Oh goodness me what a month it's been so far. Started off very exciting had lots of events to go to, lots of birthday celebrations and the start of a new term volunteering at Refugee Action York. I have always seen September as a 2nd "New Year." Growing up it was the start of a new school year, the opportunity to set goals and plan the year ahead and make it a really good one. The change in season from summer to autumn also gives me a boost and makes me want to change. So with that in mind I handed in my notice and i'm leaving my job on 1st November.
A bit of a scary and quick decision, but it needed to be done. When I took the job, I did it for "Job security" because I had been made redundant twice by the time I was 27 and I just wanted a job I wasn't going to get kicked out of! It's served its purpose, I have spent the last year working towards becoming an EFL teacher and got myself some great experience thanks to a good connection I had with an old friend. Now I want to continue down this path and really make a go of it so I have "bitten the bullet" and now i'm frantically trying to get somewhere with it all!
I'm not going to lie, I am stressed out underneath my "ahh well its just a job, i'll get another until I manage to get a contract at a school abroad" exterior! BUT this is definitely the best way to be for me, the pressure is a kick up the bum! I'm quite surprised at how many people have said they wish they were as brave as me. My theory is, the worst that could happen in any situation is death! I'm not going to die because I left my job!!
Sooooo, other than quitting my job and throwing my life in the air and waiting to see where it lands, I've been lucky enough to see my best friend after just over a year. She came to visit me along with her sister whilst she was over in England on holiday. I speak to her every day but seeing her and being in her presence is such a wonderful feeling, its as though life is complete again just for a few days! I'm very inspired by her and I think I needed to see her to help me make my decision about my job. We had a lovely few days catching up and mooching around, eating French food and drinking lovely French vin rouge! If you have never been to Cote Brasserie, you are missing out! get a table booked! www.cote-restaurants.co.uk
I've spent this weekend having a couple of friends over watching movies and eating too much!
I watched "The perks of being a wallflower" yesterday and my friend told me the only way he could describe it was "Beautiful" and he was spot on. It really was a beautiful film and I can see why he likes it so much. He loves the Rocky Horror Picture Show which features in the film and there were a lot of other parts of the film which made me think of him. If you haven't seen it, make sure you get it on your list! It reminded me of Moonrise Kingdom and Almost Famous, both great films!
Next weekend I am going to London with my lovely friend Carl. We have rented an apartment which will mean we can cook and eat in (save money!!) and it will be a nice base to relax in after a long busy day of exploring. Looking forward to Borough Market and the V&A but not looking forward to the 6am train! I'm sure it will be worth it!
So, if you are reading this and thinking that you want a new start and you are looking for a new path, DO IT!! Change is good, and if it doesn't work, you will become wise. Wisdom is a gift! WISH ME LUCK!!
Lots of Love, Happiness always x
Sunday 22 September 2013
Tuesday 20 August 2013
"No Matter What Club" Part 1
Hello! Its been a while!
I decided to write a blog that features some of my super friends. I decided to give a few of them some questions to answer as a bit of a "get to know you" and I am hoping for some good well thought out answers! I feel inspired by these people on a weekly basis to be the best version of me that I can be. I'm sure you all have that group of friends who support you and offer you great advice, but who also tell you when you are wrong or being irrational! (sometimes I don't like them when they do that!!) But its great to be surrounded by positive energy and interesting people who are always around no matter what! So here's a little introduction to my "No Matter What Club"
Please let it be noted, The "No Matter What Club" was a phrase coined by Kelly Cutrone in her book "Normal gets you nowhere"
This is my sister Rachel. Rachel inspires me because she is very head strong, a fan of tough love and doesn't sugar coat anything! As you can see from her short answers, she doesn't add fluff to anything!
What time of day do you enjoy the most?
The evening when you feel a bit weary after work but then you see your mates and it's like having an extra few hours to cheer up and relax.
Where is your favourite green space?
Down by the river in York where I live.
Do you like people watching? Where is your favourite spot?Either on the river (Millennium Bridge) in York or sat outside Cafe rouge at the back of Harrods in London.
This is Kelly, I've known Kelly for 9 years, although I haven't seen her for a year we chat on a daily basis. Kelly works for Emirates as Cabin Crew and I'm pretty sure we are soulmates!
Kelly inspires me to achieve my goals and to do things that make me happy on a daily basis, we talk about a lot of interesting topics and a lot of not so interesting topics, we like to send each other photographs of our dinner and drink tea! :)
What is your favourite receptacle to drink tea or coffee from?My Blue metallic NASA mug. It has a chip in and a hair line crack so It's days are numbered 5, 4, 3, 2 1... lol
Which season makes you feel most alive?All seasons give me a strange energy when they first come. I recognise the change instantly, the smells, sounds and my recognition is usually accompanied with nostalgia and memories of a previous year or my childhood. But autumn is my favourite. Bonfire night, harvest festivals, Halloween. I love it so much. I Miss it.
What time of day do you enjoy the most?I guess I enjoy waking the most. (Naturally is better) it's the time I feel most appreciative for the things I have in life. It's the time of the day when I'm at my most relaxed before my mind begins to focus on the doings of the day. The relaxed feeling can sometimes last a little longer and if I do something productive in this time I'm always a lot more creative and inspired.
Where is your favourite green space?
All green space. Any green space. Every green space. I live in the desert.
But seriously I don't think I have been to it yet. I love out doors and national parks and would love to visit more but none spring to mind. Ask me in a few years.
Do you like people watching? Where is your favourite spot?
I love to people watch. I sometimes think I don't do it enough, but a busy Street whilst having a coffee. I prefer it in England too. Maybe it's the familiarity that makes the people easier to read and therefore more interesting to watch. Who knows. The Charles grey pub at the top of the building near monument in Newcastle springs to mind. People have no idea you are sitting looking down on them. You see bald patches and all! Heh.
