tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36892870914971071512024-03-13T18:15:51.276+00:00Home Sweet HomeChristine (Rainy Day Reads)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02377226969822929538noreply@blogger.comBlogger535125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689287091497107151.post-50954809401942668322011-08-19T22:24:00.000+01:002011-08-19T22:24:26.272+01:00Waiting... Waiting... and more waiting...Just wanted to check in to let you all know that Andy and I are still alive. Unfortunately we are still 'in the process' of buying our house. It has officially been two months since our offer was accepted. I can see the finish line ahead but unfortunately the people who own the house have some 'cowboy' solicitors who are not in a hurry at all. We can not move any quicker on our purchase until they start to move a bit faster on the purchase of the house they are buying and moving into.<br />
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Now I know why the sentence 'No Upward Chain' was used on other properties as a marketing tool!<br />
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ugh.Christine (Rainy Day Reads)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02377226969822929538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689287091497107151.post-20751733680146263352011-07-07T20:08:00.006+01:002011-07-07T20:15:27.769+01:00Tiles.. Tiles... and more Tiles...So, as I mentioned before I am busy trying to find ways to keep myself occupied during this whole long drawn out buying process.<br />
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For now this task appears to be kitchen tiles. There is not a whole lot of tiled space in the current layout of the kitchen but the tiles that are there do not make me happy at all. They are very white, very boring and not my style at all. So I've been looking around for just the perfect tiles to redo the job and I think I finally found them!<br />
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The name of these tiles are 'Zanzibar' and in total there are seven different colors. Here are some photos from a tile website of each color on their own.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6eXIb_c6oXKoHhyU49XBYcsroWpVB0GJTo6pJIl3liMJwgEXsfkM3Mt2rby4xh80US_aux7z-cRQwq4rEnpED0jneB_rEgM-WP6kJNpxUpteW953Hj5e9fB0aSXhT6mg4zm4oZUD18GA/s1600/Zanzibar8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6eXIb_c6oXKoHhyU49XBYcsroWpVB0GJTo6pJIl3liMJwgEXsfkM3Mt2rby4xh80US_aux7z-cRQwq4rEnpED0jneB_rEgM-WP6kJNpxUpteW953Hj5e9fB0aSXhT6mg4zm4oZUD18GA/s400/Zanzibar8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Now usually I am a very matchy matchy kinda gal and if I were to do something it would need to be in a specific pattern. But I want to put these up in a very random manor such as the example below, I made this by just copying and pasting some individual tiles from the above photos to make my own layout.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcrv1hq_NBbyIz1Ii78_b0GMeZWIBgzZkIO3yFKr8kowfNW3d5VL56xzr5Hc1h-J0GFdKlFc2fDO5JxgXXGDIzPo6PIypC6YMDx28ismUSI6x2T5dZ7XzfE98FDpaHZ2pWSBYG2zkaQ2c/s1600/Tiles.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcrv1hq_NBbyIz1Ii78_b0GMeZWIBgzZkIO3yFKr8kowfNW3d5VL56xzr5Hc1h-J0GFdKlFc2fDO5JxgXXGDIzPo6PIypC6YMDx28ismUSI6x2T5dZ7XzfE98FDpaHZ2pWSBYG2zkaQ2c/s400/Tiles.bmp" width="400" /></a></div><br />
As you can see... no rhyme or rhythm which is what I want. I can not even describe how much I am in love with these! They are so worn and weathered looking... and very Tuscan which is exactly what I am looking for. I plan on using a sandstone or beige grout, I just don't think white would be the best choice.<br />
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As of right now the kitchen has a black with grey specks counter top, black/dark grey tile floor and light wooden cabinets. The plan is to eventually replace the counter top with a nice butcher block type style and the floors a nice Tuscan color tile. But until I have the money for all of that the black will not look horrible and the tiles will really liven the place up and make it look a bit more 'me'.Christine (Rainy Day Reads)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02377226969822929538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689287091497107151.post-82905178177859862942011-07-03T16:56:00.000+01:002011-07-03T16:56:18.651+01:00... And I'm back! (Again)I've just completed a major revamp of my blog... and as you can tell from the new layout we are about to start a new chapter in the McGrae family saga.<br />
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We are in the process of buying our first house! Yay!!!<br />
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Now anybody that knows me will know that I am not patient at all. In fact all of my patience would probably fit in the tip of my little finger. And buying a house apparently requires much patience as it a very long and drawn out process.<br />
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*ugh*<br />
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I have been trying to keep myself busy making plans and lists. The house is very much in walk in and live condition but we are keen to make some changes right off the bat to make it well and truly ours. We are tied into our current rental lease until November so once we have completed and been given the keys this will give us some time to paint and do some work before having to be out of our current place. The plan is to go after work and on the weekends to get it completed. It has been a long time since I've had to do some DIY... this will be fun!<br />
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And of course you all know how much I love taking photos so I will be posting the entire process on here to share with everybody.<br />
