I’m taking the easy way out for today’s Lovin’ Life Link-up post. I’ve been working in my day job since returning from the Romance Writers of Australia conference and – although I took the time to devour two books in two nights – my creativity has faltered. So today I’m doing one of those ‘taking stock’ posts and just sharing a range of crap leaping to mind. And yes, you’re welcome.
Eating: Halo Top ice cream. I’m not a huge ice cream freak and – as a coeliac – I haven’t been able to indulge in all of the fancy flavours coming out in recent years. In fact most plain ice creams aren’t gluten-free. However… as I follow a lot of US peeps on social media I’d seen them rave about Halo Top ice cream (handy for protein intake if you’ve had weight loss surgery, and low on calories if you’re prone to overdo it).
It’s not cheap at $10 per pint. And I should mention I have no idea how many grams or litres that is, cos there’s something kinda quaint about the word ‘pint’ which I will continue to use as much as possible. My fave so far is Birthday Cake flavour but I’m yet to try many flavours and keen to expand my Halo Top experience.
Continuing: my #vanlife fetish on Instagram. Of course there’s no way I could live in a caravan or camper van or bus. I’d need a toilet, bath tub and good bed… at a minimum, but it doesn’t stop me fantasising about that life and its minimalism. I should mention I’ve extended the fetish to tiny houses. Ironic of course given I upsized a year ago because my two bedroom apartment felt too small!
Watching: Friends from College on Netflix. The week before I went to the conference I needed a break from reading so pulled out my Netflix remote control for the first time in a couple of months. There were (are) other things I was more interested in watching, but this seemed light enough to keep me entertained without needing to think too much. I like that it’s targeting an older demographic and, though it’s not AMAZING, it’s thrown up a few surprises.
Reading: two books in two nights. I hadn’t done any reading for five entire days so on the first two nights after I arrived home from the conference I inhaled a book each night. I’ve not written the reviews yet so not allowed to read any more until they’re done.
Planning: to go Whale Watching this weekend with my friend and her godson. Even though my seachange moved me to the (alleged) whale watching capital of Australia almost 5yrs ago, I’ve not been since 1993. And the last time I went I spent the entire time in the toilet vomitting as the day was very windy and water very choppy. I’m hoping this experience is very very different.
Loving: my new sofa covers. Those who follow me on Facebook or Instagram would have witnessed the train-wreck excitement that was ‘the making of covers for my sofa’. As usual I found some material I liked and had this ingenious idea about what I’d do. As is also usually the case I stalled on the follow-through and my poor mother was left to put my ideas into action.
Mum was far more worried about the intricacies than I (“Oh Deborah, that will look terrible,” might have been uttered on more than one occasion.) Anyhoo I’m happy with the result and I can avoid replacing my ugly feather-filled stone-coloured sofa until a time I’m more financially viable. Or you know, have any savings at all.
Pondering: this article (from Psychology Today) about Oprah Winfrey and her declaration she’s made peace with food. I gather Oprah – Weight Watchers devotee and partial owner – has said she’s finally come to terms with food, eating, dieting and her weight. Although I gathered she also talks about needing to ‘count’ WW points for the rest of her life and obsessively talks about the dreaded numbers in a (light-hearted by fraught) way that only those of us who’ve been sucked down that dieting vortex can understand. It’s an interesting read if you have the time….
Worrying: about what to do for my 50th birthday in late December. The timing is crap. What were my parents thinking, procreating in such a way that I was born between Christmas and New Year – when everyone is away and travel / accommodation prices are astronomical?!? I’m also not doing a great job on my #5before50 bucket list. I still have four months however, so…. *gulp*
Any ideas for my 50th? Or help with my #5before50? Perhaps you’ve tried Halo Top ice cream or watched Friends from College? Or feel free to comment below and share what you’ve been up to.
I’ve joined Leanne from Deep Fried Fruit and some other bloggers to help promote “ageing positively” and the Lovin’ Life mindset across the world wide web. You can link up via any one of us!
August 17, 2017
Do ifly for your ‘before 50 list’ – it’s really fun. Also, have a party in Jan, (we’re very flexible on birthdays in this house.) And lastly been wondering about Friends from College – keep hearing about it.,…
August 17, 2017
I guess I’m a little worried that celebrating my birthday before / after won’t help me feel like turning 50 is a celebration in itself…. if that makes sense.
