Bring on “The Block” ~ our home renovation iso projects!

ISOLATION PROJECT 1 …

I don’t know about anyone else but when everything began shutting down we had LOADS of time with not much to do. Work had all but dried up and well, no work meant no money! Top that off with social distancing and a sudden leap to Level 3 restrictions and we were basically living life at home 24/7.

Anyway, we have a nice home. It’s definitely comfortable and certainly big enough for the 6 of us. Here’s the thing though … we didn’t build it so it wasn’t entirely our style. Who’s feeling me? It’s nice enough … don’t get me wrong but we’re not really brown earthy kinda people and let’s just say the previous owners, well, they were.

We’d already had our kitchen renovated (we used the beautiful Chris & Jenna from Kitchens by CJ for that one) and we’d already done our alfresco area and pool, as well as the best kids cubby house ever … I’ll post about it one of these days actually … which really just left our bathrooms and laundry! Side note, we have had our kids bedroom wardrobes all updated by CJ as well so really, we legit just had the laundry and bathrooms to do.

Needless to say Clayton is pretty handy but he’s never tiled before … but hey, might as well have a crack, eh! There’s always Google and YouTube if it’s hard, right?

We decided it might be smartest if we start small, you know, and work our way up … so we started with the kids upstairs toilet. We figured if it look like “shit” – pardon the pun – then no one would really see it as it’s really only upstairs for the kids! Smart cookies, huh?

So, here it is – the “before” … I’m hopeless at remembering “before” photos but I’m sure you’ll get the gist. Just plain and boring with not much style at all.

First things first, I tried to find some inspiration by Googling … not “bathrooms” as it’s literally just a room with a toilet … that’s it! I tried “powder rooms” and “water closets” and well, they worked a treat. Not to mention there’s a poop load of home renovation shows on tv every night! I kid you not – loads of them! Anyway, I decided on some fun hexagonal tiles for the floor and a herringbone pattern for the wall.

Once we’d decided we were happy with our choice it was time to rip it all out … not going to lie … what a freaking dusty mess that was but it wasn’t hard and didn’t take too long. Truth be told Clayton did it while I just tidied up after him.

We began with the floor – obvious choice, right? The tiles came on a kind of netting that helped keep them neat and well spaced when Clayton laid them, which was great. Once the floor was finished we chose the back wall (behind the where the loo would go) for the herringbone tiles … it’s a boring kind of room so we were hoping to add a little bit of something extra but didn’t want too much … I wasn’t after a public restroom kinda vibe.

The herringbone tiles also came on a netting so they were also easier to lay – thank goodness!

We didn’t really need a new toilet … but hey, like I said, it wasn’t originally our house so a nice new toilet freshened everything up!

I’d never really thought about a black toilet before and I’ve gotta admit, I’ve never actually seen one but I figured the room was very “white” and needed something to funk it up a bit so decided to check with good old Google and well, there they were! Clayton wasn’t entirely convinced … nor were a lot of people actually, but let’s not kid ourselves … who’s the boss? Am I right? Anyway, we went with the black lavatory and I am so glad we did because we were both thrilled! We are seriously LOVING our black loo! It looks so sleek and perfect in there, especially with the black toilet roll holder! By the way, you can get black toilet paper but hooley dooley, it’s expensive so we’re sticking with the white.

So, this is it … our end result! And I couldn’t be happier … not only with the look but also the price! It’s amazing how much you can save having a go yourself!!

A few pops of green with some faux plants, and wallah … all done!

A side by side with our “before” and “after”.

Downstairs powder room next iso project!!!

Would you have gone with a black loo too?

Thinking About A Dental Holiday? Here’s everything you need to know!

A bit about my husband, Clayton and I so that you understand why we decided to make the decision to travel to Mumbai, India for dental work. We specifically chose Dentzz Dental … here’s why …

I’m 46 and unlike a lot of people my age I’ve never had any dental problems … not even a filling. Honestly.

My hubby, Clayton on the other hand had some pretty major grinding issues that ultimately would require a lot of dental treatment. Unlike me though, he went to the dentist for a regular yearly check-up. You’d have thought the grinding problems would have been looked after during this time, right? Wrong. We both knew he had problems with his teeth … it was obvious looking at them as you can see here, but they never hurt and the dentist said they were okay so he just left it at that.

