Hi Everyone

I’m back with a recipe today. It’s hard to wean off all the junk food this week. I’m trying to come up with some reasonably good home cooking. A few little treats are no harm tho. We had this recipe for dinner this evening it was delicious. It’s a lovely family meal. Even Lee enjoyed it.  I showed this on my snapchat story. Add me to watch it.

Hope you enjoy this recipe and let me know if you try it.

Love Maria 

  
Ingredients 

4 chicken fillets (butterflied)

100g of breadcrumbs,

1 egg,

60g of grated mozzarella,

Basil, oregano, black pepper.

1 clove of garlic crushed.

2 packs of fresh mushrooms, 

1 teaspoon of butter,

1 dessert spoon of flour,

100mls of white wine,

50mls of double cream (so naughty)

1 small onion 

Method

Mix the mozzarella, breadcrumbs and basil ,oregano , black pepper 1 teaspoon of each in a bowl. Add the crushed garlic. Beat the egg in a bowl and dip the chicken fillets in the egg first then toss in the cheesy breadcrumb mix until well coated. Place on a baking tray and bake at 200 degrees for about 35 mins or until the chicken is cooked through. Turn after 20 mins if you wish. 

  

For the Mushroom sauce
Chop 2 packs of mushrooms, fry off the onion in a splash of rapeseed oil and a teaspoon of butter. Add the mushrooms , season with salt and pepper cover for a few mins until softened. Add the wine and let the alcohol cook off for a few mins to evaporate. Remove from the heat and add in the double cream. Mix well and add one dessert spoon of flour to thicken. Mix well and it’s ready to serve. 

  

Yumalicious, We had steamed potatoes with this. It was delicious and really simple to make. 

 

 

Hi Everyone,

Hope You are all well and enjoying the holiday season. I had three days off and I spent some time relaxing at home with family. Yesterday the 27th of December Myself and Mr Dillon went to Galway, to look for a new computer in PC world. We got a little beaut, and a bargain too. I wanted an actual PC for working at home. I needed loads of storage for all my photos etc and plenty memory.  We also had a look in all the home furnishing stores. Ez living, home focus woodies and Dunnes stores in Terryland. In my opinion Dunnes had the best selection with great discounts and loads of pretty things. We bought a standing lamp for our sitting room. I also bought a lamp for Lee’s room and I bought Lee a leather belt in Tommy Hilfiger. How domesticated are We??? God be with the days when all the days between Christmas and New Year were spent in the pub. Now We are more excited about Homestore and more.

We stopped by 56 central for lunch. I always love the food here, its absolutely delicious. I was in desperate need of a good clean meal after all the gluttony of the past few days. Of course Mr Dillon loves a good Full Irish so He was only too delighted to hear it was available. I went for the superfood salad, with Goats cheese, beetroot , quinoa and sun blush tomatoes. It was amazing as always, so refreshing and tasty. Mr Dillon was delighted with his all day breakfast which had chips included, much to his delight. I always find it hard to strike a balance in eateries. Its either super healthy or not healthy at all. I love how 56 Central always has  great variety of naughty and nice. Mr Dillon was well impressed with 56 as this was the first time He had accompanied me there. I had plans to meet a friend later for pizza and wine so I was trying to be good for at least half the day.

 

 

 

I popped into River island for a quick look at the sale. It was dog eat dog in there and everything was allover the place. I spotted a skirt that was reduced to €18 but there was a que of about 15 people and I just could’nt be bothered. So We headed off home again. I didnt see anything in the sales that made me go WOW. We got a good deal on the computer and Dunnes had a good few things reduced but that was all. It was a lovely day out and we headed out to the salthill prom for a walk. This was badly needed a good blast of fresh air coming in from the Atlantic was just what We needed to blow away the cobwebs. It was so busy out on the prom with loads of people walking.

  

 

     

  Later that evening I met up with my friend Geraldine who now lives in London. We went to La farnia in Westport. This is a casual wine bar \ pizza place. Its a lovely relaxed atmosphere serving Wine, Pizza, Burgers and prosecco cocktails. Its a lovely Idea for a casual dining option, instead of a formal restaurant.  We had a bottle of pinot gricio, a sharing platter to start which was garlic bread, cheeses, dips and cold meats and a large pizza, the bill came to €47 which was very reasonably priced. We had a lovely few drinks after in Mc brides and Mc Gings and the clock. It was a great catch up and a lovely night.

So that it for now, Come follow me on snapchat for my latest antics at mrspdilly2b

Love Maria  xx

Hi Everyone

I hope You all enjoyed Your Christmas. I am suffering from an obesity hangover. I’ve spent the last three days over indulging in everything. I allow my self three days to eat like a pig. 24th, 25th and 26th of December are my “diet holidays” I eat and drink whatever I want and don’t give it a second thought. You know it’s bad when your having a slice of chocolate biscuit cake with Baileys coffee for breakfast.  ?????

