Facing my BIGGEST (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) fear!

I have a personal mission and it happens to be one of my BIGGEST fears in life..........

I have come through a VERY tough phase in my life and whilst I have regained my positivity (most of the time...) I need to revamp my zest for life and this is just perfect for me! 

I hope you can help me get there!
(and raise some money for a BRILLIANT cause. Mums helping Mums....... Freakin Awesome!)

Click here for my fundraising page.


Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU!

All my love xxxxx

More on Support for Mums:

Support For Mums mission is to provide, practical, short term assistance &/or referral to families experiencing circumstantial crisis.

They offer practical and emotional support to mums and their families while experiencing ante/post natal depression, mums who have had a premmie baby, mums with unwell babies, mums with high risk pregnancies, mums who have experienced a significant incident, by providing services such as babysitters, cleaners, cooks, gardeners to reduce stress and assist in recovery. Support For Mums will offer this in a compassionate, respectful and inspirational manner, enabling families to enable themselves.

Supporting The Heart Foundation's 'GO RED FOR WOMEN' Campaign

When I studied Nursing, I gained such a detailed insight in to the body and its systems and functions. At times, to be honest, it daunted me just how easily something could go wrong and that if we didn’t look after ourselves properly, the chances of an illness or system failure were increased.  I take my health and the health of my family seriously so when I was approached by the Heart Foundation to have a ‘Heart Health checkup’ and discuss my experience with you, I was happy to.  Especially considering that statistics have found that Heart Disease is the number 1 killer of Australian women and we are almost 3 times more likely to die from Heart Disease than Breast Cancer!

Image

My GP was able to conduct this assessment with me and I will assure you, it is non-invasive and by no means frightening!  Basically, the checkup involves assessing Blood Pressure, Pulse, Weight and BMI, Waist Circumference, Cholesterol, Diet and Level of Exercise.  My GP highlighted to me the risk factors to developing Heart Disease such as being overweight, being physically inactive, smoking and having a family history of the disease.  These were all topics we discussed and I admitted to the fact that I don’t exercise as much as I would like.  (The recommended amount of exercise is 30 minutes a day).

The results from my Heart Health checkup found that while I’m not at risk of developing heart disease, I do have some areas of concern that will need addressing.  My waist circumference was slightly over the increased risk range (Adult Men: 94cm, Adult Women: 80cm). I measured at 85cm and I have been VERY slack with my eating and exercise. My weight,  BMI, Blood Pressure, Cholesterol and Pulse were all of a normal range for a woman my age but I believe that with a little more effort and exercise, I can lower the circumference of my waist and get fitter and healthier. 

I’m happy that I had this check up.  Although I have always classed myself as relatively healthy, time can be a major factor in my day-to-day life and the last thing on my mind is exercise.  I know, after my results that I have to prioritise my health if I want to be strong, healthy and fit as I grow older. 

I hope this prompts you to take a look at your own Heart Health. Perhaps you need to step up your exercise or gain control of any unhealthy eating habits. By taking part in an assessment such as this one, you will gain the important information that you need to make sure that you are treating your body and its systems with the respect they deserve.  Make an appointment with your GP and get your health on the right track.  Our hearts are the most important part of our bodies and we owe it to them to stay healthy! 

Get involved in the 'GO RED FOR WOMEN' campaign and take control of your health!

Much love,

Leigh xxxx

*This post was sponsored by The Heart Foundation*

Anything is possible...... even HAPPINESS!

Through my new job I'm meeting lots of weird (!!!!!) and wonderful people.  

Something that I'm getting used to however is being around negative people again.  Ive purposely surrounded myself with the opposite over the past few years and I have been lucky to be able to do so but lately, on my breaks and as I converse throughout the day, I am adjusting to that foul vibe that is NEGATORRRRRR....

I struggle with negative people now. Sadly though, years ago, I was right there with them - gosh, what a waste of time.... *Apologies to those who crossed my path and had a bad day as a result of it*.  I acknowledge that some have had a tough innings in life and they are just plain old tired but some, and I'm sure you know them all too well just whinge, whinge, WHINGE!  Last time I was at work, I spent 30 looooong minutes with a lady who did not have one good thing to say!  In the end, I just got my phone out and started to do some medical research on the net to dig myself out from the thick vibe.  If I could go elsewhere on my break I would but I'm needed on site in case of an emergency so I'm limited. Perhaps I should just sit in my car......

