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Eeek I hope you managed it for Tuesday and have celebrated suitably!!

Hope you're OK Ruth, haven't been on for a while but see you haven't either :-( I agree with Sewingbee that a little break might do a lot of good in the long run! Hope everything is getting better xx

Hello! I haven't been on for so long!! I'm on the countdown to my hols on Friday, it will be nice to take a bit of time out and relax for a few days. Hoping to get back into the swing of Slimming World to prevent a huge gain with the baby. With my PhD ramping up too I feel like I'm relying a lot...

Hi Lisa! Hope you're doing well- you seem to be staying on track and updating which is always a positive! Your food sounds and looks lovely, the freezer meals are such a life saver. I've still got a few bits in mine though I need to get back into the habit of cooking! Going to pop over to my...

Well done on the maintaining! Are you all finished now? I was thinking of you when getting my hol stuff together for next week! X

Sorry been so quiet Lisa! Everything is so busy at the moment. It sounds like you're doing really well to stick to plan despite feeling poorly and the disastrous SW recipe- I'm sure I would've headed to the chippy so well done! June is still a fair way off and you can get some decent losses in...

Oh a talk to text app! That must save so much time! I had to manually transcribe my data- all 45k words of it. Sheesh that was a low period lol. Hmm I will pick up some vanilla yoghurts next shop and give them a try- OH should leave vanilla alone!

That is terrible! I would be sorely tempted to complain. Maybe hubby could go and see a different Doctor? Mental health is something I had hoped was being taken more seriously but there seems to remain such a stigma for men, it's awful. How lovely, 23 years! Such a long time, and definitely...

Vent away Lisa! I think it can be quite cathartic! Hopefully things will settle again when Riley's sleeping gets sorted, I imagine the stress of that would be enough to make anyone worry. God I haven't had cheetos for ages, I'll have to look out for them :p

Well writing didn't go very well yesterday so I'm changing tactics and going to read & make notes today. Hopefully that will help things! At work the kids made veggie chilli and baked potatoes with fresh salsa which was delish and really hit the spot! I weighed this morning and pleased to see...

You're doing well T_T! Jealous of your fruit & veg stand, we just have some manky bananas and old pears in the shop now and again. Unstructured is a worry sometimes as you don't know which way it will go, but can make things so much more interesting. Have you got some prompts in mind in case...

Oh gosh it sounds really tough :-( I hope you did manage some sleep in the end. I can imagine it is difficult to switch off and relax when you know you're up again soon. Take care x

Just to echo what others said Ruth, sorry you're struggling and hope you feel better soon :-( Maybe a change or a shake up will do the trick. Sometimes it helps just to see how it can be done differently, you can always go back to slimming world if the grass isn't greener! X

Smoothie sounds good! I think as long as you don't totally overdo it and use 6 bananas and a whole punnet of strawberries etc they can't be that bad. Hope it keeps you going! Interviews will be excellent, you'll feel a real jump in progress I'm sure! Hope they go well & you get what you need!

Thank you! It was really cool, OH was fascinated. My scales battery was dead this morning so I couldn't weigh in but never mind. Due date is estimated at 19th September for now! I hope little one stays put as I'm a bridesmaid on the 8th :eek: I'm working tonight over tea time but hoping to get...

Gosh I haven't been back here for a while! Good news with the scan, all was well and we saw little baby wriggling around :-) all seems more real now! That and I seem to have thickened out a lot over the last week, I have had to get some new clothes as mine are feeling uncomfortable. I haven't...

Oh Lisa that sounds terrible, I hope you're feeling a little better today? It sounds like it has been brewing for a couple of weeks, you've been under a lot of stress with poorly kiddies too. A trip to the docs would be worthwhile :-) X

Hope you're OK Ruth! Love the dress too- wedding dresses all round are beautiful things but the neckline & skirt of that one are particularly pretty! I'm sure if you give them a call they would tell you the designer & dress, sometimes it's worth having a look at other dresses by the same...

Well done on the loss! Interviews sound very promising too, nice job! How did the wedding go? X

Thank you for the amazing top tip with the free swimming ! I had no idea- I've just googled it for my area and I get 10 free sessions, I've already got my maternity exemption card (already been to the dentist too haha). I'm holding off doing anything pregnancy related til after my scan but...

Well done on the loss Lisa- hope you had a lovely weekend? X

Thank you Lisa! I think your non-sickness waves are working- I had a rough day yesterday which caught me out a bit as I've generally been feeling better, but today was ok. Quite nervous about the scan and kind of wishing I'd had an early, though I know even with those you're not out of the...

You sound super busy T_T! I hope your sister has a fabulous wedding :-) SW will be there when you're ready to get back to it, and hope Uni work is going well (and my writers block is't catching..)

It seems to be doing the trick! The sickness feels like it's slowly but surely disappearing- last time I thought that I jinxed myself and it came back horribly but I've been reasonable for a couple of days now. I'm officially 12 weeks today so I think moving into second either now or in 2...

Sounds like a good weekend on the whole Ruth! You did your best and it could have been much worse :-) fingers crossed WI is kind to you! Looking forward to seeing the dress! I went shopping with my cousin on Friday (I'm a bridesmaid) and it was so exciting! X

I'm glad Reece is feeling better! Your food looks lovely too, freezer meals are so handy aren't they! Have you got anything nice planned this weekend? I've lost track of when your WI day is too! X

Boo to the gain :-( Ah that sounds like a nice enough shift! Hope you have a productive morning and a quieter weekend- have you got anything planned? X

Ah you did well not to! I imagine you're right about it being dealt with by PA's etc. That's really frustrating :-( fingers crossed they get back to you and it's good news. I'm going wedding dress shopping with my cousin this afternoon which will be nice! I think I'm going to have a steady...

Feeling a good deal better thank you T_T! Food is slowly but surely getting better too, though I've been avoiding the scales. Apparently I will be looking at gaining a lb a week pretty much from now so I think it will be disheartening. I'm just trying to stay as healthy as I can :-) Had a nice...

Eek sounds a few tricky days ahead syn-wise! Will be nice for you to catch up with everyone though. I imagine the dough sticks add a lot in terms of syns to salad- don't suppose they're listed elsewhere on the app so you could take them off?! I think it's good that you're at least being mindful...

Morning! I'm feeling half human today so I have lots planned! The sun is shining so I'm going to spend an hour or so in the garden this morning and get a bit of fresh air, clean some of the animals out and might tackle the greenhouse/dumping ground! Then I will break for lunch (have leftover...

Ooh T_T we will be on countdown together for entirely different reasons!! Once you've done your interviews you will feel a bit weight lifting- it's fab to tick it off. Good luck with the mayors office- did they give a good reason for cancelling?!

