Diet Diaries

I have finally decided to take my major weight gain seriously and do something about it. During my three years of university the drinking and eating rubbish has taken its toll and I am now at least 2 stone heavier than before. I have to realise that now I have finished university I have to let go of the excuse “I’ll do something about it when I finish.”


During my second year at university I lost the 2 stone I had put on by using well known diet Weight Watchers. I would go to meetings and was strict in sticking with their diet. I just grew so bored of the food they had to offer and the student lifestyle resulted in me falling off the wagon. Even though Weight Watchers had great results, I just don’t feel personally I could live on Weight Watchers forever. It has to be a life change rather that a quick fix.

This time I have decided to try diet Slimming World, and so far so good. I tried Slimming World years ago when it was red and green days and it was somewhat difficult. I was happy to try their new extra easy option and it seriously is extra easy. Now that I have finished uni I also am trying to cook proper meals and the recipes look lovely. I went to a meeting yesterday and this just re-affirmed how much I want to lose weight. It was great to have the food and exercise plans explained and this made it simple for me to plan my meals. I have so far cooked a few things that have been a success. I cooked a Sheppard’s pie, the only difference being I used swede instead of potato. Potato is fine to eat, however I couldn’t face having it without butter so opted for swede instead. I was surprised at how nice it was, and both myself and Joe said that we would have it again. I have also made spaghetti bolognaise and it was delicious. There isn’t much difference from how I made it before except I didn’t use tomato puree. I was allowed as much spaghetti and mince (extra lean) as I wanted, it’s hard to believe you’re losing weight. Finally, I have made home-made coleslaw and this was ok. I would make it again however I wouldn’t put celery in next time around. I have never really liked celery but thought it would blend in with the other ingredients, but it didn’t. I also have tried Quorn sausages as they encourage you to eat them. Unfortunately I have to be honest and I am not a fan. They taste as if they are off and the thought of it is probably worse than the taste. I am going to give it one more go and put them in a frittata, but if not I shall definitely not be buying them again.

I have a target of losing 3 stone overall and 10 pounds by graduation. That’s 5 weeks away and I am refusing to buy new dresses for the ceremony or ball unless I have lost a little weight. I am going to a meeting next Thursday as I am in London so will be visiting another one, so I shall keep you informed on how my first week goes 

Laters xxxxxxxx

My Spanish Adventure

Hola, I am very sad to report that I am officially back in England and home from Española. I had the most amazing holiday and am slightly suffering from the holiday blues now I am back. Thought I would give you all the inside information on what I got up to.

Flight booze

Me and Joe flew to Alicante airport from Leeds Bradford. It was somewhat a dive in comparison to the lovely Gatwick, people were trying to smoke and were lying on the floor, I suspect from being too drunk to stand. As I mentioned before I went I am not the best at flying, I feel that as I am getting older my fears are getting worse. I hated take off! I would probably say this was the worst bit of the whole flight. In order to survive my anxiety filled ordeal we brought a wide selection of alcohol to keep me going.

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view from blacony



Alicante beach



We spent our first two days in Alicante, at a hotel called Hotel Maya. It was lush. It was three stars, but for three stars you couldn’t ask for more. The staff was friendly enough, not that we could understand them and the facilities included everything we needed. The best bit about the hotel was the balcony and its sea view. It was stunning! The hotel also had a lovely pool and a great bar so no complaints there. One thing I loved about Spain is their vodka measures, they don’t have them. They just pour freely till your cup is half full, that’s my kind of measures. We spent Joe’s birthday on Alicante beach, and I have to say I think this was my favourite beach and favourite day. The beach was proper sand, they had comfy sun loungers and the sea was clean. We had our first Spanish meal of Paella

before eating baby octopus

when we got there, and I was slightly mortified to discover I had eaten octopus tentacle. By the last few days of the holiday I was feeling like a local by then and managed to muster the courage to be more adventurous with my taste buds. I actually tried baby octopus! I wouldn’t eat it again in a hurry, it was chewy and very fishy, but I am proud to say I tried it. My favourite food of the holiday was their Spanish croquettes. They are a thousand times better than our boring potato croquettes. They were filled with cheese and ham and its making me upset that I can’t pop to the shop and gets them here. A must try if you go to Spain!

