tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88545987836557121722024-03-13T01:08:36.022+00:00Broad Bean to Runner BeanNeenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04754195313876194329noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854598783655712172.post-17422194714917728892010-10-18T18:53:00.001+01:002010-10-18T18:53:42.977+01:00Taking a Break<p> </p> <p>Hey there you crazy kids, incase you hadn’t noticed i haven’t been around here much lately, I’m just TOO busy at the mo, somethings got to give!</p> <p>I’ve only got 4 weeks on Saturday till i get married!!! eeeeeeeee! </p> <p>With wedding planning at an all time high, and college work and exams, and working full time and running 5-6 times a week, and concentrating on eating healthy and loosing weight still, and trying to squeeze in a bit of Buddy time and family time and friends time, its just exhausting, i’m falling into bed each night with out having had a moment to spare all day long! </p> <p>I’ve been feeling so guilty not logging in here every day or most days, so i figured i’d relieve that guilt and let y’all know whats going on.</p> <p>I will be back i promise, i want to blog so much, and once the wedding is over and i’ve been on my delicious honeymoon, life ought to settle back down to easy going again, and you’ll see more of me around.</p> <p>I hope you keep me on your blog roll or whatever it is that shows you i’ve posted, and you’ll see me pop back to say hi every now and again and be able to hang out properly again after El Big Day! </p> <p>Sooooooooo i’ll be seeing ya real soon. Love Love Love <3 <3 <3 xoxo</p> Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04754195313876194329noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854598783655712172.post-84174099770344040692010-10-03T20:23:00.001+01:002010-10-03T20:23:39.998+01:00Rude Health Review and Home Made Apple Pie<p> </p> <p>Hey there blogger loggers! i hope everyone had a fantastic wknd! ours has be sooo productive, we managed 2 great hikes, the kitchen floor is now laid and finished, the door in the bedroom is now hung the other way round, the bedroom is completely changed round and some painting in there is finished, the hall cupboard is reorganised, the freezer is defrosted, and i’ve baked, muffins (they weren’t that great so i wont share the recipe), 2 loaves of tear and share bread, cauliflower cheese soup, apple pie and obviously all our meals, its been go go go, i’ll share my recipes from the wknd over the course of the week, tonight its apple pie.</p> <p>First up the lovely peeps over at<font color="#ff0080"> </font><a href="http://www.rudehealth.com/" target="_blank"><font color="#ff0080">Rude Health</font></a> sent me some products to try out and review on the blog, they sent me Granola, Fruity Date Porridge and Puffed Oats to try out and luckily for you they sent me a bunch of mini packets of the Fruity Date Porridge for giveaways.</p> <p>I’ve been munching on these for the past few weeks, and here’s what i think.</p> <p>The Granola is Deeeeelish! i think this might my my favourite Granola that i’ve tried to date, its got a sweet More-ish taste to it, just the right amount of crunch and the flavour is pretty awesome, there’s no nasties in it, the ingredient list is really great, the packaging is fun and green friendly, its obvious why it won “Great Taste Gold award 2010” my only criticism of this is the price tag, at £5.99 per box its a bit on the pricey side for me to buy it as my regular breakfast, but as i eat porridge most days for breakfast and only have things like this about once a week, i guess i could stretch to the cost, if i wanted to eat it most days though i couldn’t afford it right now, i would like to see the cost brought down a little so i could buy it a little more regularly.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjWKle5UzI/AAAAAAAACVw/FdH8eaYPGW4/s1600-h/1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="1" border="0" alt="1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjWLOEOcVI/AAAAAAAACV0/dcrpRnHNhcs/1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="362" height="475"></a> </p> <p>Next up is the Fruity Date Porridge, I thoroughly enjoyed this porridge, the flavours were wonderful, you could taste the hint of apple and date and cinnamon through it, and because of these these there was no need to add anything to sweeten it, i took to eating it with fresh apple and sultanas, again the ingredients list is good, no nasties and the packaging again is fun and friendly, another great product from Rude Health, the price tag on this product isn’t bad either, at £3.89 a box, i think thats reasonable for a porridge with added extras through it, its definitely something that i’ll be buying to switch up with my regular budget porridge. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjWL64S6OI/AAAAAAAACV4/FDDXIaCKpA0/s1600-h/2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="2" border="0" alt="2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjWM-srTXI/AAAAAAAACV8/UJ2l3bJcG1Y/2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="357" height="469"></a> </p> <p>The last product they sent me was Puffed Oats, I’m not a huge fan of puffed oats it’s not something i would eat as a breakfast cereal, BUT i enjoyed these as a small handful mixed in with the granola, the flavour is good and there’s the right amount of crunch v. chew. the packaging and ingredient list is in keeping with their other products, fun and friendly all round, and the price tag for this is just £1.96 for the box. If you like puffed wheat i’d recommend buying this as a great alternative to the kids cereal sugar puffs.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjWNmwVjPI/AAAAAAAACWA/BKcFXHNpdqU/s1600-h/3%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="3" border="0" alt="3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjWO29NHPI/AAAAAAAACWE/8vAUVPi1Qwk/3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="352" height="462"></a> </p> <p>All in all i enjoyed Rude Health’s products, i like what the company stand for and i like their actual products. If they dropped the price of their granola slightly i’d be 100% sold on them, either way both their porridge and granola will be making regular appearances in my cupboards. Tune in later this week for a giveaway of mini boxes of porridge for you to try out for yourselves.</p> <p>So today i took Buddy on the Hike me and my dad did last wknd, and i got some awesome pics, and some even better pics of the castle than last weeks, this used to be the home of a large wealthy family that made cotton thread, but was eventually sold and is now a hotel, its a beautiful big building, with amazing grounds, its a hot spot for weddings round here, the hike is through their grounds and gardens.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjWQ7zlYEI/AAAAAAAACWI/5U0_WaRdV5M/s1600-h/4%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="4" border="0" alt="4" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjWRSHkJkI/AAAAAAAACWM/5Fpb14ednFA/4_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjWSq9mQYI/AAAAAAAACWQ/GxsxIvTqGX8/s1600-h/5%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="5" border="0" alt="5" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjWTPBxAII/AAAAAAAACWU/c2EDWkJEnYE/5_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> </p> <p>I dont even think the next two look real, they look like a painting! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjXiaL29VI/AAAAAAAACWY/Tz934ybJWMk/s1600-h/6%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="6" border="0" alt="6" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjXjUGyCrI/AAAAAAAACWc/9KAlPitZrB0/6_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="502" height="382"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjXkCokXmI/AAAAAAAACWg/eFPCcdp3vh4/s1600-h/7%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="7" border="0" alt="7" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjXkwJFJwI/AAAAAAAACWk/XlgzNVisEpI/7_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="503" height="383"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjXl51p-mI/AAAAAAAACWo/wKpwgHYEnsE/s1600-h/8%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="8" border="0" alt="8" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjXzE7Af5I/AAAAAAAACWs/1K_UxV6C31s/8_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="502" height="382"></a> </p> <p>Rumour has it that theres a tunnel in there that leads up into underground passages and into the castle! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjXzm-ZHSI/AAAAAAAACWw/biRXPf0Y7Ss/s1600-h/93.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="9" border="0" alt="9" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjX0pLFVrI/AAAAAAAACW0/WhY1JKUV71Y/9_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="344" height="452"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjX1ZO6FfI/AAAAAAAACW4/e8l6dMEjFf4/s1600-h/103.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="10" border="0" alt="10" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjX2MVt5TI/AAAAAAAACW8/5uPVV7OhElE/10_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="372"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjX3GQGMrI/AAAAAAAACXA/kOZEI-AHJhw/s1600-h/113.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="11" border="0" alt="11" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjX30uOjNI/AAAAAAAACXE/hZDcdTBkPGw/11_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="353" height="463"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjX5N3wo_I/AAAAAAAACXI/zHS_UE88D5o/s1600-h/122.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="12" border="0" alt="12" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjX6CogglI/AAAAAAAACXQ/9B17asrpWac/12_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjX7dUeV2I/AAAAAAAACXU/o1Ti2eDwPz0/s1600-h/132.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="13" border="0" alt="13" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjX8Z0Jw8I/AAAAAAAACXY/JIJHtHvR8QU/13_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjX9nuUiGI/AAAAAAAACXc/56soy65yX34/s1600-h/142.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="14" border="0" alt="14" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjX-_nmqvI/AAAAAAAACXg/EU7QPc2SC2M/14_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjX_xJiL4I/AAAAAAAACXk/kKEH8thkG8k/s1600-h/152.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="15" border="0" alt="15" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjYAQRTecI/AAAAAAAACXo/oZj1425TiJg/15_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjYBrOD0-I/AAAAAAAACXs/CzevDHT2XLE/s1600-h/163.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="16" border="0" alt="16" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjYCqY3pxI/AAAAAAAACXw/VNRJrDKAp-E/16_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="359" height="471"></a> </p> <p>Yesterday, at Buddy’s request i made home made apple pie, its the first time i’ve made a pie! it felt like a very grown up thing to make and felt like quite an achievement!! i warn you now this is not a healthy recipe, but like i said it was buddy’s request, i had a very small slice to sample it and gave half to my parents, the rest buddy has eaten last night and tonight.</p> <p><strong>Home Made Apple and Rhubarb Pie (Jamie Oliver style)</strong></p> <p><em>For the Pastry </em></p> <p>500g plain flour</p> <p>100g icing sugar</p> <p>250g unsalted cold butter</p> <p>zest of 1 lemon</p> <p>2 large eggs</p> <p>a splash of milk</p> <p><em>For the filling </em></p> <p>3 Bramley Cooking Apples</p> <p>5 small eating apples, of any kind</p> <p>50g butter</p> <p>100g golden sugar</p> <p>about 3 stems of rhubarb (i froze this earlier in the season, you can skip it entirely or switch it up for blackberries etc</p> <p>1 egg</p> <p>cinnamon</p> <p>First heat up the butter and sugar in a large pot on the hob, peel and core and roughly dice all of the cooking apples and 4 of the regular apples, once the butter is melted add the apple pieces into the pot, simmer for approx 15 minutes stirring regularly. Now add the rhubarb (or other fruit) and simmer for approx 10 more minutes, again stirring regularly, add in cinnamon, approx 0.5t and stir in.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjYDq7LXfI/AAAAAAAACX0/RTwkZL1ayT8/s1600-h/172.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="17" border="0" alt="17" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjYEErxNQI/AAAAAAAACX4/V4JAuBW4JRQ/17_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjYE580mbI/AAAAAAAACX8/zT2NODAYsa4/s1600-h/182.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="18" border="0" alt="18" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjYFZx3IwI/AAAAAAAACYA/uW3OvQx_XM4/18_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> </p> <p>Set the mixture aside in a new bowl to cool (the new bowl is because it will take longer to cool in the hot pan, and the mixture should be added to the pastry cold, if you add hot filling to raw pastry it will start to melt the butter in the pastry and result in a harder not so light pastry.)</p> <p>Now while the mixture is cooling make the pastry, rub the butter and the flour and icing sugar together to make breadcrumbs but dont over mix, stir in the lemon zest, now add the eggs and a splash of milk and mix it till you get a dough, again dont over mix, turn it out the bowl and make into a flattened ball, wrap in cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.</p> <p>Once your mixture is cooled and the pastry has had 30 minutes in the fridge, take it out and roll it thin on a floured surface, then place half into the bottom of a pie dish, and fill with the filling, top with the remaining regular apple, cored and peeled and sliced.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjYGTYARbI/AAAAAAAACYE/XmX6Bou89pc/s1600-h/193.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="19" border="0" alt="19" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjYHDcLe5I/AAAAAAAACYI/y3IkhbV9ozU/19_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="372"></a> </p> <p>Brush the exposed edges of pastry with beaten egg, and then put the top on the pie, pierce the pastry in several places with a knife to release the steam when its baking, fork the edges, to ensure they are stuck down to the pastry underneath and then brush the whole thing with the beaten egg, sprinkle with some brown sugar and cinnamon.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjYH1EOgkI/AAAAAAAACYM/3vkJz34tOck/s1600-h/203.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="20" border="0" alt="20" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjYIfMj5aI/AAAAAAAACYQ/sMfaKtQD3Xs/20_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="497" height="379"></a> </p> <p>And when your ready to eat it bake at 180degrees for approx 50 minutes.</p> <p>Et Voila! perfect home made apple pie.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjYJWzOu4I/AAAAAAAACYU/YoRrybkLerU/s1600-h/213.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="21" border="0" alt="21" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjYKLH1RdI/AAAAAAAACYY/d1XMamH7xks/21_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="492" height="375"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjYLOVWC4I/AAAAAAAACYc/EuMvXsx2EVc/s1600-h/233.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="23" border="0" alt="23" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjYMNgcJGI/AAAAAAAACYg/IYs6wUClodM/23_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="489" height="373"></a> </p> <p>Like i said not healthy but certainly good for treating yourself if your so inclined or your other half or friends and family if your having them over for dinner! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjYM16D0zI/AAAAAAAACYk/iA7iaVO_qWA/s1600-h/242.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="24" border="0" alt="24" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjYNYgboVI/AAAAAAAACYo/4YXtcLzvW5k/24_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjYOGY7ECI/AAAAAAAACYs/zVWNimym0fY/s1600-h/252.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="25" border="0" alt="25" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKjYOpy6SqI/AAAAAAAACYw/hMVHiUG5VxI/25_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> </p> <p>Right then i’m off for my usual Sunday night clean up an pampering, my Sunday night routine every week involves, changing the bed, face mask, shower, tan, exfoliate, shave, dry and straighten hair, clean Jammies, manicure and polish hands and feet, and then a fresh clean Neen hops into a fresh clean bed with my book for an early night! hmmmm i do love Sunday nights! </p> <p><strong><em>Do you have a Sunday night routine, or an any other night routine?</em></strong> mine has been in place since i was at school, my mum always made me stay in on a Sunday night, when i was a teenager and wanted to be out with my friends every waking moment, i had to stay in every Sunday night to “recharge my batteries” for the week ahead, i had to shower and change my bed every Sunday night, its stuck hard as a routine and i love it, very relaxing and cleansing! </p> <p>Stay tuned because…………………………….</p> <p><strong>Coming next: my brand new Bento Box….eeeeeeeee and Home Made Bread.</strong></p> <p><strong>Coming soon: Rude Health Giveaway.</strong></p> Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04754195313876194329noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854598783655712172.post-31181841987596772362010-10-02T19:16:00.001+01:002010-10-02T19:16:39.240+01:00Cauliflower/Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Squash<p> </p> <p>Hey Bloggies, Hows everyone’s weekend? i hope you’re all having a good one, ours is busy, lots of DIY round here, we’ve been doing alot of work all round the house, nothing worthy of showing just yet, we changed our bedroom all round, and cleaned out our monster hall cupboard and laid the new floor covering in the kitchen, its all go go go! </p> <p>I wanted to share a little recipe with you from last week, squash stuffed with cauliflower/broccoli cheese, hmmmmm!!</p> <p>I split the squash perfectly in half and rubbed a little oil on all of the exposed edges, then sprinkle with salt and pepper and ground dried garlic.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKd21Dl5yCI/AAAAAAAACUw/XW16Hgz9b-c/s1600-h/1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="1" border="0" alt="1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKd22KsvvRI/AAAAAAAACU0/JVv6YEZ8_pY/1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="473" height="360"></a> </p> <p>Then i squished up tin foil to hold the squash upright and flat, and baked for 45 minutes on about 180degrees.</p> <p>After 45 minutes, i took them out the oven and filled with little florets of raw broccoli and cauliflower.