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For now though... I guess it is waiting, waiting and more waiting.Christine (Rainy Day Reads)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02377226969822929538noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689287091497107151.post-46413827449944291182010-08-29T13:47:00.000+01:002010-08-29T13:47:35.320+01:00Anniversary In RomeWell it's been an amazing month. Our diets (lifestyle changes) are going great and we were in Italy for a week over our 10 year wedding anniversary!<br />
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We had an amazing holiday and even lived through the 93+ degree heat everyday!! I took many many photos and I have put links to them all below. You do not have to have a Facebook account to look through them... Enjoy!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2063794&id=1048511448&l=1bb184dedf">Rome ~ August 6th, 2010</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2063797&id=1048511448&l=28960ae007">Rome ~ August 7th, 2010</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2064402&id=1048511448&l=f49dd64a1c">Rome ~ August 8th, 2010</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2064406&id=1048511448&l=4918b9192e">Rome ~ August 9th, 2010</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2064501&id=1048511448&l=ccb51d9dbe">Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii ~ August 10th, 2010</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2064604&id=1048511448&l=cf1539a266">Rome ~ August 11th, 2010</a></div>Christine (Rainy Day Reads)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02377226969822929538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689287091497107151.post-39759830195838615102010-07-02T20:59:00.000+01:002010-07-02T20:59:14.257+01:00Checking In...Just thought I would do a quick check in... Nothing much going on to be honest. It was rough going back to work on Monday after having two relaxing weeks off. Andy and I didn't have anything planned but to just workout, relax and watch football. Which is exactly what we did for two whole weeks... it was bliss.<br />
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Then Monday hit and it was back to work. Oh well... it was great while it lasted!<br />
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Our next time off is scheduled in August. We will be celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary on August 11th and we will be celebrating it in.... (drum roll please).... Rome! Can not wait for this trip, it is going to be a blast! We were in Paris in May and that was a great 4 days but we have a whole week in Rome and it is going to be awesome! I think we may take the train for a day trip to Florence and Pisa also.<br />
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Since I was MIA from my blog in May when we went to Paris I'll post a link to the photos from our trip. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2054886&id=1048511448&l=10adf63b5c">Paris ~ Album 1</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2055119&id=1048511448&l=30fda578ac">Paris ~ Album 2</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2055300&id=1048511448&l=2f788f3673">Paris ~ Album 3</a></div>Christine (Rainy Day Reads)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02377226969822929538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689287091497107151.post-67668243780568113042010-06-22T22:12:00.000+01:002010-06-22T22:12:40.739+01:00My New Heart Rate MonitorI would first like to apologize to you that find my new obsession with exercise and calorie counting boring but it's hard to find other things to write about right now for the simple fact that it is a 24/7 lifestyle change and so much of my time is centered around this right now. I hope you don't find it too boring!<br />
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Anyway... Look what I got today.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfGZS_lye1pGiOfFPIQgmx0XFn4z8d_S5JfC1ENZ9YFqzftCGnYVzLwKGqDtaabMrdcCpbI6AXXxY5CcprERNajt1LhJ-W1EiQNbqQvpGey0lwiqjPvnC-jOrVyyaq2sRa3-3M4vekQw/s1600/DSC06125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLfGZS_lye1pGiOfFPIQgmx0XFn4z8d_S5JfC1ENZ9YFqzftCGnYVzLwKGqDtaabMrdcCpbI6AXXxY5CcprERNajt1LhJ-W1EiQNbqQvpGey0lwiqjPvnC-jOrVyyaq2sRa3-3M4vekQw/s400/DSC06125.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This is my new heart rate monitor! I have used it four times already and I can not say enough about how much I love it! The chest strap is just worn during any kind of exercise and it transmits your heart rate to the watch. You are able to keep track of calories burned, heart rate, laps and much, much more.<br />
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After you are done you can go to the Polar website and by putting the watch next to the microphone on the laptop it will transmit all of the details it recorded directly to your profile where you can monitor your progress.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchkPjUApPc_PINJ-LpnN0lSWIrqHEDvHzp46MSHf4mGRh9pu5-j5jBkF4VNIohrGe0z8qflmjqnytYbo4wzfyGUDfWmYzz3VXteeiFcdNS1SCvBGmxe3oLUVuQAvaakqjichmXxqjGsI/s1600/DSC06115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchkPjUApPc_PINJ-LpnN0lSWIrqHEDvHzp46MSHf4mGRh9pu5-j5jBkF4VNIohrGe0z8qflmjqnytYbo4wzfyGUDfWmYzz3VXteeiFcdNS1SCvBGmxe3oLUVuQAvaakqjichmXxqjGsI/s400/DSC06115.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This is my main diary page. It loads the data into the time in which it was recorded and then you can click on it for more detail.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitkZ96eCgtLnUP5T7e9APktpYjwVr0MZpAw1bPzWWJKFiPaV0txRMtb33iuiiAzI6s2JPYlcCyDzo9P4umUpadcPlnHUDFZVVzF-eU1i2DHyE0Dw1tkgKuVhlWgOb4a9uGL2VkRR0KKg/s1600/DSC06154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitkZ96eCgtLnUP5T7e9APktpYjwVr0MZpAw1bPzWWJKFiPaV0txRMtb33iuiiAzI6s2JPYlcCyDzo9P4umUpadcPlnHUDFZVVzF-eU1i2DHyE0Dw1tkgKuVhlWgOb4a9uGL2VkRR0KKg/s400/DSC06154.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
These are the overall details from the exercise. This was recorded during a 30 minute exercise video 'Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred'. As you can see it shows my average heart rate and my maximum heart rate.<br />