Say hello to Jenny P! I've known Jen for a couple of years, we met at work and have developed a fantastic friendship over our love of Travel and Prosecco, we hope to do a world wine tour one day!
Jenny inspires me to be less rigid and have more fun. She's very much a "live in the moment" and "go with it" sort of person and I think her attitude to life is very positive and infectious!
What is your favourite receptacle to drink tea or coffee from?
I don't drink tea or coffee but if I did it would be a tea in a tea cup and saucer!
Which season makes you feel most alive?The season that makes me feel most alive is Winter because its the festive season and everyone gets together and unites to enjoy lots of family time and great nights out with friends.
What time of day do you enjoy the most?
My favourite time of day is 8pm cos either I am out or enjoying a nice night in.
Where is your favourite green space? My favourite green place is Bootham crescent
Do you like people watching? Where is your favourite spot?Favourite people watching is in the park as you have friends together at all ages and family days out.
This is Jodie, we've been friends for about 5 years maybe a bit more. I've learned a lot from Jodie and she's helped me realise that sometimes letting things go and being more relaxed about life is a lot easier and makes me a lot happier than panicking about things beyond my control. She has quite a calming effect on me. The way Jodie handles difficult situations inspires me to look at things from a different angle.
What is your favourite receptacle to drink tea or coffee from?You can't beat tea from a flask.
Which season makes you feel most alive?Spring - after a cold, dark winter the arrival of spring lifts my spirits - lots of new life and my favourite flowers daffodils and tulips.
What time of day do you enjoy the most? Mornings - they are quiet and peaceful, people are still in bed and you can't hear the buzz of traffic.
Where is your favourite green space?The Yorkshire Dales, probably Wensleydale with it's rolling green hills and tranquil streams and waterfalls.
Do you like people watching? Where is your favourite spot?Yes love it. A nice little pavement cafe drinking coffee, an Italian piazza would be perfect!
This is Louise, Louise and I became instant BFFs in 2009 when I started working with her. Some people thought our personalities would clash but we got on like a house on fire! Whenever I need advice Louise is always there waiting for me and always knows the rights things to say, she taught me about "SAGs" Small Achievable Goals and "This too shall pass" full of lovely words of wisdom, she's also blummin hilarious!
It does of course depend on the drink though as hot chocolate needs to be drunk out of a big chunky mug you can get your hands around and sink into your sofa. ( my fav for this would be my tim horton's mug from Canada)
I also have a couple of enamel mugs which I love -totally impractical as the metal heats up and you get burnt but I feel very 'country living' and a bit smug when I drink out if it - like I am AMAZING at gardening when really I can't be arsed and am really sun bathing! - for this mug I feel a fruit blend works well!
Which season makes you feel most alive and why?
In essence I am a summer girl, I love the sun as a dull day makes me feel bleugh! However I also adore the spring as all the bulbs are popping up and waking up after winter - and it also means summer is almost here!
I also love the really sunny days in winter when the grass is crispy and your cheeks are rosy! And I love the colours of autumn.
What time of day do you enjoy the most and why?I like it when you finish work early and you have all evening ahead of you! All those possibilities!!!
Where is your favourite green space?I love being by the water- I don't care if it is a river, sea, lake, duck pond or water feature! I find it calming.
Do you like people watching? Where is your favourite spot?1. The hull to zebrugger ferry! The best people watching ever!
2. Outside Clifton bingo
3. The museum gardens on a sunny day.
More to come ...
I decided to write a blog that features some of my super friends. I decided to give a few of them some questions to answer as a bit of a "get to know you" and I am hoping for some good well thought out answers! I feel inspired by these people on a weekly basis to be the best version of me that I can be. I'm sure you all have that group of friends who support you and offer you great advice, but who also tell you when you are wrong or being irrational! (sometimes I don't like them when they do that!!) But its great to be surrounded by positive energy and interesting people who are always around no matter what! So here's a little introduction to my "No Matter What Club"
Please let it be noted, The "No Matter What Club" was a phrase coined by Kelly Cutrone in her book "Normal gets you nowhere"
This is my sister Rachel. Rachel inspires me because she is very head strong, a fan of tough love and doesn't sugar coat anything! As you can see from her short answers, she doesn't add fluff to anything!
What is your favourite receptacle to drink tea or coffee from?
A big mug that will normally fit at least more than a normal amount of tea in - always handy on a hangover day!
Which season makes you feel most alive?
Summer because the sun is out. It's like I've come out of hibernation.
The evening when you feel a bit weary after work but then you see your mates and it's like having an extra few hours to cheer up and relax.
Where is your favourite green space?
Down by the river in York where I live.
Do you like people watching? Where is your favourite spot?Either on the river (Millennium Bridge) in York or sat outside Cafe rouge at the back of Harrods in London.
Kelly inspires me to achieve my goals and to do things that make me happy on a daily basis, we talk about a lot of interesting topics and a lot of not so interesting topics, we like to send each other photographs of our dinner and drink tea! :)
What is your favourite receptacle to drink tea or coffee from?My Blue metallic NASA mug. It has a chip in and a hair line crack so It's days are numbered 5, 4, 3, 2 1... lol
Which season makes you feel most alive?All seasons give me a strange energy when they first come. I recognise the change instantly, the smells, sounds and my recognition is usually accompanied with nostalgia and memories of a previous year or my childhood. But autumn is my favourite. Bonfire night, harvest festivals, Halloween. I love it so much. I Miss it.
What time of day do you enjoy the most?I guess I enjoy waking the most. (Naturally is better) it's the time I feel most appreciative for the things I have in life. It's the time of the day when I'm at my most relaxed before my mind begins to focus on the doings of the day. The relaxed feeling can sometimes last a little longer and if I do something productive in this time I'm always a lot more creative and inspired.
Where is your favourite green space?
All green space. Any green space. Every green space. I live in the desert.
