Every Day is a Good Day When you Run - Apparently!?!?!

If I write it down, it makes it happen. So I have to write this down. I am actually screwing my face up as I type this. Honestly I am, if you could see my face now it is going - WTF?! - Eeeek. I am setting myself a challenge for January. None of this eating this or not eating that lark. Been there, done that, didn't last. Not Dry Jan - I mean after all that would be easy as many of you know I don't drink (wink wink). No, it is simple. I am going to run every day in January. Don't laugh. I will.

The battle with running is madness. All day long I can talk myself out of a run. Bad weather, tickly cough, chipped nail polish etc. Yet when I am out there, actually running, it is freedom and I kind of love it.

No-one asking me what time dinner is or how long until Christmas (yes I have already been asked!!) but it is more than getting away from the kids, cleaning, phone, husband (written small because he actually reads the blog).

When you run it can take a while for list mode to pass and to gain entry to clear head space! Thinking of what you have to do, what you have done and what you will never achieve. Honestly the head is buzzing. Then you realise you are running, your legs are killing you and you are out of breath and suddenly you just have to focus on simply being able to breath and get home. I know that does not sound like fun and at that very moment I ain't gonna lie. It is no fun at all! Focus, get to the next lamp post.

Get to the next corner. Get out of sight of ANYONE. Then you get to the great bit. The bit where you are free. Head is cleared and the body has given in to running and ignoring the fact it hurts like hell. Yes I sound like Darth Vadar but the force is with ME and in that moment you have reached that freedom. Head space. You are a runner!!

I know there are the haters out there. The I Hate Running Club. They are everywhere. Well blah blah blah to you. When you run you basically are the winner the moment you step outside the door. A run is a run! Whoooop whoop! You never quite know what kind of a run you will get. Sometimes it hurts the minute you start and other days it feels as though you are Tigger bouncing down the road with so much energy - such fun fun fun fun fun. So if you see me out - give me a high five. Don't shout Run Fatty Run like some nasty White Van man did a few months ago - oh how I cried until I realised the fat bastard could barely fit behind his steering wheel. Just a high five will do, or a whoop whoop. Or better still - join me on a run or two!!

I was inspired by a chap I met recently who wanted to give himself a challenge and perhaps he too needed some head space. Yet he was a bit bonkers and was going for the Run 365!!! He got to an incredible 68 (or there abouts as I cannot remember the exact number!) before injury prevented him. Now a year is just never gonna happen for me. A month is enough.

So January. I will be running all over you! I am a little excited and also dreading it and doubting my will power before I have even begun! Will let you know each day the excuses I have had to battle and the distance I manage and just how each run makes me feel and perhaps some photos of my travels (travels - just Hertford I expect). I feel a tingle of a little mojo!!!!!

EJMx

If you cannot offer me a run then perhaps offer to meet me for coffee somewhere (and then drive me home) or cycle alongside me sometime. Let's get out there!! #makeithappen

Less Mojito More Mojo

What is he on??? How does he do it? I am talking about Mr EJM? So blinking fit. Soooo annoying. (Love him though!)

I got to thinking after reading this article http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2869069/Oh-shame-married-MAMIL-s-Middle-Aged-Man-Lycra.html. It is official and last week entered the Oxford Dictionary! Worse than Lycra though, RUBBER. Triathlon is the middle aged mans holy grail. Wetsuits with nowhere to hide! I mean NOWHERE! Leaving the lycra and rubber aside why do they suddenly have to prove to themselves how fit they can be and more to the point how do they keep it up..... yes I know, wink wink. But they do. They remain devoted. I want to know why. And how?

Mr EJM. He loves his cycling and when he can (and believe me from his little strops it is not often enough) he meets up with his cycling family and they disappear into the night and he comes home drunk. #lightweight

He usually wears Courtesy Shorts. No-one should have to see all those bits on show. TBH it is cold at the moment so not sure it is much of a show anyway!

This article got me thinking - the dedication these men have to the cycling-get-fit-40-going-on-10 cause is incredible. Is it the exercise or do they simply just want to get away from the nagging and feel like a boy again and this is simply a grown up version of 'going out to play'?

A few years ago I got into running.

I went a few times a week for a run with a club attached to a very expensive gym I used to pretend to afford. I got fit. Lost weight. Felt really great and now I look back I realise I looked pretty darn good too! I got flu, left that gym (realising I was not rich but also that I was paying to go OUT running - D'oh!!) and well and truly lost the mojo. So I am going to force myself to find it. Create one. I have to get my running mojo back! I need to work out where these blokes get the dedication from and go buy me some fitness devotion!! 