Hello Ruth! Thank you :-) things are going relatively well at the moment! I just need to keep the momentum going.. I know what you mean! Usually I'm grateful for leftovers as it means I don't have to think about lunch but I'm struggling a bit with it. The good thing about the batch cooking is...

How did the walk go T_T? Hope you got on ok in your wellies- they can be tough to do lots of walking in but worth it for the dry feet! Sunday sounds like a lovely day :-) How did you find the mushy pea curry? I made it once years ago but I can't really remember what it tasted like! It had a...

Ooh the scotch eggs look fab! I think my OH would like them but they looked a bit of a faff- maybe when I have some patience I'll give them a whirl! Hope you're feeling brighter today? The weather this weekend has been so miserable I think everyone has been a bit fed up!

Hi everyone :-) Hope all is well! I'm doing my best and it seems to be ok- I finally got chance to WI properly ie. first thing and my actual weight is 10st11, so I'm quite pleased that I haven't ballooned after some of the rubbish I've been eating. Why is it that the only food I can face is...

Some tasty looking meals from last week Ruth :-) Hope you've had time to catch your breath! It sounds as though you have been a v busy bee. Agree with Tibbs! It's hard financially & sticking to plan at this time of year, just do what you can :-) X

Thanks very much :-) Sorry I've been so quiet! I don't really have much to report as feeling pretty lousy. I'm trying to keep up with fruit and veg but it is a struggle sometimes. I had a good day on Mon and managed to go food shopping & batch cooked some bolognese, chilli and shepherds pies...

It is quiet! I hope everyone is ok too- my own diary is a bit dormant as my food is still a bit all over. Hope the quavers solved the cramp! It's the worst but a bit of salt usually helps it. How did work go? I hate working over meal times too. I've got a shift over lunchtime on Saturday and...

Hope you're feeling better today Lisa, it sounds like you've had a difficult few days. How's Riley? Glad you liked the overnight oats- they are definitely very filling. When I have them for breakfast they always keep me full til lunch time. My favourite it strawberry yoghurt and chunks of...

Aw he looks dead pleased with himself :-) Great minds Lisa, I had chilli last night too! It was the first meal in a long time that didn't make me feel queasy half way through too, winner! X

Mac and cheese sounds delicious :-) you're up super early! Hope your day goes well x

Oh Lisa! Hope you & hubby are feeling better? Dodgy tummy is the worst! X

Glad to hear you've had some nice walks and a bit of me time! A 6 week pay gap is massive so not surprising you've struggled :-( I'm ok thank you, not sticking to plan but trying to eat as healthily as I can. Hoping once the sickness eases I can get back to it. I've heard rice krispies mentioned...

I can never resist the food in ikea either! Always buy those mini daim bars too :oops: so moreish! Hope you managed to stay on track! Ocean pie & veg looks yum :-) Hope the cold clears up soon- I've read about so many bugs this winter! Hopefully a bit of fresh air will make you all feel better :)

<hugs> It will be fine! Try to focus on your list of positives and everything will come good very soon. Jan & Feb are always so hard in terms of finances. I can relate too- I haven't worked this month & am feeling the pinch. You're doing the best you can with the resources you have, so try and...

You can do this T_T! Planning helps so much, along with having OH on board you can crack it!

Cheers guys, feeling OK so far today! It seems to be tea time when the sickness kicks in which is annoying! Ginger biscuits are alright but snack a jacks are unfortunately a no-no, I had one yesterday and it just wasn't right. I find that certain foods are repeating on me terribly (sorry for...

Sometimes just getting out of the house is productive! Hope you're feeling better very soon, keep the cold wind out of your sore ears! Thanks Lisa :-) very exciting times, will be glad when the sickness fades (hopefully it will!). I seem to have a good day then a bad day with it. Yesterday was...

Looking good Lisa! Loads of speed too- hopefully that tiny gain will be gone with more next week :-)

Hello Ruth! So much to catch up on, glad you had a nice time away and so exciting that the wedding is booked! Get on Pinterest and enjoy the planning :-) I find so many SW recipes are trial and error, but your pots looked lovely & hopefully a bit less gelatin will see them perfect next time...

Definitely a positive! 5k is fab. I need to recharge my pedometer and try for a bit more exercise. The weather has been nice here today and going out into the garden made me think I should get out for more walks. Half my thesis is based on how getting outside is so good for you, I need to...

Thanks T_T :-) I'm having good days and bad! Yesterday was bad but today I feel a bit more human and have managed some Uni work and some actual food! I have leftover chicken that I need to make something with (maybe curry) but I'll see how I go this afternoon. Once my energy picks back up it...

Hello! I still seem to be AWOL- I'm rubbish lately. But with reason (I think) as I'm pregnant! Top secret but I can trust you guys ;) Trying to juggle all the usual stuff along with being so tired and feeling quite sick most days is proving difficult, and unfortunately SW has taken a back seat...

How are you doing T_T? I've been rubbish at SW at rubbish at Mins recently!

Well done! Fab loss, hope your AGM doesn't go on too long and you can have a nice night in tonight :-)

Hope you feel better tomorrow! Early night and plenty of fluids :)

Sorry I've been AWOL! I decided to get my head down and get the chapter written. I've done it now and am having a day off today :-) Batch cooking is a good idea Lisa- I also used my slow cooker yesterday which was a god send and stopped me shoving crap in the oven. I've been reading about 'dump...

Crikey, 84%!! Well done you! And event sounds exciting too. Good work on being mostly hit, I have been mostly miss :rolleyes: but there's plenty of time yet. I've been a bit of a hermit while I've been writing up my final chapter. I have a whole thesis draft now which I'm pleased about. Now just...

Well done Lisa! Fab loss and breaking through a barrier too. Hope you've had a good day! X

Your dinner looks lovely and colourful :-) Lol @ time out for grumpiness! Have you got anything nice planned for the weekend? X

Uh oh, I'm having one of those days too.. will draw line tonight :rolleyes: Hope your salad bar at Uni is nice- ours is ok but there's always lots of dressings on stuff which can be hit and miss. Hope you've had a good day & lesson!

The Lidl ice creams are usually pretty low in syns- I haven't had the mini milks but I fancy them now so next time I go I'll get some and let you know.. I know what you mean about hoarding the diet food. Curly wurlys are a very special treat for me and I went beserk last time I saw OH eating one...

Odd that it's so warm?! Central heating on full whack? Sounds like massive progress to me! I know it doesn't always feel like it even when on paper you've ticked a lot of boxes though. It's tricky to measure progress properly on such a big project isn't it. Yesterday went quite well- I think...