It wasn’t until his nagging wife (yes, me) convinced him to try a new dentist that we finally found out the extent of the damage.

Take a look for yourself … it’s particularly obvious on the bottom teeth … but it’s much the same at the back of the top teeth too.

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Just wait until you see his results at the end!

Not cool that the dentist who had seen for the past 15 years never did anything to rectify the problem … he didn’t even recommend the use of a night guard.

Anyway, what I’m getting at here is that there are crap dentists right here in Australia.

So … Clayt took his teeth off to a specialist dentist. Someone who would

be able to fix all the damage that he had (that’s basically repairing every single tooth in his mouth)

I’ve attached the scribbled out quote he received. It’s difficult to see as the arm of the dentist is partially blocking it but I can assure you of this … that quote added up to a whopping $59,000. Not only that, it was going to take between 3 to 4 months for all the work to be completed.

How lucky were we though … this was the discounted price. It was supposed to be MORE. I shit you not!

This is about the time where we decided to look at other options. Options like overseas dental.

Needless to say everyone you speak to regarding dental in a foreign country either poo poos the idea as ridiculous, which scares the crap out of you … or it’s Bali or Thailand! That’s it! Mention India and the shock is actually visible.

Sure, I can see the allure of Bali or Thailand … they’re beautiful paradises with grand resorts oozing opulence. When you picture India … not so much.

Here’s what made us really decide on India though … we weren’t going for a tropical getaway. We were going for our teeth. The doctors and dentists in India are amazing … let’s be honest how many Indian doctors and dentists do you see here in Australia, and all over the world for that matter? Loads, right? How many Balinese or Thai ones do you see? Hmmmmm … not so many. Not going to lie, I’ve never encountered one to be honest.

How much “genuine fake” stuff do you find in Bali and Thailand? You know, the Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, Givenchy, etc knock offs. They’re a dime a dozen, right? Well, I don’t know about anyone else, but I don’t want to risk the same being said for the materials used on my teeth.

Who knows? And yes, that could happen anywhere … but let’s face it, Bali & Thailand make a living of passing on the fakies.

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Anyway, we researched dental surgeries all over and the one that we kept coming back to was Dentzz in India. Instead of written reviews (anyone could write those, right?) they had video testimonials. Yep, genuine people, like you and I, who had actually been videoed about their experience. My video is actually live on their Facebook & Instagram pages now!

I’ve gotta admit, it’s quite comforting seeing real people express such happiness and gratitude for their new smiles.

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Sooooo, back to planning. I emailed Dentzz with a few questions and well, I received a phone call probably 2, maybe 3 minutes later. Seriously. Kanwar couldn’t have been more helpful. He emailed me all sorts of information … costs, accommodation recommendations, suggested things to do … he was always incredibly prompt at getting back to me. We set up WhatsApp so we could message more easily and well, from there we decided we were really happy with the communication, costs and reviews so we went ahead and booked it. Flights, hotel and the dentist … in India.

Here is where we could’ve done better though! I want this to help others on their journey so I’m being as transparent and detailed as I can. It’s pretty much everything I wish I had have known and then some.

Our quotes were amazing … like truly amazing. We had three prices on crowns and one on porcelain veneers that were sent through and we LOVED them. We figured that having not seen our teeth it was purely an estimate, a best guess, and that the price would likely increase for various reasons … like maybe a few hundred dollars, maybe even a thousand. That’s what we budgeted for anyway.

The problem was that once we got to India and had our initial visit, the prices we were told were significantly more than those initially quoted.

Don’t let this discourage you though … just let this help you plan better. What we weren’t aware of was that there were MORE options available. The emails should give the prices and say “onwards” meaning there are higher costs as well as those quoted. Our email didn’t have this indicator though … and if yours doesn’t make sure you double check if there are other options. Basically, they’re better quality materials used making the price more.