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKd23Emlr6I/AAAAAAAACU4/0fOdQKq2iXU/s1600-h/2%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2" border="0" alt="2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKd23qZtilI/AAAAAAAACU8/hd7kcNoE3K8/2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKd24s2Z6wI/AAAAAAAACVA/Bro_S-XZ7b4/s1600-h/3%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="3" border="0" alt="3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKd25NC-DmI/AAAAAAAACVE/ZGqUJFNBb88/3_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> </p> <p>Once the squash are full pour over cheese sauce, you could make your own, but you dont need much sauce so i figured it wasn’t worth the effort of making my own and i used Bisto Cheese Sauce.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKd25y6u0tI/AAAAAAAACVI/2TPdtm-XA6c/s1600-h/4%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="4" border="0" alt="4" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKd26QNvsBI/AAAAAAAACVM/CD2VofPNZDw/4_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="333" height="437"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKd27XaWJXI/AAAAAAAACVQ/oDi526jKxkY/s1600-h/5%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="5" border="0" alt="5" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKd28I82iTI/AAAAAAAACVU/_nZ-bKN2OTA/5_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="481" height="367"></a> </p> <p>Top with a little finely grated cheese.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKd29Vakp7I/AAAAAAAACVY/X2S6FB7E4ig/s1600-h/6%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="6" border="0" alt="6" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKd2-MAtKvI/AAAAAAAACVc/BCyeXYIXptA/6_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="472" height="360"></a> </p> <p>And bake for a further 45 – 50 minutes, until crispy and golden brown on top.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKd2-wyCtAI/AAAAAAAACVg/Hxih17OMdCs/s1600-h/9%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="9" border="0" alt="9" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKd2_50biTI/AAAAAAAACVk/EBvzVnCcw8Y/9_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="470" height="358"></a></p> <p>I really really enjoyed this, i served it with some steamed baby corn and mange tout and a chicken breast marinated in lemon/honey/redwine vinegar/garlic/tarragon.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKd3A3RoOaI/AAAAAAAACVo/huPTda8rQBk/s1600-h/8%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="8" border="0" alt="8" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKd3BrN0K8I/AAAAAAAACVs/QfADmRRh5Hw/8_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="464" height="354"></a> </p> <p>Buddy wasn’t so keen, apparently he likes squash soup and likes squash if its cubed and roasted with other veg such as carrots and parsnips etc, but as a whole vegetable served in this way he doesn’t like it. Go figure, i loved it though.</p> <p><strong>Coming next: A Rude Health Porridge and Cereal Review.</strong></p> <p><strong>Coming soon: An exciting Rude Health Porridge Give Away.</strong></p> Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04754195313876194329noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854598783655712172.post-54189927919927470132010-09-28T18:48:00.001+01:002010-09-28T18:48:02.893+01:00Catch up and Butternut Squash and Butterbean Soup<p> </p> <p> Sorry Guys!! i should rename this blog the weekly soup kitchen! i will start posting more regularly again soon i promise! but for now, let me share with you THE.BEST.SOUP.IN.THE.WORLD.EVER.<em>FACT! </em>and a catch up from my bank holiday wknd.</p> <p>It was Buddy’s stag do this wknd, so i drove him to the train station in Glasgow and dropped him and a bunch of his friends off, on the way home, there was an accident and the road was closed like all day, so after HOURS of hanging around i eventually decided to take another route, round the coast and over a ferry, i left the car on the other side, as it was too expensive to bring it over and i knew i had to return to Glasgow on Sunday to pick the boys up anyway so figured i’d take that route again. it was a stressful day I left Glasgow at 2.30pm and arrived home at 9pm, it should have taken 2 hours! </p> <p>I then spent the wknd at my parents house, being pampered and looked after, there ain’t nothing like staying at my parents every now and then for a bit of TLC!</p> <p>I managed my first run on Saturday since before the Hen do (due to that toe!) it was awesome, so good to get back out there! </p> <p>Sunday morning my dad and I took my dog and his dogs an early morning hike, it was a new route that i’d never been on before, it takes you through the grounds of a castle hotel and out and round a small island, it takes around 2 hours, its pretty spectacular! only a 2 minute drive from my house, Buddy and I will be doing this route soon fo sho’! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIpmeMJyEI/AAAAAAAACRc/fj1D3p9uRbo/s1600-h/1%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="1" border="0" alt="1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIpnaIIxRI/AAAAAAAACRg/V7cPiAgDaI4/1_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="264" height="209"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIpoDWtgCI/AAAAAAAACRk/7045uabGk6A/s1600-h/2%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2" border="0" alt="2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIpo1A3s6I/AAAAAAAACRo/gJ1u4gWH99s/2_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="266" height="206"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIpqWA399I/AAAAAAAACRs/LaH6adb2sm4/s1600-h/3%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="3" border="0" alt="3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIprApaFEI/AAAAAAAACRw/ZRA71hkDYjQ/3_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="265" height="205"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIpsa81i1I/AAAAAAAACR0/bizHVhA-2WU/s1600-h/4%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="4" border="0" alt="4" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIps2neqmI/AAAAAAAACR4/hYgoHkPV1Qk/4_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="264" height="202"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIpttwbcyI/AAAAAAAACR8/rF4SXxqfFMo/s1600-h/5%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="5" border="0" alt="5" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIpuTwbtYI/AAAAAAAACSA/6VfFhJ8iErY/5_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="262" height="344"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIpu-Ib65I/AAAAAAAACSE/JOEMEdpKaDI/s1600-h/6%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="6" border="0" alt="6" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIpvuGnVoI/AAAAAAAACSI/MFdkmMTidKU/6_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="264" height="346"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIpwWkiy7I/AAAAAAAACSM/WswelhfXJPY/s1600-h/7%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="7" border="0" alt="7" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIpxMFmmVI/AAAAAAAACSQ/M1nEAeUvIew/7_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="263" height="203"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIpx3y8oDI/AAAAAAAACSU/UTPUtlhv7Zs/s1600-h/8%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="8" border="0" alt="8" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIpyWdo8QI/AAAAAAAACSY/uuPqTRgWmbQ/8_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="267" height="204"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIpzd-VmII/AAAAAAAACSc/nfotRTsn6uk/s1600-h/9%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="9" border="0" alt="9" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIp05seEYI/AAAAAAAACSg/q9m-ri4adFs/9_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="369"></a> </p> <p>Then i set off on the drive back to Glasgow to pick up Buddy and the boys.</p> <p>I took the ferry.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIp1rJrb7I/AAAAAAAACSo/N367ZgWVqes/s1600-h/10%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="10" border="0" alt="10" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIp27rF6zI/AAAAAAAACSs/GwGjDNtv5mw/10_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="472" height="360"></a> </p> <p>The drive was a pretty drive, the weather was lovely</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIp3iwtnzI/AAAAAAAACSw/Wqt5-bU2dmM/s1600-h/11%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="11" border="0" alt="11" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIp4k5gNyI/AAAAAAAACS0/_IEP_tf79vs/11_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="472" height="360"></a> </p> <p>But this did not ease my mood, i got lost, TWICE! and it took me almost 4 hours, it should have taken just over 2! this wknd was not a successful wknd in terms of travel!!</p> <p>Not a happy Neen!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIp528fh-I/AAAAAAAACS4/Q6WrQlAd0SQ/s1600-h/12%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="12" border="0" alt="12" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIp6SdZDJI/AAAAAAAACS8/pPmKn2Pi0Ww/12_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="463" height="353"></a> </p> <p>Things were to get worse though! </p> <p>When we got home we found that the kitchen floor had sunk dramatically over the wknd, we had to investigate, what we found was NOT GOOD!</p> <p>Turns out the boiler has been leaking since we put it in about 9 months ago, the floor was completely rotten under the laminate flooring, there was all sorts of fungus in at the back of the boxed in boiler, it was hideous! my kitchen was totally destroyed! </p> <p>So on our Bank Holiday Monday (what was supposed to be our catch up day off together), we tore the kitchen out.</p> <p>It was NOT pretty! Poor Buddy had to rip the flooring back to the bare concrete floor, it took us hours and hours! and my whole house was upside down! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIp7fNZZZI/AAAAAAAACTA/FWw99mmc8DY/s1600-h/13%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="13" border="0" alt="13" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIp8IXfqKI/AAAAAAAACTE/3RSSAwRfdSA/13_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="456" height="348"></a> </p> <p>We kicked off at 9am and didn’t get finished until about 10pm last night, we managed to salvage the actual kitchen units, although kitchens are not made to be pulled out and put back in, so it doesn’t quite fit right anymore! it will do till after the wedding though! we did have to replace the insulation and all the flooring, and we have to buy new floor covering. It looks amazing now though compared to what it did yesterday morning, there were real tears and everything!</p> <p>We’ll buy the floor covering this week and get it laid at the wknd! what a traumatic day yesterday was! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIp9MPkfzI/AAAAAAAACTI/gTypn31uucw/s1600-h/14%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="14" border="0" alt="14" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIp-A_b8SI/AAAAAAAACTM/FVsc1egMEw4/14_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="457" height="348"></a> </p> <p>BUT in amongst the carnage buddy had to put my cooker outside, so i set a couple of hours aside and left him to some of the hard manual labour and cleaned that baby to within an inch of its life, its so much easier to scrub it down when its outside!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIp-gJ0DsI/AAAAAAAACTQ/_iyFqBZkcII/s1600-h/15%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="15" border="0" alt="15" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIp_SOJ4qI/AAAAAAAACTU/67tQOW2FBCE/15_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="322" height="422"></a> </p> <p>We worked hard yesterday and got the kitchen back to a workable order in time for bed, there is still much work to be done but that will have to wait for the wknd now! </p> <p>Today i made good use of our workable kitchen and made the most amazing soup ever! </p> <p>I’m not very good at soups, i dont seem to have much luck, but this is beyond a doubt the best i’ve ever tasted, anywhere! </p> <p>Its a bit fiddly and certainly not a throw together soup, but well worth the effort. I bought tub of microwavable Baxters Butternut Squash, Giant Butterbean and Mascarpone soup and had it for lunch yesterday mid kitchen ripping out, it was awesome so i checked out the ingredients and figured i’d try it at home but healthier! and WOW! </p> <p><strong><u>Butternut Squash and Butterbean Soup</u></strong></p> <p>1 Butternut Squash</p> <p>1 Tin of Butterbeans</p> <p>1 Onion</p> <p>1 clove Garlic</p> <p>Ground dried garlic</p> <p>Chilli flakes</p> <p>1/2 Red Pepper</p> <p>2 Carrots</p> <p>1 Potato (or 3 baby potatoes)</p> <p>1 Parsnip</p> <p>Fresh Sage (dried will do)</p> <p>Olive oil</p> <p>Salt and pepper</p> <p>A knob of butter</p> <p>1t Vegetable Bullion (1 veg stock cube will do)</p> <p>Prep your butternut squash, cut in half, deseed, score, rub with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, ground dried garlic and chilli flakes, bake at 190degrees for approx 1 hour.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIqAXnB4EI/AAAAAAAACTY/7aab8PfUv0E/s1600-h/16%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="16" border="0" alt="16" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIqBC_BSmI/AAAAAAAACTc/uwReRNXsQQM/16_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="477" height="363"></a> </p> <p>Meanwhile, fry the onion and garlic in a little oil and butter</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIqCEiVPbI/AAAAAAAACTg/MvxnWh7i-Xs/s1600-h/17%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="17" border="0" alt="17" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIqC1BAN_I/AAAAAAAACTk/s5NZ6qZ9ASc/17_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="472" height="360"></a> </p> <p>Once softened, add in the parsnip, 1 carrot, 1/2 of your 1/2 pepper, and potato, cook down for approx 10 minutes on a gentle heat, stirring often.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIqETr3aDI/AAAAAAAACTo/7QVtgT7If5s/s1600-h/18%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="18" border="0" alt="18" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIqFFIkn-I/AAAAAAAACTs/NYXvfhaw-2o/18_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="471" height="359"></a> </p> <p>Add 1 pint of water, and the vegetable bullion, bring to the boil then allow to simmer for approx 15 minutes until the veg is soft.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIqGOg73CI/AAAAAAAACTw/IDpNb0Yd2Pg/s1600-h/21%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="21" border="0" alt="21" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIqGwYJQvI/AAAAAAAACT0/WXzyToPF0CE/21_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" height="351"></a></p> <p>While thats cooking and the Butternut Squash is baking, prep the rest of the veg, chop the other carrot, rinse the tin of butter beans and finely chop the other 1/2 of the 1/2 pepper and set aside.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIqIJkN5aI/AAAAAAAACT4/UuOK4PssJEg/s1600-h/19%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="19" border="0" alt="19" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIqJOr86UI/AAAAAAAACT8/H0CrcGaAOTc/19_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="349"></a> </p> <p>Once the Veg is soft in the soup, blend with a hand blender until smooth.</p> <p>Once the Butternut Squash is roasted take it out the oven and scoop out the flesh, add to the soup and blend, i worried that a whole butternut squash was too much, but it was just fine, so perceiver and go ahead and use the whole thing. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIqKMRWCiI/AAAAAAAACUA/GTQp7qyda5U/s1600-h/20%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="20" border="0" alt="20" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIqK9t58wI/AAAAAAAACUE/gZLxFRs2x4A/20_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIqLw84-gI/AAAAAAAACUI/YFsY0df8os8/s1600-h/22%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="22" border="0" alt="22" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIqM60RPQI/AAAAAAAACUM/dC34ShgSrDU/22_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> </p> <p>Now blend till the soup is smooth and silky.</p> <p>You should now boil the remaining veg in a separate pan, the carrots and peppers for approx 10 minutes, adding in the butterbeans for the final 3 minutes.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIqNpOs_AI/AAAAAAAACUQ/PXc9aCAo1a4/s1600-h/23%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="23" border="0" alt="23" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIqOmCSoPI/AAAAAAAACUU/anPjfQAt9-I/23_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="381"></a> </p> <p>While the final veg is boiling heat up a non stick pan with a little oil and drop your sage leaves in till they go a bit transparent (omit this step if using dried sage), (i used twice the pictured amount)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIqPpG_abI/AAAAAAAACUY/o9qNrtHfgJk/s1600-h/24%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="24" border="0" alt="24" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIqQaaPDlI/AAAAAAAACUc/KQqnH1l_Io4/24_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="497" height="379"></a> </p> <p>Add the Sage to the soup, along with salt and pepper to taste, and blend a final time.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIqR38oL6I/AAAAAAAACUg/cZBkHyAa14U/s1600-h/25%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="25" border="0" alt="25" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIqSuEue7I/AAAAAAAACUk/ZaHAoKQsblw/25_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="498" height="379"></a> </p> <p>Now add in the final cooked veg, the butterbeans, the carrots and the peppers, and stir.</p> <p>Et voila! the best soup ever! it sounds more complicated than it is i promise! now run out and make it my dear bloggy friends!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIqTeStCHI/AAAAAAAACUo/R2U5_9yg9K4/s1600-h/26%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="26" border="0" alt="26" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TKIqUMreowI/AAAAAAAACUs/YZ9vSITSPdI/26_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="492" height="375"></a></p> <p>Tonight i made a special dinner for buddy (he wasn’t so keen – oopsy! but i loved it and i know you will too!) Baked Acorn Squash stuffed with cauliflower/broccoli cheese, recipe coming soon! </p> <p>Right then peeps i’m off to chill with buddy. </p> <p>Much Love <3 <3 <3 xoxo.