A matter of choice

Happy new year dear blog readers!


On New Years Eve I'd taken the boys to Paralimni town centre just as it got dark to see the Christmas lights as we'd not got round to going there yet and I felt like we hadn't left the house in days. 
We came home to a warm house,  music on, bubbly chilling and so our traditional NYE evening was about to get underway!
Mum and Dad arrived and we celebrated with lots of food, drinks and music. Mostly sat ( and at various points dancing) and singing along to youtube,  all the old songs that it wouldn't be NYE without!
Even Leo was singing along to Chas and Dave!
Just before midnight I played our usual countdown which ends with the 'bongs' of Big Ben and a rousing rendition of Auld Langs Syne - although we don't get the chimes live at midnight, it's just not New Year until I hear them!     We all stood outside on the balcony (luckily it was not raining yet)  and I opened the front door as is the tradition to let the new ye…

The obligatory end of year / new year posts are in full swing so I'm looking back over the year through my photos.   I took much fewer this year than in previous years, trying to live more in the actual moment than looking at everything through a camera. 
I take many photos of the boys, this year I've been hard pushed to get one of them (especially Leo) to pose for a photo without dabbing.   It became a personal mission of his to 'dab' on anything, everything and everywhere, and most video clips taken would have included 'flossing' somewhere. I've got hundreds of photos of them over the year but looking back there are few that would be worthy of printing or framing. 
I'm not a great photographer (that's Aaron's department) but I love a scenic pic.   I've got lots of sea and sky shots, many of the same place as I can never resist! 
So here are 12 of my favourite photos, one from each month of 2018.
January 

I love a winter walk in the sunshin…

Tis the season to be jolly, and to 'make memories'  (have I ever mentioned that I hate that expression?)  so I guess it's also the season to blog about those memories too?

I loved our Christmas, it was simple, full of family, friends, food and fun.

Our carefully planned amazon order containing most of the boys presents has still not arrived, and I was upset when I realised it would not make it in time,  luckily my parents saved the day and helped us get gifts for the boys to open but I realise I should have known my boys better and not worried quite as much.

Christmas morning was probably our best yet,  now the boys are a little older they understand more and they didn't try and open everything in a mad panic and have it all done within minutes.  Stockings were opened, and then we had a break for breakfast before returning for the remainder. 

The boys were so happy with their all their presents, the shower gels, a new sponge each, sweets, chocolates and new t-shirts …

When you think of your childhood Christmases, what comes to mind?
I wrote about my Christmas pasts several years ago and about some of my memories but wanted to share a few that might bring back some memories for you too. 
We counted down the days with our advent calendars, each day we were excited to open the door to discover the picture that lay behind it.  As we got older they improved and we got chocolate too! 
There were no daily advent gifts, Christmas Eve boxes, or gingerbread houses to make and apart from the school nativity play and fundraising Christmas fayre the only festive activity the Chris-tingle service at the local church and driving round to see the local Christmas lights but it was magical and exciting and memorable. 
Here are a few of my memories...
The Christmas Radio and TV Times
Do you remember the days when the only way to find out what would be on TV would be to check the daily paper,  maybe Ceefax if you were lucky enough to have the technology,  or to buy th…

Last week at Slimming World I lost 1.5 lb which left me 2lb to go to reach the target I had set a couple of months ago which was to lose a total of 1.5 stone by Christmas.   It was very tight but in a fit of optimism and determination I declared I would do it.

I realised it might be tricky with the plans I had for the week, the main one being the girls night out at Mojitos restaurant for their Christmas buffet,   anyone who lives here will know that while that is a guaranteed amazing meal,  it is not going to make losing any weight very easy!


Once home from SW group last week I shopped, planned and cooked.   I exercised, I walked and ate tons of fruit along with slightly smaller meal portions.

Wednesday evening I went out to a Carol concert and had dinner out from a limited menu choice.  I offered to drive so I would stick to diet coke and not be tempted by the wine.

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday morning (I'd had good intentions for the whole weekend!)  - 100% on plan

Saturday a…

Christmas may be the most wonderful time of the year for parties and celebrations but unfortunately not the most wonderful time of the year for your waistline.   

There are different ways you can approach this;

First option is to say stuff it it's Christmas and eat anything and everything you fancy - if anyone points out you will put on weight then eat them too!
Second option is to avoid all parties, don't drink,  refuse all treats and generally make yourself feel like you are missing out. 

Personally I have always gone for the first option, and traditionally start January maybe half a stone heavier and feeling a bit rubbish.  This year I am ATTEMPTING* a third option, one that Slimming World has been suggesting to me for many years. 
I aim to stick to the plan when I can  (oops I sound like I've eaten a SW consultant now - sorry!) 
The plan being - not to eat mince pies for breakfast 'just because it's Christmas' Not to drink every day in December 'just b…