Surviving the Freeze: Thoughts from a Minus 5 Day

Yesterday was my usual shopping day, and I managed to keep my bill under £60 this week. We still have plenty of snacks and drinks left over from Christmas, so there was no need to stock up on those for my daughter. It always feels good to stick to a budget while still getting everything we need for the week.
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Today started with an early rise as I was expecting a delivery—my new Dr Martens! I’m a big fan of Royal Mail; whenever they deliver something, the postman always arrives early. It’s such a contrast to companies like Evri or DPD, who often turn up as late as 8pm, leaving you stuck at home waiting all day. It’s frustrating, but thankfully, Royal Mail never lets me down.

As for my new boots—they are everything I hoped for and more. Since they’re fur-lined, I decided to go half a size bigger than usual, and they fit perfectly. It’s great that Dr Martens offer half sizes, as finding the right fit is always important with boots. Now I just need somewhere to wear them! I’m sure I’ll find an excuse over the weekend.

This morning, I had a few things on my to-do list, but once those were sorted, I did my lower body workout. I’m really sticking to my plan, and it feels good to keep moving, especially on cold days like today. After my workout, I had a long bath and did some reading. By the time I was finished, it was time for my first meal of the day: a ham and mushroom three-egg omelette.

A few days ago, I considered changing up my meal plan by having fruit as my first meal, followed by one large meal in the evening. But after a bit of trial and error, I realised that I couldn’t hit my protein goals that way. So I’ve gone back to my usual routine: eggs for my first meal of the day, meat and vegetables for my evening meal, and fruit throughout the day to keep me feeling full.

​Tonight, I’m having lamb steaks. I don’t think I’ve had them before, so I’m curious to see how they turn out. I just hope they’re not too fatty, as lamb can sometimes be. I’ll be serving them with green beans cooked in butter—simple and satisfying.

After dinner, I’ll probably head to bed early. It’s been freezing today, with temperatures hitting minus five degrees Celsius. There’s something comforting about getting cosy in bed on a cold night, and I’m definitely looking forward to it.

Last night, I started watching Those About to Die on Amazon Prime. It’s a historical drama set in ancient Rome, exploring the lives of gladiators, politicians, and everyday citizens as they navigate power, politics, and survival. The series captures the brutal realities of the time while weaving in personal stories that keep you hooked. I’m about halfway through the series and really enjoying it so far. I just hope there’s a second season coming at some point!

Anyway, I hope everyone’s had a great week. Enjoy your weekends and take some time to relax. Here’s to staying warm and making the most of these cold winter days!