</p> Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04754195313876194329noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854598783655712172.post-25066975789779451272010-09-22T21:15:00.001+01:002010-09-22T21:15:40.772+01:00Minestrone Soup<p> </p> <p>Hey there Bloggies, sorry my sporadic blogging of late, with just 8 weeks until the wedding its just manic around here, there’s just so much to do, so many things to buy and to source and find etc. I just recruited another bridesmaid! like all sane brides to at the last minute! but honestly she’s a godsend, its so great to have someone around with brand new enthusiasm! </p> <p>Remember my friend Catherine, we’ve been best friends on and off since we were 5 years old, when we find ourselves living in the same area we’re inseparable, and then we end up living in different areas and we let it slip, but then we end up in the same place again and its all like we were never apart! now her and her boyfriend live right over the road from me and Buddy, the boys get on great too which is a huge bonus! I’m so excited to have her as last minute Bridesmaid and she’s over the moon! what fun! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TJpjuSP5N_I/AAAAAAAACQk/SnRz3-U8Ol8/s1600-h/IMG_3976%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3976" border="0" alt="IMG_3976" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TJpjvL-3ajI/AAAAAAAACQo/9dOlV7e1bBY/IMG_3976_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="491" height="363"></a> </p> <p>So anyway, between being knee deep in wedding planning, i’ve got exams coming out my ears and work is really busy! these are my terrible reasons for abandoning you so much lately! i’ll be back full time soon enough i promise! </p> <p>Because of being so busy i haven’t taken pictures of anything i’ve been eating, its been mostly good, maybe a little too much at times, but too much of good stuff i promise! working out is still on hold because my torn tendons in my toe, i’m hoping to hit the streets for a gentle run this wknd though, I’ll keep you posted.</p> <p>I did want to share with you my Minestrone soup recipe, its pretty basic, alot of optionals, but I love it, its easy, its filling, tasty and good for you too! I’m not a huge fan of soup, thats probably because I’m not very good at making soup, it always seems to be too thick, too thin, too strong, tasteless etc etc, but minestrone i get it right every time! </p> <p><strong>Neens Minestrone Soup</strong></p> <p>All of the measurements are guessed, it doesn’t really matter how much of what you put it, just what you have or what feels right, you cant really go wrong, i chop and change it up every time, i’ll walk you through what was in my latest batch.</p> <p>1 onion - essential</p> <p>2 cloves garlic - essential</p> <p>5 runner beans – optional – could use french beans or peas or broad beans or cabbage etc, but i like to keep it green, a little of each is nice</p> <p>1 stick celery - optional</p> <p>1 tin kidney beans – essential but you could add more beans in too, haricot etc</p> <p>2 t vegetable bullion - (to taste really)</p> <p>1 carrot - optional</p> <p>lots of tomatoes (the more the better, but a tin will do)</p> <p>2 T tomato puree essential</p> <p>1 potato – essential</p> <p>1 cup pasta – essential, i like small pasta shapes, orzo would do, or broken up spaghetti </p> <p>1 small tin of corn – optional – i didnt use this time but i did last time</p> <p>herbs</p> <p>seasoning</p> <p>chilli flakes</p> <p>Fry the onion and the garlic in a little oil and a little butter (this gives it a richness in flavour that you can afford in the calories in a pot of soup) till soft</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TJpjwFMpm5I/AAAAAAAACQs/lxLWwpdfPnk/s1600-h/1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="1" border="0" alt="1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TJpjwvvxsdI/AAAAAAAACQw/hHgACw9sjrE/1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="489" height="373"></a></p> <p>Add in the small diced potato – let it cook off for around 5 mins</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TJpjxk2mkNI/AAAAAAAACQ0/iaM5Bgsho78/s1600-h/2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2" border="0" alt="2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TJpjyxopm0I/AAAAAAAACQ4/XXYTl1xBzBo/2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="486" height="370"></a> </p> <p>add in the tomatoes, carrots, celery etc but not the green just yet</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TJpj0BmY6wI/AAAAAAAACQ8/qGY3CMP18w0/s1600-h/3%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="3" border="0" alt="3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TJpj08d_PZI/AAAAAAAACRA/yiuPu08CGyg/3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="489" height="373"></a> </p> <p>Stir well and cook for about 10 minutes</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TJpj2GaEmbI/AAAAAAAACRE/6FQbMUVjikE/s1600-h/4%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="4" border="0" alt="4" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TJpj3GC5IxI/AAAAAAAACRI/U03uxAclbH8/4_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="487" height="371"></a> </p> <p>Top up with boiling water and add the kidney beans and pasta, bring to the boil. Once its boiling, give it about 5 minutes then add your greens in, you dont want to add them sooner or they will be over cooked, let it simmer for around 10 minutes, whilst simmering, add in salt and pepper and some herbs for seasoning, i like to use, oregano/basil/mixed herbs and plenty of them! also add your stock, bullion or cubes etc, and about 1/4 t chilli flakes, all of these are “to taste”.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TJpj4CZAsuI/AAAAAAAACRM/6Tbl1dSuQuQ/s1600-h/5%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="5" border="0" alt="5" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TJpj4xDj8bI/AAAAAAAACRQ/GiAgQjck_dg/5_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="475" height="362"></a> </p> <p>When your pasta and veg are cooked, allow to cool and refrigerate, this will around 5 days, or you can freeze in portions.</p> <p>Dont worry about it being more like pasta sauce, than soup, i like to make this soup quite strong with seasoning and stock and herbs, chilli, tomato puree etc, then when i’m reheating i add a little water at this stage.</p> <p>Perfect served with chunky wholemeal bread and a little grated cheese for melting, hmmmm hmmmm!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TJpj59IAnoI/AAAAAAAACRU/KNnGFreTa3I/s1600-h/6%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="6" border="0" alt="6" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TJpj65OflCI/AAAAAAAACRY/r55mB09p4sg/6_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="464" height="354"></a></p> <p>I’m off to do some more wedding planning, i’m on the hunt for perfect thank you gifts for the Bridesmaids, Best Man, Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom, wish me luck.</p> <p><strong>If you're married already what did you buy for thank you gifts? if not do you have any suggestions of things you’d like if you were Best Man, Mother of the Bride or Groom or Bridesmaid?? I’d love to hear from you, any input helps!</strong> </p> <p>Much love bloggios! <3 <3 <3 xoxo</p> Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04754195313876194329noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854598783655712172.post-56275898084309706632010-09-17T22:17:00.002+01:002010-09-17T22:22:01.759+01:00Its just how i was brought up<p> </p><p>“If you haven’t got anything nice/good to say don't say anything at all” was one of the resounding messages my Dad taught me growing up! i.e. if you haven’t got anything nice to say to someone don't say anything at all, and if you haven’t got anything good to say, if all you have to say is moany, don't say anything at all! Now don't get me wrong, i was certainly encouraged to talk through my problems and not to bottle things up, but i was also taught to be a nice person, to keep nasty things and comments about people to myself and small menial moans to myself, everyone has their own problems, they don't wanna hear yours! it was a good message to learn growing up, i think i have a good balance of not saying bad things about people, i don't like to bitch and i don't like to moan, but if i am floundering i will reach out for help! </p><p>So the moral of my story is, sorry for not being around this week, i haven’t had much good stuff to say so I just didn’t say anything at all! </p><p>I’ll briefly walk you through it, going back to work after the Hen sucked, you guys know i had that drama at work to deal with last week, and my first day back this week saw the sh*t hitting the fan big time, i think the worst of its now over though. </p><p>On Tuesday I opened the glass cupboard in my kitchen and a glass fell out, this was an expensive designer glass, part of a set given to us as a house warming present when we moved in here, its an almost non destructible glass, it fell right onto my <a href="http://broadbeantorunnerbean.blogspot.com/2010/08/presenting.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#ff0080;">Kitchen Aid</span></a><span style="color:#ff0080;">,</span> the glass smashed to a thousand pieces, into my dinner that was cooking and all over the floor, AND it chipped and gouged out 3 separate places in the beautiful almond ceramic of the Kitchen Aid, Holi Gamoli, there were instant tears, i was hysterical, don't think I've been so upset about something for a long time!! I cleaned up and remade dinner all the while bubbling about my no longer perfect 1st wedding present The Kitchen Aid, BUT fear not my lovelies, i called up Kitchen Aid on Wednesday and explained what had happened and they have ordered me a whole new brand new machine from the US, it will be in the country in 2 weeks and then they will arrange to uplift mine and replace with the new one for the measly sum of £64, I'm delighted, especially when you consider i didn't register it, and didn't have the receipt and these babies cost the best part of £400!! soooo grateful! </p><p>I’ve also been struggling to get back on the wagon this week, i think i have it under control today, i took a 2.5lb gain on the chin this week (twas worth it though for a wknd that i will truly treasure forever!), i went to the docs about my “broken toe” its not broken after all but the stiletto that went into my foot has torn through the tendons, it should take 2 – 3 weeks to heal, and finally i had a funeral to go to today, all in all a sucky week, but lets not dwell i refuse to turn the bloggy into a moaning place, hence my absence, i only explain it now because i don’t want you guys to think i abandoned you lightly! </p><p>Anywho I’m back now that's all that matters, its Friday night, I'm all tucked up in my jammies on the couch in a pink furry blanket, true happiness! </p><p>I have plans to make some soup over the wknd, some home made bread and maybe a nice healthy treat something or other, we have some prep work to do in the bedroom for the winter, we suffer from damp here so the winter months need some prepping for to make sure its not a problem, and that's about the height of it my lovelies.</p><p>Here’s the highlights of my food for the last two days: its by no means all of it, we’d be here all day if i showed you it all, but most of it has been healthy, its just that since trying to drag myself back on the wagon on Wednesday I've been eating too much, but trying to keep it a healthy content too much, i promise over the wknd i will pull it all back under control! </p><p>Bfast yesterday – strawbs, rasps, peach and red berry compote</p><p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TJPav72l4JI/AAAAAAAACPc/ueVNX76aJtc/s1600-h/1%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="1" border="0" alt="1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TJPawudcL9I/AAAAAAAACPg/lrT_WWIVDec/1_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="357" /></a> </p><p>A<span style="color:#ff0080;"> </span><a href="http://broadbeantorunnerbean.blogspot.com/2010/08/clothes-flood-and-muffins.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#ff0080;">Pumpkin and Dark Choc Chip Muffin</span></a> from the freezer, these froze and thawed perfectly! </p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TJPaxcfgzmI/AAAAAAAACPk/Bjqasimsb6g/s1600-h/2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="2" border="0" alt="2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TJPayCNk7eI/AAAAAAAACPo/iFSy8Kxic10/2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="354" /></a> </p><p>Am snacks – a juicy sweet pear</p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TJPazD1Pw2I/AAAAAAAACPs/TDUH42aZqz0/s1600-h/3%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="3" border="0" alt="3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TJPaz8OrbCI/AAAAAAAACPw/0yUbyQ5_eGk/3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" height="351" /></a> </p><p>Lunch – Home made vegetarian minestrone soup (i made on Tuesday ready for going back to work) with a little melty cheese and a cracked wheat roll</p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TJPa0xZCDiI/AAAAAAAACP0/_kOrScj1OIU/s1600-h/4%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="4" border="0" alt="4" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TJPa1qbPikI/AAAAAAAACP4/2VTff3h7RnI/4_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="486" height="372" /></a> </p><p>Dinner was at my mums, roast chicken, green veg and new potatoes</p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TJPa2rg81WI/AAAAAAAACP8/VmavWwqQeoY/s1600-h/5%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="5" border="0" alt="5" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TJPa3aS6bVI/AAAAAAAACQA/XeHQsP3PrdA/5_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="479" height="365" /></a> </p><p>Bfast today was a peach, rasps, bluebs and red berry compote</p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TJPa4ezE-XI/AAAAAAAACQE/3g9gRLZ0QsA/s1600-h/6%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="6" border="0" alt="6" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TJPa5l5ycNI/AAAAAAAACQI/w69du7jTch8/6_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="470" height="358" /></a> </p><p>And a muffin</p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TJPa63KkjUI/AAAAAAAACQM/bo0sTFiSVMc/s1600-h/7%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="7" border="0" alt="7" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TJPa7unw3NI/AAAAAAAACQQ/GBJvEVlcnrM/7_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="476" height="363" /></a> </p><p>Lunch today was more Minestroni soup, eaten in a rush before the funeral.</p><p>Another peach – these are Ah.may.zing just now so huge and juicy! </p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TJPa8XGT7pI/AAAAAAAACQU/jV0Q8W5btFc/s1600-h/8%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="8" border="0" alt="8" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TJPa9Cy6ODI/AAAAAAAACQY/Wix8sKk__k0/8_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="473" height="360" /></a> </p><p>Dinner was a thin slice of cheesy homemade bread, a very small portion of chilli with a little cheese and natural yoghurt, with a side of green steamed veg and garlic/tarragon mushrooms, it was beautiful the first meal I've had since coming home that's been “just right” in every way! </p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TJPa-GKCFhI/AAAAAAAACQc/weOdNt-JXKw/s1600-h/9%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="9" border="0" alt="9" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TJPa-7-NmOI/AAAAAAAACQg/SZgVV_7FPDc/9_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="469" height="357" /></a></p><p>So I hope your all well! and I hope i still have some lovely readers, sorry again for deserting you! </p><p>I’ll be sorting out all of your favourite recipes for posting over the wknd.</p><p>Nyt for now, much love <3 <3 <3 xoxo</p>Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04754195313876194329noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854598783655712172.post-29646471715677061252010-09-14T21:52:00.003+01:002010-09-14T22:04:29.248+01:00My Hen Weekend<p></p><p>Hey there bloggy friends, did you miss me? sorry my recap is a couple of days later than i’d hoped, thinking back now I’m not sure how I ever thought i’d have the head to do it any sooner! </p><p>I would just like to start out by telling you I’ve finally made a decision on what to do about the spray tan v home tan for the wedding, look at my hand! i obviously touched the lid of the fake tan bottle on my palm when i was applying it and didnt notice! my whole tan was a mess actually, it looked fine until you inspected, my knuckles, my elbows, my knees, my ankles, it was patchy as hell! i did it myself as usually but for the first time i messed it up BIG time! i just cant take that risk for the wedding, so i booked a tan trial for October, i’ll keep you posted!</p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_fXNpkQ6I/AAAAAAAACKw/-zJ5bWp7dFY/s1600-h/IMG_3786%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3786" border="0" alt="IMG_3786" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_fX_6l8mI/AAAAAAAACK0/MGfzZZxBnMI/IMG_3786_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="407" height="310" /></a> </p><p>Right then lets get down to business, I arrived in Glasgow on Friday lunch time, met my cousin (bridesmaid – who organised the wknd) for lunch and a few glasses of wine, then she merrily toddled back to work and I merrily toddled to an online friend meet, i go onto a wedding planning/weight loss forum regularly, and this is Natalie, who i met on there, this was the first time we met in person, and we had a blast, we hit it off right away, with lots on common, we had a lovely time, and Natalie did me proud by setting me up for my hen wknd, she gave me a “sixpence for my shoe” for the wedding and treated me to an afternoon of drinking, we polished off a bottle of wine, and 2 maybe 3 cocktails! its fair to say she left me in a bit of a pickle, but certainly ready for party!! bless her! </p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_fZNmylBI/AAAAAAAACK4/jNsfK7vAreU/s1600-h/IMG_3797%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3797" border="0" alt="IMG_3797" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_faO87grI/AAAAAAAACK8/nUGOfmHmlzA/IMG_3797_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="508" height="387" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_fbH_rXII/AAAAAAAACLA/rWFq1dL4-x8/s1600-h/IMG_3798%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3798" border="0" alt="IMG_3798" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_fcPjMZ6I/AAAAAAAACLE/DTLxleXd1bE/IMG_3798_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="391" height="513" /></a> </p><p>After Natalie left me at around 6pm, i went to meet the girls who travelled up from England to come to my Hen wknd, Suzie in the middle, Lisa to the left (Suzie’s sister) and Erica at the top,</p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_fdechucI/AAAAAAAACLI/CC2P-QnOPp8/s1600-h/IMG_3806%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3806" border="0" alt="IMG_3806" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_feeGOI2I/AAAAAAAACLM/MNG5aq2hDCA/IMG_3806_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="485" height="370" /></a></p><p>We had wine at the hotel before we hit the town.