My life revolves around pounds!

Dear reader,

A lovely, sunny morning here in Buckinghamshire. I always want to get washing done and out on the line on days like these.
A warm welcome to a new reader as well which always fills me with cheer-DREAMER, so nice to have you here.
Yesterday we went off to Basildon Park, a wonderful National Trust property just outside Goring in Berkshire. It was raining as we got there but we were met by a super young greeter at the entrance who provided us with umbrellas for the walk through the woods to the house. I thought that was a nice touch. I'm not sure if they are volunteers or being paid but the guides in each room were so knowledgable and friendly they really made our visit more special. Pride and prejudice was filmed here and it's one of my favourite houses, so far. We are hoping to go to Clivedon today, of the Profumo affair fame.

Some of you have asked for the pizza base recipe. So here it is for you.

250g strong white bread flour
250g plain white flour

(500 g of white flour will do if you don't have bread flour)

1 tsp dried yeast

2 tsp salt

325ml warm water

About 1 tbsp olive oil

Put the flour in a large mixing bowl with the yeast and salt. Make a well and pour in the warm water then add the oil. Mix together to form a dough and kneed until smooth. I leave it to rise in a clean bowl with a plastic bag over it for about an hour in front of the log burner. Kneed again and either roll or if you want it thicker form into a base. Top, cook, eat, enjoy.

We had all day breakfast for lunch yesterday, veg sausage, poached egg, tinned tomatoes and a slice of toast. I had a beef stew in the slow cooker when we went out and added chucks of carrots and parsnips to it. I thickened it with some gravy granules. I had mine with mash and big man had his served in a large Yorkshire pudding with mash and roasties. 

The weight loss has not been so good today. I have found myself feeling hungry and a salad has just not been cutting it. This week was not helped by my office having a buffet leaving do and there has been loads of goodies, tortilla chips, dips, cheese and cake in the office. I have to admit, I have had a pick. Only a poun off this week so I can't moan. 

I will have a good week next week and will aim for 3 pounds. Does anyone else want to try for a weight loss challenge with me? I will post my meals so you can see what I am eating.

I am not doing a shop this week and we will eat from the fridge and freezer. We have a whole chicken which I will cook today, 2 packs organic mince, pork mince, pork loins and lots of chicken, thighs, legs and breast. I also have 4 jacket spuds, a leek, 3 carrots, potatoes, onions, frozen veg, frozen fruit, yogurts and fresh fruit. Lots of staples in the larder too, rice, pasta, noodles. We should survive on all that.

We have £45 left until pay day. We will need milk and my car is empty of fuel. Will be a challenge. 6 days and counting.

We had a no spend day yesterday and should have the same today. A pound was found in a drawer and added to the sealed pot challenge. So that's one pound lost and one pound found.

Today is sealed pot Sunday over at SFT's blog http://sftandthe101challenge.blogspot.co.uk/

I  just need to lose some pounds this week only of the fat variety!

Wish me luck.

Have a peaceful and sunny Sunday.

FIB. X