Funny you say that T_T, I was thinking the same re time off. Though I don't feel like I've been 'on' properly that long, I have been SW minded for a good few years now and I don't think I've ever been truly off, in the sense that I try to incorporate fruit and veg every day and generally limit...

Well done on the loss! You'll break through next week I'm sure. Sausage casserole looks like it would warm your cockles :-) perfect food for this chilly weather. Might keep an eye out for the fibre ones, though for all the excitement of people finding/not finding them, I haven't actually heard...

Thank you Lisa. I'm okish just struggling to stick to plan, got so much going on something is bound to slip and I can't afford for it to be work at the moment. I put on 0.5lb today which I'm not too bothered by- it could have been much worse and I know exactly how it's happened, so all I can do...

I'm sure they must be better than the crunchy nut cornflakes i had this morning :oops: must get back on plan!

I saw an advert for the salted caramel bars, they sound so good! You know you can get it off again, just a case of putting your mind to it. Well done for facing the scales, hope your show stuff has come out ok!

Well done Ruth! Your food looks and sounds as yummy as ever too. Hope you've had a fab weekend x

Quark is a funny old ingredient- I think it lends itself better to sweet stuff than savoury personally! Useful to have (when you can find it though lol) Sounds like you've been really good considering the hurdles you've had! Good luck for tomorrow x

Sorry I've been a bit quiet! Got a lot going on at the moment and finding sw a bit difficult, though I'm doing my best :-) Hopefully next week will be better. Not looking forward to getting on the scales tomorrow but I will accept whatever I'm given. Had a nice day today visiting friends and OH...

You're doing really well Lisa! Hope the fibre 1's are worth the hype?! Hope the boys are feeling better soon too x

Planning is the key to this plan in my opinion. I know I will fall down if I don't plan properly- not necessarily for the whole week but even just a day in advance so I can check I've got ingredients or take stuff out of the freezer. Weekends are tough, I try to plan a fakeaway or a meal we...

You did really well to resist a takeaway Lisa- sounds like a very trying day! It must be hard when you're all feeling a bit rubbish, and a cough for 9 weeks is terrible! My OH gets grumpy when really poorly too- it's how I can tell he's bad- fortunately his cold from Christmas has just about...

Sounds lovely kazz. My breakfasts have been a bit hit and miss lately, I'm just not feeling up to eating in the morning. I had some cheerios today though- don't think they are a hex but I'll call it a tweak!

Oxo's are free! It might be a bit watery though- I think gravy granules are 1syn per tsp and you can make a fair bit of nice gravy with 2tsps. I'm at the in-laws tonight, I think they're doing braising steak so hopefully shouldn't be too bad. Just need to resist the bread..

I agree, some weeks I'm on good form and others it just feels like too much effort! Sounds like you're doing well though, keep it up over the weekend and hopefully you'll get a good loss :-)

You did really well! Hope you're not too sore (or hungover) today though- take it easy! Lol at staying out til 8am, that is some stamina! Hope the scales are kind to you, I think I'm getting a bit complacent already too which isn't a good sign so early on. Just keep trying to remember the...

Oh gosh yesterday wasn't much better! During the day was fine but we went to our friends to book a holiday in the eve and ended up ordering a takeaway. It was pizza or burger so I went for burger- yum but bad. A whole day at home today where I am in control so I will do better! I think I'll have...

Sounds like a lonely day T_T! I do like working from home as I can have a break and go and chat to my dad for a bit for some down-time. I find Uni campus very isolating most of the time; even in the library where there are people bobbing about, no one ever speaks. Nice job on the lit review too...

Your SW quiche looks amazing- mine never turn out like that! They're always a bit pale, a bit rubbery and never golden on top! Hopefully the sugar withdrawal will ease soon and the headaches will pass. It sounds like you're drinking plenty of water already; maybe some sweeter fruit will help...

Sounds like a good day back on plan! We're out the next two nights so I think I'll save cauliflower bread for thursday and give pizza a whirl with it. Hopefully my cauli won't have gone off!

It's fab! I feel spurred on to keep going with the other chapters. Hopefully this will be a good week. I think it's important to acknowledge your own limits though- and obviously, the constraints of a word count mean you can't explore every avenue in as much depth as you'd like to! I had a bit...

Nothing for me tonight I feel sick as a dog. I could probably manage chicken pie though :-) medicinal!

Sometimes that's a good thing though, as you can have a nice debate about it and (hopefully) argue your case well! Will you have a viva? I didn't for my MSc but I gather some places do. If not then all the more important to show you are aware of the limitations but can justify anyway. I think...

Ooh that looks scrummy, thank you for the link! I will give it a try soon- when my stomach has settled down a bit. I'm wondering if it is objecting to dairy a bit at the mo. Winner on the cherries! Love it when that happens. The co op often reduce their fresh fruit pots and they're so handy!

Me too on the garlic front- it's one of the best ways to add flavour to anything! Though OH took it too far once- he decided to put garlic puree in yorkshire pudding batter which was a bit odd in itself, even worse when we decided to make pancakes out of the leftover batter. Took us ages to work...

My mums scales always say I'm heavier- I hopped on them earlier for comparison and they put me at 11st! Mine were always fairly consistent with SW ones though and are digital where mums are the mechanical ones. Good tip re the egg T_T- I will remember that one, extra protein too :-) Thanks...

I'm a bit worried I'll get new and they'll show I've been weighing wrong all this time haha. Mushrooms were delicious- so tasty, the black smoked garlic took it to a new level! Banana porridge for breakfast- no milk so made it with water, not as nice but at least I have my hexa to use today...

Bean casserole sounds hearty :-) How do you make your cauliflower cheese bread? I bought a cauli last week with the intention of making something like- or a pizza base- I was thinking blitz, microwave, squeeze water out, egg, season & bake?! Hope wednesday goes well for you- not sure what the...

Thanks guys- I was bound to get ill sooner or later with all the nasties hanging around at the moment! Feeling a smidge better in my tummy today but slept funny so the pain in my shoulder is somewhat distracting me! Yesterday was a bit of a disaster by the time it finished. I put OH in charge of...

Crikey Lisa what a loss! Well done! Onwards and downwards this week! X

Well done to you & hubby! Blokes lose so much quicker, the lucky things. 1lb is still a good loss though- slow and steady is definitely a good thing if you're in it for the long haul. I find the third speed really tough sometimes too, I'm not a big lover of salad really which generally goes...

Veggie haggis sounds good! How was it? Red Snappers too- what a way to spend a Sunday! Hope you've got a good week planned :-) X

Wow your Sunday lunch sounds epic! I can never resist cauliflower cheese either! Hope your WI goes well- I'm still psyching myself up for it.. Yes totally agree re slimming foods- since I've switched to Lidl my fruit and veg bill isn't too bad but the more specialist stuff isn't available e.g...

