I had never made white chocolate and raspberry brownies before so sort of made up the recipe as I went along. They sort of turned into cakes. Well, cake brownies. But they were perfect.
Monday, 22 February 2016
Raspberry and White Chocolate Brownies
It was a Friday night, I was home alone (I do live alone after all) and I got a craving for white chocolate brownies. So I decided to make some. That's what every twenty five year old dreams of. Spending a Friday night at home alone baking. Actually it was perfect.
I had never made white chocolate and raspberry brownies before so sort of made up the recipe as I went along. They sort of turned into cakes. Well, cake brownies. But they were perfect.
I had never made white chocolate and raspberry brownies before so sort of made up the recipe as I went along. They sort of turned into cakes. Well, cake brownies. But they were perfect.
Friday, 19 February 2016
Marathon Training: My first half marathon experience
For me, running a half marathon is a big thing. A couple of months ago I could barely run two miles. So to reach the target of running 13.1 miles, in a race. I saw this as an unachievable target. But I believe that if you really want to do something, you can achieve it, no matter what it takes. After all, in April I will be running a full marathon.
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| Me on the right after completing the race |
Monday, 8 February 2016
January Favourites
January. It was a dull month. It was a boring month. And it was an expensive month. I'm glad it's over. During this first month of the year I got back into running, I barely visited the gym, and I booked a big summer holiday. That just about sums up my month.
Travel. This month my brain has been full of 50% travel and 50% sleep. In the second week of January I booked my summer holiday to the USA. But that is half a year away! So I got into researching where else I would like to go in the year. I still haven't quite decided yet but I feel like 2016 is going to be the year of travel, it's going to be a good one!
Yes this is my bed and my favourite blanket, and yes I have been loving my bed in the month of January (and yes I do have a favourite blanket). I felt so tired all month and it was a chilly one. In the mornings I could not wait for it to be evening so I could get back into bed, in the mornings I couldn't get out of bed, and many a time I got into bed way too early on a Friday and Saturday evening, and I loved it!!
I guess this is my empties come beauty section of the post. I have absolutely been LOVING this St Ives scrub. I purchased this in the last week of December and have been loving it all month, it has completely changed my skin! My face feels cleaner and my skin feels clearer. I love this product and have already purchased my second bottle. Also this Aussie body wash is AMAZING! I love their hair products but did not realise they did soap as well until I spotted this in Tesco! It smells a little bit like the distinct smell of the Aussie hair products but not quite so potent and a little different. The scent of this body wash is so nice and it leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean, I like to use this in the morning.
The foam roller. Why have I not used one of these before?! My osteopath told me to get one of these and when I first used it, I was dubious. But then I learn how to use it properly and oh boy does it hurt, but it's that good muscly sort of pain. I mostly foam roller my legs and they feel so much better afterwards. I love using this after a run or a workout.
The Hunger Games books. I started on the first book in the first week of January, it was so good and I became so addicted to this book that before I knew it, I had completed the book. I had to get more of the story, so I ordered the other two books and before the end of January I had finished reading them. Best books I have read in a long time! I hated putting the book down and couldn't wait to get back to reading it!
Now on to February with bigger and better things! How was your January?
Travel. This month my brain has been full of 50% travel and 50% sleep. In the second week of January I booked my summer holiday to the USA. But that is half a year away! So I got into researching where else I would like to go in the year. I still haven't quite decided yet but I feel like 2016 is going to be the year of travel, it's going to be a good one!
Yes this is my bed and my favourite blanket, and yes I have been loving my bed in the month of January (and yes I do have a favourite blanket). I felt so tired all month and it was a chilly one. In the mornings I could not wait for it to be evening so I could get back into bed, in the mornings I couldn't get out of bed, and many a time I got into bed way too early on a Friday and Saturday evening, and I loved it!!
I guess this is my empties come beauty section of the post. I have absolutely been LOVING this St Ives scrub. I purchased this in the last week of December and have been loving it all month, it has completely changed my skin! My face feels cleaner and my skin feels clearer. I love this product and have already purchased my second bottle. Also this Aussie body wash is AMAZING! I love their hair products but did not realise they did soap as well until I spotted this in Tesco! It smells a little bit like the distinct smell of the Aussie hair products but not quite so potent and a little different. The scent of this body wash is so nice and it leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean, I like to use this in the morning.