The best way to get the most accurate quote is also to send all your current dental information. As much as you can! Through sheer ignorance we didn’t know there were so many options available. Maybe this cost breakdown sheet will also help you as you may be able to ask for some estimates for each section. 328a1c57-4698-499a-91a3-93b3266b871e

Don’t get me wrong, the prices didn’t end up being as great as we’d expected … sometimes too good to be true really is too good to be true … but we still saved enormously. Clayton & my combined costs were still HALF of his quoted amount in Australia and we had better materials used than we would have had.

As for the accommodation side of things I’d definitely go with getting it booked through Dentzz. We checked out the suggestions that Kanwar sent through and the prices he provided were great. We were thrilled with where we stayed, The Hotel Marine Plaza. It’s not as close as many of the other hotels but we preferred the nice view of the harbour and the drive was cheap and easy by cab.

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Screen Shot 2020-03-01 at 1.45.47 pm Our hotel really was great. The staff couldn’t have been more friendly and helpful … like literally all of them … and the restaurants … OMG … all delicious (there are a few of them on the premises)! BONUS! Try the Chinese one first! Mmmmm mmmmmm!

Not sure where to stay? You can trust the recommendations from Dentzz. Hotel Marine Plaza is our pick! Screen Shot 2020-03-01 at 1.45.42 pm

On arrival at Mumbai you’re greeted at the airport and taken straight to the dentist … there are actually two locations but they’re within walking distance. The Delstar clinic is at the top of the hill while the White Hall clinic is a few minutes walk down the road. They’ll walk you there … trust me, it’s easy.

If you’re getting implants keep in mind that you will require a return trip in around 6 months. Several people we met voiced that this was something they hadn’t realised … having said that, they were all more than happy as the care and work put into their new smiles was well worth the second trip.

Another easy way to save money is to remember to book your flights as early as you can. Flights are generally available around 10 months earlier so if you can, this is when it’s best to book. We were so happy with our saving that we upgraded to business class. Pow!

As for my teeth, like I said, I didn’t have dental issues. I just wanted the million dollar smile. If they were going to have banging teeth … I wanted banging teeth too.

Here’s my before and after … judge for yourself.

I had my top 6 teeth done with porcelain veneers and the remaining 14 teeth done with crowns. I didn’t need root canals or anything else … but not going to lie, I was a petrified wreck.

9513DABC-763B-45FC-8D2D-FD64D8D1E421 Thank goodness for the kindness, care & empathy from all the dentists … in particular Dr DJ.

I’m literally petrified of going to the dentist so I pretty proud of having managed to get through this whole process. I did manage to make a complete ass of myself by crying and shaking, and I also managed to bite poor DJ’s finger as well.

The photo I’ll add now isn’t meant to scare you off … just educate you as to what will happen during the veneers / crown process. Hooley dooley … let’s just say it’s not pretty … and clearly I have no dignity.

This ugly mess is my “during” photo. They literally grind away your teeth so that they can add the veneer or crown so they appear just as your “real” teeth would. Makes sense, right? But it scares the crap out of you when you see yourself.

A lot of people have asked about the pain, truly, it didn’t really hurt at all. Obviously, the numbing spray and needles are uncomfortable but it’s not unbearable.

My terror came from the sound of the grinder. It seriously just filled me with terror. But with a little bit of kindness and some sedation I managed to get through and now have some killer teeth.

OH, and don’t worry! You don’t have to walk around with those God awful shark teeth. They give you temporary plastic crowns that look exactly like your original teeth. We have them on here, at the Taj Mahal … you can’t tell, can you? They’re just our regular looking teeth.

As for sensitivity… yep, we felt some and it really was quite weird to chew with the fake plastic denture crown things we had in.

When we got our permanent veneers and crowns, I’ll admit it felt strange, particularly as the bite felt different and the teeth felt thicker and well, just different. The sensitivity was still there, particularly with anything cold! Woweee! But now, a month in and they really do feel like they belong. The sensitivity is pretty much gone altogether and well, they look awesome.

We went for the 3^rd whitest of the whites for the shade FYI.

As for Clayton’s teeth … the

transformation is amazing. You saw the “before” photo … now take a look at the pics together. What a difference! Worth every penny, that’s for sure. And best of all, they come with a 20 year guarantee.