But seriously I don't think I have been to it yet. I love out doors and national parks and would love to visit more but none spring to mind. Ask me in a few years.
Do you like people watching? Where is your favourite spot?
I love to people watch. I sometimes think I don't do it enough, but a busy Street whilst having a coffee. I prefer it in England too. Maybe it's the familiarity that makes the people easier to read and therefore more interesting to watch. Who knows. The Charles grey pub at the top of the building near monument in Newcastle springs to mind. People have no idea you are sitting looking down on them. You see bald patches and all! Heh.
Say hello to Jenny P! I've known Jen for a couple of years, we met at work and have developed a fantastic friendship over our love of Travel and Prosecco, we hope to do a world wine tour one day!
Jenny inspires me to be less rigid and have more fun. She's very much a "live in the moment" and "go with it" sort of person and I think her attitude to life is very positive and infectious!
What is your favourite receptacle to drink tea or coffee from?
I don't drink tea or coffee but if I did it would be a tea in a tea cup and saucer!
Which season makes you feel most alive?The season that makes me feel most alive is Winter because its the festive season and everyone gets together and unites to enjoy lots of family time and great nights out with friends.
What time of day do you enjoy the most?
My favourite time of day is 8pm cos either I am out or enjoying a nice night in.
Where is your favourite green space? My favourite green place is Bootham crescent
Do you like people watching? Where is your favourite spot?Favourite people watching is in the park as you have friends together at all ages and family days out.
What is your favourite receptacle to drink tea or coffee from?You can't beat tea from a flask.
Which season makes you feel most alive?Spring - after a cold, dark winter the arrival of spring lifts my spirits - lots of new life and my favourite flowers daffodils and tulips.
What time of day do you enjoy the most? Mornings - they are quiet and peaceful, people are still in bed and you can't hear the buzz of traffic.
Where is your favourite green space?The Yorkshire Dales, probably Wensleydale with it's rolling green hills and tranquil streams and waterfalls.
Do you like people watching? Where is your favourite spot?Yes love it. A nice little pavement cafe drinking coffee, an Italian piazza would be perfect!
What is your favourite receptacle to drink tea or coffee from?
-ah very important question!! And a hard one i love teacups and mugs. I love to drink tea from one (of many) of my nana's tea sets. I have a beautiful one with brambles on! It does of course depend on the drink though as hot chocolate needs to be drunk out of a big chunky mug you can get your hands around and sink into your sofa. ( my fav for this would be my tim horton's mug from Canada)
I also have a couple of enamel mugs which I love -totally impractical as the metal heats up and you get burnt but I feel very 'country living' and a bit smug when I drink out if it - like I am AMAZING at gardening when really I can't be arsed and am really sun bathing! - for this mug I feel a fruit blend works well!
Which season makes you feel most alive and why?
In essence I am a summer girl, I love the sun as a dull day makes me feel bleugh! However I also adore the spring as all the bulbs are popping up and waking up after winter - and it also means summer is almost here!
I also love the really sunny days in winter when the grass is crispy and your cheeks are rosy! And I love the colours of autumn.
So I can feel alive in all seasons (which is good) but you can't beat a tan and sun bleached high lights! Ha ha
What time of day do you enjoy the most and why?I like it when you finish work early and you have all evening ahead of you! All those possibilities!!!
Where is your favourite green space?I love being by the water- I don't care if it is a river, sea, lake, duck pond or water feature! I find it calming.
Do you like people watching? Where is your favourite spot?1. The hull to zebrugger ferry! The best people watching ever!
2. Outside Clifton bingo
3. The museum gardens on a sunny day.
4. The obvious coffee shop window - classic.
5. The queue for the porta loo at any festival.
6. Taxi offices between 11pm and 3am.
7. Airports!!! I love this one especially, brilliant stories! 'Love actually' was right!!!
More to come ...
Sunday 7 July 2013
Fear
I feel as though I question myself alot, am I ready to let go? am I ready to get a new job? am I ready to commit to a relationship? am I ready to do anything at all? Is there ever a good time? Should I wait for it or should I just jump in and see if I sink or swim?
If you have read my previous blogs you will know that since November I've been training to become an EFL teacher, EFL is "English as a Foreign Language. I decided to do the course to enable me to eventually achieve my dream of living in Italy. I completed the course in April and ever since I have been looking for some voluntary experience, last week I was asked whether I was available to do some work over the summer at the English Language Centre in York. The first feeling I had was excitement and then I suddenly thought, hold on, am I ready to be given a class to teach? Apprehensive and a bit scared I popped along and met the person who helps run the school, turns out we met a few years ago and ended up having a bit of a catch up like old friends! I felt more at ease knowing that I knew someone but still wasn't quite sure if I was ready to be thrown in as a teacher.
I spoke to some friends about it and I was absolutely overwhelmed by the support I was given. Lots of encouraging words like "Hannah i'm so proud of you for doing this" "You'll be fine, you have a great character and personality you will do a great job" "They have faith in you, so use their faith to give you confidence" "you've got to start somewhere, and if it doesn't work out its not because you didn't try" - all of these things are absolutely 100% true and so what if I don't feel ready? If I can swim through this I'll be a few steps closer to Italy and my little dream.
Fear is a horrible emotion which I feel too much and combating the fear of the unknown is the only way to achieve what you set out to do. I'll be so nervous on my first day I will probably want to throw up, but getting past that first hurdle will be an achievement in itself.
Everything that I have wanted to happen for the last year has finally happened within the last 2 weeks and I feel as though I don't have the right to be sad, feel stressed or be unhappy because of "Fear" so I am looking at this as an opportunity to prove my myself that I can do this. I hope that any fears you have about taking steps to achieve your dreams will be helped by reading this or even just the following quotes.