</p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_ffjpSptI/AAAAAAAACLQ/PLD20pkR3LQ/s1600-h/IMG_3804%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3804" border="0" alt="IMG_3804" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_fg1HRbKI/AAAAAAAACLU/rGo0GqIWO6Y/IMG_3804_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="492" height="377" /></a> </p><p>We went straight for food, i had oven baked garlic mushrooms and FIERY chilli halloumi – it was everything i hoped it would be with more fire for kicks!</p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_fh2IeQyI/AAAAAAAACLY/zL4Zp3GMFuo/s1600-h/IMG_3814%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3814" border="0" alt="IMG_3814" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_fiwWYY3I/AAAAAAAACLc/vcCiKQDGRi0/IMG_3814_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_fjzWAyLI/AAAAAAAACLg/P468nXJQBPI/s1600-h/IMG_3815%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3815" border="0" alt="IMG_3815" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_fklCC-SI/AAAAAAAACLk/wGuMe8mCPjA/IMG_3815_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p><p>Then we partied until 3am! oopsy! i kept getting random texts from my bridesmaids telling me “take it easy Rowena – big day tomorrow” and a few hours later, “Stop now Rowena, Big day tomorrow” needless to say i took no notice! Strawberry Daiquiris and Slippery Nipples were flowing freely until 3am! </p><p>Surprisingly i woke up absolutely fine on Saturday morning, have been taking Milk Thistle and Vitamin B complex for a couple of weeks, i took about 3 lots of milk thistle over the day on Friday before we went out and more when we got home, along with a berroca, a resolve and a couple of paracetamol (oh dear – a bit of overkill! probably not, i am prone to insane hangovers which involve around 18 hours of throwing up – its the main reason why i stopped drinking – so i was pretty scared i’d suffer badly after my hen night). So all was well on Saturday. </p><p>Off we went for lunch, garlic bread, chilli beef nachos and creamy garlic mushrooms</p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_fl0unWxI/AAAAAAAACLo/o8ahhr1ZsGg/s1600-h/IMG_3844%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3844" border="0" alt="IMG_3844" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_fnLQTTvI/AAAAAAAACLs/8o1bWvMGQaA/IMG_3844_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="497" height="379" /></a> </p><p>We pottered round town for the afternoon, then got ready for the big night.</p><p>We all met up around 6.30pm</p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_foBkaa2I/AAAAAAAACLw/rKdfVVxpSVY/s1600-h/IMG_3845%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3845" border="0" alt="IMG_3845" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_fo_F8ZvI/AAAAAAAACL0/NUubmBlAhZ4/IMG_3845_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="497" height="379" /></a> </p><p>As the night wore on i was plied with more bunny ears to wear, or glow stick bracelets, shot glasses attached to bead necklesses, an L sign etc.</p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_fp3vDf_I/AAAAAAAACL4/7_BeZQ8vieg/s1600-h/IMG_3856%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3856" border="0" alt="IMG_3856" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_fqqibXiI/AAAAAAAACL8/RGHotpJcuro/IMG_3856_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="494" height="376" /></a> </p><p>Dinner was awesome, in a Brazillian Restaurant, called Boteco, I had mozzarella and tomato salad with basil and balsamic reduction</p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_frlxC5bI/AAAAAAAACMA/L5HVo2nFFVA/s1600-h/IMG_3859%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3859" border="0" alt="IMG_3859" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_fsYK6ovI/AAAAAAAACME/-G0AM6bH7CM/IMG_3859_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="491" height="374" /></a> </p><p>Cheese and rice balls with a fiery dip</p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_ftpveUfI/AAAAAAAACMI/HpUiZTGfAcg/s1600-h/IMG_3860%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3860" border="0" alt="IMG_3860" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_fu5KActI/AAAAAAAACMM/eQuSXlPOG2I/IMG_3860_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="487" height="371" /></a> </p><p>And veggie parcels with a hot and spicy dip</p><p>Everything was perfect, I love tapas, i could live off tapas!!</p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_fwIMwoWI/AAAAAAAACMQ/MUD81qyaOdA/s1600-h/IMG_3861%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3861" border="0" alt="IMG_3861" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_fxMOFNUI/AAAAAAAACMU/v2hE0Z7NDdQ/IMG_3861_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="493" height="376" /></a> </p><p>Yet more bunny ears, it felt like my head was being squashed under all those head bands (4 in total by this point – including my tiara – models own heh heh)</p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_fyEwRIzI/AAAAAAAACMY/yPLVWNqYzLk/s1600-h/IMG_3862%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3862" border="0" alt="IMG_3862" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_fy9I8HoI/AAAAAAAACMc/FLspOp5YI30/IMG_3862_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="491" height="374" /></a> </p><p>I spent the whole night smiling and laughing, i’ve never had such a good night out!</p><p>Thats my sister next to me (we look nothing alike huh!) and my BFF Catherine on the end</p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_fz5WeG1I/AAAAAAAACMg/_uAsjq6BNy4/s1600-h/IMG_3864%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3864" border="0" alt="IMG_3864" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_f1E9atiI/AAAAAAAACMo/FoLzZdpadLQ/IMG_3864_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="487" height="371" /></a> </p><p>After the meal my sister took me to the toilet, and when we came back everyone had on a “Buddy” mask! OMG it was hilarious! I dont think i ever laughed so much in all my life!!!!</p><p>SOoooooo unexpected!</p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_f2LztgYI/AAAAAAAACMs/BUNnclG2swk/s1600-h/IMG_3865%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3865" border="0" alt="IMG_3865" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_f3Yw9m7I/AAAAAAAACMw/MYG0Az43eW4/IMG_3865_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="491" height="374" /></a> </p><p>It was great (if a bit freaky) getting to spend time with Buddy on my night out though!</p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_f4d2NNWI/AAAAAAAACM0/bhJaDidq6_4/s1600-h/IMG_3868%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3868" border="0" alt="IMG_3868" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_f5WjtGUI/AAAAAAAACM4/jh0XeWjxuNA/IMG_3868_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="372" /></a> </p><p>Then came the L sign and the shot glasses on beads!</p><p></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_f6K5b8SI/AAAAAAAACM8/lZDVt5XQUF4/s1600-h/IMG_3870%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3870" border="0" alt="IMG_3870" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_f7DaQy3I/AAAAAAAACNA/RsvgZw5nTwY/IMG_3870_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="331" height="434" /></a></p><p>My Bridesmaids, (coincidentally or not perhaps) they were both in Red, My sister and my cousin. My cousin was the organiser. She went above and beyond, everyone was more than a little bit jealous that she wasn’t or wont be in the future their bridesmaid!!</p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_f8OUNk3I/AAAAAAAACNE/zXHqOqfIAEs/s1600-h/IMG_3873%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3873" border="0" alt="IMG_3873" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_f9g2h66I/AAAAAAAACNI/Ywu5HQ81l_I/IMG_3873_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="425" /></a> </p><p>And i could count on my BFF to keep plying me (and herself of course) with a steady stream of cocktails!!</p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_f--BZyMI/AAAAAAAACNM/vhvnnX2N5r4/s1600-h/IMG_3881%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3881" border="0" alt="IMG_3881" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gAaAjjWI/AAAAAAAACNQ/5N2xGmCIrVY/IMG_3881_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="491" height="374" /></a> </p><p>After Boteco we went to Arta, this really posh Cocktail bar, where Sarah (my cousin) had hired a private area for us, she had brought her laptop out and had previously recorded a video of Buddy (I’ll try and get technologically savvy enough to post that later in the week) interviewing him with questions about himself or about me, i had to answer them, if i got them right i got a prize and if i got them wrong i got a non negotiable forfeit.</p><p>THIS.WAS.HILARIOUS!!</p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gBi8FjWI/AAAAAAAACNU/aOnE8Q4aNTA/s1600-h/IMG_3885%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3885" border="0" alt="IMG_3885" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gCS2SEFI/AAAAAAAACNY/KHbk2Tcv3Vg/IMG_3885_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="311" height="408" /></a></p><p>I got most of them right and got prizes such as rubber gloves, vanilla body butter, a whip vouchers for foot massages and home cooked meals from Buddy etc.</p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gDdoGfQI/AAAAAAAACNc/PjgpP0RDVeg/s1600-h/IMG_3886%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3886" border="0" alt="IMG_3886" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gD1kThjI/AAAAAAAACNg/AYBeVQIWC-E/IMG_3886_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gE6_rZCI/AAAAAAAACNk/eSVqWjA4NNE/s1600-h/IMG_3887%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3887" border="0" alt="IMG_3887" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gFjPVtNI/AAAAAAAACNo/r7X8mphQZsU/IMG_3887_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p><p>I never laughed so much ever, the video was awesome</p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gGUKLjlI/AAAAAAAACNs/_htf_Q02j9c/s1600-h/IMG_3888%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3888" border="0" alt="IMG_3888" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gHJIj3aI/AAAAAAAACNw/n1Ay9IMi7nI/IMG_3888_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gH_mYd0I/AAAAAAAACN0/J0eKWduCldo/s1600-h/IMG_3890%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3890" border="0" alt="IMG_3890" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gIQrCYnI/AAAAAAAACN4/-oFgvHfDTfs/IMG_3890_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p><p>my forfeits included being autographed on a clothed part of my body, standing up and singing Sandra Dee from Grease, walking around the very posh cocktail bar with my dress tucked in my pants etc</p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gJJkV2FI/AAAAAAAACN8/wZt49npVNbE/s1600-h/IMG_3891%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3891" border="0" alt="IMG_3891" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gJmxEAyI/AAAAAAAACOA/cRAtcOGnJBM/IMG_3891_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gKbZsCII/AAAAAAAACOE/V6ExELehsmk/s1600-h/IMG_3893%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3893" border="0" alt="IMG_3893" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gLf97ehI/AAAAAAAACOI/1EbXGYcSe_0/IMG_3893_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p><p>You get the idea! </p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gMHOoyRI/AAAAAAAACOM/2hLzZpLTdiQ/s1600-h/IMG_3894%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3894" border="0" alt="IMG_3894" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gMoDXPOI/AAAAAAAACOQ/roSt-FgOxfk/IMG_3894_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="385" height="505" /></a> </p><p>I think everyone fell in love in Buddy during the video, nearly everyone announced they wanted to marry him!</p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gOQ5zTnI/AAAAAAAACOU/rVldXfQEdjM/s1600-h/IMG_3896%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3896" border="0" alt="IMG_3896" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gPDR0ZcI/AAAAAAAACOY/wxpb1gwEXP0/IMG_3896_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gQ84BzYI/AAAAAAAACOc/Gv-OMnvpEaM/s1600-h/IMG_3899%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3899" border="0" alt="IMG_3899" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gRl3uk0I/AAAAAAAACOg/1btL6bYH7QE/IMG_3899_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p><p>And everyone was extremely envious of the efforts Sarah went to ensure I had the most amazing night of my life.</p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gTXDjqZI/AAAAAAAACOk/9BsvQFXnQqM/s1600-h/IMG_3898%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3898" border="0" alt="IMG_3898" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gT1B8yRI/AAAAAAAACOo/TZzgc51YtY0/IMG_3898_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gVRrt1BI/AAAAAAAACOs/vU_Y9jkidNk/s1600-h/IMG_3900%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3900" border="0" alt="IMG_3900" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gV5G0X4I/AAAAAAAACOw/NYd663THYws/IMG_3900_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p><p>I said it before and i’ll say it again, i never laughed so much! I’ve never felt so special and so loved. She really made me the centre of attention, and made me feel so special and happy all night long!</p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gXIgHUaI/AAAAAAAACO0/-r3tSu8-A60/s1600-h/IMG_3901%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3901" border="0" alt="IMG_3901" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gXwv65RI/AAAAAAAACO4/4FeJ3b3-NXQ/IMG_3901_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="505" height="385" /></a></p><p>The night wore on and 1 by 1 the girls started going home, the last ones left by around 3.30am</p><p>My BFF and I (who luckily i was sharing a hotel room with) kind of sort of stayed out partying until 8am!</p><p>Oh you can pretty much always count on us tearing the place up when we’re together! </p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gYttL4DI/AAAAAAAACO8/NPBIJ3tBeaE/s1600-h/IMG_3915%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3915" border="0" alt="IMG_3915" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gZi_RNVI/AAAAAAAACPA/JJ1jq-K5N9A/IMG_3915_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="502" height="382" /></a> </p><p>When we eventually rolled in, whilst the other girls where eating breakfast (oopsy!) i found a little surprise my Bridesmaids had left me! </p><p>I got to come home to buddy after all!</p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gbJwJc-I/AAAAAAAACPE/ct52cU7EaoQ/s1600-h/IMG_3931%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3931" border="0" alt="IMG_3931" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gbxPpc_I/AAAAAAAACPI/jQvX_-rlPjo/IMG_3931_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="492" height="375" /></a> </p><p>SURPRISINGLY……..I was still ok on Sunday when i arose at lunch time, I have no idea how, i mean i know i took lots of precautions with the milk thistle and VitB complex etc but i would have thought that nothing i could have done would stave off the hangover! I guess it was the adrenaline and the sheer delight at the wknd that did it! </p><p>I even made it out for lunch – not so healthy now huh! </p><p>Beef burger, and fries – hey we’re all human!!</p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gc_4mDII/AAAAAAAACPM/fphM_wiTzF8/s1600-h/IMG_3938%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3938" border="0" alt="IMG_3938" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gd_h-VxI/AAAAAAAACPQ/iEiME0DKpQ4/IMG_3938_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="489" height="373" /></a> </p><p>THEN when we got home around 5pm, me and my lethal BFF decided that we were not ready to be parted JUST yet so decided a few final cocktails were in order! </p><p>We managed about 3 each before we finally burnt out! </p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gejvqg4I/AAAAAAAACPU/g955bGCqtR4/s1600-h/IMG_3940%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_3940" border="0" alt="IMG_3940" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI_gf2gNrNI/AAAAAAAACPY/rqUk4gqZTXw/IMG_3940_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="355" height="466" /></a></p><p>The hang over still never caught up with me! bonus! especially since i like rarely drink alcohol these days and when i do its really 4 or 5 glasses MAX!!</p><p>The bad news in all of that is the nurse reckons I have a cracked toe, we dont *think* its broken as its not come out bruised, but she reckons its definitely cracked, so i’m kinda out the workout game for this week, I’ve to give a run a go at the wknd once we’re sure no bruising is going to come out, and see how I get on, if it hurts i’ve obviously to stop. If i’m ok with that i’ve to give Insanity a go and see how i get on! I’m totally bummed out about my toe, its swollen and numb and cold but i keep getting shooting pains up it and radiating out up my foot! a stilletoed salsa dancer stood right on the base of my toe, i nearly whipped my shoe off and beat her around a bit with it, it was soooo sore!! otherwise i’m all good! </p><p>So one more thing before I go, Ashley and Stephen over at (Never) Home Maker, published <a href="http://www.neverhomemaker.com/2010/09/healthy-living-rowenas-story.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+neverHomemaker+%28%28never+home%29maker%29" target="_blank"><span style="color:#ff00ff;"><strong>My Healthy Living Story Here</strong></span></a><span style="color:#ff00ff;"><strong>,</strong></span> if you want to check it out. I’m sooo excited to have my story published on a big blog like theirs! thanks so much guys!! </p><p>Bronagh and Helene – I’ve got your postal addresses and your teapigs will be winging their way to you tomorrow, i hope you like them! </p><p><strong>Coming soon: collation of recipes from my teapigs giveaway post.</strong></p>Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04754195313876194329noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854598783655712172.post-59351235188889643482010-09-14T11:07:00.001+01:002010-09-14T11:07:33.930+01:00Its coming soon<p> </p> <p>My hen recap is coming soon i promise! i had mega post hen depression yesterday, and even more mega sugar come down, they pack the sugar into those cocktails, i fought with the tears and the cravings all day! oh dear! </p> <p>My hen wknd was awesome, truly truly perfect in every way! </p> <p>I need to go and think about becoming a real person again right now, like shower and wash my hair, scrub off the patchy tan and the chipped nail varnish, hoover and polish the house, wash everything in sight, make some soup and maybe some muffins, and then i’ll be back later to fill y’all in! </p> <p>much love <3 <3 <3 xoxo</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI9JYiKyz0I/AAAAAAAACKo/GnXEczFE2q8/s1600-h/IMG_3901%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3901" border="0" alt="IMG_3901" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TI9JZSkFRoI/AAAAAAAACKs/71mZE250FnU/IMG_3901_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="479" height="365"></a></p> Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04754195313876194329noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854598783655712172.post-26149883431310649372010-09-11T10:30:00.000+01:002010-09-11T10:30:00.089+01:00An Ode to Buddy<p> </p> <p>Hello my lovely readers, as most of you know i’m on my Hen weekend just now! Right about now I’m probably teetering around Glasgow having lovely eats and doing a bit of shopping with my girlies! Having lots of fun, i thought i’d set up a little post to keep you going till i return.