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When you click on Training Zones...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZa_cB09XNMl3aFORQQmgVQ3xFCx-LhRhLUgOrdAD3549ci_9TWPH-bSOGaDqBM-F0OfUeCMNNOWH5BSwIDt-CCCSRVW0W1ZbGsItO8E8cB4mUokH9J7u7oIjyH1QIMab_UuCPs6-EO4s/s1600/DSC06107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZa_cB09XNMl3aFORQQmgVQ3xFCx-LhRhLUgOrdAD3549ci_9TWPH-bSOGaDqBM-F0OfUeCMNNOWH5BSwIDt-CCCSRVW0W1ZbGsItO8E8cB4mUokH9J7u7oIjyH1QIMab_UuCPs6-EO4s/s400/DSC06107.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It then breaks down the data into even more detail. It will show you what percentage of time was spent in each Training Zone. I had no idea before starting all of this that there are better zones in which to keep your heart rate in as it will burn more fat in those zones. For me the best zones to be in for this are Zone 3 & 4 (Green & Orange).<br />
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I would also like to say that of course when you do things such as exercise videos you have no idea how many calories you are burning as everybody is different. But on some machines, such as my treadmill, it has a calorie counter. It had always told me that 3 miles = 424 calories. However now with my Heart Rate Monitor I know exactly how many I am burning which turns out to be more around 280! That is a big difference!<br />
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Okay enough about this... I think you guys get the idea of how much I love it!Christine (Rainy Day Reads)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02377226969822929538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689287091497107151.post-88526737922892140782010-06-20T23:50:00.000+01:002010-06-20T23:50:42.234+01:00Nappie/Diaper Cake!At work we had a collection for Laura C. She is leaving us to go on maternity leave and won't be back for nine whole months!<br />
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She is a very creative crafty person so I knew she would appreciate something with a little thought and effort put into it. So I discussed my idea with my co-workers and they all agreed she would love this gift.<br />
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Here is the before shot [after a long day of shopping in the 68<b>° </b>heat]...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVSjU4ifE9Usha8tSUDD97ubrZ76Yg4yRAwRyzKeg_9r9FPX_aYJi3juIcy1GazIr2EGr471-y5CTURRXHlHmG0H4lEPpDJFoOMXjSOhkxIeTGES9M0B8SqKJ9tGTHV9mTjnAaIC8hno/s1600/DSC06073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVSjU4ifE9Usha8tSUDD97ubrZ76Yg4yRAwRyzKeg_9r9FPX_aYJi3juIcy1GazIr2EGr471-y5CTURRXHlHmG0H4lEPpDJFoOMXjSOhkxIeTGES9M0B8SqKJ9tGTHV9mTjnAaIC8hno/s400/DSC06073.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
After I found the colorful polka dot tea towels I knew that they had to be used and that it would be bright and beautiful.<br />
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Here is the after shot...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8ZhWW7eTsfoLQR5eV4MQEOOXqU1-XF3m-lMTyRkSadCMxW-OOUS1x5506nzcMxYiGQNU-iFYy8FV-OFPTRoWlMBNckeH3t2xFnqcEVF6mkiuHhE1-VfwE-0BMZvH9G14V51DwggoZMM/s1600/DSC06095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8ZhWW7eTsfoLQR5eV4MQEOOXqU1-XF3m-lMTyRkSadCMxW-OOUS1x5506nzcMxYiGQNU-iFYy8FV-OFPTRoWlMBNckeH3t2xFnqcEVF6mkiuHhE1-VfwE-0BMZvH9G14V51DwggoZMM/s400/DSC06095.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
I couldn't really figure out a way to get the digital thermometer in the cake without taking up much needed diaper space so I decided to wrap it on the side.<br />
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So each level is made from folding and pinning the tea towels together and then rolling up diapers inside. It officially held around 85 or so. Then all around the tiers, as you can see, I added little goodies for the baby.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SiZoX-7I04PO5xXmi0C9sxvx4RehZSOPsfUxAsRp_2ODZPQiZ8QJ3Z1S-4Vc89is4gKouf_SYhzQ-ugLg1cC2xJlGFvuC21i7cJSKIMOo3QbAoOgzmtRvo-sothR5hrDN5eV74aMUNg/s1600/DSC06099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SiZoX-7I04PO5xXmi0C9sxvx4RehZSOPsfUxAsRp_2ODZPQiZ8QJ3Z1S-4Vc89is4gKouf_SYhzQ-ugLg1cC2xJlGFvuC21i7cJSKIMOo3QbAoOgzmtRvo-sothR5hrDN5eV74aMUNg/s400/DSC06099.JPG" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivoD2Hu1uPF9XPtdJZzIk4OhD_fgszrwcseP1XhFLDeUNUVqirzNAnpD_rGzzgJpOEUCv48qAMrtJS0yIa47jJxmGMsrcr00gZ3-8yF9GaocAbqigdMZEZIEf2OdlG070ct3WTWmiPit0/s1600/DSC06101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivoD2Hu1uPF9XPtdJZzIk4OhD_fgszrwcseP1XhFLDeUNUVqirzNAnpD_rGzzgJpOEUCv48qAMrtJS0yIa47jJxmGMsrcr00gZ3-8yF9GaocAbqigdMZEZIEf2OdlG070ct3WTWmiPit0/s400/DSC06101.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
My favorite part of the whole cake was the cute little caterpillar... how adorable?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvE6nQ0IJ9Gvrelfr05HFYYH8FWVnuNDjGlNkqOnR-Wzrvlw7Nx7xkaHGTwhZSu3wHgyIb7naawbpkKpW4l6dxAL85-N7NjmZOCsuIfjeSXcm7b_avXs4WGeElJIwd6wC_il6wlwSNUEU/s1600/DSC06103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvE6nQ0IJ9Gvrelfr05HFYYH8FWVnuNDjGlNkqOnR-Wzrvlw7Nx7xkaHGTwhZSu3wHgyIb7naawbpkKpW4l6dxAL85-N7NjmZOCsuIfjeSXcm7b_avXs4WGeElJIwd6wC_il6wlwSNUEU/s400/DSC06103.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I was off work on Friday but I took it in for Laura's last day and she LOVED it! As we all knew she would. I'm so glad it turned out so nice cause she deserves the very best! I'm going to miss her loads over the next nine months. But I've already told her that there will be lots of visits.Christine (Rainy Day Reads)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02377226969822929538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689287091497107151.post-34292900309227764522010-06-13T16:01:00.000+01:002010-06-13T16:01:46.854+01:00Lots And Lots of Football!This past Friday was our last day at work for two weeks! That's right... 16 whole days off with nothing planned but lots and lots of relaxing and football watching. *bliss*<br />