During these conversations, which actually are really one sided as the Negator usually dominates, I tend to chime in with 'Oh well' or 'Not to worry'.... as all too often, the issues that are being discussed are never very deep or meaningful.  Sometimes I challenge the negator.  Sometimes I ask them why they put up with what they are whinging about and usually they respond more negatively!  Its such a waste of my energy.  Nothing gets resolved, I don't think they want a solution, I just think they love to spend 30 minutes dumping their crap onto someone else regardless of what the other person thinks!

Over time, if it has been too unbearable, I have literally just got up and walked away.  Negativity can be so suffocating and can damage you and the day you are happily living.  

I know we are all from different walks of life BUT I wholeheartedly believe that if you are not happy with a situation then you MUST fix it. Don't waste time moaning about it. YOU have the power and the smarts to change what it is that is bringing you down (if you want to....) and create a better life for yourself! Perhaps this all comes back to the FACT that I have seen people lose their lives, I have seen how precious their lives were to them, I have SEEN that your life is absolutely worth your energy to make it as wonderful as YOU can......

ONLY YOU CAN DO THIS..

If your plan is to sit in the tea room and splat your bad energy all over someone else, guess what? It wont help! It wont fix your life and it wont make ANYTHING any better!!!!!

Set off a firecracker up your arse and chase after what YOU actually want! 

IT IS POSSIBLE TO BE HAPPY!!!!!!!

My tip....
 Take ownership of YOUR life....

Start a personal dream Journal, like I did. I know I have mentioned it before but I cant recommend this enough.
Ask yourself what Career choice would make you happy.  Do you need to create a positive network of friends around you. Have you always wished for a beautiful garden you can tend to.  Are there any groups you can join to fulfill your creative urge.  Is there an instrument you have always wanted to learn...... The options in life are ENDLESS! Isn't that WONDERFUL!!!
   I made my dreams and aspirations VISUAL and I went after them. This for me was my plan to push MYSELF and I still do it. I will never rest.  I will continue to dream and chase as life is for living......
Create a path in which YOU want your life to go.  Its not impossible.

Please believe me when I say that I'm the HAPPIEST that I have ever been.  My mind and heart are in a positive place and I am excited by life and what I want to do/see/achieve.  I hope YOU are able to be at peace just as I am.

Start planning and dreaming. It worth it.
Happiness is a divine place to be....

Much love,
Leigh xx


(linking up with Essentially Jess today! xxxx)

Seriously trying to reach My Top 5!!!!!

Honestly, I'm so bad at doing things for me.  Actually, given the opportunity, I'm sure I would excel but as a mum of 4 and a part time Nurse, spare time is a rare thing....

I'm loving that Thursdays have become all about ME though. Up until early afternoon anyway as then I have to begin my shift at work but its trending as the one day of the week, all being well with my cherubs, that I can plan whatever the heck I want and with whomever I please!

Lately I have been spending my Thursday morning with gorgeous company cafe hopping and sampling many different brunch options.  

My gorgeous brunch buddy Bec! (who happens to be a kick arse Make-Up Artist if you are looking.......)

To sit and chat with NO children is pure bliss. One could get very used to it rather quickly!..... And I was up until having Ollie.  I had lots of ME time but then it was spent wondering if I should try for a 4th child and I'm so thrilled that I did, but I appreciate my off day too.

The battle I face each and EVERY Thursday however is the realisation that I could whip through the house and have it sparkling clean in no time without my little friend undoing all of my hard work but that just would not do ME any good. So I Don't.

I fluff about, ticking off things that have been on my list all week and I almost combine all of My Top 5 ideas in the one day. And that's OK as I do feel that sense of indulgence and feel very grateful that I have the child free chance!  Sadly though, that saying 'time flies when you are having fun' rings very true on Thursday and before I know it, I'm at work!

So, to recap from the past couple of weeks here's how I have succeeded (or not) with my self indulgence mission......

* My husband and I celebrated 15 years of marriage by retreating to our local Hot Springs followed by the most delicious dinner at a new eatery. Seriously divine dining!!!

* I'm yet to join the gym. My excuse? No time..... or perhaps its laziness?....

* I'm still knitting. Its going to take a lonnnnng time as I tend to fall asleep once I sit down.

* I'm almost done with 50 shades. I was chatting to a work colleague about Christian Grey and I asked her who she pictures when she imagines him. She gave me a description similar to Bob Marley(!!) She was certain the he was dark skinned with dreadlocks. I missed that part I think...... Anyway,  I'm looking forward to the next one!

* Ive been pottering in the garden. I really want it to be neat before winter sets in and I'm satisfied with how its coming together! Helps to have a landscaper as a husband too.....

* A lovely night out with my darling friends saw me drink far too much wine but these things just happen don't they.... totally unintentional...