Wow I'm gobsmacked at those syns for waga! It must be hard eating out when you're limited on options anyway- GF & SW are a difficult combination! Sounds like you've got a plan for moving forward with the wedding stuff, it will all come together :-) Enjoy the last of the weekend! X

Are you on the Pinch of Nom facebook page Lisa? It's all about Fibre 1 bars and porky light sausages on there! people are trying desperately to find them- the brownies do look good to be fair! I wouldn't worry too much about half a syn over- your diary is looking good and plenty of speed :-)...

Me too T_T, I know exactly where you're coming from! Hope things have been going well, if not on plan :-) I've been feeling a bit off colour for a bit which has meant I've been eating what I fancy rather than what I should have. Not ideal but hopefully my tummy will settle soon and I'll be back...

Glad you had a good time at the theater, it's a shame about your lunch but a wrap isn't too bad! Good luck for weigh in tomorrow :-)

Thanks littlemissnaughty. This weekend hasn't been too bad but I'll see what the scales say tomorrow! I've got a bit of a dodgy tummy at the moment so just been picking at what I fancy really. Today we have done a huge animal/spare room clean out and we've got the tax return to do. Joy! It was...

It sounds like you've had a good heart to heart! So much goes into planning a wedding and if you've not been part of it before, through a friends or whatever, it's difficult to know how the day usually goes! It's a shame you couldn't see the stray from the room too- but you're in a perfect place...

Adorable picture of the boys! Sounds like you've done the best you can given the circumstances! As you say, fresh start now :-) Sunday is a while away too so if you can be good up to it that should help!

Fingers crossed! He's v happy where he is now so hopefully will stay a while! I think you're allowed to be off when pregnant :-) it must be hard enough without having to obsess about food! Aw that's a shame :-( maybe once everything's settled with the kids you might be able to start looking for...

Sounds good- is it stuffed with mince? That's the only recipe I've seen! No idea what I'm going to make for tea tonight- really need to do a food shop so I'm going to trawl this thread, then my cupboards, for inspiration!

I know! After my sneaky name change too ;-) Wowee 4 years old! That's crazy, it doesn't feel like all that long ago but I think he'd only just turned 2 last time we spoke?! Oh it's lovely thank you :-) been a bit of a bumpy couple of years job-wise for OH but he started a new one in August that...

Mmm your soup and cheese on toast combo looks delish! Glad to hear you're on the road to recovery, it must be bloody tough. And Reece has accepted the new addition! I bet it's hard for a little one to comprehend, but the protectiveness must be very sweet :-) x

Hello lovely Ruth, sorry to hear about your gain but I'm glad you could laugh! Onwards and downwards from here hey :-) Food is looking as lovely as ever, and exciting to hear about your wedding planning! Tbh I think honesty is the best policy! Have you managed to have a chat just you & Dan to...

Nice to see you back Lisa! And good to hear your little baby arrived safely- Riley is a lovely name! Hope Reece has taken to being a big brother well :-) Sorry to hear about your PND- you're right in that it is still a taboo but certainly shouldn't be. Good luck with SW- you've had a fab first...

Thanks Ruth, I am back on form now :-) I enjoyed it at the time but dreaded weigh in! Was a pleasant surprise to have lost anyway! I certainly do remember you Lisa! How are you?! Nice to see you back! How's Reece? I'll pop over to see your new diary! x

Well done on the fab loss! Keep it up :-) I'm struggling with water today too! X

I will thank you littlemiss! It's been a very hectic but mostly exciting time, I just need to get back to normal SW eating now. I skipped breakfast this morning as had to take one of our bunnies to the vets. She's quite poorly and I've been researching all morning the best way to help her. It...

Whoops! I seem to have been AWOL! It's been a super busy weekend and I haven't been the best! Breakfasts and lunches have been fine pretty much, but tea has been another matter entirely. We went over to in-laws on Thursday to help them move some bits about ready for their new kitchen and they...

Aw Ruth sorry to hear you're not feeling so good- you can get tablets from the chemist that help you break water down so you can get it out! It sounds like you're retaining a lot if you can see it in your legs and had to take your ring off. You can pick them up in Boots, I think they're herbal...

Just in case you haven't got the dvd, the whole shred is now on youtube! I do it from there when I only have my laptop with me :-) Might give you an idea what it's like too @littlemissnaughty I'm not the biggest fan of turkey either though I didn make a yummy curry with it after Christmas. It...

The flavoured phillys are lush- the roasted tomato one is heaven on french stick! Not very on plan though! Glad you got some medicine, lol I haven't tried it so didn't know how awful it tasted! At least it got you going with water ;) I wouldn't say extremely dedicated, especially if you're not...

Me neither! I just decided to follow the recipe to the letter and it really works- I didn't put any chilli at all in mine yesterday as I didn't fancy spice, but the flavours are so good. Not a bad day today thank you, I have been avoiding work which has resulted in resealing my bath lol. Going...

You sound run ragged Ruth! Hope things calm down a bit for you soon & you get some rest. The weekend is nearly here! Good planning & even though jacket potatoes get a bit dull, well done for sticking to the plan even when you're so busy x

Thanks Ruth! Good to hear from you, it sounds like you're super busy at the moment x

Have you ever done 30 day shred? That's good for building core muscles too! I found it just hard enough to be a challenge without dreading it every day and struggling to move lol. I've read so much recently on cough medicines and some are such a con! Pholcodine is good stuff as it is a cough...

Hope you enjoyed Silent Witness T_T! I thought it was a good one- felt a bit more old school than last weeks, with the watermelon bit. Thanks for popping in @littlemissnaughty and for the words of encouragement! I know what you mean- I have a folder that all my fav SW recipes go into or I lose...

I know what you mean with the water! I'm useless at drinking it but this time around I make sure I have a pint in the morning, a pint after lunch, pint with tea and pint in the bath haha. It's working quite well at the moment, though I have to be careful to stop before 7pm or I'm up all night...

Glad you're good, I'd forgotten you were going to Edinburgh! Wow you must have really fallen in love with it, what's the job market like there? You are getting away with it at the moment so never mind about the food :-)

Hope you're ok Ruth! Mins feels very quiet this week! X

You ok T_T? Very quiet! Well done on the maintain :-) X

Hello! Here to follow :-) it sounds like you're back in the zone! Hope your cough eases soon- my OH has had a terrible one for the last couple of weeks too. Your exercise challenges sound good- I keep thinking I should start running again but haven't quite worked up to it with the weather being...

They usually work out the best! Ha we're foodie twins :-) I do, it's in my sig! I'll pop over to yours too :-)

Last night I had a lovely Options with squirty cream- felt very indulgent for 4 syns! Today I think is like this: B: banana porridge. The last of the porridge so I'll be moving on to bran flakes! L: Leftover chilli, there was only a bit of rice but it was tasty T: Veggie sausages, sw chips and...