I no longer feel incredibly depressed about (‘Woe is me I’m still single and childless’ kinda thing) but think if I’m doing something special I’ll feel as if I’m treating myself in some way that I don’t usually.
August 17, 2017
Where do you buy Halo Top ice cream from? Is is available from the major supermarkets or is it just from speciality stores? I’d love to try it.
Ingrid
http://www.fabulousandfunlife.blogspot.com.au
August 17, 2017
Woolies in my small regional town has it Ingrid. And the local health food store. (It’s $11.95/pint there.) Woolies only has two flavours though – Birthday Cake and Mint Choc Chip but the health food store in town has more. You can check out local suppliers via their website: https://www.halotop.com.au/where-to-buy-au/
I like that all but one flavour is gluten-free and am keen to try the new flavours (peanut butter cup and salted caramel). I’ve never been a huge ice cream freak but (as far as I know) only ‘Bulla’ in local brands has been GF, though some boutique icecreameries have GF options.
There’s a blurb on the website about them using organic stevia which is how the calories are kept down. I was initially keen cos I thought it was high protein (and since weight loss surgery I try to get as much protein a day as possible) but it doesn’t seem to be SIGNIFICANTLY higher than other types. The main difference is / are the calories.
August 17, 2017
I had this fascination with minimisation earlier this year and wanted to downsize our home (which I have in fact taken steps towards by purchasing a block of land in Kingscliff and intending to build a smaller home in 2 years time). I also made a list of decluttering my current possessions and making do with less. So far I’ve managed to clean out two cupboards and my wardrobe. So much for my plan to do the entire house! I lived in a caravan for 7 months and although I enjoyed the nomadic life I don’t wish to live in a caravan for prolonged periods ever again.
August 17, 2017
I think I’d hate it Kathy, but think I just like the Instagram pics of attractive couples in their bohemian-themed vans parked beside lakes and beaches. Of course I know that’s just the ‘image’ and that often van-lifers get in trouble for parking in places that aren’t earmarked for caravans, and their solar power doesn’t work etc… And I’d had to have to drive around in anything big enough to have a toilet.
I have wondered though about the idea of retiring into something smaller eventually. Well, maybe. I’m picturing an innovative and extravagantly-built tiny house on the edge of a cliff / mountain on a tiny block of land. But with no neighbours.
August 17, 2017
I’d never heard of Halo icecream! Trying to work out how it contains protein?? How exciting that you’re joining the 50 club in December. You need to do something indulgent for your 50th. Perhaps a weekend away somewhere special. Between Christmas and New Year is tricky – you might need to do it before or after that period? Thanks for the ‘Friends from College’ tip for Netflilx. I’m always looking for shows to add to my list. #TeamLovinLife
August 17, 2017
It would probably be via the milk protein (milk is a source of protein) but perhaps other stuff is added – and I’m too lazy to google it! 😉
Re the birthday thing, I think it won’t feel as special if I don’t do something actually on my birthday. But realise I can do dinners etc at any time. I think I’m wanting to do something with a small group of friends (or just a couple) but not sure what that is yet.
August 17, 2017
It was good to catch up with you here. I know that it is crazy trying to organise a special event when it is ‘peak season’ for prices and people are often away. Would you consider celebrating your 50th at a different time of the year..maybe later in Jan and just have a family b’day for the ‘real date’. I think we all get crazes to down-size which must say something about our love of purchasing bigger and more. We will eventually have to down-size when we finally buy a house…simply because of budget. Right now though, in this rental of 4 bedrooms we each have our bedroom and we each have a hobby room. We would miss those for sure but we only need one living area and currently have 2. Anyway we are not able to buy anytime soon but we do have to move out of here and that, my friend, is very annoying. By the end of Feb as the owners apparently want their house back. Boo to them!
August 17, 2017
I thought I was ready to downsize when I made my seachange but it turned out not to be the case. However, my problems with my beachside apartment were about more than space. On top of the problems with the body corporate, I think some of it was the whole apartment living thing. Given I don’t have kids and won’t always have mum, I suspect I’ll eventually settle into a two bedroom place so I can have my room and a separate study. But having my desk in my bedroom in my previous place just didn’t work and I didn’t like the idea of setting the only spare room up as a study. Having said all of that I love the spaciousness of the living space here, though I probably don’t need two lounge areas and a dining space (long term!).
August 17, 2017
Enjoy your whale watch Deb. I’m going on Blue Dolphin on Friday. Lost count at 150 trips and am thinking it may be sneaking closer to 200 by now.