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As I am sure most of you know (even if you don't follow football/soccer) the World Cup has started. Last night was the England vs USA match. As I am sure you all know I live in England but I still support USA and there has been quite a bit of banter at work regarding this match. I would have loved to have had a win but having a draw at 1-1 was about the most politically correct score there could have been. We kept up with England even though they planned on blowing past us and now nobody has bragging rights. Good stuff!<br />
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As you can see in my previous posts I had started <a href="http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml">Couch 2 5K</a> but I have decided to put a hold on it. I made it through Week 1 Day 3 but noticed that my right knee was not liking it at all. I had to take three days off from walking because of it and that is not want I'm wanting to do. Right now I'm trying to lose at least 2lbs a week and yes working myself up to Running 3 Miles straight would help with the exercise but if it stops me from even being able to walk then I'm not going to get any exercise done. So for now I am going to hold off on running and just keep walking as much as I can. My knee still hurts a little a day after a long walk (did 5 miles yesterday) but I'm allowing myself one day on and one day off to rest and it seems to be better then. After I have gotten myself to a comfortable weight then I will look to start the program again.<br />
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When Andy and I started tracking all of our calories I thought it was going to be a pain in the butt to track every little thing but honestly we find it so easy now. We are both tracking them at <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/">My Fitness Pal</a> and it has to be the easiest thing to use ever! Almost all of the food we have come across is already listed and only a few things have had to be corrected. <br />
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I have also found my measuring to be much easier than I first thought because of me purchasing the below cutting board.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZH9dmGgVPWWQFXL_FCd8ucO3LfpEecEDvZQWm0PUcdgK-sRjZvUR2iTa8WMcSTAfBxFXsNiOuQO82MSILB9quAPcQ8ElK4iEJOlmQ05NGp-P5ImZye5_7yso-F3Mi8BlJJi3JDFnv8m4/s1600/DSC06067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZH9dmGgVPWWQFXL_FCd8ucO3LfpEecEDvZQWm0PUcdgK-sRjZvUR2iTa8WMcSTAfBxFXsNiOuQO82MSILB9quAPcQ8ElK4iEJOlmQ05NGp-P5ImZye5_7yso-F3Mi8BlJJi3JDFnv8m4/s400/DSC06067.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
When I first moved to England I found it so hard to cook here. I am used to using tablespoons, ounces, cups and Fahrenheit. Now everything is in milliliters, grams, liters and Celsius. It has been a learning curve to say the least. Well know with this handy cutting board I just have to look down and compare. <br />
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I love it!Christine (Rainy Day Reads)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02377226969822929538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689287091497107151.post-72076371727879926602010-06-05T22:41:00.004+01:002010-06-13T12:41:55.187+01:00It's Been A Hot One!Well today (for England standards) was a scorcher! The highest was 75° with the sun shining bright... thankfully the weather says it is going to start cooling down tomorrow and there might even be some rain. Yay!<br />
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So I figured I would give everybody a glimpse into where I have been spending a lot of time lately...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsIijhpQw2qKNFozFDQIE1PWwEsIvUZNPqZQ3eXCsy_iM_kZgBXGybkmZ7GElmGHX8gkEBltyhXDlfEwVwGSbfdgx2BaS9fO2Yd8Jok-TUhmnHPvSFTptJVDWbMCMWMQVc-1O_afs3sLA/s1600/DSC06036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsIijhpQw2qKNFozFDQIE1PWwEsIvUZNPqZQ3eXCsy_iM_kZgBXGybkmZ7GElmGHX8gkEBltyhXDlfEwVwGSbfdgx2BaS9fO2Yd8Jok-TUhmnHPvSFTptJVDWbMCMWMQVc-1O_afs3sLA/s400/DSC06036.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
As you can see... This is my treadmill. Of course I have a much needed fan pointing right on me. I have my iPhone plugged into speakers next to me. I don't listen to music though, this is used for my Couch to 5K application, it tells me when to switch from walking to running. Instead of listening to music I choose to watch TV which honestly seems to make the time go by really fast. I use the time to catch up on all of my shows, right now I am catching up with Brothers and Sisters.<br />
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Today I also bought some cool new wrist weights.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQxl2_lRKiGGdbYUAkNDtRZHTL_BSKtP9se-m6otYhILjIXsMLiFMdY5gSGimVHXEtQpn9CGXyxJ61LdnRMLnlnaMZHoBpIS8d49GnsId_iFiZx3glzSjc3DqM3XTWAGh556_860zVIA/s1600/DSC06054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQxl2_lRKiGGdbYUAkNDtRZHTL_BSKtP9se-m6otYhILjIXsMLiFMdY5gSGimVHXEtQpn9CGXyxJ61LdnRMLnlnaMZHoBpIS8d49GnsId_iFiZx3glzSjc3DqM3XTWAGh556_860zVIA/s400/DSC06054.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
They have nifty little thumb holes that make it so that they don't slide up and down, which can really hurt. They had two sizes so I went with the smaller ones for now, they are just over 1 pound each. I was surprised at how much I actually felt it when I was walking. I didn't use them while doing the C25K (Couch to 5K) Week 1 Day 2 as I don't need any extra weight during the running portions right now! But after that 30 minutes was over I continued on walking for another 47 minutes so that I could make it to 4 miles so I used them then. Yes.. Me.. 4 miles.. It's crazy! I hate walking, but again I come back to the TV, it makes it so much easier to just focus and watch it.<br />