Mr EJM. He started running (copy cat). Came out running a few times with me and then found people who he worked with in the Big Smoke and they got together and ran. Not like my running - a lovely steady social pace. No, they just about know each others names, no small talk, just running. I admire him though, his dedication. No excuses, no "it looks like a very dark cloud about 50 miles away so I best not run". Well bloody done. Whoopie bloody do. Rub it in more. He gets faster and fitter. He was never fat but now there is no fat. Not a bit. Hence only making me feel bigger. What a shit! How very dare he! (Love him though)

He then takes it a stage further. Entering half marathons and running hard through the pain despite bleeding nipples - four children breastfed, nuff said! Feel my pain Mr EJM!

Then the marathon. Not London. Not New York. The Sierra Leone Marathon - Africa!?! Yes, very commendable. Yes I was very proud (and bloody worried!) and yes he was brilliant but do you see my point? My little runs made him like that! That is where he ended up. Doing great things running a marathon. Me - I am still running now anad again around the block! Even then, he wanted to do more. Chester Marathon next. Yes he was amazing and I was completely in awe of him. 3 hours 44 Mins, blah blah blah. Whatever! Completely amazeballs but sooooooo annoying too. From my little runs he has become a runner. I am not a runner. I go on runs. I need to get my mojo and fast.

Running on Winterton Beach Christmas Day. I love running. I do!

I asked him. Mr EJM - he said he just loves running. He looks forward to it. He runs because he likes it and it clears his head. Running does all that for me but I have not got to the looking forward to it stage. More like dreading it stage.

I write for We Heart Living and it is often 5 reasons, 5 ideas, 5 ways. So I am going to give myself 5 tips for enjoying running more this month.

Dear Moi

1. You must try, no not try, you must run with friends as much as possible (they know who they are - I am after you!!!!)

2. Run on your own with music at least once a week. Listen to the new Take That album. Listen to music you love to dance to.

3. Get your kit out ready the day before. It will act as a reminder to get a shifty on and you have tonnes of lovely kit so wear it!!!

4. Give yourself time. The washing, ironing, cooking etc will be there when you get back. Mind you keep on running like Forrest Gump and you will not have to face it! No, seriously - you do have to go home!

5. Enjoy it!!!!! Run like Phoebe from friends (when no-one is looking). Smile. This is good. This is healthy. This is freedom. (Said in a Mel Gibson Braveheart shouty scottish voice!)

Will let you know how I fare. Off on a run today. Skies are blue, bit nippy though and there is a very dark cloud over yonder.......

Any other tips to help me find my mojo...?
EJMx
PS Just got back from said run. Enjoyed it. Took Mr EJM as it was dark. Listened to Take That. 4.3miles including THE STEPS - 11.48 /mi. Happy Days. #findingmojo

DIY Chrimbo Wreath

Just a quickie. Made another Christmas wreath out of some scraps I found in the bargain bin at The Creative Sanctuary in Hertford. Going to add some battery powered fairy lights for maximum Chrimbo effect. Do not forget that Naturals by Donna is running a Christmas Wreath workshop so get in touch. Last couple of places left for Friday 12th at 6pm!

The ribbon stuff cost me a fiver

Wrapped the bubble wrap around a metal wreath frame, resisting popping

First layer wrapped like a Mummy and pinned in place

You spin me round round baby

Let's go round again

Made a Pom Pom old school stylee with a bit of cardboard and Hey Presto

Happy Days!!

Good Wreath

You probably know by now that I love getting my little creative groove on! So today I did just that! 

The fantabulous Donna Roche from Naturals by Donna (she is now blushing) arrived in my life this year and she really should scare the life out of me. You see she is so wonderfully spiritual and earthy - all aura, colours and healing. Usually I would run a mile and yet Donna does not frighten me at all. She has some sort of happy magnetic force! A broad smile seems to constantly beam throughout her chaotic day as she flits and floats here there and everywhere. She connects with the part of me I try and keep well trained - my creative side. Donna though - she just ooooozes it! Donna expresses her art so freely, wildly at times whether it be painting, print, healing or with flowers. It is simply a joy to be around her. You will all love her! I just know it. 

So I was so lucky to spend an afternoon with her at her workshop/studio/barn/space at Foxholes Farm to create a Christmas wreath for my door. 

So we got cracking and this (in very EJM terms) is what we did.