</p> <p>I’m probably not eating hordes of healthy foods or working out much (well at all) but i do plan on having a ball this wknd and hey we cant be perfect all of the time can we! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIkv4g4ZKyI/AAAAAAAACHU/Ck9nn8b-yeM/s1600-h/myspace-girlie-graphicsg8%5B3%5D.gif"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="myspace-girlie-graphicsg8" border="0" alt="myspace-girlie-graphicsg8" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIkv6EolvsI/AAAAAAAACHY/196a2ax5b3k/myspace-girlie-graphicsg8_thumb%5B1%5D.gif?imgmax=800" width="480" height="355"></a> </p> <p>So I thought I’d tell you/show you a bit more of my little family.</p> <p>I found this guy! I’m such a lucky gal! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIkv64xOwSI/AAAAAAAACHc/4VIIecLWyWc/s1600-h/Girlie_1383120894_untitlednmjj7dv3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Girlie_1383120894_untitlednmjj7dv" border="0" alt="Girlie_1383120894_untitlednmjj7dv" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIkv7gsWPrI/AAAAAAAACHg/AeA3VLQD5pg/Girlie_1383120894_untitlednmjj7dv_th.jpg?imgmax=800" width="470" height="362"></a> </p> <p>I cant wait to marry him, when i tune off when talks about cars or football, i can always drool! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIkv8e1YGSI/AAAAAAAACHo/ufK2VNWcQnI/s1600-h/IMG_07143.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_0714" border="0" alt="IMG_0714" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIkv867_6OI/AAAAAAAACHs/LpUHGLQAPTQ/IMG_0714_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="426"></a></p> <p>He’s my best friend, my constant source of advice, he keeps me grounded and forces me to keep it real, but he also indulges me in my day dreaming about a future of glamorous beaches, posh yachts and cocktails! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIkv9xKCAwI/AAAAAAAACHw/Ogv2kyzBR2k/s1600-h/ben%20and%20rowena%20july%202007%20006%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="ben and rowena july 2007 006" border="0" alt="ben and rowena july 2007 006" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIkv-1agJCI/AAAAAAAACH0/zWY0sNhPyqc/ben%20and%20rowena%20july%202007%20006_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="470" height="361"></a> </p> <p>There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for me, he’d walk across hot coals, he’d walk across the world an back! He even promised that if we were at opposite ends of the country and the world was taken over by zombies (think that might have half way through 28 weeks later that promise was made!), he’d risk it all to get to me! (the true meaning of love!)</p> <p>He loved me when i looked like this:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIkv__Q7SfI/AAAAAAAACH4/emjv-7WX6kU/s1600-h/ben%20and%20rowena%20july%202007%20009%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="ben and rowena july 2007 009" border="0" alt="ben and rowena july 2007 009" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIkwAvKcR2I/AAAAAAAACH8/r6NYdCCbqt8/ben%20and%20rowena%20july%202007%20009_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="489" height="373"></a> </p> <p>And he stills loves me now i look like this:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIkwCEwyZnI/AAAAAAAACIA/p-5zgqYa9YE/s1600-h/IMG_2776%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2776" border="0" alt="IMG_2776" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIkwCnQ4XTI/AAAAAAAACIE/ngS05bdUYA0/IMG_2776_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="495" height="377"></a> </p> <p>He works hard to give me the kind of life we have and i’ll always be grateful to him for that, he encourages me to be independent and to push myself harder in every area of my life, but he’s always there to fall back on curl up to and hide behind when it all get a little too much! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIkwD6rWPpI/AAAAAAAACII/vVRjxOr1QwQ/s1600-h/IMG_0083%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0083" border="0" alt="IMG_0083" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIkwEpdhUoI/AAAAAAAACIM/RpHJhPaZZtI/IMG_0083_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="491" height="374"></a> </p> <p>He’s got great navigating skills and gets us out of many pickles! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIkwFo1fN9I/AAAAAAAACIQ/_RLVUMpgjLA/s1600-h/IMG_0121%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0121" border="0" alt="IMG_0121" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIkwGVSIFII/AAAAAAAACIU/QZ4uCT_xSm0/IMG_0121_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="501" height="382"></a> </p> <p>He keeps questionable company!</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIkwH717x2I/AAAAAAAACIY/1eiyGVy6FO4/s1600-h/IMG_0311%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0311" border="0" alt="IMG_0311" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIkwIkeJIQI/AAAAAAAACIc/m9u0-4E26Mg/IMG_0311_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="509" height="388"></a> </p> <p>I Love him! and I cant wait to marry him! </p> <p>However who would we be without the other member of our little family! </p> <p>I remember the first day we laid eyes on her:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIkwKHzPv9I/AAAAAAAACIg/OwQGRZs9Rvw/s1600-h/24072006190%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="24072006190" border="0" alt="24072006190" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIkwK16KqTI/AAAAAAAACIk/-xlNFZUaQFU/24072006190_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="505" height="385"></a> </p> <p>My heart melted and I knew she was ours! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIkwLj3deSI/AAAAAAAACIo/MA788Cv9_2o/s1600-h/24072006192%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="24072006192" border="0" alt="24072006192" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIkwMMCSeqI/AAAAAAAACIs/o_gC7sI6RoY/24072006192_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="514" height="392"></a> </p> <p>We watched her grow, from this</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIkwNEmK5yI/AAAAAAAACIw/3YUQCnqga1M/s1600-h/3%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="3" border="0" alt="3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIkwN-zMjwI/AAAAAAAACI0/mJFVWoSb0z4/3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="506" height="386"></a> </p> <p>Leggy little lady</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIkwOlk9lAI/AAAAAAAACI4/yp5qFWuj2jE/s1600-h/24082006254%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="24082006254" border="0" alt="24082006254" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIkwP-ed3VI/AAAAAAAACI8/kF5JT1oiWsk/24082006254_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="490" height="375"></a> </p> <p>To this powerful strong lady</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIkwQ-BoZfI/AAAAAAAACJA/ff7Shd8Ecf8/s1600-h/1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="1" border="0" alt="1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIkwRbiteJI/AAAAAAAACJE/3T90sfKhri0/1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="487" height="371"></a> </p> <p></p> <p>Sometimes she smells and sometimes she makes a mess, and sometimes her name can heard in the middle of sentences that turn the air blue! but we wouldn’t have her any other way! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIkwSFIFJiI/AAAAAAAACJI/MW0Nl4K52f8/s1600-h/IMG_0135%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0135" border="0" alt="IMG_0135" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIkwS5o8F-I/AAAAAAAACJM/LPjo7Eurxk4/IMG_0135_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="492" height="375"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIkwT2yTobI/AAAAAAAACJQ/A-anDh1zGwc/s1600-h/IMG_0134%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0134" border="0" alt="IMG_0134" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIkwVRu5lEI/AAAAAAAACJU/MWdj1sDPVNw/IMG_0134_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="492" height="375"></a> </p> <p>I hope you enjoyed my tour of our little family! </p> <p>I’ll be back real soon with my Hen wknd update! </p> <p>Much Love <3 <3 <3 xoxo</p> Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04754195313876194329noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854598783655712172.post-80825135665492424382010-09-09T20:27:00.001+01:002010-09-09T20:27:28.970+01:00Seeeeeee Ya!<p> </p> <p>Hey there Bloggies, I’ll keep it brief tonight, I have more to do from my “To Do” list, shower, exfoliate, tan, nails etc and i gotta spend a bit of time with Buddy before i jet off on my Hen Wknd! </p> <p>Here’s what I’m taking with me</p> <p>Some wine for the room, my hair drier, GHD straighteners, a choice of 2 clutches, my make up bag, tan, vitamin B complex and milk thistle</p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIk01rxdsyI/AAAAAAAACJY/O_Rv6K3MqvA/s1600-h/1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="1" border="0" alt="1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIk02n18RaI/AAAAAAAACJc/nPPYDpAWZv8/1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="335" height="439"></a> </p> <p>Nail polish remover, cotton wool, clinique toner, dry shampoo, lense solution, hair brush and clips, plasters, resolve, berocca, perfume, jewellery, toupe tape, make up, false eyelashes, and hair goo</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIk036oBDKI/AAAAAAAACJg/QzhYtHeXWBI/s1600-h/2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2" border="0" alt="2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIk05E9CGWI/AAAAAAAACJk/rncZOFXapAg/2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="511" height="389"></a> </p> <p>Toiletries bag with shampoo and conditioner, cleaner, dust-it, clinique face cream, deodorant, make up remover, tooth brush and paste allergies tablets and paracetamol</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIk05glqscI/AAAAAAAACJo/3vHteOS48kE/s1600-h/3%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="3" border="0" alt="3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIk06fcERtI/AAAAAAAACJs/5rdzPKyQXwE/3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="464"></a> </p> <p>A whole load of clothes</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIk07EBGA0I/AAAAAAAACJw/8EvJZ28G8FY/s1600-h/4%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="4" border="0" alt="4" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIk077GiVII/AAAAAAAACJ0/MDNjXlScdV4/4_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="496" height="378"></a> </p> <p>Two gorgeous dresses</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIk09eC7nhI/AAAAAAAACJ4/QxoUHqOL-Gk/s1600-h/5%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="5" border="0" alt="5" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIk0-WUY8mI/AAAAAAAACJ8/IfJaKYpWG5k/5_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="506" height="386"></a> </p> <p>My fur coat (not real of course!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIk0_kZsm4I/AAAAAAAACKA/vaLpBhKthOM/s1600-h/6%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="6" border="0" alt="6" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIk1AXV7I6I/AAAAAAAACKE/GJvVISwdFM0/6_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="494" height="376"></a> </p> <p>All packed in here</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIk1BKDhZfI/AAAAAAAACKI/yZUJv-VhiMw/s1600-h/7%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="7" border="0" alt="7" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIk1BiqDfBI/AAAAAAAACKM/EmRYUNyXBbM/7_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="489" height="373"></a> </p> <p>The theme for the night</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIk1CpHifcI/AAAAAAAACKQ/zXdtNPQhFho/s1600-h/8%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="8" border="0" alt="8" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIk1D_fUjuI/AAAAAAAACKU/9mKTb1nR3pE/8_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="479" height="414"></a> </p> <p>I hope it looks a little more like this</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIk1EzojgrI/AAAAAAAACKY/320tq1iV5oI/s1600-h/9%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="9" border="0" alt="9" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIk1F-DcXQI/AAAAAAAACKc/TB_RM60hVz8/9_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="477" height="363"></a> </p> <p>And a little less like this! heh heh! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIk1G9mbGAI/AAAAAAAACKg/lXW_oz2mqmE/s1600-h/10%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="10" border="0" alt="10" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIk1H3EirtI/AAAAAAAACKk/8h3HJzzrGn4/10_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="481" height="279"></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>See you on the other side bloggies! have a great wknd.</p> <p>Much love <3 <3 <3 xoxo</p> Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04754195313876194329noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854598783655712172.post-81337105408275299052010-09-08T22:52:00.002+01:002010-09-08T22:54:23.208+01:00Teapigs Giveaway<p> </p><p>Evening Bloggies, I hope everything is well in the world! </p><p>Apologies for my absence last night, its a sucky sucky week as i predicted it would be and today was truly the worst, again as i predicted. On top of the work drama thats been kicking off for a few weeks now, i had a *little* family drama last night that caused mucho stress! then today was a hell of a day and come lunch time i was feeling like i’d been hit by a bus! </p><p>Long story short, the family drama is sorted, and the works drama – well thankfully its all sorted too! I’m getting a new office!! wooooo i’ll be sure and post pics of my new surroundings and my lovely view (my new desk is RIGHT next to the window – perfect natural light photos!). Its all good baby. I’m finished work now till Wednesday next week for my hen wknd, when i go back i’m going to have a fair bit of drama to ride out, but all will be well in the end = i’m one happy bunny! </p><p>I had another awesome run last night, tonight is a rest day. Insanity took a bit of a rain check this week i just haven’t been in the mood, at least i’ve been working out though! </p><p>So its only 2 more sleeps till my Hen wknd! eeeeeee excited? much? me? oh yes! today i had a trip to the salon and got waxed to within an inch of my life, I came home and had my dress for Friday night altered (it was too big), tidied the casa, and caught up on blog reading. I have a huge “to do” list for tomo, a night in planned with this guy.</p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIgFY3QTQmI/AAAAAAAACF8/-44_zptM1eE/s1600-h/IMG_0172%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="IMG_0172" border="0" alt="IMG_0172" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIgFZv6-GvI/AAAAAAAACGA/35t7DAHGds0/IMG_0172_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="372" /></a> </p><p>Then on Friday I’m heading to Glasgowwwww!! eeeeeeeee!!!!!</p><p>So before i announce the Teapig Giveaway winners, lets talk about food for the last 48 hours! hmmmm its not been great i admit! its been a rough couple of days, and cooking nice food has been the last thing on my mind! </p><p>Breakfast yesterday was podge, apple, bluebs and 3 physalis</p><p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIgFbISRBII/AAAAAAAACGE/q-xiCPSN28w/s1600-h/1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="1" border="0" alt="1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIgFb7B278I/AAAAAAAACGI/vWYAtxBJVWY/1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="473" height="360" /></a> </p><p>Lunch was roasted veg, melty cheese and home made granary</p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIgFcz9B5eI/AAAAAAAACGM/3TPMPYrZtfI/s1600-h/2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="2" border="0" alt="2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIgFd0PdedI/AAAAAAAACGQ/aTOgwF_4ws8/2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="481" height="367" /></a> </p><p>Afternoon snackies, cherries and a nectarine – so far so good huh! but then the family drama kicked off to go hand in hand with the work drama</p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIgFeupna3I/AAAAAAAACGU/oWl_zC4izdM/s1600-h/3%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="3" border="0" alt="3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIgFfM-WUqI/AAAAAAAACGY/mcW1hFJuIk8/3_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIgFgMKbj1I/AAAAAAAACGc/XPdE8O2Ydg4/s1600-h/4%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="4" border="0" alt="4" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIgFgWgrYcI/AAAAAAAACGg/bFBEVbjNQQM/4_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p><p>I had an AWESOME run and came home with zero appetite, and my BFF arrived to get excited about the Hen with me and talk “outfits” so i kinda skipped dinner and had a bowl of cereal at bedtime! (i know i know naughty naughty!!!)</p><p>This morning we’d run out of milk and bread so i was a bit pickled for breakfast and didnt have a very good stress head on, so breakfast was a toasted teacake (2nd fail!)</p><p>I had another teacake for morning snack having been completely unsatiated by the first one – no surprise there huh! </p><p>followed by some bluebs</p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIgFhUaqg7I/AAAAAAAACGk/sYNVwM1XDtk/s1600-h/5%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="5" border="0" alt="5" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIgFiJZGIGI/AAAAAAAACGo/NMzRqASLezk/5_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="497" height="379" /></a> </p><p>and some physalis</p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIgFjt9ATGI/AAAAAAAACGs/t3i8a3K9zfg/s1600-h/6%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="6" border="0" alt="6" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIgFkCrgOHI/AAAAAAAACGw/uNY8db-XsI4/6_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIgFk4PxKMI/AAAAAAAACG0/so3c4WgBmgQ/s1600-h/7%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="7" border="0" alt="7" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIgFldjfPjI/AAAAAAAACG4/0XMHE1GTias/7_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p><p>I didnt get a lunch break today, i scarfed a PB sammy, and an apple, then hotfooted it to ANOTHER stressful meeting.