Sounds lovely @littlemissnaughty is it a recipe or a make-it-up one? I'me having veggie sausages tonight. Probably with sw chips and grilled tomatoes :-) Last night I had chilli. I like things like chilli/spag bol that you can pack the speed food into the sauce, otherwise I find I struggle to...

Slight change of plan as I sat at my laptop ALL day writing, so no supermarket. And the pie was a big one not two individuals like I thought.. B: Banana porridge L: Sweet n sour noodles with chopped peppers, onions and a sprinkle of sweetcorn. Apple T: Chilli & rice. Leftovers for tomorrows...

First week done and down 3lbs!! This is the motivation I needed. I can do this, I will stick with this. I know there will be hurdles but I have to get back on plan after wobbles and keep this momentum going. Seems I only managed to delay the pie by a day! He wants it for tea tonight but I have...

7lbs is a huge loss in a week!! I liked MFP for a change when I'd been doing SW for a long time- it meant I could eat more conveniently but I soon learned the meaning of 'empty calories'. Pizza was delish- I didn't have any chips with it in the end, by the time I'd loaded it with onions...

Yesterday went reasonably well and I stayed within syns. Today we decided to make pizzas for tea, bit of a minefield on SW but I dug out my fakeaways book and scales. The amount they say serves 4 is what we'd normally have each! I've made enough dough for me for 11(!) syns, all toppings will be...

Today has gone a bit pear shaped! OH was too poorly to host people tonight so we decided to postpone. Food, green day today: B: Banana, porridge L: some of the fab Veggie curry we made at work, syn free! Apple, grapes and fat free yoghurt when I got home. 1x coffee with sugar (1) T: Veggie...

It's a bit of a minefield, but I feel like I've done the bulk of the 'referencey' sections now so it'd be pointless to start up with endnote again. I've only really got my discussion to write, and the rest to bulk up a bit. Sounds so manageable when I write it like that! It's hard trying to get...

Ah that is the best feeling- I love it when that happens! Sounds like you had a really good day! I'm terribly slack with referencing. I went to an EndNote training course at the start of my PhD with the best intentions of keeping track of everything, but it was a bit of a non-starter because my...

Pleased that I'm managing to get back on it; just need to keep this momentum for WI which will hopefully spur me on! Hope you've had a good day and not too chilly- it's been very cold here, car frosted over again this afternoon and the grass didn't thaw all day. January is always a tough one...

Ears are always a nightmare for me too T_T. I had a lot of ear infections as a child and seem to suffer with them. I have a rather fetching headband that I wear in this cold weather to keep the cold out!Hope you managed to get some work done at Uni, and it was warm! Wasn't feeling very inspired...

Woken up this morning and I think I'm catching OH's cold :( my head feels really heavy and my ears are sore, struggling to swallow a bit too. Have to go into Uni today to record attendance but I think I'll have a chat with my friend and head home to work- can get the fire going and wrap up...

Wow that looks delicious! I had a bit of a browse last night but it made me hungry :oops: It's good though as I thought gnocchi was much higher in syns than that for some reason- I almost picked some up yesterday, wish I had now! OH isn't keen on it so I'd give it a go with veggie mince and have...

Today's food! B: Apple and banana L: Beans and poached eggs on toast (1- spread). Just what I fancied! T: Cottage pie! Packed with onions, carrots, mushrooms and peas, (1) for gravy granules. Syns: 4 for french fries, 6 for a mini magnum Total: 12 I have a portion of cottage pie left for...

Ugh that's an annoying start to the day! Hope you managed to get lots done at uni. I've been working from home today and it was pretty decent. I'll have a read when I go up to bed tonight! Not bothered about language lol. Let me know how your tea turns out!

Sounds a tasty tea option! I'm hooked on Pinch of Nom after seeing you talk about it so I might have to check out this 2CC too. Hope your cough gets better soon- OH has one at the moment and although I feel sorry for him cos he's not feeling well, it's driving me up the wall! Just as I was...

It was very gripping! Next weeks looks good too. I'm a big fan of the show, and I like a re-run of Wire in the Blood every so often too :-) Might not be a real excuse but it's as true as any- SW is brilliant but it does take thought and effort! Been to town and Lidl, got some bits in and feel a...

You can do it T_T! Once you're back into habits it gets easier. Thanks Ruth, I got distracted with Silent Witness last night and forgot all about my rice. I think I might make some soup instead- it's so easy to get plenty of speed food in with soup. I saved a nice recipe for minestrone on the...

Day two just about done- I feel like I've eaten my tea a bit early though! B: Banana porridge L: Leftover ragu and pasta- lots of speed in the sauce, same as yesterday T: Veggie burgers with homemade sw chips, salad and a spoonful of baked beans. Had some ketchup and dressing (3) Feeling very...

Sometimes I find preparing dishes such a faff but I always fall down if I don't do it so it's worth it in the end! Hoping to try the baked oats this week for a change from porridge, I've read you can bake them in the oven then chill & microwave in the morning. No way can I wait 40 minutes for...

I love a hot breakfast- usually just porridge and leave the dish to soak! Have you seen the SW breakfast cups? You make them in advance than just blast in the microwave- they're a little like quiche but more breakfasty!

Eek very exciting Ruth! Your plans sound wonderful :-) good luck with getting back on plan, it seems you're all organised for it which is half the battle. One of my bridesmaids bought me a wedding planner which was a bit like a filofax and included all sorts- space for you to write down all...

I had lasagna :-)

Day one DONE! B: Banana porridge L: Small jacket potato, spaghetti hoops & salad with mixed peppers and cucumber T: Homemade lasagna- speedy sauce with onions, peppers, mushrooms, grated carrot and tomatoes. Syns: Extra hexa of cheese (6) Sunbites (6) gravy granules (0.5) and cheese sauce (2)...

Pizza for breakfast, what could be better! I hope you stayed true and had it cold! Good luck for tomorrow, it isn't too bad once you accept it lol x

We'll certainly get there @Quins ! I agree the last quarter of the year seems to be the hardest. Sometimes I struggle in summer as we always seem to have social stuff to do but I'll deal with that when we get there. I've been reading through Pinch of Nom recipes as they always seem to tempt me-...

I'm back! Stats updated (yikes!) and raring-ish to go. I had a feeling I'd gone into the 11s again so despite a 4.5lb gain, I'm not too disheartened as December was pretty disastrous! I don't think I'm quite as prepared as I thought yesterday so I'll probably pop to Lidl today. I'd like some...