I wouldn’t have gone through with this back in Australia. Certainly not for the price tag that would have been attached. But I’m so grateful for my experience and trip to India. You won’t get the fancy shmancy resorts but you’ll get a unique experience.

They don’t open on Sundays so you can organise yourself a day trip, etc during that day. We managed to fly ourselves to the Taj Mahal during our trip, we went to the Elephanta Caves, did a Bollywood tour and enjoyed the sights and sounds throughout much of Mumbai. We even managed to get to a cricket game … Australia v India! And boy oh boy, what a game that was!

Just don’t forget to get yourself a visa … Dentzz will shoot you the link and from there it’s all easy peasy.

Oh, and make sure you tell them Caz McShane sent you … there’s a spot on the initial consultation form for referrals. They’ll look after you, I promise!

Good luck … smile brightly!!!

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Gift guide for the UNICORN lovers out there!

Yep, it seems that every young girl around at the moment is obsessed with unicorns. To be honest, there’s likely a lot of grown women too.

Anyways, I thought it might be somewhat helpful to find a load of unicorn gift ideas, ranging all the way from those perfect for the littlies to those that even work for the grown up with tendencies towards the fantastical.

I’ve listed my top 10 but if you click on the link it will actually take you to loads more! There’s literally everything there from the stocking filler socks to the humungous inflatable sprinkler for those hot Summer days!

Take a look, it can’t hurt and if you do happen to see something that tickles your fancy don’t forget to use my code CAZ10 for a $10 discount at checkout (minimum $100 spend required).

Unicorn Gift Guide.png — Link to all these Unicorn products and lots mere here!

1. Magical Unicorn Slippers – seriously, who wouldn’t want these! They’re not only freaking cute but so soft and comfortable as well and at only $39 they’re also a bargain! The only catch is they’re quite big so not great for little girls but perfect as a present for mum or a teen!!!

2. Unicorn Floating Beverage Boats – oh, hell yeah! Again, probably not the best for the littlies but perfect for a hot summer’s day when you’re having a chill in the pool. These come in a set of 2 and are only $18.99 so won’t break the bank!

3. Unicorn Insulated Lunch Bag – okay, so this one is an ideal stocking stuffer for any little unicorn obsessed girl, boy, or non binary child! How cute AND it keeps lunches cool. Winner, especially when it’s under $25!

4. Unicorn Chatter Mate – as the name for this one suggests he actually speaks back to you … well, almost. He does copy everything you say though! The perfect little addition under any Christmas tree and under $30. POW!

5. Dancing Darcey Unicorn – What a gorgeous accessory / toy for any girls bedroom! The perfect little extra, especially at $29.99.

6. Jumbo Sized Unicorn Rainbow Float – OMG!!! This gigantic pool / beach float would have to be the Christmas bargain of the century! At only $51, a whopping 40% off, and FREE SHIPPING you truly can’t beat this! Kids, teens, adults … who wouldn’t want this! And it’s a unicorn!!!

7. Unicorn Manicure Vanity Set – the perfect stocking stuffer for any little girl. Not going to lie, I actually have Hello Kitty nail clippers so I’m kind of thinking this is suitable for anyone with a vagina! Yep, I said it! Only $20 too.

8. Giant Inflatable Unicorn Yard Sprinkler – WTF? This thing is truly AMAZING! You don’t have to have a pool or live near the beach to enjoy this little ripper! Measuring 2m high it’s sure to be a hit. It’s $119 but shipping is free and let’s face it, it’s going to be a long hot Summer! I want one and we have a pool!

9. Unicorn Socks – After a little surprise from Santa but don’t want to break the bank? These gorgeous and super soft socks are the perfect little extra. And only $14.99. Why not?

10. Unicorn Theodor Plush Toy – Last but certainly not least is this super cute, super soft and super cuddly unicorn toy. A perfect gift for kids and the perfect accessory for any unicorn themed bedroom. Pretty sure this little cutie might be coming from Santa to this house for one very excited little girl. Under $40 – get yours now!

