I've got the Joe Wicks DVD but there are plenty of others you can try.
There are also lots of websites where you can find workouts to do at home. I'm about to start using Flex TV which has live workouts on there. They have a huge variety of classes such as ballet barre, cardio, yoga etc.
8) Take a one month challenge
If you really want to get motivated then take a one month challenge. There are various running ones, abs, squats etc. Type it into google, print one off and challenge yourself.
9) Pack your bag the night before
If you've planned exercise for the following day then get your kit ready the night before. No excuses then.
10) Keep a journal
Keep and exercise journal. This will monitor your progress and results and you will be able to see what you've achieved and how well you've done. I recently bought a cheap one in Tiger and it's fab. Well it will be when I start using it this week.
Do you have any tips?
However, Christmas and New Year came and went and i'm ashamed to say I have been to the gym once since Christmas!!!! I am literally hanging my head in shame. I'm gutted. I have broken the habit and once again I now have cabin fever about going back. I literally cannot get my butt off the sofa and cannot be bothered.
I am determined to get back into exercising as I loved it when I was doing it. It gave me more energy and the pheromones I got from it were exhilarating. I just need to get back in the habit. If you're the same here's 10 ways to get you back into it:
1) Start with something easy
I think this is key to getting back into exercise. Don't climb mountains straight off and have realistic expectations. A walk every day could be a great start to getting you more motivated.
2) Get a training buddy
I did some group training sessions last year and I loved the support you get from someone else. Getting a training buddy has a number of benefits. You have company, it's a great thing to do if you're shy or not very confident, you get support from them and above all you won't want to let them down.
3) Try something new
Exercise doesn't have to be the same thing all the time. I actually get bored incredibly easily. You're more likely to continue to exercise if you try new things out. You could try a new class or a new sport. There are so many things to choose from such as swimming, running, walking, climbing, weights and there are lots of different types of classes with brings me on to my next point.
4) Do a class
Booking a class is a great motivator. If you're booked in, you are less likely to cancel. You have the group element to it and therefore more likely to keep going during the class. With someone else training you for the class, you are going to get a more effective workout. I always try harder in a class than I would on my own.
There are so many classes to try such as body pump, yoga, kettlebells, spin and don't forget other ones such as aerial circus classes, pole dancing, belly dancing. You name it, there's something for everyone.
5) Plan ahead
Planning exercise into your diary is key. Decide what days you are going to exercise and stick to it. Write it on a calendar, in your diary and on your phone so you don't forget. I also think training on a Monday will set you up for the week ahead.
6) Get a personal trainer
If you can afford a personal trainer then they are 100% worth it. They can tailor workouts for you and teach you what to do. They are there to give you physical and emotional support. Every time i've had one, i've never regretted it.
7) Do something at home
If the idea of a class or the gym is daunting then try exercising at home. You can get yourself some weights to do at home or even some cardio equipment if you have the space and the money.
You could do a workout video. I've got the Joe Wicks DVD but there are plenty of others you can try.
There are also lots of websites where you can find workouts to do at home. I'm about to start using Flex TV which has live workouts on there. They have a huge variety of classes such as ballet barre, cardio, yoga etc.
8) Take a one month challenge
If you really want to get motivated then take a one month challenge. There are various running ones, abs, squats etc. Type it into google, print one off and challenge yourself.
9) Pack your bag the night before
If you've planned exercise for the following day then get your kit ready the night before. No excuses then.
10) Keep a journal
Keep and exercise journal. This will monitor your progress and results and you will be able to see what you've achieved and how well you've done. I recently bought a cheap one in Tiger and it's fab. Well it will be when I start using it this week.
Do you have any tips?
To the mum sat on the toilet floor
With the door closed and the light off,
The darkness and quiet is making you feel safe and calm,
You are not alone.
To the mum with that huge smile on your face,
I see those glazed eyes,
I see the mask you are wearing,
You are not alone.
To the mum still in her pyjamas at 2pm,
Too lethargic to get dressed,
Who just can't be bothered to get dressed,
You are not alone.
To the mum who wants to be the perfect mum,
The crafts are out, the paint is everywhere,
You're baking, You're aching, But still you do all of these things,
You are not alone.
To the mum sat alone in soft play,
Not engaging with the world or her children,
Staring at the cold latte on the table,
You are not alone.
To the mum who's out with her friends,
You're laughing, you're smiling, you've escaped
But inside you're crying,
You are not alone.
To the mum sat on the sofa in your living room,
Peppa Pig is on repeat,
You're staring at the same 4 walls, looking for a way out,
You are not alone.
To the mum lying in bed awake at night,
Wondering did you do everything on that list,
Questioning yourself over and over and you cannot switch off,
You are not alone.
To the mum arguing with your partner,
You don't know why, You just want to shout,
You're agitated, you're angry, You're irritable,
You are not alone.
To the mum who tells the health visitor everything is fine,
You feel guilty, you feel ashamed, you're embarrassed,
You try and act like everything is perfect,
You are not alone.
To the mum who reads this,
If you can relate to any of this,
If you can understand me, I can understand you,
You are not alone.
To the mum with PND,
It's ok to admit you need help,
It's ok to talk, there is support,
You are not alone.
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