August 17, 2017
It’s a bit pricey for me Pam, but we discovered Quick Cat (Hervey Bay Whale Watching) has 40% off adult tickets for half-day trips ($60 instead of $100) if you’re local. I am going with a (newly-turned) 6yr old but 1/2 day will be enough for me too I think.
August 17, 2017
I like the idea of the RV life. I just don’t think I’d like it in Australia. But it is cute and very funky to follow online. I also think looking at the opposite of what we have is healthy in a way. I bet you appreciate the space in your current house still!
Friends from College is on my to-watch list – yay!
After watching colleagues do WW many years ago I came to the conclusion that it’s not about the food, it’s that you spend so much time counting stupid points that eating is too hard and you give up.
I didn’t know what to do for my 21st so I made it a breakfast. Pretty much the opposite of what others did!
August 17, 2017
I was all horrible and sulky for my 21st as my parents invited some family friends over for a dinner and I was grumpy so didn’t invite any friends, just my neighbour (bestie) from memory… but then a heap of school friends turned up with bottles of booze just before we ate. I’m not sure if mum felt bad and suggested they come. I kinda suspected they didn’t just take it upon themselves to rock up at dinner time.
August 17, 2017
I think I’m like you in that fascination of minimalism. The thought of it, not actually doing it though!! We downsized 2 years ago, and it’s great. And I wouldn’t even mind going smaller, except for my closet that is…ha ha!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
August 17, 2017
When I look at the bus / van pics I tell myself I’d only need minimal stuff for cooking (I don’t cook much anymore) and I’d only need one set of crockery and cutlery. Small cupboard for clothes (I’m happy to wear the same things all of the time). I don’t need dining space (I eat on my sofa). One comfy chair, perhaps with fold-out table to use for my laptop. I’d need my bed but I’d also definitely need a toilet. A bath would be ideal but I could cope short term with a shower. I would also want to be able to stand up though and am nearly 6ft, so that’s problematic. I think the idea of RV / van life etc… is probably more appealing than the reality.
August 17, 2017
I’ve heard so many good things about Halo Top ice cream. I should’ve gotten a pint of Birthday Cake for my own birthday this month. I love the design of the carton and yes, the word ‘pint’ is irresistible to me as well.
SSG Xxx
August 17, 2017
The Lemon Cake one was okay. Not too strong, which suited me. I don’t like chocolate flavoured things (other than actual chocolate) and hate mint, so have avoided those flavours (along with strawberry). Am hoping the local health food store doesn’t run out of the flavours I want to try before I get in there. Sadly I keep talking about them on FB and other places so it’ll be my own fault if local friends swarm in there.
August 17, 2017
I enjoy these taking stock posts Deb – yours this time especially because it wasn’t a marathon! The cushion covers are fantastic and I’d love to have some 50th birthday suggestions for you – but if you read my post on Monday, it talked about the barbeque lunch which was my big blow out for a 50th (I am a woman of small needs!)
August 18, 2017
Ah yes…. the real Taking Stock posts are huge. I usually just pick out a few and talk more at length Leanne… I can’t imagine how long mine would be if I used all prompts! (Of course I think you’re supposed to just add a phrase – kinda like a teaser – but I’m far more wordy than that!) 🙂
August 18, 2017
I haven’t seen the halo top ice cream, but we’ve just discovered Weis sorbets …. mango, and there’s a wildberries on as well … nom nom nom, soooo good! They’re dairy free but I’m not sure about gluten. And I’m with you on the whole van life / tiny house thing, I am intrigued by them. I’ve lived in both so I know they can also be very challenging but there is something about the size limitations that really appeals to my creative side …
August 18, 2017
For there’s some fantasy in having the bare minimum. One dish, one pot, one knife and fork, one chair etc… I think there feels like there’s something ‘testing’ about it….
August 19, 2017
I had a post about numbers written & scheduled – it would appear incorrectly – something I need to rectify if I get 2 seconds to myself this weekend. I fantasise about caravanning even though that’s all it is with me – a fantasy. Enjoy whale watching & keep your eyes on the horizon if your tum is tender. I hope your experience is as fabulous as ours was.
August 19, 2017
It’s really REALLY windy here at the moment so I’m a little worried that the water will be choppy. My mother had some (only slightly out of date) tablets she’s given me which I’ll take before we head out.