They’re pretty much my top 10 UNICORN gifts. Everything is linked so just click the titles for a more thorough and detailed description. Also, if you go to my suggestions HERE you’ll be able to see loads of other ideas for unicorn style gifts. Everything you can imagine; from unicorn pens, poo, and snot, to lights, ornaments, cushions, games, bags, books and even umbrellas. There’s something there for every unicorn lover!

Take a look and don’t forget to enter CAZ10 in the discount code at checkout for $10 off your purchase (it’s gotta be over $100 … but with all these bargains that shouldn’t be difficult!)

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alice in wonderland unicorn quote Awesome Image result for unicorn quotes roll me in glitter and call me a

Online shopping … what’s your superpower?

Online shopping.png I’m pretty sure everyone has a superpower … some just haven’t figured out what theirs is yet. Mine … well, mine happens to be ONLINE SHOPPING! Yep, I am an online shopping expert! I can find bargains for pretty much everything.

I’m not really a fan of wandering aimlessly around the shops desperately hoping to find what I’m searching for. Instead I’d much rather sit back in the comfort of a cozy onesie, drink in hand, scouring the internet for exactly what I’m after! The list includes pretty much everything you could want … from home decor and clothing to holidays and every kind of gift you could think of! Nothing is really off limits!

Fat mirror Take today for example. We’re in need of a flattering “skinny” mirror. Who doesn’t need one of those, right? I’m pretty sure if you’ve been keeping up with my blog you can guess why we really need one! Seriously though, the full length mirror we currently have is sooooo un-flattering! It just leaves me feeling depressed and miserable and like I may as well go and devour a crap-load of chocolate to wash away my misery. Anyway, I’ve Googled every type of full length mirror and they’re all sooo expensive … except for the “fat” ones and well, we already have one of those!

So I figured I’d try and find a bargain … and find a bargain I did. Well, kind of! It’s still expensive but it’s a fraction of the price I could have paid, and for exactly the same mirror.

So, here’s the mirror we decided on … The Winston Floor Mirror … and the price it started at was $1079 … WAY TOO MUCH! I’d rather eat the corn out of my poo than pay that much for a mirror!

First — Way too expensive to go for the first product you find.

Anyway, here’s how I got the best price possible …

1. Google the product.

Find the cheapest of the same product wherever you can. I found the Winston Mirror for $549 at Temple & Webster (their direct website as well as their eBay page).

Price — Loads cheaper when you shop around … especially when you’re shopping online.

2. Compare postage.

Don’t be too quick to just jump onto the cheapest option you find … it may not be the cheapest in the long run.

eBay postage for the mirror was $83.36 … whilst the direct postage was a mere $64.95 in comparison. Crazy, right?

Code and post — Same item from the same store … cheaper postage via their direct store though!

3. Search for promo codes.

Here’s the clincher … do a Google search for promo codes or discounts. I usually find them! You just have to be patient as many will have expired … but there are still generally plenty on offer. Sometimes you may even snag a free shipping code or a 5%, 10%, 15% or even 20% off code. Today I managed to find a $20 off code, which, whilst not a lot, still adds up!

T and W — Always search for promo codes! They’re usually out there!

The BEST clothing stores to nab great deals, I find, tend to be the American department stores! I’ll leave that info for another blog though as I have so many great ones to share! I’ve seriously just found some amazing bargains that I’ll share soon! Can’t wait for them to arrive. One major positive … you’re unlikely to be caught wearing the same outfit as anyone else … and let’s face it, that’s a genuine fear!

Happy shopping!

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Wanna lose weight and be healthy? Here’s my secret weapon …

My health journey has been … well … surprisingly … so far so good! I’m pretty happy with myself; and I’m not an easy person to please (just ask my husband & kids).

I’ll admit though that I’m avoiding the scales at the moment … for two reasons! Firstly, I don’t want to scare myself off. I imagine it’ll take a while to see any results on the scales, especially if I’m actually starting to exercise now. I think my results will be more about how my clothes fit … whether I’m like a sausage in a skin or not! And secondly, our scales suck! You can step on them and have seriously put on 3kg overnight. Literally 5 seconds later you step back on and you may have lost 5kg. They fluctuate soooo much that I’d rather not try them. They’re great when you’re losing weight but I’m not willing to take the risk just yet.