1. Wire ring thingy. Cover it with moss using wire to keep it tight.

2. Add the foliage to cover the ring. Donna goes nicking stuff from trees and hedgerows and apparently that is ok. Not ok from gardens though. Donna assures me she is a proper florist as well who does pay for most of her flora & fauna! Her point is though - look around you. Pine cones, branches, twigs, ribbons, wires. Donna seems to be able to make it all work together!

Donna - Leaf it Out!

Even something as simple as leaves can create a gorgeous wreath in Donnas hands. Apparently Americans - they love a wreath. Welcome Wreaths they call them. They welcome not only the guests but also the seasons so will reflect the time of year. What a lovely idea. (Add to Ideas List) 

So many ideas out there but I do love a succulent so this was my favourite alternative wreath and I might just have to give this a go (with a little help from my friend!! - HINT - Do a Succulent Wreath Workshop Donna! (Add to To Do List!)

3. Back to Christmas!! Then it is was time to play play play. Adding bits and bobs. Bark, wool, decorations. The studio is like an Aladdins cave with all sorts of wonderfulness spilling from every drawer or cupboard!

4. Then. Wow! Stand back and admire your amazeballs wreath. Donna suggested putting small plastic tubes so I can change the flowers every week and it is incredible because it can completely transform the wreath! It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. 

Now Donna can make you a wreath if you like - she is open at Foxholes Farm every weekend leading up to Christmas so just get in touch BUT what would be better though - is if you made it yourself! Yes little old you! With friends, sipping mulled wine, singing carols and getting all festive! Donna is running special Christmas Wreath workshops leading up to Chrimbo on Dec 8th, 12th and 15th at 6pm. Spaces are limited to 6 per session and the workshop will cost £55 (inc all materials!!) lasting approx 4 hours ish - depending on how much Mulled Wine you knock back!! There is also an afternoon session on Monday 15th if you cannot cope with another evening out. As if that was not enough - everyone who books onto the course will be put into a prize draw (names in a hat!). One name will be picked and that person - well they only get the workshop for free!!!!!! Yes free! Oh my days! Get booking. 

Contact Donna via her Facebook page or email naturalsdonna@aol.com

The Barn, Foxholes Farm, Hertford Heath. SG13 7NT

EJMx

Plooming Lovely

The Joy of Ink. No don't panic (Mum) I am not getting a tattoo. I am talking old school ink. Pen & Ink. That retro thing we call handwriting. A lovely weighty fountain pen in hand with words cascading with heart & soul onto paper. #bliss
The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe.

Gustave Flaubert (Some French bloke but I liked it!)

The clever peeps who study graphology can tell over 5000 things just from your handwriting. Type it and all they can tell you is where you brought your paper and that you have a Hewlett Packard. Handwriting is personal to you. Like a fingerprint. Unique. You cannot get that with a computer or phone! Now I can't live without my computer, tablet or phone, typing and texting - I love a gadget BUT the written word - well it is just scrummy.

I love to write. No screens. Just paper. As a journalist when I am researching a new feature I storm it, using paper and pen. Doodles, ideas, key words all scribbled in chaos. Handwritten words can capture and connect chaotic thoughts. Sometimes it is as if the story comes alive before your very eyes. Cross them out but they are still there peeking back at you. They are also there, in your head. You wrote them. Your brain made that pen move in that way. I know it all sounds a bit flouncy but it is so true. 

So imagine my sheer delight when Sally from Plooms sent me the most amazing package. Just look at it!

A thing of beauty with lovely little hand written touches. It felt a bit like pass the parcel but I was certainly not handing this to anyone!

Inside the cellophane wrap was the brown paper parcel with a gorgeous hand written tag (which I promptly nicked for my Family Frame!!) and inside the brown paper was a beautifully wrapped gift. Inside the wrapping, a box.

Inside the box a felt case and inside the case.A Plooms Pen! In Paridisus Alexae Green.

Just look at it!! To write with it feels like heaven. I have found every excuse to write.

Yesterday I caught up with two weeks of my diary - just so I could use the pen!! I keep leaving little notes around the house. Which brings me smoothly on to Plooming. We all have to get PLOOMING. This is where you come in! This is the competition part. This is why you have read this far!!! 
Plooming.

You need to understand this for a chance of winning. So concentrate!! This is so wonderful. It brings my two worlds together - my love of writing and social media!!! #genius

Confused? Keep up! This is my Ploom of the day. Little story behind it - last night I was telling Hubby how I keep failing with my whole healthy eating thing. (I know - been a bit quiet on the whole 40Fit&Fab haven't I - more like 40Flab&Drab at the moment but that is for another post!!) 