Sadly, that's about all that I have to share from the past couple of weeks.  With gastro threatening the kids, work, appointments, day to day mothering and wife-ing, Ive struggled to focus on me.  That's the reality of my commitments and I'm not whinging but I do feel rather spent!  To rectify that, I have made some fun plans for the coming weeks, Ive even managed to commit to 2 girls weekends in a row! Cant wait!!

I really hope as you are reading this, you can list some things you would like to do for YOU too.  I really hope YOU can attempt your own My Top 5.  It doesn't have to be set in concrete, just as long as you think of yourself and your needs. My goal for this continual exercise is that MORE AND MORE WOMEN stop for a moment and take care of themselves as we are ALWAYS last in line!

Id love to hear what you have been up to! Leave me a comment or link up with the rest of us on Instagram or Twitter by adding ' #sbtbmytop5 ' to your photo or comment.

C'mon gorgeous WOMENFOLK! You deserve it!

 Much love, 

Leigh xxxxx

Time for a chat!

 

Hi Lovelies.....

I thought it was time for a chat!!

(Apologies for the Kath and Kim style voice... - when was someone going to tell me??)

 

*** WARNING***

 

* Im known to ramble so get comfy as this vid spans 17 whole minutes of your life...

* Some may find the contents of this video both boring and unprofessional - sorry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are still here, I thank you for watching.

 

Much love,

Leigh xxxx

More Method Love...

As a HUGE Method lover (as if you didnt already know...), Im thrilled to give you some more insight into some fabulous products that I have tried and tested and, yep, you guessed it...I LOVED IT!!!!

 

First up is Method's range of naturally derived, biodegradeable, non-toxic foaming 'Hand Wash'!

I have kitted out all 3 (yes, I said 3.... ridiculous, I know) bathrooms with these beauties and Im loving the smells that are wafting through the house as I continue to promote hand hygeine to the kids. This range comes in a variety of heavenly smells such as french lavender, green tea + aloe and hibiscus flower + waterfall.  The hand wash is quite concentrated so only a little bit is necessary which is a win/win as you wont need to restock too often! That means less money spent and less time at the shops! Woot!

LOVE IT!!

 

Ollie and I have been bathing in Method's 'Pure Naked Moisturising Body Wash' and we are so soft and silky afterwards! (perhaps a little too much information.....?) Anyhoo, I have placed one in the boys bathroom and as they are loving the novelty of a 'body wash', I am loving that they clean themselves properly! Again....... Winning!

 

LOVE IT!!!!

 

Lastly, but oh so damn good is the new Method 'Ginger Yuzu All Purpose Cleaner'.  Again, this is non-toxic and uses naturally derived biodegradable ingredients like corn and coconut! So clever and SO impressive!!! I sprayed it around my sink (which has been getting a MAJOR workout as the dishwasher is kaput) and all I did was wipe it gently and it came up sparkeling clean.  I hate standing at my sink lately so the fact that I could clean it so easily was again a WIN for me!!!

 

 

 

Once again, I highly recommend this brand of home and body products and I insist you go forth and get into it. You will be so thrilled with the results and you will be assured that you are caring for your family and the environment!

 

Method products can be found at selected IGA stores or online here.

 

Much love,

 

Leigh xxxx

 

 

 

 

 



Advice needed........

So, I need some career advice......

 

As a Nurse, personally and career wise, Im half way there.  Im an 'Endorsed Enrolled Nurse' which may not mean much to some but bascically it means that I am a qualified Nurse yet I have the option to continue and study further to increase my qualifications (and wage!!!!!).

 

I am currently working in the Aged Care industry and I am really enjoying my role.  There is something nagging at me though.  I have a place at University waiting for me next year to embark on my 'Division 1' studies and I am just not sure if it is worthwhile.....

 

I have asked around and I am getting so much conflicting advice that it has made me even more confused.  The word on the street is that I will be more employable as an EEN and I should not 'waste' my time studying further.  In a perfect world, that would be great but I am the type of person who does not like being told that I cant do something and I know that as an EEN, there will be doors closing in my face as I climb up the ladder in the industry.

 

I do see myself in the hospital sector in the future and feel as though I would need to be a Division 1 Nurse to accomplish my goals.....

 

So, Nurses, what is your take on all of this?  Is the time studying (and the huge fee's) worth it in the end?  Is the trend changing like lots of others suggest?  Will Division 1 Nurses find employment hard to gain due to EEN's being cheaper to have on board?

 

Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease help me.......

 

Much love,

 

Leigh xxxx