November In Review

Hi, What a month, it's been so busy. I'd say this month had two very defined events which would be the Bonfire weekend and my trip to London last weekend. In between these two events I got some serious reading done and I'm now on track for my Goodreads challenge (I hope it stays that way).

Goals for November 8/10

• Give my car a check before Winter hits
  
• Read, read and do more reading
• Go to a bonfire
• Continue enjoying blogging
• Start planning for Christmas
• Eat Bonfire food
• Buy an Advent Calendar
• Plan a trip away
• Go to the cinemas
• Make my home cosy for Winter

Bonfire night this year was so much fun. I went to an organised bonfire and firework display which was great, the bonfire is so big you don't feel the cold. On the big night I had my family round and ate all the yummy food over our incinerator bin and set off some really tiny rockets, it was so fun. I planned a trip to London with my bestie to go see Young Frankenstein (which was very good, highly recommend) and while we were there we got tickets to see Phantom of the Opera. So I didn't go the cinema but I saw two London shows so I'm crossing that goal off.

I've had to de-ice my car so many times this month and the temperature has definitely dropped so I'm glad I've sorted out my car. I'm a little disappointed that I didn't do more blogging this month but I have been busy doing other things. I bought a Lindt Advent calendar which I can not wait to start opening tomorrow. After last year and my very bare Christmas tree I've gone a bit mad buying baubles. I haven't made much of an effort to change anything around the house but I think the house will be much more festive in the next few days!

What did you do this month?

Sam

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Monthly Mini Goals | November

Hi, We're into the eleventh month of the year, we're so close to the end of 2017 now. I've started buying Christmas presents and I really want to get out the decoration so I know what to buy to match my growing collection. Bonfire night is in just a few days and I can't wait to go to a firework display.

Goals for November

• Give my car a check before Winter hits
  
• Read, read and do more reading
• Go to a bonfire
• Continue enjoying blogging
• Start planning for Christmas
• Eat Bonfire food
• Buy an Advent Calendar
• Plan a trip away
• Go to the cinemas
• Make my home cosy for Winter

I've got a trip to the bonfire we've attended for the last few years planned but I'm also inviting my parents and sister round for some bonfire night food (Jacket potatoes, chilli and hotdogs) on the 5th. I'm really looking forward to Christmas and I feel it's allowed now. I want to get a nice advent calendar and I need to start thinking of gift ideas. We've already had a few days where I've had to defrost my car in the morning so I want to make sure my car is sorted before it gets really cold. I really need to get reading if I want to complete my goodreads challenge.

Are you going to a bonfire this year?

Sam

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October In Review

Hi, Happy Halloween! It's a while since I've written one of these month in review posts and I'm not sure where to start. It's been the first October for a long time that I've not celebrated Halloween, I did buy and carve a pumpkin but that's the highlight this year.

Goals for October 6/10

• Enjoy the change in the season
  
• Work on a DIY project
• List unwanted clothes on Ebay
• Read three books
• Eat less meat
• Share a recipe
• Get back into blogging
• Comment on lots of blogs
• Carve a Pumpkin
• Set a TBR list for the rest of the year

I feel I've totally embraced Autumn this year, I haven't been on any woodland walks like I would have liked but I've really enjoyed wrapping up indoors with a cup of hot chocolate. I have bought so many new jumpers, I'm so happy I can wear because it's cool enough. While getting into the spirit of Autumn I've been enjoying getting more reading done and I've been working on keeping up with my Goodreads challenge but I'm still two books behind (oops). I've also been doing some crafts to create decorative things for my home which I think I'll go into more in a separate post.

I've been wanting to get back into blogging for a while and I was stuck not knowing what to do. I finally got past that point and I've done so much blogging compared to the rest of this year. I wanted to get back into the blogging community by commenting on blogs but sadly I've just not had time. Another thing I've not had time to do is sell my unwanted clothes, I'm so ready to just give them to charity to give myself more space.

I don't want to go vegetarian or vegan but I do want to be more conscious of my impact on the environment and my overall health based on what I eat. I've been cutting down on the amount of meat I've been eating and having more meat free meals. I've got a recipe I want to share but I didn't get round to it this month (blog post idea for the future).

What did you do to celebrate Halloween this year?

Sam

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Why I Count Calories

Hi, Weight loss is a funny thing to blog about, you're so in danger of offending or giving bad advice. I debated writing this post but decided to write it from more of a personal prospective rather than self help. Just remember that everyone is different and what I personally find beneficial for myself may not be right for you.

Why I Count Calories

Why I Started Counting Calories
Simply I like to snack a lot and I'm not active at all, this combination means calories can quickly add up. I'd got to my heaviest of 9 stone 6 pounds which on my petite frame is heavy. I'd noticed all my favourite clothes being a lot tighter and was making a conscious decision to wear baggier clothing. My doctor even commented that I'd put on weight during my last visit.

My Weight Loss Goal and Progress
I figured this post is pointless without me sharing my personal experience of calorie counting. I've been counting calories daily since the start of July which is now about four months (I thought it was longer). In that time I've managed to lose a stone and I'm feeling so much happier about how I look and feel. My rate of weight loss works out at about a pound per week, the loss was totally down to what I've been eating as I've made no change to my activity levels.