Anyways, I’m hoping I’ve found a secret weapon to a healthier lifestyle and healthier body … every morning I’m starting my day by swigging down a mouthful of apple cider vinegar! I’m not gonna lie … it’s bad, really bad … even when diluted with water. But the health benefits are supposed to be amazing so I’m chugging it down daily! Morning and night actually!

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I’m using the organic, raw and unfiltered one containing The Mother! Let’s face it Mother really does know best so … pow, down the hatch it goes.

For real, though… apple cider vinegar with The Mother is said to aid digestion and limit heartburn and reflux for starters. It also helps boost your immune system and improves the condition of your hair. Not only that, but it’s also known for its ability to help keep blood sugar in check and last but not least it’s also often used in skin remedies and beauty recipes. It can be used to help sunburns, skin rashes and mosquito bites (dilute it 50:50 with water though … it sure as hell stings otherwise). With all those health benefits why wouldn’t you give it a crack!

I’ve also started using an app on my phone called COUCH TO 5K. The twins are taking turns following the program with me, so not only is it a great tool to improve our fitness but it’s some fun one on one time with my boys as well! These little guys inspire me to succeed; to be a good role model for them and their step brother and sister. They’re worth the hard work, exhaustion, sweat as well as the occasional stitch!

Grateful these little guys want to join me!

We’ve not done much yet but we’re slowly building up … just gotta remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day … Dubai has been pretty quick … but most cities have taken time! And a lot of it! Everything great takes time!

Anyway, my diet has been good … no more unhealthy snacks at all. Maybe some random goji berries or pumpkin seeds now and then but not much else really.

And my meals, well they’re pretty good and easily maintainable long term so I think I’m going okay!

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I think the single MOST important factor in success is being in the right headspace though and I’m in it. FINALLY! Probably due to the fact that I’m being completely open and transparent and I desperately don’t want to fail publicly. In my head though, I’ve got this and the more I tell myself that, then more likely I am to believe myself and make it happen!

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Lifestyle or diet? Whatever … Here we go …

Soooo, I’ve started! Yep, I made a promise to myself that I would begin my fresh, new, healthier lifestyle yesterday and that from now on I’d quit making excuses … and I did it! Hopefully making that commitment is the most difficult part!

Anyway, I’ve been asked by a few people what my plan actually entails, which diet I’m following, what I’m eating, etc … and I’ll be honest … I’m totally winging it! I have no idea! I just made a decision to live a healthier life from now and to improve my fitness, which should actually be easy considering how absolutely unfit I currently am!

Now that day one is done and dusted I’ll run you through my day … apologies of it’s boring! You’re welcome to stop reading if you like!

Brekkie – I LOVE breakfast! My weakness is a big bowl of muesli. YUM! Especially when it sits there for a bit and goes soggy! Gross, I know … but oh, how I love it! Anyway, I didn’t actually change this but I did reduce my portion … and by quite a lot! I probably had the equivalent of about 1 cup of muesli with some Smarter White milk. I’m not a fan of lite milk and I figure that the Smarter White is a good compromise.

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Snacks – here’s my problem right here! Generally I’ll snack on chocolate throughout the day. Furry Friends … you know those delicious Cadbury chocolates with the Australian animal on the wrapper? They’re a problem for me. Maybe a few Tim Tams (those mint ones are divine) And Milo … I can hardly stand to even think about Milo. If I was on death row Milo would be my final meal! YEP, I love it that much!

Anyway, instead of devouring all things chocolate yesterday I nibbled on nuts … and they weren’t Nobby’s! Well, they were seeds actually! I had a handful of roasted pumpkin seeds and these amazing Coconut Clusters. They’re basically pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and chia seeds held together with coconut? They look like crap but you know what … they tasted GREAT and they were exactly what I needed to get through the day! I didn’t have many … I think that would likely defeat the purpose. Instead, just a few (they’re small) to leave me feeling satisfied.

I’ll admit I had a hot chocolate as well. I’m trying to be realistic. Not giving up things that I’ll eventually have again would be silly as I want this to be maintainable. I don’t want to end up piling the pounds back on as I don’t plan on this being a diet, but rather this is a lifestyle change that I can continue.