Anyway he said: "Make tomorrow the day you do".

It sounded so simple and for some reason I liked it. It is in my hands. So I wrote this little note and took a pic with an apple (healthy innit!) and sent it to him. Ah cute I know! No - not soppy - cute! That is Plooming!!!!! #ploomit

Then hopefully I can send this to him tomorrow!! #ploomit

So COMPETITION TIME. Together with the lovely Sally at Plooms we want you to get Plooming. Send a photo with a handwritten message to someone. Make someone smile. 
1. Post your Plooming pic on instagram and whilst you are there make sure you go and find @ploomspens or find them at Plooms.co.uk on Facebook
2. Use the #ploomit when posting your pic on either site and wham bham you are entered!
3. Or for those who cannot get their creative juices flowing (and PLEASE do try) simply like Plooms.co.uk on Facebook and Like & Share the post on EJMx. #fairandsquare 

And you do not have to but I would love for you to come find me over on facebook!! #prettyplease

Sally and I will draw a winner on Dec 12th from all those who entered giving you the chance to win a Plooms Pen!!!!!! I know!!!!! #totesamazeballs #crushagrape #ploomit
Some more examples from Plooms for you to inspire you to get Plooming!! 

Hope you are as excited about this as me and I cannot wait to see your #ploomit pics over on Instagram @ploompens or Facebook Plooms.co.uk

Get Plooming
#ploomit

EJMx

You've Been Framed

Just a quickie as I have been a little poorly (all together now - aaaaahhhhhhhh). Nothing serious so will be back on my feet soon but wanted to show you I have not been idle!! I made this using more prints from the fabulous peeps at HuggleUp - do not forget you can use your code ELEPHANTUP for a 25% discount when ordering. So here is another idea of what you can do with those lovely ickle petit prints! STOP THE PRESS - I just found code HUGGLECARDS for a fantastic discount!!! Buy 1 Get 1 FREE!!!!

I had an old frame with a cracked mirror sitting for a few years in the under stairs cupboard - just waiting for its moment to shine again. It was silver so I painted it with some gloss from the cupboard - I love GREY! Everything is being painted grey in my house!! I grew up in the 70s and my parents painted everything brown and purple. My children will look back and say the same about GREY!! With a splash of yellow!

Then I stapled on (using staple gun) some pretty bobbly stuff (I am sure it has a name but my bobbly stuff was from Hobbycraft). I had to get my adult to do this (Husband!) as I was pretty useless and got close to chucking the frame down the garden!! I told you I am not well so my fuse is shorter than usual!!

Then using my little pegs that I used for my Family Tree I attached the photos. It was a complete #crushagrape moment when I finished it and put it on the wall.

Just as I was finishing I got a parcel from the wonderful Sally at Plooms and although I am going to be telling you all about that in the next couple of days I could not wait to use my lovely Plooms pen and even swiped her lovely tag to add to my frame. The pen is simply gorgeous and wait for it - you are all going to have the chance to win one!!!!

Anyway, back to my Family Frame. These would make lovely little gifts at Chrimbo if you fancy getting your creative on! Now to decide where to hang it!!

EJMx

My Smile Today is brought to you by the huggleup Family Tree

 

The guys over at Huggleup asked me what I would do with a pack of their Petite Squares and I came up with this.
A Family Tree.

 You will need:

Twigs from Ikea (Torka - £4.25) and cut them down to the length you want or if you are lucky use some twisted willow or hazel from your garden.

Ickle clothes pegs from eBay or Hobbycraft £2.79 for 100

Vase (one from my cupboard - you will have to get your own!)

Petit Prints from HuggleUp - £12.50 for 44

Ribbon or string

(Would also look mega fabulous using their Petit Polaroids Oh god did I jsut say mega!?!?. I will contact them once I have put this post live and see if I can get you guys a little discount code!)
UPDATE - 25% OFF use Code ELEPHANTUP

Simples!

The great thing is it is so easy to change and is a great talking point. Add new family members or remove them!

 

Change it on birthdays to be ALL about the Birthday girl or boy and get a few simple ones of the number they are going to be for an extra special touch.

 

Make a Christmas centre piece with all little pics of past Christmas gatherings and add them to the Christmas tree or get some holly for a table centre piece!

 

I could keep going but you get the picture!!

 

I have written on the back of some of the pictures to remind us where and when it was taken. I am a little bit in love with it! Hope you like it too.

EJMx