Life is a Journey – Page 254 – The life and times of Libby Withnall

Daily Routines

Posted on August 16, 2010November 12, 2026 by Libby Withnall

I took some time over the weekend to get my sorted and refocussed on what I want to get achieved each day. This includes not just stuff to do around the house, but what fun things I want to do (like scrapbooking) and how I want to feel about myself (eating healthy, getting in my exercise, dressing decent and putting on make-up even if I’m not leaving the house). In order to make this happen I reworked my daily routine.

I tried to be fairly detailed, esp with the time as this is where I’m really failing at the moment. I made to schedule in computer time – Amy thought it was a lot but if I stick to this I have 1.5 hours which I’m sure is a lot less than what I’ve been spending. I also need to work on not using the computer at night when Kevin is home as he’s been feeling a bit neglected. I’m sure having it all written in black (or in this case blue) and white and stuck on the fridge will help me stick to it. I also planned exercise and meal/snack breaks which hopefully keep me out of the kitchen in between :-). The basic premise is work in the morning, craft time after lunch, a few more chores after girls get home and then time with Kevin after dinner. I will give this new routine a go for a few weeks then make any chances that are required.

Amy also made up routines for herself and Christy which they have to complete in order to get some pocket money each week.

The next thing I needed to do in order to be organised for the week was do a menu plan.

At times I have done this monthly but usually find a weekly basis works best for me. I try to put in one or two new recipes each week and make sure to plan easy dinners on late nights or busy days.

I also took time to go over the detailed zone cleaning list (al la Flylady.net) – the last one I had was written a few years back when the girls had a lot more toys. Wish me luck getting back into my groove :-).

A Day in My Life – August

Posted on August 15, 2010November 12, 2026 by Libby Withnall

Was it truly two months ago when we counting down the last few days till our trip? A lot of people asked did our trip go by fast. Thankfully it didn’t and in fact, it seems like we were gone a lot longer than 6 weeks :-). We did so much and saw so much that each day was almost like a weeks holiday.

Woke us this morning around 7am. I’m still finding it hard to get moving in the morning but the days are getting longer now and the sun is rising not long after 6am. Made myself a cup of tea. Funnily enough after all the lovely English teas I’m not enjoying my Daintree the way I used to :-(. I also had a few of the choc chip cookies I made yesterday and played on the computer.

I ended up buying a few classes from Big Picture Scrapbooking.

Around 9am I went up for my shower and to get dressed. When I came downstairs Christy had come home (she spent last night at Nan’s and Amy was at the neighbours) and was playing Wii in her new soccer shin pads! And no, she was no playing soccer today – just practicing wearing them :-).

I made a cheese and pineapple jaffle for Kevin and myself for breakfast.

Then got started on my weekend to-do list. First up I emptied the dishwasher and cleaning the kitchen, then hung out the washing I had started earlier. Then I fed and watered all the animals, including the chooks.

Next up was the ironing. I was good girl and even put it all away when I was done – something I more often than not put off doing.

Kevin is going for the “hubby of the day” award and made me a cup of tea, which he kindly served with some cookies :-).

While having my tea break I started work on a photobook for my Dad’s belated birthday present. I took time to do some training with the dogs and was still working on the book a few hours later when it was time for lunch. An easy one today – reheated cheesy potato chowder.

Just before 2pm Mum and came over and we headed to my friends Partylite (candle) party.

It was nice few hours. I love partylite candles and have used them exclusively for about 8 years. It was also nice to catch up with friends I haven’t seen since before we went away – I’ve been a bit of a hermit since coming home :-).

We were back home around 4.30pm. After I got the girls to clean up the mess they made while I was gone, I made some cocktails which Kevin and I enjoyed in the spa.

I finished off the photobook and sent off the order. Amy was kind enough to make us dinner tonight – corn fritters. She made enough for Nan & Pop as well as she was sleeping at their place tonight.

Kevin and I then settled down to watch some episodes of Becoming Erica – a new to us show that we’re really enjoying.

and yes, the dogs got settled as well :-).

It’s been a lovely start to the weekend – much more like a Sunday than Saturday for us (esp. with Kevin not going into work), which means the weekend will feel like it lasts a while :-).

Bad Food Blogger

Posted on August 14, 2010November 13, 2026 by Libby Withnall

Sorry I’ve been such a bad food blogger. Between settling back into routine and being very blah about food at the moment I’m trying to decide whether to keep the food blog going. I know my posts are fairly boring but don’t know if I’ve got the time to make them more interesting. Maybe I should just do more food posts (like a weekly recap) on my main blog. Please let me know what you think.

To try and play catch up I’m just going to share some meals/snacks from the week.

A red onion and chili roll from Bakers Delight. Not very good for you but VERY yummy :-).

Pita bread with cheese, mayo, tomato and homegrown sprouts.

My beloved green smoothie.

Hawaiian Stir fry – courtesy of Lisa at Bake Bike Blog. SOOOOOO delicious.

Homemade pizza – this was actually for breakfast 🙂

Cheese with plum paste on crackers.

An omelet made by Amy.

A sandwich while on an excursion with Amy.

And some of my Dad’s birthday cake 🙂

A fun-filled Thursday

Posted on August 13, 2010November 13, 2026 by Libby Withnall

Sorry I’ve been so absent on the blog. It’s really taking quite some time getting back into the swing of things. I’m almost there and hopefully will get back to regular blogging soon.

Yesterday I joined Amy on her AG class excursion to Kiama. We met the class at the railway station and walked the blow hole. It was a very different experience to the last time we were here which some of you might remember. Today it was cool but we had a beautiful blue sky and just a little breeze.

The blowhole in action.

And the class releasing balloons to test wind speed/direction.

We then had recess – just like at school :-). Mine was even packed in my lunchbox.

I ate a muffin while enjoying the view.

Loved this sign…

We then caught a bus around to the little blow hole – which was in fact blowing bigger than the big blowhole.

And I decided I could quite happily live in one of these homes overlooking the blowhole. Mind you I probably wouldn’t like having lots of people walk past my house and interupting co my view :-).

Then the main part of the trip…for me at least… a dairy farm in Jamberoo.

The owner, Kerry Burke, showed us around and told us all about how they operate. I’m pleased to say I’m still happy to include milk as part of my lacto-ovo diet.

The milking stalls…

Some one week female meat calves waiting to be picked up by new owners. These lucky girls are going to be used for breeding.

and some dairy calves…

These girls are waiting to give birth…

And these girls were enjoying the lovely day…

We had lunch before leaving the farm. Hmm, I could get used to eating with a view – feels like I’m on holidays again :-).

It was a truly lovely Winters day.

And of course, no trip to Kiama is complete with an ice-cream.

When we got back home we went over to Nan & Pops to celebrate Pop’s birthday.

So yummy….

Then tonight we headed back out again for Christy to sing as part of the massed school choir. She was so excited and happy to have us all their to watch her.

She’s in the front row, forth from the left, for her school performance.

Unfortunately when the massed choir sung (half is seated on the floor) we couldn’t see her very well – being the little thing that she is.

She had a great night and we were very proud of her.