Joe on villa balcony

tram

Joe - Compello beach

Benidorm beach

After two days we went to stay in a villa in a village called Coveta Fuma. This is a village in between Alicante and Benidorm and it was lovely! The villa was perfect for us, with another stunning balcony, sun terrace and a pool. I didn’t rent a car this holiday but Coveta had a great tram service, and I have to admit that without it me and Stringer would have been a tad lost. Most days was 39 degrees, so even though I am a total sun worshiper I couldn’t stand to lay in it all day so loved the beach. It was breezy and I spent lots of time in the sea. We visited the nearest town El Compello. The beach there was lovely except they didn’t have sun loungers. I think it was more of a local thing and they were fine without so we went along with it. The sea had massive waves so just spent most of my day drowning a little bit. We also plotted ourselves in an English bar there, where we had a good 8 hour drinking sesh. I found my favourite drink of the holiday which was called “Don Simon”. Highly recommend it if you ever go to Spain, it tastes like red wine and lemonade and it is addictive! I have to admit I have smuggled a large bottle home in my suitcase. Stringer managed to get absolutely paro on pints of Fosters for 2 euros and staggered home. We was stranded for a bit but managed to get a taxi back to the villa at about half 3, we wasn’t to know local taxis don’t run in Compello on a Sunday. We visited Benidorm whilst we was there as well, and I must be honest I was disappointed! The people were inbred like no other I have ever seen before. I didn’t even know these sorts of people existed! The bars and clubs looked like they were shat all over by the English; it’s no surprise if the Spanish don’t like us there. It’s just like the TV programme. The beach on the other hand was lovely! We spent most of our day there and love the beach side snack bars. One problem I had was the sea was full of sea weed, it wrapping around my legs made me feel sick so I didn’t venture in there much. We also went for the day at Aqualandia, the water park in Benidorm. Like I said despite the people it was fantastic! I braved a couple of the fast slides and Joe went on the massive drop. My favourite ride was the double ring, where me and Stringer could go on together. It was in complete darkness; I was screaming the whole way and very nearly wet myself. One thing I was disappointed with their lazy river as you couldn’t be very lazy. They had waterfalls pouring down all over the place, with freezing cold water.

All in all we had a fantastic time and it was a hugely depressing day, when we arrived at the airport to come home. I would definitely go back again both to the villa in Coveta and Alicante. I have spotted a hotel I liked the look of in Alicante and have been dropping subtle hints to Joe, so hopefully he gets the message!

I am however already planning my next adventure. Sadly due to me starting working late August I don’t think this will be until my birthday in November. I am feeling a city break next. I have never been on a city break holiday before and have loads of places I want to go. It’s a toss-up between Paris, bonus points for the fact I don’t have to fly and can get the euro star or Poland Krakow, where I can do the Auschwitz tour. Either way I will keep you updated.

I have been trying to keep up-to-date with news whilst I have been away, as the only channel we could pick up was BBC News. The main stories I followed was the phone hacking plots. Big LOL at Murdoch getting hit with a shaving foam pie, more impressive his better half who floored the culprit of pie gate. She took him out classic! I couldn’t believe my eyes when the Norway terrorism plot unfolded. I watched it from the point when only three were announced dead, such a tragedy! I think the numbers are around 100 now and my thoughts go out to the families of those who have lost their lives. Everyone in Norway must be feeling it at the moment. I remember when the 7/7 bombings were announced in London, the frantic calls I put in to all my family and friends. The relief nobody you knew was hurt but the sadness made you feel like you had lost anyway. I just hope they can pull together as a country and stay strong. Finally, Amy Winehouse dying. I must admit even though she was self-destructive I was still shocked! She was so talented and soulful and I personally loved her music. I listen to her Back to Black album all the time and I think the album was genius. I don’t know if you can class it as a tragedy because I suppose she chose to risk her life with the lifestyle she chose to lead. However, it is such a wasted talent and I am sad that she won’t be making anymore music.

