9 January 2013 - Old habits die hard!

Last night Billy (my husband) and I went on an old fashioned date to the movies together. We saw the Hobbit (which I really enjoyed despite the mediocre reviews its received, though as a New Zealander I guess my opinion would be labelled as biased!). I also really really enjoyed the trailer for the upcoming Die Hard sequel and I excitedly pre-planned another date for us to go to the cinema when it comes out after having a Die Hard DVD marathon at home. You can watch the trailer for it here.

My problem when I go to the movies is that I am unable to stick with my values regarding healthy eating when I go. It all flys out the window once I smell the popcorn and next thing you know we're settling into our seats armed with the largest sized popcorn and soft drink as well as an excessive amount of lollies and chocolates.

When the movie was over I strongly felt two things. 1.Confused about why in both this film and the Lord of the Rings the characters don't utilize the giant eagles more often in their journey. 2.Incredibly full and sick.

I woke up this morning with a candy hangover and a resolve to this year, once and for all, defeat this bad habit. The action plan? I need to be prepared with some healthy alternatives. I can bring fruit like grapes, cherries or blueberries to tuck into instead of lollies and pop some of my own plain popcorn at home to bring along with me. I also need to avoid looking at the dazzling "Candy Bar" lights....maybe I can send Billy up to buy the tickets.

I'm looking forward to checking in after our A Good Day to Die Hard movie date in March and being able to reflect back on this entry, and say that I did it.

8 January 2013 - Thrift shopping

One of the biggest goals I have set myself for the year is to not purchase any "new" clothes and instead do my fashion shopping in second hand stores. I understand that this is a seriously "First World" kind of a challenge but also know I am somebody who needs it.

When I moved to Australia from New Zealand nearly six years ago I came with one tramping pack full of clothes. At the end of last year I purged my wardrobe of three bags over twice that original backpacks size of clothes I did not need or wear. I was disgusted and wondered how did things get to this state? Where did I decide to send those unwanted clothes? The local op-shop. And I felt so good about it.

My wardrobe is still overflowing and I think there will be more clothes that I say goodbye to this year, so why should I say hello to any new items at all? I think the thing for me about purchasing fashion is how fresh you feel when you have something different to wear. I wondered if I would get that same feeling from the recycled items I picked up this year as I did from brand new ones?

So to put it to the test I picked up my beautiful sister in law Maddie - who at 14 is probably more fashion savvy than I will ever be - and we headed to the biggest op-shop in town. I spent less than $20 and got a tee, three summer singlets, two lip glosses, a handbag, a hat and two coffee mugs for my eclectic mug collection.



My favourite find was this Jump Rope for Heart tee that I don't think has ever been worn and is a wonderful throw back to the 90's for a 90's kid.

I actually cannot wait to go again to see what I might find next time.

As for getting the fresh feeling from wearing something different? The verdict is in. And as Macklemore would say in his thrift shop anthem that I will be singing each time I go "This is F***ing awesome!"

7 January 2013 - The long run

Today I achieved my long run goal for my first week of training. It was only a 5km but it felt great to have set a target that I was able to meet and I've definitely increased my fitness level since the first burning 3kms I did last week.

So - some advice for running the distance?

1. Map your run first. I like to use the website May My Run to do this. I use the mapping tool to determine where I will need to run to fulfil my distance goal for the day. The site has some really great features and can be used as a workout log also.

2. Choose your music. I cannot run without good music and my fully charged ipod is essential if I'm going to make it further than the end of the street. I do have a few favourite running tracks including Florence and the Machine "Dog Day's Are Over" (If lyrics like "The horses are coming... So you better run! Run fast for your mother and fast for your father Run for your children for your sisters and brothers Leave all your love and your longing behind you Can't carry love with you if you want to survive" Can't get you in the mood I don't know what can!)

3. Take the run one step at a time. I can't think about how far, or long I have to go. My mantra is to keep putting one foot in front of the other, until the run is done. 

4. Have some shoes and running clothes you love. 

5. Do not, ever, under any circumstances attempt to run outdoors during a Queensland summer unless the sun is either rising or setting. It is too hot and you will only comfortably be able to run half your distance. You will end up walking back defeated, seeking all and any shady spots along the way. 

Next goal: 7km long run on Sunday. Looking forward to it!

6 January 2013 - Going to the markets

As an exercise in eco-friendly living I want to make a habit of perusing the local Sunday markets. No matter where you live you can usually find a market event to head to and it's something I highly recommend as a way to support local business and produce and practise recycling by buying some bargains second hand.

My husband and I chose to head to Fernvale for today's shopping and despite some stallholders packing up due to a light drizzle we still made out pretty well. After a short shopping stroll around the primary school grounds while sipping an amazing (if a little overpriced) Flat White from the coffee van onsite we were $65 poorer but had in our bags:

• Fruit - Nectarines, cherries, kiwifruit and tomatoes (yes, they are a fruit, not a vegetable!)
• Vegetables - Lettuce, capsicum, mushrooms and broccoli
• One bar of Tilley melon and dewberry scented vegetable soap
• A second hand novel "The Cure for Modern Life" which I'm really looking forward to reading
• Home-made Choko Pickle and Tomato Relish made with love from "Di's Delight's"
• and A new Hessian bed and mat for our German Shepherd

The Fernvale markets are on every Sunday at the Fernvale Primary school grounds. Next fortnight I'd like to head somewhere different and see what kind of value we can get for our dollar there. I challenge any readers to get to a markets in the next fortnight too and let me know what you found!

5 January 2013 - Put some protein in your pancake

Today I went for another training run for 3km. But unlike the 3km training run I undertook two days ago I returned home with energy to spare and ready to take on the world. Progress!

To celebrate the small fitness increase I decided it was time for a treat. What's my treat of choice when I'm eating clean and training?

A protein pancake. (which combines two of my great loves - healthy eating...and pancakes)

If you have not tried one before I suggest you do. There are heaps of variations possible but I've found a good basic recipe here.

They are awesome fuel for either pre or post workout, or just to have as a nutritious breakfast.

If you're looking for healthy toppings to add then go for fresh fruit, all natural yoghurt, 100% pure maple syrup, organic honey or Agave nectar. YUM