The foam roller. Why have I not used one of these before?! My osteopath told me to get one of these and when I first used it, I was dubious. But then I learn how to use it properly and oh boy does it hurt, but it's that good muscly sort of pain. I mostly foam roller my legs and they feel so much better afterwards. I love using this after a run or a workout.
The Hunger Games books. I started on the first book in the first week of January, it was so good and I became so addicted to this book that before I knew it, I had completed the book. I had to get more of the story, so I ordered the other two books and before the end of January I had finished reading them. Best books I have read in a long time! I hated putting the book down and couldn't wait to get back to reading it!
Now on to February with bigger and better things! How was your January?
Saturday, 6 February 2016
Marathon Training: Gale force winds and running playlists
I cannot run without music. At first I would listen to music to drown out the sound of my breathing, and I also get ear pain from the cold without ear protection. But most of all, music spurs me on. It's what keeps me going throughout those long runs. Over the weeks I have put together a running playlist that helps me through each mile.
This week has been pretty good for running. I am feeling motivated, I feel like my body is changing for the better and the cold weather doesn't phase me so much.
Monday 25th January
Monday was a rest day. I booked my first half marathon for 2 weeks time. Eeeeekkkkk!!!!
Tuesday 26th January
I was so pleased with my achievements on Tuesday. I went for an early afternoon run. I had to battle through gale force winds, rain, hills and my painful knee but I got through it and managed 8 miles. The furthest I had ever ran. I completed this a little slower than I would have liked, I ran the 8 miles in 1 hour 23 minutes. But the main thing is, I did it. I even had a one hour pole dancing session in the evening. My knee was ok until it started playing up between the 6th to 8th mile, it is so annoying but it is so much better!!
Wednesday 27th January
Today was rest day, I was in between night shifts and I needed that rest!
Thursday 28th January
On Thursday morning I finished my night shift at 8.30am, had some breakfast, went home. By 9am I was dressed and ready to go for a run. Six months ago if you had asked me to go for a run after a twelve hour night shift I would have laughed in your face. But I actually did it! I just did 3.35 miles in 31 minutes and 53 seconds. I'll admit, it was difficult. I was knackered and in the first mile I totally regretted going for that run. After the third mile I felt great and was glad I did it!
Friday 29th - Sunday 31st January
I was supposed to go for a 10 mile run on Saturday, but I didn't get time in between my pay day shopping and having friends over in the evening. On Sunday I was working all day and told myself I would go for a run in the evening. But Saturday night ended up being a very late one, I got three hours sleep before work, and work was super busy. I was exhausted when I got home so went straight to bed. Oops. It is difficult to balance all this training in between working and life.
My feelings on running this week
I hate running.
Running in the rain isn't as bad as it looks.
Running in the ice isn't as bad as you think it will be.
Running in the wind is far worse than you can imagine.
I hate running.
I feel smug when I run past people huddled up in their warm coats waiting for the bus.
Running can be exhilarating.
I quite like running, sometimes.
Does running make your waist smaller? I haven't lost any weight since I started this marathon training, however my waist has definitely shrunk. It's flatter. I am not complaining though... LIFE GOALS!
Here are my top ten running tracks:
Metallica - Enter Sandman
Madness - Baggy Trousers
Bowling For Soup - Stacy's Mom
This week has been pretty good for running. I am feeling motivated, I feel like my body is changing for the better and the cold weather doesn't phase me so much.
Monday 25th January
Monday was a rest day. I booked my first half marathon for 2 weeks time. Eeeeekkkkk!!!!
Tuesday 26th January
I was so pleased with my achievements on Tuesday. I went for an early afternoon run. I had to battle through gale force winds, rain, hills and my painful knee but I got through it and managed 8 miles. The furthest I had ever ran. I completed this a little slower than I would have liked, I ran the 8 miles in 1 hour 23 minutes. But the main thing is, I did it. I even had a one hour pole dancing session in the evening. My knee was ok until it started playing up between the 6th to 8th mile, it is so annoying but it is so much better!!
Wednesday 27th January
Today was rest day, I was in between night shifts and I needed that rest!
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| Image Source |
Thursday 28th January
On Thursday morning I finished my night shift at 8.30am, had some breakfast, went home. By 9am I was dressed and ready to go for a run. Six months ago if you had asked me to go for a run after a twelve hour night shift I would have laughed in your face. But I actually did it! I just did 3.35 miles in 31 minutes and 53 seconds. I'll admit, it was difficult. I was knackered and in the first mile I totally regretted going for that run. After the third mile I felt great and was glad I did it!