Until next time xxxxxxxxxxx

Adios Amigos

I didn’t want any of my blog followers to think I have abandoned my blogging antics, therefore I am writing to let you all know I shall be absent for around 9 days.


Joe turns 21 on Friday and so his mum is jetting us away on a Spanish adventure. Joe hates birthdays same as me, so I am positive his mum is sending us away so she doesn’t have to deal with him sulking. Anyways, I am sure I can deal with his sulking whilst sipping on sangria in the sunshine on the beach.

The plan is we are flying to Alicante on Thursday from Leeds Bradford airport. We shall be staying in a hotel for two nights until the Saturday. We are looking forward to testing out Alicante’s beach, food and bars. We are also planning a visit to Alicante castle, which I have heard nothing but good things about. We are then heading to a village called Coveta Fuma, which is situated in between Alicante and Benidorm. Here we shall be staying in a villa, with a roof terrace, pool and bar all on our doorstep. I look forward to the many hours of sunbathing and swimming. Whilst there we are planning on visiting Benidorm; both by day and night. Our nearest town Compello is also hosting a festival whilst we are there. This includes fireworks and beach entertainment through the day and night. We are also planning a day out to the famous Benidorm aqua park, Aqualandia. It looks amazing! This was the one place everyone recommended us to go and I love water parks. The best I have been is Falaraki closely followed by Tenerife, so I look forward to seeing how this matches up.

I have still not yet packed so am going to be in a mad panic from now until I leave. I am also sad to report I have had no luck with the maxi dress, and have now decided if the maxi dress wants to discriminate against shorter people I don’t want one!

I shall upload lots of pictures and tell you all about it once I am back.

I am a little nervous about flying as turbulence and terrorists tend to freak me out. So if I do plummet to my death or get blown up I love you all. Please sell my blog posts to the newspapers and make me famous when I am dead, like all the cool people.

Adios

xxxxx



Still no packing done with 36 hours to go



Maxi Dress Madness!

I am going to engross in a little blog ranting this evening about maxi dresses. What is their problem? I am unable to find one to fit anywhere. I have been blessed with the unfortunate height of 5ft 3, but as the saying goes good things come in small packages. I do have this problem with jeans but have now sorted it with the short length available, so why can’t the maxi dress do short, regular and long length.


I was in heaven holiday shopping as me and stringer are taking flight to sunny Spain on Thursday. I bought my sun cream, sunglasses, travel shampoo; flip flops even a holiday book and was in desperate need of a nice maxi dress. I was on a short woman mission to find one that suited me and didn’t drape on the floor. I went in all your high street shops River Island, New Look, Republic, Bank, BHS, Dorothy Perkins and was just growing angrier as I tried more and more on in every shop. The closest I came to buying one was in Dorothy Perkins because it didn’t drape as much as the others. However, it was the ugliest out of the bunch and I refuse to settle and look like a gypsy just because I am short. Joe did the nice suggestion and said buy the one you like and my mum will take it up for you. Quite frankly after 10 or so shops this suggestion was just not good enough. Why should I have to have my clothes taken up just because I am shorter, the high street shops should cater for all sizes. After all clothes sizes go down to a size 6 and that is below the national average, so they should cater for height aswell. Joe even tried to joke at one point and made a suggestion I buy heels to go with my maxi dress. Is he insinuating that because I am short I cannot relax and enjoy my dress with flip flops; I will not accept this as an easy way out option.

I am now somewhat over my first try and am determined to try again Monday. In fact my aim is not to leave the shopping centre until I find a maxi dress for my holiday. I shall let you know how it goes and unveil the magic dress that fits, if I succeed in finding one.

One a slightly different note, I picked up my holiday book whilst shopping. I recently finished reading a book called Stolen by Lesley Pearse. It was an excellent book with such creative storytelling. I literally could not put it down from front to back. Her new book Belle is book of the week in WHSmiths at the mo, and is half price. Highly recommend you all to rush out to purchase a copy! Take it from me once you read one you will want to read them all.