"A good scare is worth more to a man than good advice." - Edgar Watson Howe - Country Town Sayings (1911)
"Fear is an affirmation of your growth because it proves that you are risking." Rhonda Britten
“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by each experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along. You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” - Eleanor Roosevelt
xx
If you have read my previous blogs you will know that since November I've been training to become an EFL teacher, EFL is "English as a Foreign Language. I decided to do the course to enable me to eventually achieve my dream of living in Italy. I completed the course in April and ever since I have been looking for some voluntary experience, last week I was asked whether I was available to do some work over the summer at the English Language Centre in York. The first feeling I had was excitement and then I suddenly thought, hold on, am I ready to be given a class to teach? Apprehensive and a bit scared I popped along and met the person who helps run the school, turns out we met a few years ago and ended up having a bit of a catch up like old friends! I felt more at ease knowing that I knew someone but still wasn't quite sure if I was ready to be thrown in as a teacher.
I spoke to some friends about it and I was absolutely overwhelmed by the support I was given. Lots of encouraging words like "Hannah i'm so proud of you for doing this" "You'll be fine, you have a great character and personality you will do a great job" "They have faith in you, so use their faith to give you confidence" "you've got to start somewhere, and if it doesn't work out its not because you didn't try" - all of these things are absolutely 100% true and so what if I don't feel ready? If I can swim through this I'll be a few steps closer to Italy and my little dream.
Fear is a horrible emotion which I feel too much and combating the fear of the unknown is the only way to achieve what you set out to do. I'll be so nervous on my first day I will probably want to throw up, but getting past that first hurdle will be an achievement in itself.
Everything that I have wanted to happen for the last year has finally happened within the last 2 weeks and I feel as though I don't have the right to be sad, feel stressed or be unhappy because of "Fear" so I am looking at this as an opportunity to prove my myself that I can do this. I hope that any fears you have about taking steps to achieve your dreams will be helped by reading this or even just the following quotes.
"A good scare is worth more to a man than good advice." - Edgar Watson Howe - Country Town Sayings (1911)
"Fear is an affirmation of your growth because it proves that you are risking." Rhonda Britten
“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by each experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along. You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” - Eleanor Roosevelt
xx
Thursday 23 May 2013
Meditation and Day to Day issues
Hallooo lovely people! Sorry been a bit slack on the old bloggage, (Aware that's not a word)
Over the last 12 months or so its come to light that I have been suffering from a lot of anxiety, I didn't really understand what was going on but a lot of things just didn't seem right! Im don't enjoy dwelling, I like to pin point problems and then work out how to solve them or move from one mental space to another by setting small goals. I don't necessarily agree with doctors prescribing medication for this sort of thing unless its a really serious case where the person suffering cant see any way out of their current mental state, therefore, I decided to go it alone and try and work it out myself! Its tough but the sense of calm I feel from some simple exercises I have picked up from my research along the way is invaluable to me so I decided to share some with you, because I know im not the only person that ever feels anxious about anything!
Have you ever had a friend who you have been close to and then circumstances change and so does your friendship and it either means you don't see them any more or you allow the changes to happen and you make the time to try and keep some sort of friendship going? Im normally quite "cut throat" with my friends, you get one or two chances and if you mess up and upset me you are GONE! - but I do have a few friends that I feel are worth it so I try my hardest with those people, sometimes it frustrates me because I don't like the one sided feeling but most of the time im still glad I try! When I feel frustrated I tend to overthink and so I end up thinking negatively about people and situations, it got so bad that it started to affect me at work and i'd walk into the office and burst into tears because of a completely none work related situation. I needed to do something about it!
I have a new technique which I have learned to help me shift my focus back to a positive place after my mind had drifted or gone into overdrive.
Try this, if something negative enters your thoughts, imagine a huge STOP sign, if you are alone you could shout STOP or just say it in your head. See the thought and let the sign take over that negative thought. When you think about negative things, notice how you breathe, is it fast and shallow? A great technique to shift your focus is to concentrate on your breathing. When you breathe in through your nose, concentrate on the cool air and the feeling of the air entering your nostrils, when you breathe out, concentrate on the warm air that exits your nostrils, breathe cool air in, breathe warm air out. You should soon be breathing slowly and deeply which will enter you into a state of relaxation and calm, and hopefully will clear a larger emptier space for your positive thoughts to enter into your mind.
I do this anywhere, walking down the street, laying in bed, walking home from work, sitting at my desk, its so simple and so effective. I guess its a type of meditation.
I have been meditating for about 7 or 8 months, in the morning for energy and in the evening to relax. I am also going to be taking a class in June which I am hoping will teach me more about how meditation can benefit us, I think the biggest thing i've learned so far is to accept the feelings, thoughts and emotions but to let them go at the same time and to not let them consume my mind.
I hope that this technique helps you the way it has/is helping me.
Thanks for reading xx
Over the last 12 months or so its come to light that I have been suffering from a lot of anxiety, I didn't really understand what was going on but a lot of things just didn't seem right! Im don't enjoy dwelling, I like to pin point problems and then work out how to solve them or move from one mental space to another by setting small goals. I don't necessarily agree with doctors prescribing medication for this sort of thing unless its a really serious case where the person suffering cant see any way out of their current mental state, therefore, I decided to go it alone and try and work it out myself! Its tough but the sense of calm I feel from some simple exercises I have picked up from my research along the way is invaluable to me so I decided to share some with you, because I know im not the only person that ever feels anxious about anything!
Have you ever had a friend who you have been close to and then circumstances change and so does your friendship and it either means you don't see them any more or you allow the changes to happen and you make the time to try and keep some sort of friendship going? Im normally quite "cut throat" with my friends, you get one or two chances and if you mess up and upset me you are GONE! - but I do have a few friends that I feel are worth it so I try my hardest with those people, sometimes it frustrates me because I don't like the one sided feeling but most of the time im still glad I try! When I feel frustrated I tend to overthink and so I end up thinking negatively about people and situations, it got so bad that it started to affect me at work and i'd walk into the office and burst into tears because of a completely none work related situation. I needed to do something about it!