Friday 29th - Sunday 31st January
I was supposed to go for a 10 mile run on Saturday, but I didn't get time in between my pay day shopping and having friends over in the evening. On Sunday I was working all day and told myself I would go for a run in the evening. But Saturday night ended up being a very late one, I got three hours sleep before work, and work was super busy. I was exhausted when I got home so went straight to bed. Oops. It is difficult to balance all this training in between working and life.
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| I use the Nike Running app. |
My feelings on running this week
I hate running.
Running in the rain isn't as bad as it looks.
Running in the ice isn't as bad as you think it will be.
Running in the wind is far worse than you can imagine.
I hate running.
I feel smug when I run past people huddled up in their warm coats waiting for the bus.
Running can be exhilarating.
I quite like running, sometimes.
Does running make your waist smaller? I haven't lost any weight since I started this marathon training, however my waist has definitely shrunk. It's flatter. I am not complaining though... LIFE GOALS!
Friday, 5 February 2016
Payday Haul
Last week was the much awaited payday, it had been a long month. I was so excited, I needed money and I needed new things! So on Saturday I headed to the shops. I only had two hours to spare, but spend I did!
Usually I avoid sales like the plague but I found a few great things in the sales this time!! First I headed to H&M. I LOVE H&M.
I am building my summer holiday clothes collection already. This top will look great with my new black, high-waisted shorts.
I found this jumper in the sale for £7.
Next I headed to Zara. As much as I like H&M, Zara is my absolute favourite.
I love this skirt, it was £9.99, I wore it the other night with my long sleeved black shirt, tucked into the skirt.
This top was also in the sale for £9.99.
These trousers were full price but they are gorgeous!
I then headed to Primark where I bought some leggings and a kimono for my summer holiday.
I went into John Lewis looking for a new nail polish and purchased this OPI polish in Over The Taupe. I had to get this lipgloss, in Autumn Haze, which was in the sale for £4.50, I LOVE Burt's Bees.
I was in need of a new candle holder and spotted this one in the Yankee Candle shop. The Candle in this holder at the moment is Snow In Love which I bought in December, the scent is gorgeous!!
Lastly, I went into Homesense. I ADORE this shop, I could buy the whole shop!! I settled on two items and bought this plate and jug. The plate was £4 in the sale.
I cannot wait for payday so I can go shopping again!! Have you found any good bargains in the sales recently?
Usually I avoid sales like the plague but I found a few great things in the sales this time!! First I headed to H&M. I LOVE H&M.
I am building my summer holiday clothes collection already. This top will look great with my new black, high-waisted shorts.
I found this jumper in the sale for £7.
Next I headed to Zara. As much as I like H&M, Zara is my absolute favourite.
I love this skirt, it was £9.99, I wore it the other night with my long sleeved black shirt, tucked into the skirt.
This top was also in the sale for £9.99.
These trousers were full price but they are gorgeous!
I then headed to Primark where I bought some leggings and a kimono for my summer holiday.
I went into John Lewis looking for a new nail polish and purchased this OPI polish in Over The Taupe. I had to get this lipgloss, in Autumn Haze, which was in the sale for £4.50, I LOVE Burt's Bees.
I was in need of a new candle holder and spotted this one in the Yankee Candle shop. The Candle in this holder at the moment is Snow In Love which I bought in December, the scent is gorgeous!!
Lastly, I went into Homesense. I ADORE this shop, I could buy the whole shop!! I settled on two items and bought this plate and jug. The plate was £4 in the sale.
I cannot wait for payday so I can go shopping again!! Have you found any good bargains in the sales recently?
Sunday, 24 January 2016
Marathon Training: Gloves, sore knees and frozen lungs
Anyone who knows me knows that I do not run. Take me to a dance studio or give me a set of weights any day. But running? No, I don't do that. Alas, I am running the London marathon in April so I have no choice but to run.
Now the marathon is drawing closer, it's on my mind more and more. So I have decided to do a weekly blog post to keep you all updated on my marathon training.
I have been having problems with my knee since October due to a leg injury from ten years ago. I only started seeing someone about my knee in January, it is now getting better and I am starting to up the training.
Monday 18th January
I'd had an appointment on Saturday and the osteopath had told me that my knee was getting better, however when I went for a run later on that day my knee was not feeling much better. However on the Monday afternoon I went for a 4 mile run, it took me 40 minutes and was in fact the longest I had run in months (I had previously been unable to run more than 3 miles due to knee pain). I experienced barely any pain until the end of my run. Could it be that my knee was finally getting better?!