Blog soon xxxxxxx

Two Weeks Away

As you may or may not have noticed I have been absent in the world of blogging for two weeks. I spent my couple of weeks wisely in the Capital city and my hometown London. I planned a visit for a week but ended up extending my stay as a week was just not long enough.

Nancy (sister)

I stayed with my dad, step-mum and sister a lot of the time as I hadn’t seen my sister in four months. She is four at the beginning of August and it is crazy how much she has changed in the time I haven’t seen her. I am very proud that she can now write her own name, she is good with her numbers and the alphabet. I know I am slightly biased but she is seriously intelligent for her age. I loved the rainy days when we watched films, especially as they were some of my childhood favourites. Some to mention are the Rescuers 1, Rescuers Down Under and the Little Princess. She is going to big school in September and I don’t worry about her in the slightest.

Me and Sammy on our 21st

One thing I must admit is I did consume far too much alcohol whilst at home. Starting with my best friend Sammy’s, whenever I paid her a visit it would involve some amounts of wine and vodka. We have been the same for nearly 8 years now and I can’t see it ever changing. We get drunk; have major heart to hearts and a right laugh. I went round there to watch the boxing on the last Saturday I was here. What a messy night! Even though it pains me to mention the boxing I am sad to report that David “Haymaker” Haye didn’t even turn up. The party was a far greater success having good company and the vodka flowing.

Me and my family at THAT

I had a fabulous night out the family on the first Friday back as well. I have always been into Garage music especially all the old classics. So I was extremely excited when we headed to THAT club for their Friday night Switch which included all the garage classics. I can honestly say that I have not been out in a long time with tunes that were so good. That is definitely one thing I miss about London. The tunes I have grew up with are rarely played both in Lincoln and now up north, however when the odd tune gets played I am pleasantly surprised. I didn’t stop laughing all night and it was great to catch up with cousins that I rarely see.

Rod Stewart



Me and Maria



I also had a spontaneous trip to Hyde Park whilst I was home. I was surprised with tickets for “Hard Rock Calling.” Maria (Step-Mum) was given some tickets and off we went to Hyde Park in 32 degrees. We managed to find the perfect spot in the shade and by the bar with waitresses. The only downfall was that they didn’t sell vodka diet coke, but I managed to survive by switching to Jack Daniels instead. Was a great atmosphere in the sun with everyone drinking and having a good time. My two favourite acts were Lighthouse Family and Rod Stewart. I was tipsy in a cowboy hat dancing to my favourite by the Lighthouse Family – Lifting. When the crowds gathered for Rod that is when the real party began. People of all ages were screaming and even though I am not a fanatic it almost made me feel like I should be. His two favourite performances of mine were definitely Maggie and We are Sailing.

Joe - Tower Bridge

Nancy down the river

I spent a couple of days down the river at Tower Bridge. Once I went with my sister and step-mum. We had dinner opposite the HMS Belfast and enjoyed the boats and the sunshine. My sister particularly enjoyed the fountain outside the mayor’s offices that she ran through for about an hour. The second time I went I took the boyfriend along there to have a look, and met family in the wetherspoons for my cousins 18th. It was nice to show someone the little sights and having a day drink with the family. We ended up drinking rum, heading back to my aunts and polishing up Jaeger and more vodka.

Family at the opera

My aunt also had her birthday whilst we were back. We sat in our local pub and listened to opera. The opera was an absolute shock to my system. My mum had got the wrong event and told the whole family it was soul music. When we got down there to see a tranny in a pink wig belting her heart out, we guessed my mum had got it wrong. Even though the music wasn’t to our tastes we had a great day.

The best thing about being at home is seeing people that I don’t get to see every day. From my family to my friends (my chosen family) I loved seeing everyone one of them. I do miss being in London when I have a great time but then I know I will look forward to it every time I visit.

A major thing to happen whilst I was at home was I received my degree results. I am very pleased to announce that I received a 2:1. I have an official Upper Second Class Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism. Who do I think I am these days? I can now look forward to graduation and the future.