I have a new technique which I have learned to help me shift my focus back to a positive place after my mind had drifted or gone into overdrive.
Try this, if something negative enters your thoughts, imagine a huge STOP sign, if you are alone you could shout STOP or just say it in your head. See the thought and let the sign take over that negative thought. When you think about negative things, notice how you breathe, is it fast and shallow? A great technique to shift your focus is to concentrate on your breathing. When you breathe in through your nose, concentrate on the cool air and the feeling of the air entering your nostrils, when you breathe out, concentrate on the warm air that exits your nostrils, breathe cool air in, breathe warm air out. You should soon be breathing slowly and deeply which will enter you into a state of relaxation and calm, and hopefully will clear a larger emptier space for your positive thoughts to enter into your mind.
I do this anywhere, walking down the street, laying in bed, walking home from work, sitting at my desk, its so simple and so effective. I guess its a type of meditation.
I have been meditating for about 7 or 8 months, in the morning for energy and in the evening to relax. I am also going to be taking a class in June which I am hoping will teach me more about how meditation can benefit us, I think the biggest thing i've learned so far is to accept the feelings, thoughts and emotions but to let them go at the same time and to not let them consume my mind.
I hope that this technique helps you the way it has/is helping me.
Thanks for reading xx
Wednesday 17 April 2013
Partaloa, Ponche and some Pretty good weather
A few weeks ago my, very persuasive, friend asked me if I wanted to go and visit some of his family in Spain with him, at first I said no because I only had a few months left on my passport and 3 weeks to get a new one was just cutting it too fine for a massive stress head like me. I really wanted to go though so I slept on it and talked to another friend who told me to just go, so I did and I am so glad I decided to be so spontaneous! I feel like I knocked a wall down that I put up alot when it comes to spending money, my nearest and dearest will know im the worlds worst shopper, I pick things up in shops walk around with them and talk myself out of buying them and come away with nothing because I some how convince myself I dont NEED things, but I definitely needed this holiday so it was money well spent!
I had met Noreen and Tony (Carls Nanny and Pop) briefly at Christmas but I was a bit nervous about being in their home and obviously I just wanted them to like me and to have a nice time with them. I can honestly say, I have never met a more interesting couple in my life, we spent alot of time sharing stories about Tony's time in the Navy and the trips Noreen went on with him whilst he worked on them as an engineer. The stories about the sailors getting drunk and jumping in the sea in their white uniforms aswell as one about Tony being stranded in Nigeria were amoung my favourites.
From my previous blogs you will know how much I loved my own grandparents and it was so lovely to spend time with Carls. I felt so welcome and I had one of the best weeks of my life in their home.
We visited a couple of markets one in Albox and one in Fines and sampled some amazing olives, my favourite were green olives stuffed with almonds, the crunch and the flavour together were absolutely delicious! The fruit and veg stalls were full of amazing colours and the strawberries were pretty awesome too. A huge box for 3Euros! It would be rude not to!
I feel as though I ate my way through most of the days but I guess thats just what you do on holiday!
On the first day we stopped for a "Tostada" which was the most simple snack, a piece of french bread with tomato on the top, seasoned with salt to bring out the flavour and some garlic oil, I couldnt get over how flavoursome something so simple was!
We visited the coast, Mojacar Playa, a couple of times for lunch, the first time we went down there we had passed a place called the Dolce Vita, It looked beautiful so a few days later we decided to go back and treat Noreen and Tony to a lovely lunch on the veranda right next to the sea. Carl and I supped champagne (who do we think we are) and we all enjoyed some fabulous food and a pastry for dessert! It was such a perfect afternoon and probably one of my favourite days even if we were a little tipsy and sleepy on the drive back to the villa! Sun + Champagne its a hard life!
Whilst I was there I took the book Eat Pray Love with me to read and I found myself really enjoying it, its really well written and insightful. I feel as though I can really relate to it. I will share one of my favourite snippets with you which really stuck in my mind. "When I get lonely these days I think: So be lonely, Liz, learn your way around loneliness. Make a map of it. Sit with it, for once in your life. Welcome to the human experience. But never again use another person's body or emotions as a scratching post for your own unfulfilled yearnings."
Im really enjoying learning about meditation, yoga and gurus aswell!
Whilst I was away I was introduced to Ponche, oh I love this stuff! Ponche is delicious! I urge you all to try it, if you cant find any, I have a big bottle I will share with you! Ponche is made from a delicious mix of Spanish Brandy, andalucian oranges, plums, sultanas, dried fruits, syrups and powdered cinnamon! My mouth is watering!
Noreen and Tonys neighbour Richard has a bar/restaurant nearby called the Yellow Stone Bar, the food was excellent, I even got strawberries on my salad! The choice on the menu was pretty good and their themed food evenings look marvellous!
I also had to sample some Spanish Rioja which went down very well with the Olives!
Another splendid evening was "Steak night" we were joined by their neighbour Gwen. Tony and Carl cooked some massive sirloins on the BBQ accompanied by salad and potatos and a delicious sweet mustard salad dressing which was Tonys mothers recipe. I chipped in a did my bit and made a bread and butter pudding for dessert which went down very well indeed!
Something else I loved about being at Casa De Vista was the stars at night. The villa is in the mountains and there isnt alot of light so the sky is covered in the brightest stars I have ever seen. I enjoyed spotting the plough, orions belt and some of the other clusters which are famous and seeing stars ive never seen before. It would probably be a very interesting place to own a telescope!
I was so sad to leave on the last day I spent the day listening to the sounds of the birds and feeling the heat from the sun on my face and trying to soak it all up as a memory so that when I got home I could use the memory to remember how happy and relaxed I felt!
The main thing I learned from this trip is, If you need a holiday, BOOK ONE and if you have no one to go with, IM IN! haha
Hasta Luego!