How I Track My Calories
I use the MyFitnessPal app to count my calories. You set a target weight and a rate in which you want to lose the weight. I don't think it's the most scientific on calculating your daily goal but it's also based on your activity level. Once you've set everything up you then simply follow the target calories. You log your daily intake by scanning barcodes and looking up ingredients, it's really simple.

Why I Think It's A Positive Thing To Try
I know a lot of people are against calorie counting because of the idea of under eating and it's a valid point. I think it's only an issue though if your not learning to eat the right foods that are both filling, healthy and low calorie. You might loss weight if you stick to your goal and only eat junk food but you're going to be hungry and your body will lack the nutrients it needs. It's all about educating yourself about portion control and reassessing your diet long term.

What Have I Learnt

• Calorie counting doesn't mean restricting, it's about healthy swaps and planning ahead.
• Going over your target calories doesn't matter in the long run.
• It's not a quick fix, it's an educational process and a lifestyle choice/change.
• A kitchen scale and other measuring devises will become your best friends.
• You can still socialize and enjoy restaurant food.
• I like eating calories more than I enjoy drinking them (so much less alcohol).
• I'm so much more interested in cooking and trying new things.
  

I think there's a lot more I could say about calorie counting but I don't want to ramble. I've found it a helpful and positive experience and while I'm now going to increase my calorie intake to sustain my weight rather than lose it I'll continue to track my calories so I don't over indulge too often.

Please let me know what you think about calorie counting?

Sam

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Why I’ll Never Be A Fashion Blogger

Hi, With my recent absence from blogging it has given me time to reflect on what and where I want my blog to be. When I first found the world of blogs it was the fashion blogs that I read the most. I still follow all those blogs but my interests have inevitably changed over the years and I’m much more interested in home improvements and food now. My blog has never been as fashion related as I'd originally planned and after almost three years of blogging I’m yet to do an 'Outfit of the Day' post. For fun I've put together a list of reasons why this will probably never change. I did once, a very long time ago, go out to do a fashion post but it didn’t go very well and I've never felt ready to try again.

Why I’ll Never Be A Fashion Blogger

I Don’t Have Anyone to Help Take Photos

This one is kind of self-inflicted because as daft as it might sound my other half is the only person who knows about my blog. As a result my choice of photographer is limited to him and while he did try he just couldn’t get what angles and stuff I wanted in the photos. He did however take my profile pic which is one of very few photos of myself I actually like, I have to give him credit for that.

I’m Not Photogenic

I'm not hating on myself, it's just a fact that I don't have a good angle. It's something that has forever annoyed me and honestly I’ve developed a dislike of cameras as I never look like me in photos. You might have noticed that I never post selfies and there’s like two photos of my face within the posts on my blog.

I Don’t Know What To Do With My Hands

I could come up with an outfit I like but then look like a total idiot in the photos because I just don’t know how to pose. I know this is something you'd learn with practice but it just makes the whole process take longer.

Finding Locations

You don’t need to have a different location for every outfit but lets be honest it keeps things fresh. I could set up a camera against a white wall, but that just wouldn’t be keeping up with all the other amazing fashion bloggers (my aesthetic goal is clearly too high for a newbie). I also rarely leave the house to find those amazing outdoor locations.

The Horror of Taking Photos in Public

You find the perfect location and it’s right on a busy main road or in a very busy park. I’m sure if I looked harder I’d find hidden gems of locations perfect for my shy self. On my one outing I just didn’t feel comfortable and like someone was going to walk past and judge us, but why do I care? social anxiety cares I guess.

I Can’t Afford to Keep Up With the Trends

This is a part truth because with places like Primark and my own style of just picking key pieces, I could probably keep up with the trends but do I really want too? I think fast fashion is something we need to curb as it's really not good for the environment or our bank balance.

My Style is Very Basic

My outfits wouldn't be that interesting. I've got a style uniform of a pair of skinny jeans, a plain t-shirt, a long cardigan and a pair of Dr Martens. While I'd consider my style to be alternative it's been diluted over the years to me just having a very neutral wardrobe.

It’s Just Too Much Effort For Me

While I’d love to do an OOTD post I’m really just not motivated enough to put myself through the effort of all of the above issues to come to edit the photos and hate every one. Maybe this is something I should have a go at but do it on a whim while out somewhere rather than putting so much pressure on the moment.

Do you like to create OOTD posts?

Sam

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The A-Z of Me Tag

Hi, Last month I set myself the goal of writing a personal post, I didn't really know what to write about and haven't posted it until now. This is 'The A-Z of Me' tag which I thought was a really nice way to share some facts about myself with you. This post really made me think and I found it really hard to come up with something for each letter without it being lame or repeating myself. 

I think this is only the second photo of myself I've posted on my blog, I'm really not photogenic and hate having my photo taken so I dug out this really old photo taken the same day as my folio photo, really should get over the fear and update that image. Hope you enjoy finding out a little more about me.