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Here is how it ended up...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9e1OFQnJYpfLi2UkEEAt_taLYJhmoggdNUrW6bhYzdArFs551dJsr9uo0QovHc00-iHAkZoAoi5ECZCbRnxQgwD3r4Diz5QrxnO0rCvag6TcGtIc-khSXF-dB9iFzZK-s1SyUVzX2VV4/s1600/DSC06063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9e1OFQnJYpfLi2UkEEAt_taLYJhmoggdNUrW6bhYzdArFs551dJsr9uo0QovHc00-iHAkZoAoi5ECZCbRnxQgwD3r4Diz5QrxnO0rCvag6TcGtIc-khSXF-dB9iFzZK-s1SyUVzX2VV4/s400/DSC06063.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The distance is in Kilometers and not Miles so I always have to convert it but I have already remembered what 2, 3 and 4 miles are so that is all I really need to know.<br />
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Tomorrow will be a rest day so that on Monday I can attempt C25K Week 1 Day 3. But even more exciting than that... Andy and I only have 5 days of work left until we are off for 2 whole weeks! I am so excited to have 16 days off in a row... And that will be filled with tons of football watching, I am SO excited for the World Cup!!!Christine (Rainy Day Reads)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02377226969822929538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689287091497107151.post-8672861044309654422010-06-01T22:09:00.001+01:002010-06-01T22:15:17.695+01:00Off To A Good Start...Not sure if you have noticed the little weight tracker off to the right side of the page? -------------><br />
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Well Andy and I have both started a lifestyle change... I like the sound of 'lifestyle change' rather than diet. We are weighing all of our food, counting our calories and exercising. We started on May 20th and have picked Sundays to weigh in. This past Sunday we both did and the results were good! After a week and a half I had lost 5 lbs and Andy had lost 6 lbs. Of course with any change such as this the first couple of weeks are easy to lose as they say it is mostly water weight. But that had to be on me somewhere and I'm just glad it is now off and never to return!<br />
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Andy joined a gym not too far a drive from where we live but I have decided to focus mainly on using our treadmill. I like using our treadmill and for now it is perfect for me. I have it in our dining room/kitchen area and there is even a TV set up just in front of it so I just catch up on shows I have missed.<br />
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Over the weekend <a href="http://meguk365.blogspot.com/">Meg</a> had mentioned that she was going to restart the Couch to 5k (C25K) program and asked if there were any others that wanted to be her fitness buddies. So I jumped on the bandwagon and decided to give it a go.<br />
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Over the past two weeks I have been making sure that I walk 3 times a week, 3 miles each time. Not bad as everybody who knows me, knows how much I hate walking! Well the C25K program is designed to gradually get you from walking to running for 5K (3 miles). You can read all about it <a href="http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml">HERE</a>.<br />
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Well today was Week 1 - Day 1. You start with a 5 minute warm up then you alternate 60 seconds running then 90 seconds brisk walking. You do this for 20 minutes and then end with a 5 minute warm down.<br />
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I honestly think I may have blacked out in the middle of it but it seems I have made it through alive! I will not lie it was tough. After I was done I had gone 2.68km/1.66mi. Since I had been normally going 3 miles I decided to stay on and walk at 2.5mph until I hit 4.83km/3mi... and I did it!<br />
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I was knackered like I haven't been in ages but am so proud of myself! I know it can only get easier from here so bring on Week 1 - Day 2! Well after my day off in between of course.<br />
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I have an overall goal set in terms of weight loss but have also set my first 'mini' goal. It is to lose 22 lbs before August 11th. Why August 11th? That is Andy and my 10 Year wedding anniversary and we will be in Rome so it would be nice to be a bit lighter for all the walking we will have to do in the hot Italian Summer sun!Christine (Rainy Day Reads)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02377226969822929538noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689287091497107151.post-46363480924120585312010-05-31T23:00:00.000+01:002010-06-01T00:31:50.041+01:00I'm Back... But Not In The Same WayI will be the first one to admit that I have failed and keeping my 365 Blog up and going for two years straight! Did very well until March and then something just happened... I realized that there isn't that much variety in my days and I was struggling to get pictures taken. <br /><br />So... I took a much needed break away from posting and now I am back. There is a new look on the place and I have decided that my blog will simply be updated when I have something to share. Could be something interesting or it could just be something stupid. But either way it will be on my terms and not required on a daily basis. There are just not enough hours in the day to keep that up for more than a year.<br /><br />So there it is. Glad to be back... hope you don't hate that there won't be a photo a day.Christine (Rainy Day Reads)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02377226969822929538noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689287091497107151.post-5349713870977487362010-03-08T20:46:00.005+00:002010-03-08T21:22:12.594+00:00Year Two 159/365 : Customer Service? Pah-lease<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYK7wV7pVvVkg1547WoK12s5F9NGHza_pP2FPfMaQgH7iKIjfEEt71-B7c11p63macxNbj9ohRpgUFq3apHZTEX2nqExyFVCq6KCthcPNfTsVGtlKzxGkxOtm4ocQp0Q03E8MnpstGxA/s1600-h/IMG_0462.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYK7wV7pVvVkg1547WoK12s5F9NGHza_pP2FPfMaQgH7iKIjfEEt71-B7c11p63macxNbj9ohRpgUFq3apHZTEX2nqExyFVCq6KCthcPNfTsVGtlKzxGkxOtm4ocQp0Q03E8MnpstGxA/s400/IMG_0462.