Tuesday 19th January
This day was a rest day. I was used to my knee aching on the day after a run, but this day, no pain and no ache.
Wednesday 20th January
I decided to go for a run after work. I hate running in the dark, and this evening was cold and icy. I hated the first two miles. But then got really into it and managed to achieve 5 miles in 49 minutes. I did not realise how icy and cold it was getting until I stopped at a traffic light and noticed how the pavement was sparkling with ice and I could see my warm breath in the cold air. I got home and saw that the temperature was actually minus one. This was my favourite run of the whole week.
Thursday 21st January
Thursday was my pole dancing class. Again no aches or pains in my knee. Brilliant!!
Friday 22nd January
Another day, another run. I went for my run late afternoon and managed a great 6.4 miles in 1 hour 7 minutes. I was so proud of myself. This was the furthest I had ran since October! I had a couple of knee aches and slight twinges but nothing too major.
Saturday 23rd January
Another osteopath appointment, I couldn't wait to discuss the great news of my knee getting better!! She said it was coming along well and to go back in 2 weeks time.
Sunday 24th January
When I set out running today I wasn't sure how far I was going to run. I got really into it after the first 3 miles and decided that I was going to go for 7 miles. I can do it!! Or so I thought. Into the fifth mile I could really feel the knee pain but I willed myself to go on but the pain got more intense and my running got slower and slower and I finally had to stop. I managed 5.9 miles in 1 hour.
Tomorrow is a rest day and I will go for another run on Tuesday, I hope the pain will not be as intense on Tuesday! However 6 miles is a great achievement, I could barely run 3 miles 2 weeks ago!
Things I have learnt this week
Now the marathon is drawing closer, it's on my mind more and more. So I have decided to do a weekly blog post to keep you all updated on my marathon training.
I have been having problems with my knee since October due to a leg injury from ten years ago. I only started seeing someone about my knee in January, it is now getting better and I am starting to up the training.
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| Image Source |
Monday 18th January
I'd had an appointment on Saturday and the osteopath had told me that my knee was getting better, however when I went for a run later on that day my knee was not feeling much better. However on the Monday afternoon I went for a 4 mile run, it took me 40 minutes and was in fact the longest I had run in months (I had previously been unable to run more than 3 miles due to knee pain). I experienced barely any pain until the end of my run. Could it be that my knee was finally getting better?!
Tuesday 19th January
This day was a rest day. I was used to my knee aching on the day after a run, but this day, no pain and no ache.
Wednesday 20th January
I decided to go for a run after work. I hate running in the dark, and this evening was cold and icy. I hated the first two miles. But then got really into it and managed to achieve 5 miles in 49 minutes. I did not realise how icy and cold it was getting until I stopped at a traffic light and noticed how the pavement was sparkling with ice and I could see my warm breath in the cold air. I got home and saw that the temperature was actually minus one. This was my favourite run of the whole week.
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| Image Source |
Thursday 21st January
Thursday was my pole dancing class. Again no aches or pains in my knee. Brilliant!!
Friday 22nd January
Another day, another run. I went for my run late afternoon and managed a great 6.4 miles in 1 hour 7 minutes. I was so proud of myself. This was the furthest I had ran since October! I had a couple of knee aches and slight twinges but nothing too major.
Saturday 23rd January
Another osteopath appointment, I couldn't wait to discuss the great news of my knee getting better!! She said it was coming along well and to go back in 2 weeks time.
Sunday 24th January
When I set out running today I wasn't sure how far I was going to run. I got really into it after the first 3 miles and decided that I was going to go for 7 miles. I can do it!! Or so I thought. Into the fifth mile I could really feel the knee pain but I willed myself to go on but the pain got more intense and my running got slower and slower and I finally had to stop. I managed 5.9 miles in 1 hour.
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| Image Source |
Tomorrow is a rest day and I will go for another run on Tuesday, I hope the pain will not be as intense on Tuesday! However 6 miles is a great achievement, I could barely run 3 miles 2 weeks ago!
Things I have learnt this week
- Running in the cold hurts. Not only does it hurt your fingers, your nose and your face. It hurts your lungs. Your lungs physically turn to ice, or so it feels.