However my holidays are nearly over, I feel sluggish and bloated and I’m literally about to burst. Tomorrow it’s time to pull in the reins and start to wean myself back to a normal eating pattern. It’s hard to go cold turkey on the 27th. If I can be 80% good tomorrow and get out for a little walk Il be happy. I’m back to work in Monday so it’s back to routine. I find it way easier when I’m working to keep to a healthy eating plan. 

  
I cannot wait for January, I love the fresh start of a new year. I’m so looking forward to getting out walking again and getting loads of fresh air. I want to lose more weight in 2016. My sister is getting married in July so it’s Bridesmaid Bootcamp all the way.  I love the Unislim plan and I’m so looking forward to getting stuck in and hitting some weight loss targets in 2016.

  

I will have some lovely healthy recipes on the blog for You all in the New year. I always watch Operation Transformation. I love it, myself and Lee always watch it together. It’s great for keeping motivated during the detox season. I always try to think positive and see the good side to January. It’s a time for setting goals and making plans for the year ahead. Any little tools to help me achieve my goals are always welcome. 

  

Until then folks I wish You all a great week. We will be busy at work styling all the ladies for the weddings and events between Christmas and New year. In the meantime keep up to date with my antics on snapchat.

  
Chat to you all soon. 

Love Maria 

Hi Everyone

Happy Christmas to you all. I want to say a big massive thanks to You all for reading my blog and following me on my social media all year. My lovely ladies who come to Platinum are just the most amazing thoughtful people in the world. A huge thanks to you all and of course to Sarah my wing woman who keeps the show on the road when I’m not around. 2015 was an emotional roller coaster for myself and my family. We had extreme highs and extreme lows. From the laughs on my hen in January and the fabulous run up to our wedding in March. To the terrible loss of our Mum in August and the arrival of my nephew in September.  It’s been a busy year. 

Enjoy,

Love Maria xx

 
  
   
  
 

   

  

   

    
We lost our beloved Mum in August. It was the worst ordeal of our lives, a very tough time for us all. 

 

  

   

 

     
  

Hi Everyone 

I’ve been quiet on the blog lately as work has been crazy. Hairdressers and beauty industry workers get a raw deal at Christmas. We work long hours and have some very early starts getting everyone ready for the party season. On Saturday We attended a wedding at Knockranny house hotel in Westport. I couldn’t drink at the wedding as I had work the next day. This was a first for me.  When Your self employed and it’s Christmas You have to make hay while the sun shines. So that means no crazy nights out until the work is done. Let me tell you I am so looking forward to a few drinks once I finish up tomorrow.

 

I got this gorgeous dress in Swamp in Castlebar. It was perfect for a Christmas wedding and very comfortable to wear. At €60 it was a steal. We had a fab day at the wedding it was really lovely. The meal in Knockranny is always outstanding. 

  
I have been terrible with my exercise lately as work has been so busy. I’m looking forward to get back to a good routine asap. I have been hanging by a thread to my healthy eating. Temptation is everywhere. Food prep and the freezer has been my saving grace. I still attended Unislim up until last week and I have maintained my weight. I couldn’t make it this week as it is just too busy. I’m given myself three days holidays Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and St Stephens day as holidays from my diet. I intend to fully enjoy them. 

 

I will be back over the next few days with a few tasty recipes for you guys. 

Chat soon

Love Maria  

Hi Everyone 

Today I’m bringing you a delicious Brown bread recipe. This is easy to make and tastes amazing. It’s taken me ages to perfect this. I originally got the measurements and basic recipe from Neven Maguires website so I can’t claim it fully as my own . However I tweaked it to suit myself.  The original recipe had golden syrup but I prefer to use treacle. Oh it’s delicious as it really makes it so tasty. Now you need to be mindful of portion size with this bread. A 60g slice would be your FC lunch portion on unislim. Just don’t go to town on it. I usually have a slice for breakfast with a boiled egg. An average slice is 60g so I add 1/2 a Yum. I was really fed up of always buying fresh bread. It’s actually very cost effective to make your own. I find baking quite therapeutic. This bread will keep for a few days. It freezes very well too. We really have no idea what is In the food we buy unless we prepare it ourselves. I’ve made this for a few of my friends and it’s gone down very well with everyone so far. Anyway here’s the recipe enjoy.

    
Let me know if you make this

Love Maria xx

Ingredients 

400g wholemeal flour I use the Aldi one.

100g self raising flour again Aldi

1 cup of wheat bran

1 teaspoon of bread soda

A pinch of salt

A scatter of porridge oats, for the top.

1 dessert spoon of butter melted

2 dessert spoons of brown sugar

2 dessert spoons of black treacle 

600mls of Buttermilk 

Method

Grease 2 1&1/2 lb loaf tins preheat your oven to 180 

In a large mixing bowl mix all your dry ingredients together.

Make a little well in the centre and slowly add the buttermilk while mixing all the time. The bread mix should be moist do not knead or dry off.

In a separate microwaveable bowl add 1 dessert spoon of butter and 2 dessert spoons of treacle. Microwave for 1 minute and stir very well into your bread mix. Pour the mixture into your loaf tins and sprinkle the porridge oats on top.