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446367736652669426" border="0" /></a><br />After work Andy wanted to run to Game to pick up a new Playstation 3 game so I decided to go next door to Sport Direct. The last time I was in there they had these really great knee high socks. I bought a couple pair then but wanted to see if they had any more.<br /><br />Finally after walking around searching for about 10 minutes I found this display and at the very tip top... there they were.<br /><br />I didn't know how I was expected to get them down so I went over to the counter and asked, here is how that conversation went:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Me</span>: Hi! I would like some of those socks at the top of that display, how would I get those down?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Worker</span>: Which ones?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Me</span>: Those at the very top, the knee length ones.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Worker</span>: I'm sorry, what was that?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Me</span>: (inside my head I was thinking 'let me repeat in slower English, yes that is right I ALSO SPEAK ENGLISH it just doesn't sound like your English) Those at the very top,the ones with the bright stripes.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Worker</span>: Oh, have you looked around the store to see if there are any you can reach?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Me</span>: Yeah I have and those are the only ones.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Worker</span>: Are you sure? Have you looked over in the bargain area?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Me</span>: Yep I have been looking for about 10 minutes but those are the only I could find.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Worker</span>: Right well let me see if I can get you somebody to help.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Me</span>: (inside my head I was thinking 'sorry I thought you were the one that could help') Right okay I'll just wait over by the display.<br /><br />-----waiting-----<br /><br />-----waiting-----<br /><br />Finally went back over to the counter and asked again for help... she said somebody would be over right away. (This was after I had to pull her away from her private conversation with another co-worker)<br /><br />-----waiting-----<br /><br />-----waiting-----<br /><br />Finally after waiting for about 10 minutes a kid comes over.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kid Worker</span>: Are you the one wanting the socks at the top?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Me</span>: (inside my head I was thinking 'yeah sorry for actually wanting to buy some of your merchandise and sorry that you put it so high I couldn't get it myself) Yep that's me!<br /><br />He got me a few pairs and brought them down. They were 50% off so at £1.29 a piece I wasn't walking out without a few of them.<br /><br />I guess this whole exchange could have been worse though... At least I had two conversations and neither one of them asked me if I was American or why I would choose to live in England over America.<br /><br />So yeah, it could have been worse.Christine (Rainy Day Reads)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02377226969822929538noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689287091497107151.post-58813736566622564022010-03-07T20:38:00.000+00:002010-03-08T20:46:34.921+00:00Year Two 158/365 : Now All I Need...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhguOWyH_8n6Z90UkCa3UwZ8et-qxIll22_p3IKCZO2IH-yyN3QXhwXdSmb5AlqnPASnsGs0KfCJxahtamw7q-ATMuayR7gBIK8Fv-G7nAQbCAWHGFOTMZV3A4FsQmlRuQkcg-_TLZThcY/s1600-h/DSC05421.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhguOWyH_8n6Z90UkCa3UwZ8et-qxIll22_p3IKCZO2IH-yyN3QXhwXdSmb5AlqnPASnsGs0KfCJxahtamw7q-ATMuayR7gBIK8Fv-G7nAQbCAWHGFOTMZV3A4FsQmlRuQkcg-_TLZThcY/s400/DSC05421.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446365991453795906" border="0" /></a><br />... is to learn how to quill!<br /><br />I finally got all of my quilling supplies organized and in order but I haven't been able to actually start practicing yet.<br /><br />Oh how I wish there were more hours in a day!Christine (Rainy Day Reads)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02377226969822929538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689287091497107151.post-14993738828520490222010-03-06T20:31:00.001+00:002010-03-08T20:38:23.803+00:00Year Two 157/365 : That Time Of Year Again<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ANqSla_14qeuPRuMCLUzJq2M4Xsn3RkQ0LPhvqQaHY1_-yVuoDHF-kxGWGwlCFwRdxVkc1zKxU7nfo8e53bl80xLScrF8UnuIG-dyUnKoVRooGjPwIkQKUjfLTLdo8PewtFM90o08G0/s1600-h/DSC05417.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ANqSla_14qeuPRuMCLUzJq2M4Xsn3RkQ0LPhvqQaHY1_-yVuoDHF-kxGWGwlCFwRdxVkc1zKxU7nfo8e53bl80xLScrF8UnuIG-dyUnKoVRooGjPwIkQKUjfLTLdo8PewtFM90o08G0/s400/DSC05417.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446363469931802130" border="0" /></a><br />Everton season tickets go on sale Monday and we got our renewal packet in the post today. We have until April 17th to renew with an early bird discount.<br /><br />We will be keeping our same seats because we love them and I feel moving anywhere else would put some kind of jinx on the team! hahaChristine (Rainy Day Reads)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02377226969822929538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689287091497107151.post-53853222938762157642010-03-05T20:21:00.001+00:002010-03-08T20:29:46.819+00:00Year Two 156/365 : Still Sunny...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDL_c7nzSfDoMrAYwCTg0RbxfcUanfEc-87QEMPWkTAjMd4fn3Ge2KEYQIqcjwZZ3vTzH-YLhSUgFHYxk6hI0LbrhuIES74X68y22N4uPazza-5fYuiu7q2sIBv8vzSMSAgGy4DA-U_I/s1600-h/DSC05410.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDL_c7nzSfDoMrAYwCTg0RbxfcUanfEc-87QEMPWkTAjMd4fn3Ge2KEYQIqcjwZZ3vTzH-YLhSUgFHYxk6hI0LbrhuIES74X68y22N4uPazza-5fYuiu7q2sIBv8vzSMSAgGy4DA-U_I/s400/DSC05410.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446360993799171650" border="0" /></a><br />We were driving home at around 5:45pm and realized the sun was still out. Another sure sign that Spring is on the way.