Lunch – usually I’d have a sandwich. Nothing exciting. It’d likely have ham, cheese and relish. But yesterday I opted for a smallish portion of salad. Black bean, corn and quinoa. Don’t know if it’s great but it sure as hell sounds healthy! Anything with quinoa can surely be deemed healthy, right? And it was actually really nice! Not going to lie … I didn’t make it … I bought it!

A few more pumpkin seeds and a banana while I caught up on some TV and I was good!

Next up … Dinner – this one was easy! We get HELLO FRESH delivered and we LOVE it. So easy and delicious. Want to try it, let me know and I’ll give you a code for a free box (pretty sure I have some left)! Trust me, you’ll love it too. We order it for 4 nights per week for 4 people, even though there are 6 of us. The best part is that it usually feeds all of us, so I know my portions aren’t too big as they give you the right amount for 4 people! Anyway, last night we shared Chinese Hoisin-glazed chicken with coconut rice and Asian greens. Sounds fancy, hey!

Now for dessert – Usually I’d get the munchies some time after tea but last night I had a small helping of passionfruit yoghurt to satisfy me until bed! And that’s it! I didn’t snack on anything that I shouldn’t have. I’m hoping those coconut cluster snacks are okay because I don’t really think I can give those up at this point. But other than that I think I did okay for day 1.

Oh, and I exercised too. I got home from Matt & Ben’s swim training and figured I wouldn’t start making excuses, especially on day 1, and even more especially because I knew I’d be sharing how I went with my day. I figured I could still do something, even though it was late and even though it was cold (and boy, was it cold) … so I went for a run! It wasn’t very long … 15 mins max. And I’ll admit that I walked / jogged / walked / jogged the whole way. But I did it … in the dark and cold! Yay for me!

This afternoon after school pick up I will go again. This time longer though. And this time I’ll take one of the kids. I think it’s good for them to see that I’m trying; that being healthy is important.

Wish me luck … I’ll likely need it! And I’m here cheering you all on!

By the way, thanks for all the messages of encouragement! And to those joining me on this journey … we got this! If you stumble along the way … it’s okay … just get your ass up and start over!

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Fat & Frumpy! Anyone else feeling it?

Okay …. so here goes! I need a lifestyle change. There I said it … and this time I mean it!

I don’t want to be fat, frumpy and 40 … surely no one does! There’s nothing I can do about the 40 but the fat and frumpy can take a hike!

I’m putting this out there because I truly believe accountability is massive when it comes to things like this. If I put it out there … even if no one actually cares … then I can’t allow myself to fail because, well, it’s out there. I won’t allow myself to fail.

If anyone else wants to join me on this lifestyle change … I’m not going to call it a diet because diets are temporary and I want this to be permanent … then shout out and we can do it together. Keep each other up to date on how we’re going and what we’re doing each week. Update with great snacks, exercises, and even weight / size losses or gains! Fingers crossed it’s losses!!!

I’m not sure why but I have to start this process on Monday. It’s like the start of a new week … the start of a new month … the start of a new season … so why not the start of a new ME!

Four years ago I lost a bucket load of weight … I was 55kg and felt amazing! I’m horrified to admit this but I’m now a whopping 69kg … I feel complete dread and shame writing that but if I’m going to do this I need to be honest and accountable! It’s the heaviest I have ever been in my whole life (aside from when I was pregnant with the twins) and I am appalled at myself for allowing this to gradually sneak up on me! And let’s face it, that’s what happens! The weight slowly piles on and the next thing you know you’re feeling fat and frumpy!

Skinny Caz soaking up the sun on the beach in Hawaii

I don’t want to feel ugly and embarrassed anymore, which is why I’ve decided to step it up … quit snacking on the Furry Friends and Milo and move onto the roasted pumpkin seeds and celery! I know I can do this … I’ve done it before.

I truly, wholeheartedly believe it’s all about willpower and self control. Shakes and pills aren’t for me … I choose to change my lifestyle. Go from fatty snacks to healthy ones. Exercise regularly and stop making excuses!

Get ready for the start of a new body … just in time for Summer! Let’s do this! POW!!!

