Mortgage Free by the Sea

Growing our own food

The Freedom Diaries – Week 27: Growing Our Own Food

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In years gone by, I’ve enjoyed pottering in the garden and growing my own food. Last year was a bit different as Carla moved in during April which meant that our time was spent making the home ours and getting used to new routines. There was very little time for planting seeds, although I did manage to grow some tomatoes.

This year we’ve decided that we’re going to grow as much of our own food as possible. We both love being outdoors and now we have Dolly, we’ll be spending more time at home.

I’m actually quite excited about our little project. Growing our own food together, rather than being a solo project, will be fun.

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day 42 of the 75 hard challenge

The Freedom Diaries – Week 24-26: Day 42 of the 75 Hard Challenge

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Don’t panic! I haven’t quit or tripped myself up. I was just gobsmacked that I’m already on day 42 of the 75 Hard Challenge.

It feels like it’s become a way of life now. My routines are in place and things are running almost like clockwork. My day starts off with a walk and then I do a 45-minute indoor workout. I read my 10 pages of a book and take a progress picture of myself before I get showered and dressed. By lunchtime, I’m drinking my 4th pint of water and I know there are 3 left to fit in before the end of the day.

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75 Hard Daily Routine

The Freedom Diaries – Week 22 & 23: My 75 Hard Daily Routine

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I’ve now completed weeks 2 & 3 of the 75 Hard Challenge and wanted to give a quick update on how it’s going.

So far, it’s felt fairly straightforward but I think that’s because I’ve put a structure in place. So in this post, I wanted to share my 75 Hard daily routine.

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75 Hard - Wake Up, Kick Ass, Repeat.

The Freedom Diaries – Week 31: Taking on the 75 Hard Challenge

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On Monday I started the 75 Hard Challenge. It’s something that I’ve wanted to do since the new year but decided to wait a while as I’d bought Carla a chocolate making workshop for Christmas. As the workshop wasn’t until the end of February, I decided to wait. Yes, I could have given my place to someone else but part of the joy was in us being able to experience the workshop together and who wants to go to a chocolate-making workshop and not taste their creations? Not me!

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welcoming our new puppy, Dolly

The Freedom Diaries – Week 25-30: Welcoming Our New Puppy

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These last 6 weeks have been busy and exciting as we’ve been welcoming our new puppy, Dolly, into our lives. We picked her up 5 weeks ago and time has whizzed by in a blur of frenzied activity and snuggles.

Despite growing up in a household where we had pups, I didn’t remember how much time and dedication they require. My rose-tinted spectacles recalled lots of cuddles, fun and snoozes but somehow skipped over the toileting accidents, sleep deprivation and razor-sharp puppy teeth that snap at anything nearby.

Up until last week, every stretch and sound had me on high alert, ready to whip her up and take her outdoors for ‘wee-wee’s’. However, she now goes to the door to let us know that she needs the toilet and we’re finally able to take her for walks so she can burn off some energy.

I feel so lucky that I work from home and can give her the time and attention she needs. Our training efforts are starting to pay off and she now sits, heels and will ‘leave’ on request (which is handy for those times when she decides to chomp on our fingers or furniture). She’s also sleeping through the night and is getting used to the daily routines.

Dolly Daydream

Little Dolly Daydream is a sprocker spaniel, a combination of a cocker and springer spaniel. She’s the pup of my parent’s dog, Henry, and my friend’s dog, Cola.

My Grandad bought Henry for my Mum and Dad shortly before he died, which makes Dolly just that little bit extra special.

Why Dolly Daydream? Well, when we went to view the litter, she was the pup that would step back from the hustle and bustle and sit and ponder, as if in a daydream. And as my Grandad’s nickname for my Nanna was ‘Dolly’, the name felt perfect.

Preparing for a new puppy

Time seemed to fly in the run-up to bringing Dolly home and whilst we had most of the ‘big items’, such as a puppy crate, bed and food bowls. We had to make a few last-minute purchases.

Below is a list of the essentials and some of the extras we bought that Dolly has loved:

  • Iams puppy food – As Dolly was weaned on this, we’ve decided to keep her on it for the time being. This 12kg bag worked out much cheaper than buying smaller bags from the supermarket.
  • Kong for small dogs – Perfect for saving our sofas, furniture and fingers from being chewed.
  • Puppy blankets – These were so good that we ended up ordering another set. We’ve been using these in her bed along with some old towels for extra warmth and in case of accidents. They wash well and have survived lots of chewing.
  • Training pads – These have been perfect for lining her crate and putting near the door in case of accidents. We’ve also used them in the car during vet visits. They’re pretty substantial and leakproof compared to some of the others I’ve seen.
  • Snail chew toy – One of Dolly’s favourite teddies.
Life with Dolly

The past 5 weeks have been spent working to Dolly’s schedule – working while she’s asleep (I quickly learnt there was no point trying to work while she was in play-mode), early mornings of puppy play rather than my usual morning routine and much more time spent reading during her quieter moments.

On the whole, life has taken on a slower pace. There’s been room for reflection and I’ve been able to re-read one of my favourite books, The Year of Less. It’s got me considering what I truly need in my life and where the next year will take me. Something I’ll write about in a future post once I’ve consolidated my ideas.

This time has also helped me realise what I truly value – journalling, working out, making time for creativity, spending quality time with Carla and cooking healthy, nutritious meals. I’ve also started to think about what I can release from my life and what no longer adds value.

They say a change is as good as a rest and the last 5 weeks with Dolly have been amazing. I feel like there’s so much I can learn from this little bundle of fun who lives life on her terms and finds so much joy in each moment.

So welcome little Dolly Daydream, I’m so pleased to have you by my side and I can’t wait for our adventures together. We’re going to have so much fun!

✕