Friday 8 March 2013
Monsters for bookworms
I recently learned how to make these fun, little bookmarks, so I thought i'd share it with you so you can get crafty too.
Its supposed to be a rubbish weekend of wet weather, so make some of these instead and keep warm inside my little bookworms!
1. Pick your colours!
2. Fold your paper into 4 small squares and cut one out.
3 Fold the left and right squares in half
4. Pick another colour and make a triangle, stick onto square.
5. Cut out the teeth and stick onto the edge of the left triangle, fold the 2 triangles and stick them together leaving a pocket between the bottom triangle and the square (this is for your page corners)
6. Make some eyes and stick them on the top, you could make a tongue aswell or decorate them however you like
Now it's your turn! - enjoy!!
Tuesday 5 March 2013
In Bruges
Oh the many languages spoken in Bruges,we must cater for them all!
If you havent guessed or dont already know, I went to Bruges this weekend! I spent the weekend eating naughty food, drinking beer and wine and laughing ALOT with my pal Jenny P and our favourite inflatable travelling companion Mario!
We went on the Ferry from Hull to Zeebrugge with P&O, I'd never been on a ferry so it was extra exciting for me! Although it is expensive on board, you dont pay alot for the travel so I guess thats how P&O make their money. The food in the Brasserie was nice, not a huge choice but we managed a couple of courses and we washed it down with some prosecco so we were happy campers!
We arrived in Bruges at about 10:00am and ended up walking from one end to the other with our suitcases, not really knowing where we were going but it was lovely to explore a little whilst looking for our hostel. One of the things we noticed were lots of faces on buildings and the rooftops were all different, the sun was shining for a while and we managed to find our hostel with the help of a map and in about 20 mins!
Jen wanted to take a trip up the Belfry and I wanted to explore the streets a bit more and have a little wander so we split off for an hour or so and just enjoyed the surroundings.
The Belfry tower is in the Markt, this square is where you can find horse and carriage tours, Segway tours, lots of people taking photos aswell as the Historium (which also houses the Duvel bar)
We didn't go around the Historium, instead we headed straight to the bar (obviously) Duvelorium Grand Beer Café
The room is pretty amazing, I really enjoyed taking photographs of the stained glass and the Duvel walls at either end of the room. There was also a chandellier made up of Duvel bottles.
I dont actually like Duvel so I had a Liefmans Kreik and sat overlooking the Markt.
We headed down one of the streets off the Markt and went in the hunt of some food. Food seemed pretty expensive in Bruges, and the Beer seemed pretty cheap, we know your game, Bruges!
We parked up in a lovely cafe/restaurant (They call all their restaurants Tea Rooms) and tucked into a croque monsuier and some frites and mayonnaise (It would be rude not to in Belgium) There was a lovely little court yard out the back and a big bird cage with 3 birds singing in the window!
We also came across a bar next to the fish market where we ordered a white wine and a BelleVue Kriek and is only cost 5 euros! We met a chap in there who told us to try the Westmalle Triple and advised us that it is the best, he also told us he speaks 5 languages, which triggered off a bit of a conversation about how lazy we are in England in general about learning other languages. We met another guy later on who told us he knew a bit of Russian but when we challenged him on that it turned out he just knew how to say "hello, how are you" etc Liar!
After a freshen up and a costume change at the hostel we headed over to the St Anna Windmills These windmills were where cereal grains were ground for flour originally, 2 are museums and the others you cant go inside but they are interesting to look at!
Lovely little spot though!
The rest of the evening we bar hopped and went to a little restaurant for dinner, I ate Steak and Jenny had a Femish Stew. Amazing chunk of meat covered in garlic and herb butter and accompanied by chips (we had chips twice in one day, dont judge we were on annual leave!)
On the second day our first mission was to find the Chocolate Line, Jens guide book said it was the best, and we wanted the best! When we walked into the shop the smell was heavenly, absolutely divine! You could see right through into the kitchens where they were making the chocolate aswell! www.thechocolateline.be I bought a couple of gifts in there, they were also selling a book called shock-o-latier by Dominique Persoone (He founded the chocolate line in 1992) - he is famous for stuffing chocolate with tobacco leaves and wasabi amoungst other ingredients!
After this, we headed down the street to a cafe and ordered hot chocolate in a tea room. The tea room was gorgeous, and the hot chocolate came as a massive bowl of milk a chocolate cup and chocolate buttons, you could choose which chocolate you wanted, I went for the 60% Dark chocolate and Jen had the Milk Chocolate, both were delicious
Felt a bit sick after this so decided to walk it off and when we felt like we had room again we got on the Kreik and Brugge Fromage, as you do!
There is so much to see, even just walking around all the buildings are different and they are all so interesting! I managed to get a few photos of some letterboxes to add to my collection, I love them!
We ate and drank our way around pretty easily and really enjoyed a few days getting away from lifes routines! - All i can say now is, I NEED FRUIT!
Cheers!
Thursday 14 February 2013
L.O.V.E
Well since its Valentines day I thought i'd theme a blog around it! - it'd be rude not to!
I did some swotting up today and discovered that the word Valentine derives from the word Valen which means worthy, strong and powerful. I also discovered that Geoffrey Chaucer (the saviour of English Literature) wrote a poem called "The Parliment of fowls" through which Chaucer invented "Valentines Day"
Saint Valentine, thou art full high on loft,
Which driveth away the long nightes back,
Thus singen smalle foules for thy sake,
Will have they cause for to gladden oft,
Since each of them recovered hath his Make:
Full blissful may they sing,
when they awake.
Written in 1392 Chaucer linked Valentines day with the notion of romantic love.
So for anyone wondering why we celebrate this day of love, theres a little explanation. If you want more, go to Wikipedia!
For those of you still here, I have a little story for you and some appreciation!!