I find that pizzas are excellent coping strategies.. I had one new years eve to get through it! Ah that's nice though- I keep losing touch with my friends at Uni, I will have to remedy that over the next few months. I've had a pretty significant gain but hopefully onwards and downwards...

Ooh we have lots of lovely cheese left too! I'm not sure what to do with it yet- good job it has a long use by! Happy New Year everybody :-) Today will hopefully be my last day 'off plan'. I've been shopping and my SW go-to's are on hand ready for tomorrow. I'm anticipating a bit of a bumpy ride...

2lbs is not so bad at all! I'm expecting much worse when I eventually brave the scales. That's dedication hitting Uni again! Well done!

Festive spirit well and truly found (mostly in the form of prosecco, gin and baileys :oops:) Had a wonderful few days with family and friends, we are currently overrun with yummy leftovers and I got some fab foodie Christmas pressies with some chutneys and pickles (though some chocolate too; I...

Hope you had a lovely Christmas T_T! Sounds like you're doing pretty well considering- prawn and mango cocktail sounds delish!

Sounds like you had a lovely (and restrained!) Christmas Ruth! Happy New Year to you too. Probably a good thing that you can skip weigh in, will give you chance to get back to normal for a bit :-) Hope you have a lovely visit with your Grandad and enjoy your meal tonight x

Yay for target! You've done so well Ruth, such an inspiration! I will channel your willpower in the new year :-) Hope work is going smoothly for you and early finish sounds good! I had my last official working day yesterday so ready to start getting things prepared at home (I haven't even put...

I seem to have been AWOL from here again! Things have been so busy, I'm barely thinking about food. Just accepting it for now and planning my comeback in the new year. How's everyone doing? We are overrun with poorly (and possibly pregnant) animals, so spending a lot of time playing nurse which...

You look fabulous in the pic Ruth! I think you're making the right decision to call target for what it's worth. I know you were desperate for your 3st award but you look perfect as you are. Also if your immune system is taking a battering and you're feeling the cold, the time is right! When I...

Feeling vaguely normal again! Life is so busy at the moment but trying to take everything in my stride and just get on with it. Not always easy but trying not to sweat the small stuff! Had a lovely weekend and feel back on track with knowing what I'm doing Uni-wise. Food not been too bad, making...

Nice job on the Sts- it's difficult at this time of year! Hope you have a good time tonight :-) I love Akbars, such good food! X

Very festive Ruth! Hope you had a better day yesterday, and have a good weekend :-) X

Well done! That's an excellent loss! Keep it up :) x

Hi guys :-) Taking things as they come too T_T, it seems the best way at the moment. I'm reasonably happy to maintain for now and deal with any damage/start losing again hopefully in the New Year. We've a wedding in Spain to go to in May so it would be nice to be on good form for that! It's good...

Well done on the loss Ruth! You're so close to target now, I'm so glad you've had a renewed vigor with the plan- send some my way please?! Hope your tummy has settled down, your meal out sounds lovely. And the curry your OH made looks divine! I think I might have to make one for tea! X

Hello! I've had Internet troubles this week so have been living like a caveman lol. So much to catch up on! And I've taken the classic pre-Christmas approach of burying my head in the sand. Food hasn't been terrible but not great either (just too much bread really) and I haven't weighed for ages...

Hello! Sorry have been AWOL- internet issues! Sounds like you've had a busy week! Hope you had a nice time last night? I know what you mean about all you can eats- I think they can be really hit and miss. I like the ones where there are little stations making fresh batches of stuff or you can...

Ah that's not too bad T_T! I agree with you re maintaining, especially over Christmas (though I seem to have been at it for weeks!) Hope today goes well, sounds like an intense shift so you will earn a couple of drinks :-) I've discovered a dangerous new mixer for gin- it's called Ting and it's...

Sounds like you are getting your mojo back Ruth! Good to hear :-) Ahh I know what you mean about carrots- I don't mind them at all when they're grated into things like spag bol, feel a bit 'meh' about them as a side and can't stand them raw! Also think there's always a funny taste and slightly...

Good luck for WI, sounds like you've been having fun :-) mulled wine with amaretto sounds amazing! Might have to have a go at that for a treat nearer christmas. Glad the lessons are still enjoyable, and your food sounds good! Hope you've had a good day today x

Oh it was a lovely treat with the yorkshire pud. I really enjoyed it and the coffee cupcake. It made me desperate to do some baking but I have no restraint and OH is trying to reduce sugar.. Uni feels like a drag at the moment, like I'll never get there. But I have to keep plodding on or I...

It's no surprise really at how ill you have been & with the weather changing it makes food hard, adjusting to different habits. Hopefully with some of those excellent suggestions you will be back on track :-) Quiche is great and you seem to love eggs! I know what you mean about eating things you...

How are you doing T_T? Hope all is well :-)

Had a good weekend but it wasn't great for plan, again! I went out on Saturday night and had a few drinks, and Sunday we visited OH's mum as she hasn't been very well. We ate there and I had a veggie stew type thing in a giant yorkshire pudding. I haven't had one for ages and it was so yummy...

Ah annoying about the gain Ruth, but 6lbs in 4 weeks is doable for you with your loss record! Did you get any good advice from group/consultant? It's quite hard thinking of lunch ideas at the best of times and something I know I struggle with. It tends to be where I fall for sure. I'm trying to...

Oh that chicken sounds absolutely lovely.. I think I could eat it now! haven't bought chicken thighs for ages, I really must get to the farm shop- the skinless boneless ones are brilliant for SW. Love your pic :-) hope you had a nice visit! I went out last night, had a few glasses of wine and a...

Lazy morning sounds heavenly, I think I'll start tomorrow with that! OH is on a lads night tomorrow so planning a few drinks with my bestie. Looking forward to it :-) Sunday will likely just be pottering. Have to put the old car up for sale, so maybe give that a wash if the weathers not too bad...

Oh gosh I will avoid Asda then haha! Had a nice day yesterday but it wasn't very on plan! Went to the cinema which was a nice bit of escapism though :-) Anything nice planned this weekend? X

Well done you on a STS! Much more preferable to a gain, easier to get back on it knowing damage hasn't been done. Have you got anything nice planned this weekend? X

Ah I'm glad you're OK. I know what you mean about Christmas coming earlier and earlier, it's still weeks away and yet we're bombarded with advertising straight after bonfire night, it's madness. And don't get me started on "Black Friday".... We went to the cinema for a bit of escapism last...

Ooh I love chocolate orange too! I saw on FB they are 50p but I thought it was a hoax for some reason haha. Quite glad that Asda is the furthest supermarket from me- between chocolate orange and the best create your own pizzas I would struggle so much. I blame most of my weight gain prior to...