</p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIgFmySkBcI/AAAAAAAACG8/VQTjmYj_u9g/s1600-h/8%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="8" border="0" alt="8" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIgFnt4-WxI/AAAAAAAACHA/Hyka5NL9w-4/8_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="492" height="375" /></a> </p><p>This afternoon all the drama had subsided and all is well (except i now feel like a deflated burst couch! – but nothing a good nights sleep, an am workout and a day of healthy clean food wont fix right up!)</p><p>I had my beauticians appointment this afternoon, i stopped in at the paper shop for a birthday card and bought this great little book! you guys know me and the <a href="http://broadbeantorunnerbean.blogspot.com/2010/08/presenting.html" target="_blank">Kitchenaid</a> are gonna have a ball with this book! it has a whole big section on healthy muffins – lots of recipes to come as i make them, such as “High Energy Muffins” “Honey and Lemon Muffins” “Chocolate Orange Mousse cake” and “Carrot Bars” hmmmm i see long baking wknds in my future! (not so different to the present really heh heh!)</p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIgFoVYFOuI/AAAAAAAACHE/Pf7OvujAcSs/s1600-h/9%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="9" border="0" alt="9" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIgFpJCMz2I/AAAAAAAACHI/xp3mVeFqDs0/9_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="509" height="388" /></a> </p><p>Dinner was another fail, brown rice and chicken and lychee korma, (fail No. 42) I had made it for Buddy, i would usually make myself something clean and healthy when he has this kind of thing, but like i said me and the kitchen haven’t been such good chums this week! </p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIgFqJ8HoZI/AAAAAAAACHM/jLA-2e3HrF8/s1600-h/10%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="10" border="0" alt="10" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIgFq5_R0_I/AAAAAAAACHQ/hdtAfILnyOA/10_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="509" height="388" /></a></p><p>The plan for tomorrow, shopping with my mum first thing in the morning, crack on with the “to do” list, shower, exfoliate, tan, nails etc, pack for the wknd, blog, eat healthy all day, workout, and spend a nice evening with my Best Buddy! </p><p>So I know your all *Desperate* to find out the winners of the Teapigs giveaway. I picked at random from the two flavour choices, using<span style="color:#ff00ff;"> </span><a href="http://www.random.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#ff00ff;">This website</span></a>.</p><p><strong><em><u><span style="color:#400080;">SuperBerry – Helene – sent her entry in an email</span></u></em></strong></p><p><span style="color:#400080;">“How are you? Hope you're having a nice wknd.</span> <p><span style="color:#400080;">Here is my recipe, which hopefully will make me win some of your Teapig.</span> <p><span style="color:#400080;">The one I would like to try is the Super Fruit one...sounds yummy.</span> <p><span style="color:#400080;">It's been really difficult to find a recipe as I dont have 1 favourite recipe but tons of them. Anyway, here is the recipe I've chosen: Mini chocolate cookies.</span> <p><strong><span style="color:#400080;">Mini chocolate cookies!”</span></strong> <em>(I'll add the recipe in another post - its a bit long for here)</em> <p><strong><em><u><span style="color:#400080;">English Breakfast – Bronagh – left her entry in a comment</span></u></em></strong> <p><dt><span style="color:#400080;">Bronagh said... </span></dt><dd><p><span style="color:#400080;">Hello! I've been a visitor of your blog for a few months now and really enjoy reading your updates. I'm currently on my own healthy living journey and have found loads of inspiration and great tips and ideas from your blog, so thank you for that :) I figured the Tea Pigs competition was a great excuse to come out of hiding and say hello!<br />It's hard to pick a single favourite recipe but as a baking fanatic I'd have to go with this yummy lemon drizzle cake: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/womanshour/food/recipe19.shtml<br />It's definitely not so healthy, but it's so easy to make especially in the kitchenaid (i'm also a new owner of a shiny pink one and highly recommend trying this recipe in yours!) It's a simple recipe but produces a lovely dense and sticky lemon loaf which is perfect for an afternoon treat or special occassion :)</span> </p></dd><p>Congratulations Helene and Bronagh – can you email me your address to rowena dot dennis @ btinternet dot com <p>And i’ll get your tea sent out to you as soon as i’m home from the Hen wknd on Monday. <p>Don't be disheartened my other lovely readers, i have another couple of fab giveaways lined up for you in the near future. <p><strong>Coming Soon – i’ll be collating your lovely recipes that you shared for the giveaway and making a post of them, you guys came up with some beauties! </strong><p>Nyt my lovelies, muchos love <3 <3 <3 xoxo</p>Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04754195313876194329noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854598783655712172.post-67056642965450101932010-09-06T21:11:00.001+01:002010-09-06T21:11:36.006+01:00The Glorious Grass Track Run & Raspberry Breakfast Muffins<p> </p> <p>Hey there peeps, how are you all – hope your Monday’s back at work weren’t too taxing! </p> <p>I had yet another Sucky day, it looks like Sucky Days are on the agenda for work tomorrow and Wednesday too (I’m off Thurs/Fri, Mon/Tues – for my Hen wknd thankfully!) hopefully next week will perk up! </p> <p>So after my sucky day at work, i was driving home thinking about what to do in the way of a work out when i got home, i had Insanity planned, but talked myself out of that on account of time/motivation, so I talked myself into Shredding, Quick easy and straight to the point (i.e. a good sweat!), then i realised i knew exactly what I was in the mood for – Running, i needed to let loose and get outdoors, after being cooped up in the office all day with no lunch break i was craving the freedom and flexibility of doing my own thing instead of being in the living room working out to a routine.</p> <p>I thought i would give the grass track route that takes you round the castle a go, it takes around 40 minutes to walk, its about 1/3 uphill, 1/3 flat and 1/3 downhill, i could take Red because i could let her off the lead as soon as we got on the track – perfect ( and a really great mid week run for her too! she ran around far more than usual – i think because i was running)</p> <p>It was really stormy out, grey skies, wild wind, the trees were blowing all over the place, the sun was still shining but the weather was just, well, angry! perfect for my mood! so i got geared up HRM on, ipod on, running shoes on, water bottle filled up, poo bags in pocket, and off we went. I listened to Eminem Relapse – again just the right amount of angry! and off I pounded, foul mood – check, angry music – check, wild weather – check! the result – utter peace! </p> <p>It was glorious, my first run in about 4 weeks! i had my BondiBand on so my ears didnt get cold in the wild weather, my lungs were on fire, bursting with the lack of air from the wind and my intensified hay fever (its always way worse in autumn) my legs burned going uphills (I’ve never run up hill before and i’ve never run off road before – only ever flat road runs for me), I puffed and panted out loud there was no one for miles around, and actually smiled for more than half of the run, with each step i felt like i was pounding out the stresses of the day! by the time i got home (28 mins later) my legs and arms were red and blotchy and prickled with the cold wind, I was exhausted but completely exhilarated and peace all at once! PERFECT!! i could have run the circuit again straight away! </p> <p>I dont have a tonne of pics from today, i forgot to photo breakfast – twas the usual podge combo.</p> <p>Mid morning was a wrinkle but juicy peach</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIVK0LxqdCI/AAAAAAAACFM/fU1WO4Azapo/s1600-h/2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2" border="0" alt="2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIVK08b-0yI/AAAAAAAACFQ/kpl1FSAUSnc/2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="498" height="379"></a> </p> <p>Lunch was left over roast veg and steamed green veg with a little melty cheese and a slice of home made wholemeal with pumpkin seeds</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIVK11gA9pI/AAAAAAAACFU/0WuDdkOqQcI/s1600-h/3%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="3" border="0" alt="3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIVK2y4o2wI/AAAAAAAACFY/MQWO4IfX0GA/3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="497" height="379"></a> </p> <p>Mid afternoon was some big fat plump cherries</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIVK3o96YnI/AAAAAAAACFc/mSPfrhX3Wrg/s1600-h/4%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="4" border="0" alt="4" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIVK49XOiKI/AAAAAAAACFg/cH4urKUDQec/4_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="489" height="373"></a> </p> <p>Dinner was…….yup more roast veg – get used to it, its replaced salads and looks set to make regular appearances for the foreseeable! with some roast new potatoes and a little tinned corn, i had a slice of homemade wholemeal before my run so i wasn’t all that hungry for dinner</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIVK50ZwVuI/AAAAAAAACFk/JwbhOFcKOGA/s1600-h/5%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="5" border="0" alt="5" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIVK6tSWCtI/AAAAAAAACFo/YKmYgU4N5d0/5_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="483" height="368"></a> </p> <p>Ok I’ve been promising for over a week now:</p> <p>I cant take the credit for these, i got the recipe ages ago from<font color="#ff00ff"> </font><a href="http://fitnessandcake.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><font color="#ff00ff">Nic's Blog</font></a> and have been meaning to try it out, i made them last wknd and it was what i was eating all last week.</p> <p>Here’s the recipe for you</p> <p>Raspberry Breakfast Muffins</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIVK7ZHzECI/AAAAAAAACFs/oJxVu6DrY3g/s1600-h/6%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="6" border="0" alt="6" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIVK8BhY2lI/AAAAAAAACFw/-WnUV5enoJk/6_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="487" height="371"></a> </p> <p>90g Porridge Oats</p> <p>1 cup skimmed milk</p> <p>135g wholemeal self raising flour</p> <p>1t vanilla essence</p> <p>70g brown sugar</p> <p>250g unsweetened apple sauce (i used unsweetened apple and strawberry baby food)</p> <p>2 egg whites</p> <p>1/2 t salt</p> <p>1t cinnamon</p> <p>large handful of frozen berries (i used raspberries – 155g)</p> <p>Preheat oven to 200degrees</p> <p>Soak the oats in the milk and vanilla essence</p> <p>In a separate bowl mix apple sauce, and egg whites and then add to the oat mix</p> <p>Now add the dry ingredients, sugar, flour, cinnamon, to the wet mix, and fold in. Be careful not to over mix ( i think i over mixed!) my muffins were a little tough.</p> <p>Fold in the berries (i added mine in while they were still frozen)</p> <p>Bake for 20 – 25 mins</p> <p>Remove and allow to cool.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIVK9Fbrk2I/AAAAAAAACF0/Sq7yCwjokRU/s1600-h/7%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="7" border="0" alt="7" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIVK9g2VxxI/AAAAAAAACF4/wFM9IrK1qik/7_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="493" height="376"></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>So only 4 more sleep till the Hen wknd.</p> <p>For those of you who dont know my plans for it (probably most of you i guess!), I’m going to Glasgow on Friday to meet 3 of the Hens from Doncaster who are getting the train up, we’re all staying in a lovely posh hotel in the Merchant City (the posh part of town), we’ll go out for some eats and a few drinks, the 4 of us and my cousin, taking it easy. Everyone else arrives on Saturday (13 of us in total), the theme is grown up sophisticated glam, we’re meeting for a few pre drinks, then onto a Brazillian Restaurant <a href="http://www.botecoglasgow.com/" target="_blank"><font color="#ff00ff">Boteco (check it out)</font></a> looks awesome! then onto<font color="#ff00ff"> </font><a href="http://www.socialanimal.co.uk/GlasgowCityCentre/Arta" target="_blank"><font color="#ff00ff">Arta (check it out)</font></a> for Cocktails where we have a private booth booked, thats all I know and all I’m allowed to know, sounds excellent though! I’ll be posting all about it after the wknd for sure, and later in the week i’ll share my bag and what i’m packing and my outfits. Sooooo excited! and a little bitty nervous too!! </p> <p>Rightio I’m off for some couch cuddling with my Buddy Love, see you crazy kids tomorrow.</p> <p>If you haven’t already then i suggest you hot foot it over <a href="http://broadbeantorunnerbean.blogspot.com/2010/08/good-old-fashioned-home-made-cookies.html" target="_blank"><font color="#ff00ff">Here to the Teapig giveaway</font></a><font color="#ff00ff"> </font>to register, leave a comment or drop me an email (address in that post) with your fave recipe, no matter how simple, healthy or not, baking or cooking. The giveaway closes tomorrow at Midnight so get those thinking caps on quick for those recipes peeps! </p> <p><strong>Question: Do you prefer off or on road running? what's your experience with off road running? </strong></p> <p>I thought it was so much fun and felt so much fresher than road running! </p> <p>Night peeps, muchos lovos, <3 <3 <3 xoxo</p> Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04754195313876194329noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854598783655712172.post-60404155295383005842010-09-05T21:31:00.001+01:002010-09-05T21:31:28.206+01:00The Hen Night Count Down<p> </p> <p>Hey hey – I hope everyone had an awesome wknd! mine was really great. But before i share my wknd pics with you can I just say – only 5 more sleep till my Hen Weekend!! I.CANT.BELIEVE.ITS.SOOOOO.SOON!!! how did this happen! </p> <p>I dont think next wknd’s pics will be as tame as this wknd.</p> <p>I started Friday out with some rasps and some wm toast and smooth operator PB.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP9lRe2ohI/AAAAAAAACCs/X6cxQVrKAz4/s1600-h/1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="1" border="0" alt="1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP9mN0-a6I/AAAAAAAACCw/ImPjeQ6CV9k/1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="501" height="382"></a> </p> <p>I did the housework and then went to meet the in-laws and Buddy for lunch. I brought the Inlaws home and Buddy went back to work. I took them for a walk around the Marina</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP9nGmHWsI/AAAAAAAACC0/-q5eCVQsptQ/s1600-h/2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2" border="0" alt="2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP9n_Zjr6I/AAAAAAAACC4/rK62edYb4hY/2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="384"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP9pi4mVzI/AAAAAAAACC8/vcpEmR7L-O0/s1600-h/3%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="3" border="0" alt="3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP9qXRkiZI/AAAAAAAACDA/x00Jl7WnCNo/3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="505" height="385"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP9rTheNDI/AAAAAAAACDE/BL68iOXrIMA/s1600-h/4%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="4" border="0" alt="4" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP9tfB4joI/AAAAAAAACDI/RbY8YeDA9sY/4_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="498" height="379"></a> </p> <p>And then for coffee and cake on “The Barge” its a vegetarian and seafood restaurant on a converted the barge, the menu looks awesome, once we’re done saving for the wedding, Buddy is taking me there for sure! </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP9uvQckkI/AAAAAAAACDM/WXqEMeHatuc/s1600-h/5%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="5" border="0" alt="5" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP9vYVevlI/AAAAAAAACDQ/fyVfSOTkgfU/5_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="491" height="374"></a> </p> <p>Me and Buddy’s Mum – i love Sue so much, we really get on so well, we just chat chat chat from when we get together to when we leave each other! I’m so lucky to have great in-laws!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP9wrkv8vI/AAAAAAAACDU/Oipgu2rzdwM/s1600-h/6%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="6" border="0" alt="6" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP9xXKuSnI/AAAAAAAACDY/5ZsyJgvjrIU/6_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="493" height="376"></a> </p> <p>I had sparkling elderflowe water and the Polenta and Almond Blueberry cake! naughty naughty! but real good!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP9yF1aSHI/AAAAAAAACDc/0D1Oo0BemfQ/s1600-h/7%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="7" border="0" alt="7" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP9yzHc3qI/AAAAAAAACDg/zmpHBnSWgto/7_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="489" height="373"></a> </p> <p>Friday night we took the in-laws to my parents for dinner – no photos, but it was deeeelish – i was pretty restrained, i had no dessert and half a glass of rose with dinner.