Although I dont think I've ever been "romantically" in love with anyone, (I know, I know) Im not incapable of loving, I love my close friends and family so much and, like most people, I would do anything for them and vice versa in most cases (unfortunately not all, but what can you do!)
My first memory of a valentines day experience, I was about 12 and I fancied a boy in my class, I decided to send him some chocolates and a little love letter signed with a question mark instead of my name! I asked my friend to take it to his house and give it to him because valentines day was on a saturday and I wasnt going to see him that day. So she did and I remember telling her to ring me once she had done it from the payphone outside her house (She didnt have a phone at her house and this is before mobile phones) She didnt ring me all weekend and I couldnt ring her because she didnt have a phone so I spent the entire time feeling really silly and wondering whether I should've even bothered sending him a valentine. I mean, what did I think was going to happen? I was 12 we were hardly going to fall in love and live happily ever after. Anyway the week after I saw the boys sister at the park after and she started on me! Shouting "what are you sending stuff to my brother for, and if you look at me like that again i'll slap you" - if only I had the strength then to have squared up to her and seen what she would've done, instead I cried and fell out with my friend because she didnt stick up for me! - So ive never really liked this silly day so much!
Well that was a drain!
Enough of the woe. Im very fortunate to have met some super lovely people so far and I want to dedicate this day of love and gratitude to them. I wont list them all because they know who they are but just a big fat THANK YOU for being you and being such amazing inspirations and support systems.
If you havent shared the love yet, think of 3 reasons why you love your nearest and dearest and tell them before you go to sleep, I can guarantee you will feel great and so will they ... night night lovely heads xxx
I did some swotting up today and discovered that the word Valentine derives from the word Valen which means worthy, strong and powerful. I also discovered that Geoffrey Chaucer (the saviour of English Literature) wrote a poem called "The Parliment of fowls" through which Chaucer invented "Valentines Day"
Saint Valentine, thou art full high on loft,
Which driveth away the long nightes back,
Thus singen smalle foules for thy sake,
Will have they cause for to gladden oft,
Since each of them recovered hath his Make:
Full blissful may they sing,
when they awake.
Written in 1392 Chaucer linked Valentines day with the notion of romantic love.
So for anyone wondering why we celebrate this day of love, theres a little explanation. If you want more, go to Wikipedia!
For those of you still here, I have a little story for you and some appreciation!!
Although I dont think I've ever been "romantically" in love with anyone, (I know, I know) Im not incapable of loving, I love my close friends and family so much and, like most people, I would do anything for them and vice versa in most cases (unfortunately not all, but what can you do!)
My first memory of a valentines day experience, I was about 12 and I fancied a boy in my class, I decided to send him some chocolates and a little love letter signed with a question mark instead of my name! I asked my friend to take it to his house and give it to him because valentines day was on a saturday and I wasnt going to see him that day. So she did and I remember telling her to ring me once she had done it from the payphone outside her house (She didnt have a phone at her house and this is before mobile phones) She didnt ring me all weekend and I couldnt ring her because she didnt have a phone so I spent the entire time feeling really silly and wondering whether I should've even bothered sending him a valentine. I mean, what did I think was going to happen? I was 12 we were hardly going to fall in love and live happily ever after. Anyway the week after I saw the boys sister at the park after and she started on me! Shouting "what are you sending stuff to my brother for, and if you look at me like that again i'll slap you" - if only I had the strength then to have squared up to her and seen what she would've done, instead I cried and fell out with my friend because she didnt stick up for me! - So ive never really liked this silly day so much!
Well that was a drain!
Enough of the woe. Im very fortunate to have met some super lovely people so far and I want to dedicate this day of love and gratitude to them. I wont list them all because they know who they are but just a big fat THANK YOU for being you and being such amazing inspirations and support systems.
If you havent shared the love yet, think of 3 reasons why you love your nearest and dearest and tell them before you go to sleep, I can guarantee you will feel great and so will they ... night night lovely heads xxx
Tuesday 5 February 2013
Live Out Loud
“If you ask me what I came to do in this world, I will tell you, I came to live out LOUD.” ~Émile Zola
I have been pondering this quote for a few days.
After reading some bits and bobs about what it really means to "Live Out Loud" I've decided to share some of the points with you.
Live your life on purpose. Ive left life up to circumstance in the past which has made decisions for me but surely we should be doing things by making deliberate choices?
I have decided that making deliberate choices will enable me to combat fears and reach my potential. I talk about moving away and starting a new adventure all of the time, I think talking about it and aknowledging that it is going to happen is the first step of the journey and the more I talk about it out loud the more excited I become to continue with the journey and grab the opportunities that come my way. I feel in control and as if I am living my life for a purpose!
Take yourself on a date. I do this one all the time, it usually involves a book, a cafe and people watching, listening to snippets of peoples conversations can sometimes inspire me and if it doesnt inspire me it usually makes me laugh! Living out loud is playing out loud if you have someone to join you or not! You never know who you might end up striking a conversation with!
Live in the question. Dont allow youself to put up limitations. You can be, do or have anything you want, instead of saying "i cant do that" ask yourself "How could I do that?" There is always a way!
Know your own value. There may be people who are more skilled, intelligent or more talented that you but you have something to offer too.Do not diminish your worth and dont let anyone else do that either. Stop idolizing other peoples gifts and start idolizing your own, OUT LOUD!!
Give yourself permission. To make mistakes and to shine, to accept, to get angry, to go to sleep early, to scream, to take the day off. We all have mood swings we win some we lose some, life is now.
Be authentic. The most successful are the ones who are authentic, the ones that dont follow the crowd, the ones who declare who they are regardless of who agrees with them. Fortune favours the bold
Stop waiting. You are here and this is now, be creative with what you have right now, dont put your life on pause.
March to the beat of your own drum, hear your own music, no one elses! Your task is to find your own Om! Your life force vibration, life pattern or purpose, your song or melody . Find it, claim it, express it. (I think this is my favourite)
Inspired? I am! x
I have been pondering this quote for a few days.