The A-Z of Me Tag

Anima - I'm always in awe of the illustrations and crazy stories, Fairy Tail is a must watch.

Bands - All the pop punk and emo music please.

Camping - My favourite way to get away from it all.

Dr Martens - My favourite footwear, I have eight pairs and counting.

Eyes - I have Hazel eyes, brown in the center with a green band around the edge.

Festival - Download 2006 was my first festival, it was one of the best experiences of my life.

Gameboy - Yes the classic type, my first console and it was amazing.

Height - I’m 5 foot 1 inch (a real shorty).

Instrument - I played the trumpet/cornet in high school, I doubt I can anymore.

Japan - I’m so interested in the fashion, food, the culture and Pokemon!

Knowledge - I work with crystals so I can name pretty much all of them, the basics anyway.

Lists - I love writing lists, they are so helpful and relaxing to write.

Mystical - I’m a dreamer and love the idea of Unicorns, Mythical stories and fantasy.

Nature - My favourite places within the natural world are either a forest or the beach.

Online - I'm still a secret blogger, I don't really know why.
Phobia - Falling signs, a little weird but those huge letters could fall at any time.

Qualifications - I have a 2:2 BA Honors Degree in fine art for design.

Reading - Favorite hobby and a great form of escapism from my daily routine.

Saving - I'm a massive saver, it means I can do stuff without having to worry about my finances.

Travel - Is not a massive priority for me, I like to stay-cation but I need to see more of the UK.

Volume - I like my music loud.

Wish - To own a house and a dog by the end of the year, wish me luck!

X-ray - I've never had one and I hope it stays that way.

Yorkshire - The place I live, Yorkshire in general is a beautiful place.

Zodiac - My star sign is Pisces.

Have you done the The A-Z of Me Tag?

Sam

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50 Things That Make Me Happy

Hi, In my monthly goals post I set myself the task of writing a '50 things that make me happy' post, so here it is. I've gone for light hearted things as somethings go without saying, although not unappreciated, like family and friends and having a roof over my head. Here are a selection of small random things that make me happy.

50 Things That Make Me Happy

1. Finding money in pockets
2. Creating something
3. Finishing a book
4. Cooking with my boyfriend
5. Motivation to do things alone
6. Spur of the moment arrangements
7. A new item of clothing
8. Playing with Lego
9. A tidy room
10. Good hair days
11. Clear skin
12. Day trips
13. Sunshine and blue sky's
14. Seeing wildlife
15. Sweets
16. Hugs
17. Great friends
18. Music from my teenage years
19. Snow Days
20.Cider
21. Watching Cartoons and anime
22. Fresh bedding
23. Finding the perfect gift
24. Stunning views
25. My blog

26. Playing board games
27. Colouring
28. The Internet

29. Camping
30. The Yorkshire countryside
31. Pokemon
32. Thia/Japanese food
33. Straighteners
34. Watching Disney films
35. Daffodils
36. Green Tea
37. Lush Baths
38. Hats and scarfs
39. Good luck
40. Pamper Days
41. Dr Martens
42. Having the chance to save
43. Still getting asked for ID
44. Being organised
45. Playing pool
46. A great looking outfit
47. My phone
48. Lazy days and lie ins
49. Having a job
50. Ice cream at the seaside

Honestly I found this hard, 50 things is a lot, but putting this together has made me feel really happy. Thinking about all the nice things that I'm lucky enough to have and how these small things make everything all the more enjoyable, I am very grateful for everything.

What makes you happy?

Sam

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My New Blog | 15 Random Facts About Me

Hi, I'm Sam welcome to my blog Momentarily Dreaming. Here are a few random facts about myself that I hope you find interesting.

15 Random Facts About Me 

• I'm a 25 year old from the West Yorkshire area.
• I work full time photographing minerals and precious gems for a wholesale company, I love my job.
• I don't like standard tea or coffee, which people find weird, but I do like green tea and most other herbal varieties.
• I have no tattoos, my ears pierced once in the standard manor and then my upper ear pierce on my left side.
• I enjoy reading I'm just not a massive book eater and it can take me up to a few months to get though one small book.
• I have a general interest in make up but it doesn't rule my spending habits. Clothing on the other hand is where most of my money goes.
• I have enjoyed a few festivals in the past but feel I am too old for the constant rain and lack of sleep any more. But I am more than ready for a few day event to keep things interesting even better when you can sleep in a real bed at the end of the day.
• I don't currently have any pets but I have had about everything you could imagine as a child. I would love to own a Dog once I have my own place.
• I still live with my parents, we all get on really well, just wish my room was bigger.
• I have a boyfriend that I have been with for eight years.
• I also have a younger sister by two years, no other siblings.
• I am about five foot tall and generally a size ten.
• I have been growing my hair for about three years I used to have it cut in a pixie style.
• I've had many bright colours in my hair from pink, green, blue and purple. My natural hair colour is a dark brown, I dye it red/purple with home dyes.
• My favourite footwear is Dr Martens ever since I saved my first wages to buy a pair back when I was 16, I have quite a collection now.

I can't wait to get into blogging!

Sam

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