<br /><br />I would be depressed because it also means warmer weather is on the way but here it doesn't really ever get that hot so it's all good!Christine (Rainy Day Reads)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02377226969822929538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689287091497107151.post-81312219495202800182010-03-04T19:59:00.000+00:002010-03-08T20:20:37.236+00:00Year Two 155/365 : Moving Billboard...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWXGO10fca2-gDaCgdHogXlRgjRSi2WwiJTS7fr8xyCTvQ2CUnu2gRNqB6NQZJtkdeqtgC1VKzbjtckhXZCmAGBu4GGQHCCScvmxGhgWPp19kkqEnYTul0oWRpJA-h0HsfGhCJP5GoOk/s1600-h/DSC05402.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWXGO10fca2-gDaCgdHogXlRgjRSi2WwiJTS7fr8xyCTvQ2CUnu2gRNqB6NQZJtkdeqtgC1VKzbjtckhXZCmAGBu4GGQHCCScvmxGhgWPp19kkqEnYTul0oWRpJA-h0HsfGhCJP5GoOk/s400/DSC05402.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446355842349241698" border="0" /></a><br />This truck was just driving around with a billboard on the back. Strange.Christine (Rainy Day Reads)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02377226969822929538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689287091497107151.post-8079958948591421002010-03-03T19:24:00.000+00:002010-03-08T19:59:37.782+00:00Year Two 154/365 : Post Boxes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhBHAtm3-v504KHuwekza173PJvidVZj4carmZrCeZlyknmzZfFhPPgxkFnBKKiSLXZX1DqQfSlHCbaiF5h8_2IHh9j8Ds76wFWHJOtBIopU-Bbc5CLUm5gbuiKrx67hg9lCz1fnyriA/s1600-h/DSC05401.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhBHAtm3-v504KHuwekza173PJvidVZj4carmZrCeZlyknmzZfFhPPgxkFnBKKiSLXZX1DqQfSlHCbaiF5h8_2IHh9j8Ds76wFWHJOtBIopU-Bbc5CLUm5gbuiKrx67hg9lCz1fnyriA/s400/DSC05401.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446346260164415266" border="0" /></a><br />I love <a style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pillar_box">English post boxes</a>! There is so much history behind them and I love finding new ones that I have never seen before.<br /><br />I know... this is odd but I do love them.Christine (Rainy Day Reads)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02377226969822929538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689287091497107151.post-8326998778686764282010-03-02T19:05:00.003+00:002010-03-08T19:21:55.722+00:00Year Two 153/365 : Foooooooooooooog<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaLGDwqLkKulV86CfGApL_g20YHD4RY3KM-KX1S4diCYxPwL0Kx5qv3xySChVfLzz-C7tv-fuhYZKaCw0lC6Jv0eoahZQNaPgjZSRt4Bx1urNwhkQj7_C4SNsRZQzryIjV6ebMdIniPo/s1600-h/DSC05400.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaLGDwqLkKulV86CfGApL_g20YHD4RY3KM-KX1S4diCYxPwL0Kx5qv3xySChVfLzz-C7tv-fuhYZKaCw0lC6Jv0eoahZQNaPgjZSRt4Bx1urNwhkQj7_C4SNsRZQzryIjV6ebMdIniPo/s400/DSC05400.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446342949656613074" border="0" /></a><br />Terrible fog on the way into work this morning. It didn't last log though.. was sunny by around 11am.<br /><br />Spring is coming!Christine (Rainy Day Reads)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02377226969822929538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689287091497107151.post-38561725516615160812010-03-01T20:00:00.003+00:002010-03-03T20:07:11.374+00:00Year Two 152/365 : Strange Weather<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7FlNusxekub208Zo0j-lCB42qS975qyPNnLHoIeqNC2ULntMkdGwCH52EM4dX24Ao-mhUsb3r35CYm2uvuNWCoXuJvYX_4i8Id6WE38i8RqIvpOTtDeP6Wx3Ur7HbNu1xsGd3j4ppeY/s1600-h/DSC05381.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7FlNusxekub208Zo0j-lCB42qS975qyPNnLHoIeqNC2ULntMkdGwCH52EM4dX24Ao-mhUsb3r35CYm2uvuNWCoXuJvYX_4i8Id6WE38i8RqIvpOTtDeP6Wx3Ur7HbNu1xsGd3j4ppeY/s400/DSC05381.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444500143736056962" border="0" /></a><br />It started out really sunny this morning. Then it turned really dark and hailed for a little while and then sunny again. Then when we were out in our car at lunch it started hailing again. Ended sunny but still very cold.<br /><br />Was very strange weather all day!Christine (Rainy Day Reads)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02377226969822929538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689287091497107151.post-76498929749183502232010-02-28T18:57:00.003+00:002010-03-03T19:59:30.163+00:00Year Two 151/365 : Quilling Board<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj94eWty4AQ82Scvn6UwzECEItfDd5lxgckMVZspA_dcmCUIaxrEidILuS1rCivIlOelrMbJotCWcNb3y_Gt5dMeAYBqGT-okzaDFQK-Pc6o6G7pxuih3ehGisFRZHAsZfOt2zVtAqydA/s1600-h/DSC05391.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj94eWty4AQ82Scvn6UwzECEItfDd5lxgckMVZspA_dcmCUIaxrEidILuS1rCivIlOelrMbJotCWcNb3y_Gt5dMeAYBqGT-okzaDFQK-Pc6o6G7pxuih3ehGisFRZHAsZfOt2zVtAqydA/s400/DSC05391.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444484095510268322" border="0" /></a><br />As you could tell with my previous posts I am slowly but surely getting all of the supplies needed for Quilling together so that I can work on a few new projects. <br /><br />Well this is my new fancy Quilling board. My Mom had said it was required to get a cork board to work on as it is needed to hold your quills in place as the glue dries. When I found this one online I knew I had to get it. I thought the pre-shaped cut outs would help with forming pieces.<br /><br />I can't wait to get everything together and start playing around with my new craft!Christine (Rainy Day Reads)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02377226969822929538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689287091497107151.post-29335160928324705642010-02-27T18:21:00.001+00:002010-03-03T18:57:32.784+00:00Year Two 150/365 : Thank Goodness...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44T9V67wwYy5CSXRuBvxISbClCWg96d9de_xc-y6BJTv-D1eTUdOjLX75AJHZiYTLsiFSO89pFxcyx1XS-jW4YiHwb6l3BwlF48qss5c5LM9DtH0v40NjAzVicQFRs6-qvnR9oErAAQo/s1600-h/DSC05398.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44T9V67wwYy5CSXRuBvxISbClCWg96d9de_xc-y6BJTv-D1eTUdOjLX75AJHZiYTLsiFSO89pFxcyx1XS-jW4YiHwb6l3BwlF48qss5c5LM9DtH0v40NjAzVicQFRs6-qvnR9oErAAQo/s400/DSC05398.