It's easy to get carried away with the booze and then the blues hit and it's hard to get back to it! Just take things a day at a time? Hope you have a god one today :-)

I say 'on plan' very loosely T_T! I haven't been tracking syns as meticulously as I could but meals have been about right- I'm recognising that as a limit at the moment and grasping the positives. Hope you're ok, you don't seem yourself :(

Not posted much lately as food has been pretty boring! On plan, but definitely dull. Struggling with a third fruit/veg at the mo. Yesterday was porridge, fruit, a sandwich and linda Mc sausages & veg for tea. Today featured toast, fruit, yoghurt and pasta :-/ need to go shopping and try and be a...

Hope you're ok T_T? Yes the weather has been terrible, your open air swimming pool sounds lovely. Hope you've had a good lesson today & not too soggy/cold X

Also braved the scales this morning after a dreadful weekend food wise but was pleasantly surprised with a half pound gain. I was anticipating much much worse (cake on friday, lots of bread on saturday, gin, pizza, bacon sandwiches, and a full sunday dinner cooked by OH). Makes me wonder what I...

Thanks Ruth, just taking things steady and lowering my expectations a bit. I forgot I've got a Dr appt today but remembered just in time! So not sure when swim is going to factor in. I had a chilled afternoon yesterday, abandoned writing as words just weren't coming and I was struggling, but lit...

Well done! That's not at all bad, I hoped it wouldn't be as it didn't sound like you'd eaten much full stop! The weather has been terrible hasn't it, hope you're not having any flooding issues. The garden is absolutely waterlogged. Hope you have a good day! x

Yes it would be syn free- if you used fat free yoghurt the whole recipe would be!

Sounds like a lovely way to spend a Friday! I love scallops, such a treat. I'm intrigued about the sun?! Did they have one of those 'sun room' thingys? Hope you've had a nice weekend, Mins has gone very quiet! X

Sorry I've been a bit AWOL, it's been a busy and sad weekend. I worked on Saturday and then we had to say a sad farewell to our horse. It was rubbish and hard but I know it was the right thing to do, he looked uncomfortable on his feet and very stiff despite the medication. Yesterday I sort of...

Good to see you back on form Ruth! Hope you're starting to feel more yourself. Good luck for WI, hopefully it's not as bad as you think but you know you can shift it quickly x

Have a wonderful day T_T! I am very jealous, but you certainly deserve a 'me' day :-)

Today's been better, if a bit boring! Breakfast and lunch were both cereal & fruit, then I had a jacket with beans for tea. Just going to have a little ice cream now for 6 syns and leave it at that! Managed a bit of running at the gym, 5 min warm up, ran for 10 mins, walked 2 mins, ran 10 mins...

You're welcome :-) zinc and sambucol staved off the worst cold ever just before my wedding day :eek:

Zinc is also fab for the immune system T_T! X

Wow, yesterday went totally belly up! My dad led me astray, I blame him. Managed an on-plan tea though, pasta and meatballs. Let's not talk about the rest! I'm going to the gym today :eek: my friend has just started working there and has got me a free 12 day pass, so I'm going to attempt to run...

Good luck T_T! Hope your lesson goes well too :-)

Good to hear from you Ruth, glad you're starting to feel a little bit better. Excellent attitude too- you know you can get it off again quickly if you gain. Though it doesn't sound as though you've been eating much at all :-( Hope your tea went down OK and you keep improving! X

Thanks @Quins he's a happy birthday boy this morning, enjoyed some toast and lemon curd for breakfast! Hope your biryani tuned out well! Mine's tasty but took ages to cook and had to add loads more liquid than the recipe stated. I have got another portion for lunch today but not sure I can...

Thank you @ILoveCake ! I do too ;-) Wow @Quins you've had an unfortunate run too :-( Expensive times! Always hits right before Christmas too doesn't it. Hope your daughter wasn't in the car when it was bumped? Naughty ponies! I remember one of my horses managed to crane his neck into the shed...

I agree with T_T! Day off and lots of recuperation needed :( X

Today has been.. a day. Feeling a bit overwhelmed with everything! Star week is due so I'm sure it's just my hormones playing tricks on me. Supervision tomorrow so hopefully that will motivate me. B: porridge L: grapes. mini cheddars (6) T: Veggie biryani. Made loads so will have some leftovers...

Forgot to WI today! Had a coffee already so going to leave it. After the weekend I'm quite glad lol. Back on track this week! Looking ahead, Saturday could pose an issue as we're supposed to be going to a surprise 30th but I don't really want to go, is that horrid?! We're trying to watch the...

Oh dear! You sound in a bad way :-( just try focus on getting better for now! You've hardly had anything today so don't worry about the soup and lucozade- if it's soothing a little and getting something in your tummy then it's better than nothing! Hope it's nothing too sinister, I don't like the...

Ooh gosh I feel rough and tired just reading that T_T! Haha hope you had a good time?

Sounds like a lovely time! Hope you've had a good weekend!

Aw Ruth are you any better today? Try not to worry too much about the cold and flu remedies- they're really not too bad, and if they make it a bit more bearable it's got to be worth it! X

Had a really good time yesterday! Food was pretty terrible but good fun nonetheless! Cake and Bake was really good but so busy! I had beans on toast before we went and picked up a veggie focaccia while we were there- really tasty! We then went to the escape room- would definitely recommend! We...

Yesterday didn't go quite to plan. I was on plan til tea time (I can't actually remember what I had for breakfast, had soup for lunch) but then we went to pick the new car up. Doing all the paperwork took ages! We called in at the in-laws for tea and they bought us fish and chips. Lovely but...

:D have a fab time at the market! You must have needed a sleep too- hope you felt better for it! And well done on the loss! It's all going the right way :)

I think if you carry fat in your face area you'll notice a difference there when you lose weight- I know I've seen it lots in before and after pictures, and noticed it in my own face when I've been up & down, but I suppose the rate will vary from person to person. Just like some people can lose...

I do understand what you're asking, but I think you'll have to wait and see and you've lost some weight, if it will go from your face. My understanding is we can't lose fat from specific places. Obviously we can exercise certain muscles/muscle groups, but I'm not sure how you'd do that with...

Oh they sound good Ruth! I quite like the birds eye inspirations now and again- they're quite low syn too if I remember correctly! Fish is so good for weight loss too- there was a thread on here a while ago called my fishy week and it had good results. I just don't like enough fish for...

Nice night ahead! Good luck for WI! I feel your pain with the knotty back- I think it's from being hunched over the laptop all the time?! It's hard to vary your B choice I find- especially in winter when you need good, filling food. I have been trying to avoid bread but sometimes can't resist...