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Junk Food

It’s all about priorities!

Ever been jealous of that friend who always seems to be travelling … you know, the one out seeing the world while you’re stuck at home with the kids! Yep, me too! That’s why I decided to be that friend … the one out travelling … the one seeing the world! And here’s how you can do it too!

Matt, Ben & I in 2011 on the Sky Bridge of the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Having read the title of this post you should already have the gist of what this blog is about … but I’ll assume you’re not that bright … especially if you’re the one living vicariously through everyone else’s travels!!!

Seriously though, it’s true! It’s all about priorities! If you want to see the world, and I mean not just through your friend’s Facebook and Instagram posts, then you have to prioritise.

I’m not going to pretend it’ll be easy … it likely won’t be … unless you’re already loaded … in which case I’m wondering if you’re just a dumb ass / tight ass with lots of money!?!

Dubai — Fujairah Fort in the United Arab Emirates in 2016.

Anyway, I truly believe that travelling the world is possible for everyone. It’ll take hard work, good planning and some cutting back in areas … but more than anything it’ll take you prioritising what you want more. If you’re not prepared to give up things in order to save up enough to travel then clearly travelling isn’t really a priority for you.

I’m being honest here … I’d give up pretty much anything to travel the world … except the kids … and sometimes I’d probably give them up too! Just jokes … don’t tell them I said that!!! For real though, I’d give up eating out / takeaway food, the movies, clothes shopping, Foxtel … the list goes on! There’s plenty of ways you can save money here and there.

Soaking up the sun in Hanauma Bay in Hawaii 2014

I’ll let you in on a little money saving technique we’ve adopted that really helps out too. We NEVER … and I mean NEVER spend a $5 note. We use coins and every other note but NEVER a $5. (Notice how I’ve made NEVER be bold every time I’ve written it … that’s how important it is to us!) If I fancy a hot chocolate and it’s going to cost $4.50 I’ll pay with a $10, even if I have a $5. And that’ll usually score me an additional $5 in change too. POW!!!

And if I only have $5 notes I won’t buy anything! My priority is to save $5 notes.

$5.png — Holiday spending money right here! POW!!!

And our reason for saving all these $5 notes … they’re our holiday spending money!!! Without exaggeration we’ve not spent a $5 in close to 2 years! And boy, oh boy, does it add up FAST!

You want to be the one your friends are envious of? Then start by prioritising what you want most.

Matt and Ben living it up Samoa style in 2012.

Do you really want that new dress / jacket / top / jeans? Or would you prefer the holiday? If it’s the holiday then put aside the money you were going to spend on the clothes and put it in the container with all the $5 notes you’ve surreptitiously collected!

Actually say NO to your kids when they want something! Explain to them that if they want the holiday then they’ll also have to contribute … and by contribute I don’t mean financially! They can learn to forgo things too.

We’re currently planning our next family adventure and we’re hoping for Africa.

Yep, AFRICA!!! It sure as hell ain’t going to be cheap! The kids want it to happen soooo much though that they’ve actually asked us to stop paying them pocket money because they want to help make it easier for us to save! Talk about proud momma moment!

Basically, I guess what I’m saying is that you don’t have to have a lot of money to travel. I’m not going to lie … Yeah, it helps … it helps a lot … but it’s all about prioritising.

Best way to start … get saving those $5 and start small. Choose somewhere close to home!

And holla if you’d like some help … that’s what friends are for … right!

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The Journey Begins

Thanks for joining me on my new blogging adventure.

I’m looking forward to sharing my journey through life with anyone remotely interested. I guess I’ve decided that now, at my age, I have enough life experience to share some snippets of my life.

I’m looking forward to taking this authentic journey with you … through all the fabulous moments, and even the not so fabulous moments.

Remember, there is always joy to be found in each and every day … never forget to seek out the small wonders of life and try not to get too caught up in work and money!

I’m just a full time mum / step mum and I’d like to share a little of the world from my perspective. I have a complete joy and gratitude for life, and hope to spread a little love and inspiration.

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You should never regret anything in life. If it’s good, it’s wonderful. If it’s bad, it’s experience.