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444474724826424946" border="0" /></a><br />... For Ikea!<br /><br />Today was my Saturday to work so when I got out at 1:00pm I went and picked Laura C up and we headed off to Ikea and Hobbycraft.<br /><br />I was in search of Shadow Box Frames. Yes I know they shouldn't be that difficult to find but over here it was! Thankfully Ikea had them and not at a too bad of a price either. I picked up a couple white ones and a black one. <br /><br />Even though it is against my very nature to buy anything from <a href="http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/Home.aspx"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Hobby 'Rip You Off' Craft</span></a> (because of how much they jack up their prices) there are some things that you just can't find anywhere else so we also stopped by there. I ended up finding the cutest flower paper punches so I picked those up. They were not even that expensive either which was a shock!Christine (Rainy Day Reads)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02377226969822929538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689287091497107151.post-11481949937198202602010-02-26T18:06:00.003+00:002010-03-03T18:21:01.478+00:00Year Two 149/365 : Up, Up And Away<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0w2iL94tu68g6PpjUhA7W8LuTMDZ6mWuHVtwoVsu2egizkVqCVlL4wHXd2mpfvT8OVL-buBDaS3YpdNQtly9qC_rxoIIpx8SvPJ3fCQ6nGLNCzIsR2c6wtQ42I7i8f7N_NK8txjK-MwQ/s1600-h/DSC05385.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0w2iL94tu68g6PpjUhA7W8LuTMDZ6mWuHVtwoVsu2egizkVqCVlL4wHXd2mpfvT8OVL-buBDaS3YpdNQtly9qC_rxoIIpx8SvPJ3fCQ6nGLNCzIsR2c6wtQ42I7i8f7N_NK8txjK-MwQ/s400/DSC05385.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444470912093121362" border="0" /></a><br />Spotted these balloons on our way into work today but couldn't get my camera out in time. Was pretty happy to see they were still there on our way back home.<br /><br />The sun came out to play today... too bad I was stuck at work for most of the day.Christine (Rainy Day Reads)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02377226969822929538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689287091497107151.post-16719380768824478782010-02-25T21:53:00.000+00:002010-02-26T22:10:58.061+00:00Year Two 148/365 : Got Quilling... Can Travel<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jq2EcGza-k6r_-BJqkxsIeXKzawwC2MHEOxRN2d5t-6RA01KpNW9lY7uOREctqye_HUIXnpMAs0HgQ-Zin128Ei6nERX0OduSf_Yr-Kmti3UuTwrvBSoziFkNjxpVLv0RM-_8eDmPkQ/s1600-h/DSC05369.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jq2EcGza-k6r_-BJqkxsIeXKzawwC2MHEOxRN2d5t-6RA01KpNW9lY7uOREctqye_HUIXnpMAs0HgQ-Zin128Ei6nERX0OduSf_Yr-Kmti3UuTwrvBSoziFkNjxpVLv0RM-_8eDmPkQ/s400/DSC05369.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442673806163605010" border="0" /></a><br />I picked this up at <a style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);" href="http://www.homebase.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreCatalogDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=20001">Homebase</a> after work tonight. It is going to be perfect to keep all of my Quilling stuff together. The plastic containers have dividers inside that run long ways. It will be perfect for my papers and a way to keep them from getting smashed and tore up.<br /><br />There are also little grooves and square pieces of plastic that you can use to make smaller storage areas and this will be nice for my tools, pins, etc...<br /><br />I love being organized!Christine (Rainy Day Reads)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02377226969822929538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689287091497107151.post-67541242347702594962010-02-24T21:45:00.000+00:002010-02-26T21:52:45.206+00:00Year Two 147/365 : Love Ya Mom!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvcL2cplcvjiUqDZeTGUKpSiZdel7XxowqNV_ymEO9Smb5fPxR_gsEMKMcaUVre3RxI0-y0MB1EamzsfMmy9REu6frzF519W6SI-r1HRKbmmvks-1jpD-NgUj6sMlq4OQwzj4HHSWjhE/s1600-h/DSC05367.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvcL2cplcvjiUqDZeTGUKpSiZdel7XxowqNV_ymEO9Smb5fPxR_gsEMKMcaUVre3RxI0-y0MB1EamzsfMmy9REu6frzF519W6SI-r1HRKbmmvks-1jpD-NgUj6sMlq4OQwzj4HHSWjhE/s400/DSC05367.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442671634812215906" border="0" /></a><br />These are just some of the goodies that I got in the post today from my Mom!<br /><br />I have been wanting to get into Quilling so Mom was nice enough to pick some supplies up for me to send with a little care package. I was almost out of dry Ranch dressing and we know I can't live without that! She had bought the pumpkin carving kits just after Halloween. They do not have these over here and since carving pumpkins is one of my favorite things to do how could I be without these?<br /><br />Thanks mom!! Love ya! xxChristine (Rainy Day Reads)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02377226969822929538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3689287091497107151.post-67007905095758495542010-02-23T21:34:00.001+00:002010-02-26T21:44:29.358+00:00Year Two 146/365 : Yet Again... Snow!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXEWz5QIysB3QcY0l6OUHNbcs-4zIvxgo2fxgfcrewGK9UbQE_fVTrHenRHpmxGaSd5BOWvoetQzLtbyvZC7n_kNaR4ntchjKgAioNY1ptnu4WBG2_zMpVCyT_yIbqb6jpVBBNtM0Gd8/s1600-h/DSC05361.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXEWz5QIysB3QcY0l6OUHNbcs-4zIvxgo2fxgfcrewGK9UbQE_fVTrHenRHpmxGaSd5BOWvoetQzLtbyvZC7n_kNaR4ntchjKgAioNY1ptnu4WBG2_zMpVCyT_yIbqb6jpVBBNtM0Gd8/s400/DSC05361.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442669121602884994" border="0" /></a><br />Was snowing really badly again on our way home tonight. I love the snow however most of the others at work hate it.<br /><br />This didn't stay around very long though... by around 9pm it had turned to rain and everything was gone.<br /><br />Shame.Christine (Rainy Day Reads)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02377226969822929538noreply@blogger.com0