Well done on finishing it! I bet that's a weight off your mind! As predicted, my day was pretty rubbish on the work front. After my tumble this morning I made lunch then lit the fire and read a book lol. Interesting one, it's a self help book so I was practising mindfulness- not something I've...

Thanks Ruth, I think I am unscathed. Had a bath and don't feel too sore- I have trouble with my back at the best of times so quite surprised I'm not more stiff! It is yummy, even OH liked it and he's a fussy one when it comes to soup! Looking forward to more for lunch tomorrow. It's good as it...

I forget how careful you have to be! I haven't fallen for ages (sober anyway). In fact I think the last time was when we had that bad ice back in 2012! Work's not coming to me today- did a bit but my hearts not in it- so I'm going with plan A of kindle time! How annoying that you forgot your...

Leaves are a nightmare! They look so innocent, then bam you're on your bum wondering what happened :oops: It was just muddy/snowy grass and my shoes weren't really appropriate but I was fed up of undoing my laces to take my boots off, my own lazy fault really. Jolted my back a bit but mostly...

After yesterdays mammoth day, today has certainly been slower going! Did some tidying up in the garden and managed to slip on the mud, so I'm feeling rather sorry for myself :rolleyes: I think food today will look like this: B: piece of toast (2- jam) L: @Trefoil's soup! I just need to go and...

A few have said the same about Bernie- it would have been a different race if he were standing I think. That's frustrating! I'm not having a very productive day today- did some tidying up outside and managed to slip on the grass, so I have a sore bottom :oops: Feel like just curling up with my...

It's pretty much turned to rain here now too- still chilly but hopefully what's down will melt! He's had quite the rise over the last 12 months, I am surprised as yesterday thought HC would just tip it. Suppose same as Brexit, people at the top didn't fully understand the people at the bottom &...

I had a feeling he'd take it, especially after this crazy year in politics! Glad you had a good lesson and thank heavens for indoor schools- it was so cold last night I wondered if it was too cold to snow. Evidently not lol. Well done on a day on plan- sometimes they just help with limiting...

My view is similar Ruth :rolleyes: I wasn't expecting it to actually settle! Beautiful ring :D and your nails look lovely- that colour is very pretty! Mine are looking a bit worse for wear- they get to a certain length then keep breaking :-/ Hope you have a good day today and actually get chance...

I did enjoy it thank you! It wasn't too bad either, I loaded up on salad :-) Ugh I feel your pain T_T. It can be hard going back to drafts too- I always end up wanting to change it all! Sent my latest effort in so hopefully it will be better received! Feels like it's starting to come together...

Oof it's a killer T_T. I have been at my laptop all day and it's nearly finished me off! Hope you got lots done on your report. I had a load of feedback on a chapter I naively thought wouldn't require much changing- it's literally taken all day to get through it. I've done it though! Bar one...

Yesterday went fairly well I think! It was a bit of a rush at tea time as we went out after work to see a new car, which we bought! It's rather nice, looking forward to picking it up, which will hopefully be this weekend! I got lots done at Uni but need to keep the momentum going now, hoping for...

Good plan Ruth! You'll have a better idea about maintenance by Christmas that way. You're so close now too! Looking forward to trying the soup- hopefully I'll get chance to make it today but if not, I can do it tomorrow. Hope you have a good day! X

Busy day ahead! Hope you've got lots of layers on for the stables- something about them makes it about 5 degrees colder than everywhere else! Inspired to make some soup by you and Ruth.. Cold lunches just aren't cutting it. Hope you have a productive day at Uni- I did yesterday but feeling...

Congratulations Miss Slinky ;) well deserved! Glad the soup was a hit- will definitely give your recipe a go as it sounds dead easy and I love chilli :-) X

Just a half lb gain which I can take! My IBS is giving me a lot of grief which won't be helping matters- not sure if it is objecting to white bread or too much dairy (yesterday) but I feel yuk. I'd forgotten that I arranged a study morning at uni today so at least I should get some ideas out...

Ooh that sounds lovely,let us know how it tastes! Should be quite filling too with the baked beans in. Perfect weather for soup today, it's freezing! X

Poor lad! I bet that was a shock! Evening was nice but bad. I was disorganised, it was my own fault. But I shall try harder next week :-) X

Oh dear! Row doesn't sound good at all, hope you've made friends! Never mind, join me back on the wagon tomorrow :-)

Ouch that does sound painful! I had temporomandibular jaw issues earlier in the year so can relate to some extent- I worked out that I was clenching my jaw when conentrating for long periods, but it took a while for me to realise I was doing it, and I did it in my sleep sometimes too. Sore! The...

Oh gosh I bet that was scary! I hope Dan's OK?! Sounds like you did your best under the circumstances! X

Silent fireworks are such a good idea- I've never seen them advertised round here but they would take away so much anxiety for people. A friend of mine was terrified of them as a child, the bangs are just too much. I've got a bit of a dodgy ear too so it can be a bit painful! I can imagine it...

Lol @ face ache- I thought that was just when you were grumpy! Is it an actual 'thing'?! He is enjoying lots of food and we bit the bullet and put his rug on- glad as it has turned much colder over the last 48 hours or so. Happy leaf and poo picking.. I have that to look forward to tomorrow...

Sounds like a nice day, minus the hoovering and ironing! It's lovely weather today fingers crossed it holds. Thanks for the tip- I'll look out for the fruit near the to-go section! I'm working this morning then have short shift at work (my favourite- just get to turn up, do session with kids and...

Thanks Ruth! That's what I needed to hear. Unfortunately it would be takeaway as we need to be around for the animals with the fireworks tonight; I'm going to propose homemade pizzas instead (which he loves but I rarely make as it's a faff!) as then I can have a mini one with lots of veg, and...

Glad you had a day of rest- sometimes we definitely need it! Hope the red did the trick and you don't feel worse today! X

Indonesian chicken sounds yummy! The asda fruit pot too- I keep looking out for them at shops but there's always melon, which I'm not mad about. Keep at it! Have you got anything nice planned this weekend? X

Hello Ruth! Nice to have you here :-) And yes T_T I couldn't agree more- the pressure feels like it's very gradually starting to lift as things come together. It must have been a good day; my writing was more coherent and I could see the errors myself- the last few months my supervisors have had...

I did actually! I managed to finish(!) the first draft of my literature review. I've sent it for feedback, and it actually looked like a PhD chapter, or thereabouts. Sure it'll need some tweaking but it can't be far off. It's also given me some direction for my discussion, which is good as I've...

Oh dear- sounds like you need a rest! Hope you're feeling back to normal soon. I'm terrible for drinking; unless it's coffee/gin/wine I don't even think to drink it!

Yesterday went to plan, also had a small piece of parkin- not sure how many syns worth?! So not sure how may I have to play with today.