Bake at 180 degrees for one hour. When you take them out of the oven  wrap them in a clean tea towel and leave to cool. This will soften the crust and keep the bread moist. 

Hi Everyone 

Hope you are all enjoying December so far. I have been up to my eyes with work so I’m a little quieter on the blog. It has to be done this month in afraid. However I will have loads of excitement for you all come January. 2016 will be a busy one for Mrs Dillons Diary. I’m looking forward to it already. 

  
We all over indulge a little over Christmas week. Three bad days wont undo all our hard work all year, but three bad weeks will. The year before last 2013 I literally ate like a pig. Cake, prosecco, crisps, chocolates, party food, wine etc. I did it for three solid weeks  when I went for a weigh in on the 30th  I had gained 9lbs. This makes me cringe to think about all that mindless eating and for what??? I can laugh about it now but it wasn’t funny at the time. Considering my total weightloss at that stage was only 16lbs. So what took 11 months to lose I had undone half of it in three weeks. It took me six weeks to lose it again.Well I learned a valuable lesson that Christmas, and let me tell you, it won’t happen again. 

 

 
So last Christmas I managed to maintain my weightloss. I put this post togeather to share my few tips on how to “manage weight” over the Christmas period. Hopefully you will find them helpful. I was under pressure last year as our wedding was looming in March. The very thought of gaining weight before the wedding had the fear of God in me. These are just a few things that worked for me.

1. Meal prep. This is always a winner with me. Having food prepared and in the freezer ready to go stops me from making poor choices.
2. Go to your regular weigh in or class as often as possible.It dosent matter if you are up a pound or two after the nights out. You need to go and face up to it. It will help motivate you to make better choices.
3. Schedule your treat times. If you have a party or an event. Write into your food diary example (party 6-9)Stay on plan through the day and once you arrive at the event take those hours off. Next morning go back to your plan.Pick out the days you have an event and stay on track the other days. 
4. Do not buy junk food for the house too early. You don’t need any party food, 20 boxes of crisps, tins of celebrations etc until Christmas Eve. No they will not be sold out and nobody will visit without calling ahead first. I couldn’t have these lying around I’d eat them. All!!!
5. Walk, get out for a walk. I Went out walking Christmas Day, Stephens day and the day after. I was off work and the weather was mild. It was really busy on Christmas morning down at the lake. There was loads of people out walking. If it’s dry and you have the time get out for an hour it will do you good. 
6. Decide on a couple of days to take holidays from your plan. I chose Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and st Stephens day. These were my holidays, I treated myself to a few baileys coffees with cream and didn’t worry about the diet. The morning of the 27th December I was straight back on it. Back to reality and back on my plan.
7. Try on clothes, this always motivates me. I can’t bear it if somthing doesn’t fit. It stops me from losing control.
8. Don’t over eat for the sake of it. Ask yourself do you really want it? Is it worth it? Am I full?? 
9. Drink water, keep sipping it will keep you hydrated.
10. Try out a few healthy recipes. A change is always good. 

 

 
So they are some of my top tips for surviving December on a weight management plan. Of course I have Invisalign now so I can’t eat between meals. Well I can but il have to brush my teeth after. Every little helps eh??? I hope you enjoyed this post and you find my tips helpful. Thank you for reading and as always please share. 

Love Maria 

Xx

Hi Everyone 

As you all know I run my own Hair salon in Castlebar. As December is crazy season for us hairdresser folks, I don’t have quite was much time for blogging. Alas that’s the way. However I have a fabulous easy recipe for you all tonight. I have been meal prepping and filling my freezer with my own ready meals. Super handy to pull out in the morning for busy lunchtimes in the salon. I can just pop them in the microwave at work. This chilli is one of my favourites. As you all know I follow the unislim plan. Most of my recipes are UNislim friendly. Except for an odd treat now and again. So anyway here is enjoy and please share.

Love Maria xx

Ingredients 

1 pack of Aldi typically less than 5%fat beef mince.

1 pack of Aldi passata (sieved tomatoes)

3 beef oxo cubes dissolved in 1 pint of water.

Chopped red & green pepper.

2 chopped onions

Can of kidney beans. 

2 cloves of garlic 

2 teaspoons of chilli powder 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Add more if you wish. 

300g Basmati Rice

Makes 5 portions. 

Method 

Brown off the mince and the veg in a little fry light on a high heat.

Add in the chilli powder & cayenne pepper and garlic 

Add the beef stock stirring well. 

Next add in the passata and turn down the heat letting it simmer for about 30 mins 

Then add the kidney beans and leave to cool. This will let the flavour and spices come together. 

Add 300g of Basmati rice to a saucepan of boiling water with a pinch of salt.

Bring up to the boil , once it hit boiling point switch off the heat and cover with the lid. Leave to sit for 20 mins. When you take off the lid the rice should be light and fluffy having absorbed all the water.

So that’s it, easy peasy. Of course You could serve this immediately either. It would be fabulous for these cold dark evenings. Please let me know how you get on .