- Wearing gloves helps, it really really helps. Especially for someone who always has cold hands. Apart from when your hands get too hot, you take off the gloves and have no where to put them, and then stuff them down your bra.
- I have more energy in the evening. Running in the day time is great, it's a good feeling knowing that I have accomplished a run before an evening shift at work. But I always tire too quickly in the day time, I can run faster in the evening and for longer.
- People are rude. I swear people step in front of me on purpose when I'm out of breath and unable to stop. Especially bratty little school kids.
- But then my faith in people is restored when they stop to let me past, or they stop their car so I can cross the road without having to stop running. I like these people.
- Metallica is great running music.
All in all, a great week for my marathon training. I cannot wait to see what next week brings!
I am running for the amazing charity Whizz Kidz, if you would like to sponsor me, you can do so here.
Saturday, 16 January 2016
Summer Holiday: Las Vegas - Hawaii - Los Angeles
I don't know about you but I have been so tired recently! I have been coming home from work, lounging on the sofa under a blanket after work, going to bed early just to stay warm, then waking up and going to work the next day. I blame the weather and the time of year. January is officially the worst month ever.
A friend and I have been dreaming of summer. Hot weather, the beach, the sea, so last night we decided too book a holiday. My friend came round and over a Chinese takeaway, cups of teas and excited squeals, we managed to book our dream holiday. Me being me, it was nothing uncomplicated. I do like an elaborate and complicated holiday. I am going to give you a little insight to what we booked.
We had carried out lots of research over the last month. We had checked prices with a few travel companies, and calculated the price of doing our own thing. In the end we called Virgin, who were really helpful, patiently listened to out girlish high pitched excitedness, and offered us the best deal.
In July we are flying out to Las Vegas. Where we stay for 3 nights. I cannot wait to check out the fancy hotels, visit the Neon Museum, go to the Grand Canyon, go shopping and check out what else Vegas has to offer. Virgin threw in a limo ride from the airport to the hotel, what a great start to the holiday!
We are then flying over to Hawaii where we stay in a hotel on Waikiki Beach for 6 nights. I am excited to check out the beaches, hike up diamond head, go to Manoa Falls, go to the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve and visit Arizona Memorial and Pearl Harbor.
I feel like I will never want to leave Honolulu but then we are off to Los Angeles where will be spend three nights. Here I am looking forward to check out some rooftop bars, maybe do some yoga, look at the Hollywood sign, go to the Hollywood Bowl, visit the Runyon Canyon and much more. We certainly won't be able to fit everything I want to do into three days.
As you can imagine, I am SO EXCITED!! I am doing two of the things I wanted to do this year, visit somewhere I have never been before and travel outside of Europe. I don't like to wish time away but I cannot wait until July!!!
Have you been thinking of summer holidays?
A friend and I have been dreaming of summer. Hot weather, the beach, the sea, so last night we decided too book a holiday. My friend came round and over a Chinese takeaway, cups of teas and excited squeals, we managed to book our dream holiday. Me being me, it was nothing uncomplicated. I do like an elaborate and complicated holiday. I am going to give you a little insight to what we booked.
We had carried out lots of research over the last month. We had checked prices with a few travel companies, and calculated the price of doing our own thing. In the end we called Virgin, who were really helpful, patiently listened to out girlish high pitched excitedness, and offered us the best deal.
In July we are flying out to Las Vegas. Where we stay for 3 nights. I cannot wait to check out the fancy hotels, visit the Neon Museum, go to the Grand Canyon, go shopping and check out what else Vegas has to offer. Virgin threw in a limo ride from the airport to the hotel, what a great start to the holiday!
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| Image Source |
We are then flying over to Hawaii where we stay in a hotel on Waikiki Beach for 6 nights. I am excited to check out the beaches, hike up diamond head, go to Manoa Falls, go to the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve and visit Arizona Memorial and Pearl Harbor.
 |
| Image Source |
I feel like I will never want to leave Honolulu but then we are off to Los Angeles where will be spend three nights. Here I am looking forward to check out some rooftop bars, maybe do some yoga, look at the Hollywood sign, go to the Hollywood Bowl, visit the Runyon Canyon and much more. We certainly won't be able to fit everything I want to do into three days.
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| Image Source |
As you can imagine, I am SO EXCITED!! I am doing two of the things I wanted to do this year, visit somewhere I have never been before and travel outside of Europe. I don't like to wish time away but I cannot wait until July!!!
Have you been thinking of summer holidays?
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