After reading some bits and bobs about what it really means to "Live Out Loud" I've decided to share some of the points with you.
Live your life on purpose. Ive left life up to circumstance in the past which has made decisions for me but surely we should be doing things by making deliberate choices?
I have decided that making deliberate choices will enable me to combat fears and reach my potential. I talk about moving away and starting a new adventure all of the time, I think talking about it and aknowledging that it is going to happen is the first step of the journey and the more I talk about it out loud the more excited I become to continue with the journey and grab the opportunities that come my way. I feel in control and as if I am living my life for a purpose!
Take yourself on a date. I do this one all the time, it usually involves a book, a cafe and people watching, listening to snippets of peoples conversations can sometimes inspire me and if it doesnt inspire me it usually makes me laugh! Living out loud is playing out loud if you have someone to join you or not! You never know who you might end up striking a conversation with!
Live in the question. Dont allow youself to put up limitations. You can be, do or have anything you want, instead of saying "i cant do that" ask yourself "How could I do that?" There is always a way!
Know your own value. There may be people who are more skilled, intelligent or more talented that you but you have something to offer too.Do not diminish your worth and dont let anyone else do that either. Stop idolizing other peoples gifts and start idolizing your own, OUT LOUD!!
Give yourself permission. To make mistakes and to shine, to accept, to get angry, to go to sleep early, to scream, to take the day off. We all have mood swings we win some we lose some, life is now.
Be authentic. The most successful are the ones who are authentic, the ones that dont follow the crowd, the ones who declare who they are regardless of who agrees with them. Fortune favours the bold
Stop waiting. You are here and this is now, be creative with what you have right now, dont put your life on pause.
March to the beat of your own drum, hear your own music, no one elses! Your task is to find your own Om! Your life force vibration, life pattern or purpose, your song or melody . Find it, claim it, express it. (I think this is my favourite)
Inspired? I am! x
Sunday 27 January 2013
Bento
Kon'nichiwa!
I've been familliar with Bento for a while but very recently I was given a Bento Box of my very own and it is SUPER! If you google Bento you will see an array of very artistic food which doesnt always look appetising but you can appreciate the efforts gone into the creations!
For those of you not familliar with Bento, heres a little background blurb for you!
Bento is common Japanese cuisine, it comes in a Bento box, which is like a lunch box but a posh one compared to the ones you might buy in your local supermarket. I think you can get it as take out in Japan and probably in big cities here in the UK and across the world, some other countries also have their own versions.
Bento's traditionally hold Rice, Meat or Fish. Elaborately arranged in styles such as "Kyara-ben" which means character bento or "Oekakiben" which means picture bento. The Japanese even have Bento contests! - Amazing!
"Bento" is a derivitive of a slang term "Pinyin" which means convenient.
I haven't been so elaborate yet with mine however with the help of my new book "The Just Bento Cookbook" I am going to try out some new and fun creations and no doubt I will share some with you!
Aswell as being very decorative and cute to look at, they are economical and pretty healthy on the whole.
Some popular Japanese recipes include, Chicken and Three-colour pepper Stirfry Bento, Fried Shrimp Bento and Ginger Pork Bento. You can get lots of recipes and ideas from websites such as www.justbento.com www.cookingcute.com www.lunchinabox.net
Some popular Japanese recipes include, Chicken and Three-colour pepper Stirfry Bento, Fried Shrimp Bento and Ginger Pork Bento. You can get lots of recipes and ideas from websites such as www.justbento.com www.cookingcute.com www.lunchinabox.net
You can buy boxes from a number of websites, www.amazon.co.uk or www.monbento.com You can also get lots of accessories such as chopsticks, cutlery, egg moulds, sauce bottles, dividers, belts, bags, cups and cutters to name a few!
They are Microwave and dishwasher safe and they do not leak!! Perfect!
I will keep you posted with my creations if any are worth of sharing, so far i've made barbeque crispy tofu noodles with beansprouts, brocolli, edemame beans and water chestnuts and Lasagne! (haha im aware that isnt very japannese!)
Sayonara!
Thursday 24 January 2013
Inspiration
First of all, I cant believe its been almost a month since I last blogged, its been a really good month aswell! I stepped out of 27 and into 28 and celebrated with a nice lunch joined by a select bunch who really made my day a special one (Thank you loves) I also really enjoyed the small tea party my housemates and I had in the evening when we all had cake mmm. I love the way birthdays make you feel, I felt so loved and appreciated I wish I could feel like that more often!
The last couple of weeks I have been super busy studying and working towards becoming TEFL qualified, I decided I needed a new challenge and I've wanted to live abroad again for a number of years now so teaching was a good option. Its tough going but I can't wait for the adventures that await me. Im so surprised and thankful for all the support i've received from friends and family, maybe they think it'll be a good way of getting a cheap holiday somewhere!! It's always been quite important to me to feel as though i'm living and going somewhere and not just exsisting!
Although I plan to run away at some point this year, I still want to feel comfortable where I am whilst Im here so Ive decided to spruce up my bedroom, ive been promised a new carpet and I've started collecting paintings/frames/pictures to put up on my feature wall. So far I have a pencil drawing, a photograph of Doris Day sitting in a car from the film "By the light of the silvery moon" which was given to me by one of my housemates and my favourite J H Lynch painting which is called "Nymph" They are all very different styles but I think that my favourite artistic subject is "people" so there is a constant theme, It might feel as though im being watched when its finished!
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I think for alot of people the beginning of a New Year allows them to start a fresh, i've never really seen it that way for me before however this year, I feel as though it's time to grow more and make changes to my every day life. I feel inspired by the people around me and by other people stories and I want to inspire other people too!
My motto this year is Live Well, Laugh Often and Love Much
Just picked a few photos of this year so far to brighten up the place!
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