</p> <p>Breakfast on Saturday was a large fruit plate</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP9zzLXbGI/AAAAAAAACDk/sd5uad5v0YI/s1600-h/8%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="8" border="0" alt="8" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP90pJrThI/AAAAAAAACDo/NuIb6rYWbyU/8_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="481" height="367"></a> </p> <p>With some natural yoghurt, gooseberry jam and flaked toasted almonds</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP91lgYhbI/AAAAAAAACDs/QHqoW5dlkAM/s1600-h/9%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="9" border="0" alt="9" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP92GuhCtI/AAAAAAAACDw/739iLZve6wA/9_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="477" height="363"></a> </p> <p>Then Buddy and I took the inlaws on our favourite hike! we were so impressed, half way round the hike you can either keep going on the 40 minute moderate route or branch out for the 2 hour more strenuous hike, they made the decision we should take the longer route! good for them! it was a perfect day for it! </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP93S4h83I/AAAAAAAACD0/wGWgOVYDhZY/s1600-h/10%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="10" border="0" alt="10" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP94Qk2KtI/AAAAAAAACD4/_yfzoGamjWQ/10_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="474" height="361"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP94yTWB_I/AAAAAAAACD8/zNwy-d7k4jA/s1600-h/11%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="11" border="0" alt="11" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP95gEUXSI/AAAAAAAACEA/HGs8pJ22mjU/11_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="472" height="360"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP963rhMYI/AAAAAAAACEE/a9NZX1kq4GU/s1600-h/12%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="12" border="0" alt="12" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP971PKWDI/AAAAAAAACEI/OzBhoZeOiE0/12_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="470" height="358"></a> </p> <p>Then it was home for showers and change and hopped on the ferry across the water to another marina for lunch</p> <p>Twas windy and chilli on the ferry – me and Buddy’s and my father in law2B were sensible and had hoods! no cold ears for us! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP98j2jhuI/AAAAAAAACEM/NlcohTvkdvM/s1600-h/13%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="13" border="0" alt="13" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP99YXzLLI/AAAAAAAACEQ/Q6tOC879foQ/13_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="462" height="352"></a> </p> <p>Lunch was lovely! </p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP9-N2iqOI/AAAAAAAACEU/9t5xb5NYajM/s1600-h/16%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="16" border="0" alt="16" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP9-5VAoMI/AAAAAAAACEY/kPtsQ3sVGXg/16_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="467" height="356"></a> </p> <p>Goats cheese on roasted tomatoes</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP9_VScHWI/AAAAAAAACEc/3xwukPNYlRk/s1600-h/17%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="17" border="0" alt="17" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP-ACcJQbI/AAAAAAAACEg/pKW2xYngD2c/17_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="471" height="359"></a> </p> <p>A leafy salad</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP-A3rfxPI/AAAAAAAACEk/JeQHI3fcA0s/s1600-h/18%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="18" border="0" alt="18" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP-BnQRU7I/AAAAAAAACEo/djxGAU441NY/18_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="366"></a> </p> <p>And some steamed veg</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP-CexqdCI/AAAAAAAACEs/KlpWbHb1Oe8/s1600-h/19%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="19" border="0" alt="19" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP-DAeD2KI/AAAAAAAACEw/LEbj0PcdHLY/19_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="485" height="370"></a> </p> <p>When we got home i tried out the Rooibos Creme Caramel Tea to warm me up after the chilli ferry ride home – this one smells AWESOME!! just like caramel – but again a lovely delicate flavour, i think so far i’ll be purchasing the creme caramel and chocolate flake teas.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP-EOqm9jI/AAAAAAAACE0/bR20I8ftIdg/s1600-h/21%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="21" border="0" alt="21" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP-EmBl7sI/AAAAAAAACE4/4a9dLIhSQsU/21_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP-FcKZ4TI/AAAAAAAACE8/wmfaHADTv2k/s1600-h/22%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="22" border="0" alt="22" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP-F6RzJLI/AAAAAAAACFA/agFIVKHvKxY/22_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> </p> <p>No more pics from the wknd – i didnt drink alcohol though and food stayed pretty good for the whole wknd, i had the cake on Friday afternoon and dessert on Saturday night – Dark Chocolate Torte with fresh berries, i think i earned it from the hike though.</p> <p>Dinner tonight was a monster plate of roast veg, and steamed greens with a little cheese! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP-G6T0igI/AAAAAAAACFE/i4qTIFZ-skY/s1600-h/23%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="23" border="0" alt="23" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TIP-HndUC9I/AAAAAAAACFI/3TPLIbZMnZE/23_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="495" height="377"></a></p> <p>We watched Shutter Island earlier – have you seen it? quite disturbing – i cant stop thinking about it!! </p> <p>Right then = off for a well earned early night.</p> <p>Here’s hoping tomorrow is a better day at work than Thursday! </p> <p><strong>If you haven’t already – swing by the </strong><a href="http://broadbeantorunnerbean.blogspot.com/2010/08/good-old-fashioned-home-made-cookies.html" target="_blank"><font color="#ff00ff"><strong>TeaPigs Giveaway</strong></font></a><strong> post and leave a comment with your fave recipe – healthy or not, baking or cooking! or drop me an email (email address at the bottom of the giveaway post)</strong></p> <p>Night peeps! Much Love! <3 <3 <3 xoxo</p> Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04754195313876194329noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854598783655712172.post-16476016122973055492010-09-03T07:44:00.002+01:002010-09-03T09:12:07.069+01:00The Not So Healthy Haul<p> </p><p>Morning Peeps, happy happy Friday, sorry i didnt check in last night, i had a pretty harrowing day at work, so crazy upsetting stuff was kicking off and it was a tough day to get through, luckily it was Thursday so that meant dinner and the evening at my mums, and we all know theres nothing to help soothe a troubled mind like putting on a big hoodie, hood up and curl up on mums couch and watch back to back Jamie Oliver!! ahhhhh *sigh* just what i needed! followed by a good nights a sleep and i have today off! purrrrrfect!</p><p>Today the In-Laws are arriving for the wknd, Buddy has to work so i have a long list of to do’s this morning then i’m meeting the in-laws in the town where we work at 1pm to meet Buddy for lunch, i’ll bring them home after lunch, when Buddy finishes work we’re all going to my parents for dinner (this is the last time both families will be together before the wedding). Tomorrow we’ll take them a treck then hop on a ferry and over to a town over the water that has a lovely up market marina for lunch and drinks (cranberry juice for me!) and i’m cooking for us tomorrow night.</p><p>So this is me signing out now till Sunday night – try not to miss me too much! </p><p>Breakfast yesterday was a nectarine, blueberries and a fig, with apple and pear compote for dipping with a raspberry breakfast muffin.</p><p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TICZNWSngSI/AAAAAAAACBo/qYnpOn7T6RY/s1600-h/1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="1" border="0" alt="1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TICZOBkrMGI/AAAAAAAACBs/3iEZZgr1BKU/1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="496" height="378" /></a> </p><p>I couldn’t picture lunch i had about 3.5 minutes for lunch so I inhaled a bag of cheesy bread bites and houmous and a handful of veg.</p><p>I went to an afternoon meeting and had these for snacking on in the break</p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TICZO1P0HtI/AAAAAAAACBw/gmOTgjy_Ca8/s1600-h/2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="2" border="0" alt="2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TICZPSQ0ixI/AAAAAAAACB0/jBT_Rm2VXNM/2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="355" height="466" /></a> </p><p>Dinner was at my mums, new potatoes, mixed steamed veg and lamb fillets</p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TICZQhNRPzI/AAAAAAAACB4/rs_Hzu2tiJs/s1600-h/3%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="3" border="0" alt="3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TICZRWyFL6I/AAAAAAAACB8/8vBWXlUZQE0/3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="502" height="382" /></a> </p><p>Now time for the Not so Healthy Haul! don’t shoot me peeps!! I came across <a href="http://www.americansweets.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#ff00ff;">the Stateside Candy Store</span></a> and thought I would order some peanut butter, this stuff tastes completely different to the stuff you buy here, its beeeeautiful!! </p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TICZSLgRlzI/AAAAAAAACCA/QVMGuChYKB4/s1600-h/7%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="7" border="0" alt="7" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TICZS6fYYkI/AAAAAAAACCE/I4hS3mjAE5A/7_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="381" /></a></p><p>While I was ordering I confess I coulnd’t resist picking up some USA treats that you can’t get here to try out, Reeses peanut butter cups, dark chocolate M&M’s, Nestle Butterfinger</p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TICZTyu6_uI/AAAAAAAACCI/3rz6o3tO37g/s1600-h/4%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="4" border="0" alt="4" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TICZUhHY6WI/AAAAAAAACCM/_1tf1RVS8bA/4_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="381" /></a> </p><p>Peanut Butter Twix (I never even knew these existed!!)</p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TICZWLdFrhI/AAAAAAAACCQ/5UpHT3Vhbcg/s1600-h/5%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="5" border="0" alt="5" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TICZWyXyXTI/AAAAAAAACCU/iESF3w1rutY/5_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="496" height="378" /></a> </p><p>Peanut Butter M&M’s hmmmmmm I’ve never tried any of these before, I split the PB M&M’s with my mum and dad last night, their amazing! and we had a Reece’s Peanut Butter Cup each! hmmmmmmm perfect totm cravings!! heh heh! nice timing for them to arrive! </p><p>I also bought my dad some dark treats (he's canadian - so remembers alot of the treats you cant get here from his childhood and he especially likes dark chocolate) – the dark M&M’s are for him and I got him a dark snickers and dark Peanut butter cups.</p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TICZXiUxmmI/AAAAAAAACCY/8N46ZpLXlPc/s1600-h/6%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="6" border="0" alt="6" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TICZYtImDCI/AAAAAAAACCg/X0OgVp4J-zU/6_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="487" height="371" /></a> </p><p>I’ll be good and ration these, i’ll cut the chocolate bars into little portions and put them in the fridge to eat every now and then, i’m pretty good at keeping things and not eating the whole lot, i just threw away a whole jar of out of date bonbons from Xmas, I actually still have some other Xmas treats in the cupboard.</p><p>I also got this guy some Lucky Charms!! (see the pure joy on his face!!) he’s mentioned them a few times over the years, they were his fave as a kid! you can’t buy them here anymore though. I saw they had them so i ordered a small 1 portion size box, incase they weren’t as good as he remembered……turns out they are! so i’ll order him a whole box next time I need PB.</p><p>I wonder if they will have USA PB and other goodies in Mexico that I can bring home from honeymoon.</p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TICZZ-MJbtI/AAAAAAAACCk/cGIDlG-cz4Q/s1600-h/8%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="8" border="0" alt="8" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TICZaVDMU0I/AAAAAAAACCo/K0q5JIgNh5U/8_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="477" height="363" /></a> </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>So thats all sorry for the short post today and serious lack of healthy food pics! what can i say you can’t win them all!! :-) </p><p>I’m off for some PB on Toast and then to crack on with the crazy to do list!</p><p>PS – if you haven’t already then swing by <a href="http://broadbeantorunnerbean.blogspot.com/2010/08/good-old-fashioned-home-made-cookies.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:#ff0080;">this post</span></a> and leave a comment for my Teapigs giveaway, commenting closes on Tuesday. You can leave a comment or drop me an email, letting me know what your fave recipe is, baking or cooking, healthy or not, it doesn’t even need to be a complicated recipe even just your fave meal.</p><p>Enjoy your wknd! </p><p><strong>Coming soon: Breakfast muffins recipe and tropical nut oaties recipe (I’ve not forgotten I promise)</strong></p>Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04754195313876194329noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854598783655712172.post-89038178822996540252010-09-01T22:34:00.001+01:002010-09-01T22:34:45.154+01:00Boot Camp Review<p> </p> <p>Hello hello I hope your all well today! </p> <p>We’ll do the food first today i think:</p> <p>Bfast, the usual (for now) fruit plate, a nectarine, a flat peach, bluebs and pear and apple compote for dipping.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH7GopvAGtI/AAAAAAAACAA/XJIFon599DA/s1600-h/1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="1" border="0" alt="1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH7GpTpUSiI/AAAAAAAACAE/V3LBRtTe1lg/1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="372"></a> </p> <p>And a raspberry breakfast muffin</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH7GqpDIIcI/AAAAAAAACAI/SMOPlgx1cWo/s1600-h/2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2" border="0" alt="2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH7GreaE0KI/AAAAAAAACAM/h-l1-k9QxAc/2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="491" height="374"></a> </p> <p>Mid morning i had a Tropical Nut Oatie</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH7GsWLMKYI/AAAAAAAACAQ/HPJFBK0wilQ/s1600-h/3%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="3" border="0" alt="3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH7GtIEYQ8I/AAAAAAAACAU/bUCZkcuR82Q/3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="493" height="376"></a> </p> <p>Lunch was roast veg, butternut squash, parsnip, garden beetroot and onion, a small apple and a banana with some Planet Lunch Bread Cheese Bites (yes these are meant for children’s lunch boxes and yes i do seem to have strange thang going on with kids healthy snacks and baby food – what of it! :-) heh heh! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH7Gt0vXewI/AAAAAAAACAY/eTq40QkpwvY/s1600-h/4%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="4" border="0" alt="4" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH7Guva_VtI/AAAAAAAACAc/jRa6AAkef8g/4_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="493" height="376"></a> </p> <p>These were really tasty and low cal (83 for the bag) all natural ingredients, i’m impressed.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH7GvrCOqQI/AAAAAAAACAg/WZ_9HLIHRC0/s1600-h/5%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="5" border="0" alt="5" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH7GwgtgvAI/AAAAAAAACAk/M8T9zwBJj1A/5_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="490" height="373"></a> </p> <p>I had the totm chocolate snackies today, so i picked up a couple of bars of dark chocolate ( i know i need to curb the totm choco snackies as soon as poss, before a monster takes over and makes me munch too much!)</p> <p>I had a few squares of the Organic Dominican Chocolate – highly recommend this one, one of the nicest darks I've had in a while! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH7Gx_TB_VI/AAAAAAAACAo/qOYcULEG4vc/s1600-h/6%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="6" border="0" alt="6" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH7GzLxdPLI/AAAAAAAACAs/YVyWsZPGIEM/6_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="481" height="367"></a> </p> <p>Dinner today was a small pork loin steak, some tomatoey potatoes, garden green veg and veg fried (carrots, parsnips and sweet potato)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH7Gz-61SrI/AAAAAAAACAw/3hte6wXuvx4/s1600-h/7%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="7" border="0" alt="7" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH7G03sY1SI/AAAAAAAACA0/rBOAyllEKf8/7_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="469" height="357"></a> </p> <p>After dinner i tried out the Chocolate Flake Tea, that Teapigs sent me to review</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH7G1n-MVuI/AAAAAAAACA4/K75Dfsbnkio/s1600-h/8%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="8" border="0" alt="8" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH7G2UNstCI/AAAAAAAACA8/wB_URN63_qc/8_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="471" height="359"></a> </p> <p>This was delicious! i highly reccomend this one. If its a hot chocolate flavour your after this isn’t the answer, stick to hot choc, but if you fancy a mug of warming tea with a hint of chocolate, of the dark flavour, so that slight bittersweet aftertaste rather than the sweet melt of hot chocolate then this is for you! if you like dark chocolate you’ll like this, I LOVE dark chocolate (in fact its really the only type of chocolate i eat) and i LOVE this, i like it better than the <a href="http://broadbeantorunnerbean.blogspot.com/2010/08/fudgy-brownies.html" target="_blank"><font color="#ff0080">Popcorn tea</font></a>, i think this is the biggest contender so far for what will be my next tea purchase! </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH7G2y48hZI/AAAAAAAACBA/UVjYfVgFs88/s1600-h/9%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="9" border="0" alt="9" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH7G4PZ_E7I/AAAAAAAACBE/AikNTajDKIA/9_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="426"></a> </p> <p>Speaking of Teapigs - If you haven’t already then run on over to my <a href="http://broadbeantorunnerbean.blogspot.com/2010/08/good-old-fashioned-home-made-cookies.html" target="_blank"><font color="#ff0080">New Blog Name Celebratory Teapigs Giveaway</font></a> and leave a comment on that post with your favourite recipe – healthy or not, baking or cooking, to be in with a chance, and don't forget to mention which tea you’d like to try out, Superberry or English Breakfast!! Have until Tuesday to register.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH7G49v_bMI/AAAAAAAACBI/hBFXotJ3_uw/s1600-h/10%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="10" border="0" alt="10" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH7G5q6BTdI/AAAAAAAACBM/zUE1QCmajEc/10_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="492" height="375"></a> </p> <p>For Dessert i had some Avocado Chocolate Pudding – this IS.THE.WAY.FORWARD for totm chocolate cravings, its soooo rich and surprises me every time i make it by how totally amazing and rich and creamy it is!! its just perfect! i thought i would treat myself to the whole batch to curb those cravings, but i couldn't finish it! i did half and called it a day and tubbed it up for the fridge for tomo! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH7G6foHLPI/AAAAAAAACBQ/7jTyvzqqA2k/s1600-h/11%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="11" border="0" alt="11" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH7G7POJUVI/AAAAAAAACBU/xv-UH4zVqi8/11_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="485" height="370"></a> </p> <p>Look was arrived today! my engagement ring! its been away being resized since last wknd, it had to be downsized 2 sizes due to my weight loss! i felt so lost without it, it was quite unsettling, I was desperate for it to arrive today, and was phoning down to reception every hour to see if it had arrived, despite the receptionist assuring me she would call when it arrived! at 1pm the man from the Stores dept at the Hospital on Campus rang me to say it had arrived up there! the Hospital on our Campus is a 10 minute walk away, i tell you, you didnt see me for dust – meeting with my boss at 1pm – pah! engagement ring = WAY more important so i bailed on him and legged it up to the hospital! picked up my ring, made small talk with the man up there, all the while dying to get out of there so that i could gaze at my ring! needless to say i doddled along a whole lot slower back to the office grinning from ear to ear and gazing lovingly at my ring, upon arriving back at my office building i showed most of my colleagues, having been engaged for over 2 years they have ALL seen my ring before but i couldn’t help but show it off! it was like getting it all over again for the first time! and now it fits again and i don't have to wear another ring on top to hold it on, which will make addition of my wedding ring so much more special!! after more than 2 years of ownership i’m sure you can tell my ring has not lost any of its special meaning to me! </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH7G7kUZIlI/AAAAAAAACBY/pRGly9qcExY/s1600-h/12%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="12" border="0" alt="12" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH7G9EmrqiI/AAAAAAAACBc/UwEpC9mVamo/12_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="369"></a> </p> <p>So lets get cracking on the <a href="http://broadbeantorunnerbean.blogspot.com/2010/08/boot-camp.html" target="_blank"><font color="#ff0080">Boot Camp</font></a> review – golly gosh these weeks are rolling in!! </p> <p><strong><em>FITNESS</em></strong> <ol> <li>6 workout per week – <font color="#400080">my last weigh in was only 6 days ago, and i’ve worked out on 4 of those days</font> <li>4 of which insanity – <font color="#400080">3 of my 4 workouts have been Insanity, so i didnt meet my goals but everything is relative and considering my reduced days between weigh ins this week and my reduced number of workouts my ratio of insanity workouts is ok.</font></li></ol> <p><em><strong>FOOD</strong></em> <ol> <li>Count the calories – all the calories and KEEP within the allowance, every day, not most of the time, EVERY DAY! – <font color="#400080">i kept within calories for 5 out of 6 days this week which is good considering i had a night out on Saturday night for meal and drinks. </font> <li>Drink Protein shakes on work out days – <font color="#400080">yup i drank protein on every workout day</font> <li>Assess, daily, my levels of fat, carbs and protein intake, to ensure its bang on track! – <font color="#400080">yup i’m bang on track for levels of fat, carbs and protein – i’ve been keeping a close eye on this.</font> <li>Cut alcohol out completely for the next 9 weeks, apart from 2 nights for the hen wknd and 1 night for my works night out. – <font color="#400080">oopsy! i drank 5 Gin and Slim Line Tonics on Saturday night, so i failed this one – but i kept the alcohol intake to a very modest level and didnt suffer and hang over or any feelings of off balance so i’m happy with this! </font></li></ol> <p>So there we have it, not the best Boot Camp Review, i only met 100% 2/6 of my goals, but the 4 that i failed on i didnt fail miserably, and i think i did a pretty good job of keeping them in check – so i’m happy overall with my Boot Camp Progress, but in true report card style “<em>Could do better</em>” and i will do better next week.</p> <p>So lets have a review of weight – i lost 1.5lb this week.</p> <p>As most of you know i hit a bit of a hiatus this month with weigh ins, i’ve reviewed the stats and over the last month (including tonight's weigh in results) I’ve lost 1.5lb over the last month – booo hiss i hear you say! thats not very good for someone who’s supposed to be on full steam ahead operation boot camp! BUT………………….</p> <p>And i really do mean <font size="6">BUT</font></p> <p>Check out my stats! i measured this morning – I measure at the beginning of every month, and my results this morning were ASTONISHING!</p> <p>Under arms: -1"<br>Under chest: - 1.25"<br>Tummy at button: - 1.75"<br>Waist at narrowest part: - 0.75"<br>Hips over bone: - 1.25"<br>bum at widest part: -1.75"<br>Left thigh at widest part (1thumb down): -1"<br>Calf - (finger length down): -0.25"<br>Upper arm over pale freckle: -0.75"<br>Forearm - (thumb down from elbow): -0.5"<br>wrist: - 1" (woweee!!)<br>ankle: -0.75" <p>I didnt believe them at first, i suspected i might have unwittingly pulled the tape measure tighter than normal around every area, or that i had read the numbers wrong, so i redid all my measurements, i even did some a 3rd time!! and alas they ARE CORRECT! i’m amazed at the results! its a total of 12” almost twice that which i’ve had in my best month so far!! i couldn’t believe it, especially after such a failure month on the scales! </p> <p>So this is obviously down to Insanity, i have been doing it most days, and i’ve been working HARD – harder than I ever worked at anything in my life, the hard work is obviously paying off!! </p> <p>I am one happy Neen! </p> <p>So on that happy note i leave you blogger loggers.</p> <p>Remember to hop over to the Teapig giveaway.</p> <p><strong>Coming Up: Tropical Nut Oaty recipe</strong></p> <p><strong>Question: What do you crave when its totm – and how do you curb those cravings? do you go all out and let loose or do you do like i’ve tried to do today and keep it modest and healthy? </strong></p> <p>Nyt all, much love! <3 <3 <3 xoxo</p> Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04754195313876194329noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854598783655712172.post-4144454369590309302010-08-31T21:47:00.001+01:002010-08-31T21:50:03.839+01:00Good Old Fashioned Home Made Cookies and the Teapig Giveaway!<p> </p> <p>Hey there bloggers, how are you all today? i’m blugh, its that time of the month coming soon, and i have ZERO motivation, i struggled through insanity cardio recovery, with minimal effort (not.good.enough!) and i’ve been a hungry horace all day long! i’ve gone over cals today, but hey ho what you gonna do, its been healthy stuff thats taken me over, so its not the end of the world!</p> <p>Lets get started on food: </p> <p>Breakfast today was strawberries, blueberries and nectarine with apple and pear compote for dipping</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH1p14099AI/AAAAAAAAB-A/nZb1m2FXBHc/s1600-h/1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="1" border="0" alt="1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH1p21BjCdI/AAAAAAAAB-E/OANc3lBv_Zs/1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="384"></a> </p> <p>And a Raspberry Breakfast muffin, i think, like i said i undercooked these and i mixed them too much, still their nice and keep me full for a good amount of time (recipe coming soon)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH1p333PUlI/AAAAAAAAB-I/YHy07_3GaeM/s1600-h/2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2" border="0" alt="2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH1p4iCEx-I/AAAAAAAAB-M/cLIM0LM-3nE/2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="505" height="385"></a> </p> <p>Mid morning i snacked on a tropical nut oaty (recipe coming soon) which saw me through to lunch.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH1p5SAqKwI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/Ynu0kekv9lE/s1600-h/3%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="3" border="0" alt="3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH1p6odYxmI/AAAAAAAAB-U/HVytwD60h9Y/3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="494" height="376"></a> </p> <p>Lunch was a pot of roasted veg, in the mix, butternut squash, onion, beetroot and parsnip……hmmmmhmmmm deeelish! i love roasted veg best</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH1p7iD1DWI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/Fqlm4uSmLgQ/s1600-h/4%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="4" border="0" alt="4" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH1p8ShGBjI/AAAAAAAAB-c/DgIUB3XF7K4/4_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="494" height="376"></a> </p> <p>Along with a food doctor pitta, these are so much more interesting than regular pitta, i love the seeds through them.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH1p9LwxLaI/AAAAAAAAB-g/BbkbB5Iqi4s/s1600-h/5%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="5" border="0" alt="5" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH1p-IVHHqI/AAAAAAAAB-k/1eVoOkkUGEw/5_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="491" height="374"></a> </p> <p>So it was all good until there, and then i was a snack monster! </p> <p>I started out with a Prickly Pear, have you ever seen one of these before, i was mooching in the fruit/butchers shop, and found this little gem, i had never heard of or seen one before.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH1p-9SC7uI/AAAAAAAAB-o/l-ms4oSjuNE/s1600-h/8%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="8" border="0" alt="8" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH1p_lEFf1I/AAAAAAAAB-s/9f3UHmHTQNg/8_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="485" height="370"></a> </p> <p>What a funky little creature! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH1qAUZNM-I/AAAAAAAAB-w/7U3s_iKgQiw/s1600-h/9%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="9" border="0" alt="9" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH1qBMjblBI/AAAAAAAAB-0/8HaFSJoe6HM/9_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="491" height="374"></a> </p> <p>Goshmeeshers this little beasty lives up to its name i wound up with 2 spikes in me from handling it for this pic! their almost invisible but hurt like hell! after a little googling, turns out this is the fruit of a cactus, hence the name and the cactus like spikes i got in my fingers! </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH1qCZm7xxI/AAAAAAAAB-4/h_3uN0iu16o/s1600-h/10%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="10" border="0" alt="10" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH1qDI0W3pI/AAAAAAAAB-8/skgeZxESV8I/10_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="496" height="378"></a> </p> <p>I persevered though and peeled it and split it and munched away, i was so surprised at the colour, it wasn’t what i was expecting! it tastes a little like a sweet watermelon with a hint of raspberries, it has seeds through it like a passion fruit except their much harder than a passion fruit so you have to spit em out! twas worth the effort though, it was deeelish! i’ll defo be buying another one.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH1qD1ScBUI/AAAAAAAAB_A/zwLEZ89-5eM/s1600-h/11%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="11" border="0" alt="11" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH1qEfv5PBI/AAAAAAAAB_E/ishHjl6_kWw/11_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="493" height="376"></a> </p> <p>After that i had a nectarine</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH1qFSOtiaI/AAAAAAAAB_I/qkq_0-0GtWA/s1600-h/12%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="12" border="0" alt="12" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH1qGOOiOdI/AAAAAAAAB_M/8oSMFN4rTnU/12_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="497" height="379"></a> </p> <p>And a while later some grapes</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH1qG7ggxHI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/PBSVvI66ePM/s1600-h/13%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="13" border="0" alt="13" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH1qHakzKHI/AAAAAAAAB_U/BfDrMvf5AFo/13_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="492" height="375"></a> </p> <p>Dinner was a bit of a flop, i made a beautiful big stir fry with lots of fresh veg, cashews, chicken, water chestnuts, and udon noodles, i used african hot sauce and a scotch bonnet chilli, it blew the roof off!!! it was toooooooooooooo hot! Buddy said he couldn’t taste the heat! Yeah right! but half way through announced he didn’t like it as it was a bit tasteless, i think the heat was too much but he wont admit it! he threw his away and i made him tuna pasta, but i served it when the pasta wasn’t cooked so he threw that away and i made him beans on toast, i burned 3 of my finger tips on the grill whilst making him that! kitchen fail!! </p> <p>I ate mine though, heat and all!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH1qIm5g_mI/AAAAAAAAB_Y/ZLVgp5o9OwE/s1600-h/14%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="14" border="0" alt="14" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH1qJhuwYBI/AAAAAAAAB_c/BYG27JrfWSE/14_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="482" height="367"></a> </p> <p>After dinner i had some natural yoghurt to help with the FIYA in my mouth, with some jam, and some nuts and seeds, and dried cherries! ok ok enough with the food! i wont eat another thing today i promise!! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH1qKg3vA7I/AAAAAAAAB_g/QBGDj98lvmo/s1600-h/15%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="15" border="0" alt="15" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH1qLaWadAI/AAAAAAAAB_k/rdZoS-1ocZ8/15_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="475" height="362"></a> </p> <p>Ok let me share the cookie recipe from the wknd with you guys, these are pretty awesome and painfully simple and quick, i made some for buddy and i made another batch on Monday morning before work to take to a team meeting, buddy just raised an eyebrow when he saw the <a href="http://broadbeantorunnerbean.blogspot.com/2010/08/presenting.html" target="_blank">Kitchenaid</a> on the go at 6.50am on a Monday morning! heh heh! </p> <p>Good Old Fashioned Cookies:</p> <p>100g brown sugar</p> <p>100g butter/marg</p> <p>150g white self raising flour</p> <p>1T golden syrup</p> <p>1 bag (100g) choc chips (any kind you like)</p> <p>heat the oven to 180degrees</p> <p>Cream together the butter and sugar till light and fluffy (i.e. bang the food mixer on and walk away!), no add the golden syrup, and mix well.</p> <p>Add in the flour, mix well and finally stir in the chocolate chips. </p> <p>Divide mixture into 14 balls, and place onto a baking sheet, space them well apart and do not flatten them out, i used 2 baking sheets to allow enough room.</p> <p>Bake for 12 – 15 minutes till slightly golden brown! </p> <p>ENJOY!</p> <p>I’m going to try fiddling with the recipe, using wholemeal flour and other add ins, dried fruit, nuts etc! so versatile! </p> <p>They work out around 145cals per cookie</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH1qMSFXAjI/AAAAAAAAB_o/qAYdwFuA35Y/s1600-h/16%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="16" border="0" alt="16" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH1qM7RlfOI/AAAAAAAAB_s/HatnNcC0tTs/16_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="493" height="376"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH1qOIR10PI/AAAAAAAAB_w/-fxkMZeZLS4/s1600-h/17%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="17" border="0" alt="17" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH1qPOn6hmI/AAAAAAAAB_0/SzfC9gOBPC8/17_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="491" height="374"></a> </p> <p>So its time for the Teapigs giveaway, the lovely peeps over at <a href="http://www.teapigs.co.uk/" target="_blank">Teapigs</a> not only sent me some samples to try out but they send me 2 full size boxes for giveaways for my fab readers (i.e. you!)</p> <p>They sent me Superfruit and English Breakfast (i’m pretty jealous about the Superfruit, i fancy that one!)</p> <p><strong>To be in with a chance of winning one of these boxes just leave me a comment in this post, or send me an email at rowena dot dennis @ btinternet dot com</strong></p> <p><strong>And tell me what your favourite recipe is, baking or cooking, healthy or non healthy, preferably with a link to the recipe. Please also put in your comment or email which tea you would like to try, and i’ll make sure to pick one winner from each group of preferences! sound fair? :-) </strong></p> <p><strong>Commenting/emailing will close at midnight British time on Tuesday 7th September</strong></p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH1qQHS4loI/AAAAAAAAB_4/XEOwnTDVZ98/s1600-h/19%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="19" border="0" alt="19" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TH1qQvHLlKI/AAAAAAAAB_8/ppvDE4ZzdPY/19_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="492" height="375"></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Night night folks! much love <3 <3 <3 xoxo</p> Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04754195313876194329noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854598783655712172.post-18006938627878179992010-08-30T21:37:00.001+01:002010-08-30T21:37:57.321+01:00Fudgy Brownies<p> </p> <p>Hey there peeps. How are you all? I hope you had a great Monday. I see a few new faces around here lately so a big welcome along to my new readers, i hope you like the bloggy and hang around. And i just wanted to say thanks for all your comments i love each and every one of them! and thanks also to the readers who dont/cant comment i appreciate you stopping by too! </p> <p>I only have one foody picture for you today, breakfast, a peach, strawbs and a raspberry muffin (these turned out ok i think i just undercooked them, so i will share the recipe later in the week)</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THwWRb_EslI/AAAAAAAAB8c/XPn6XvpZ4Wk/s1600-h/1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="1" border="0" alt="1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THwWSMpVCQI/AAAAAAAAB8g/dcTBIaFNI4Q/1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="393"></a> </p> <p>I went out for lunch with my work colleagues, this is the meal that i called ahead at the end of last week and asked them to prepare me a vegan meal, WELL they DID.NOT.DISSAPOINT! it was amazing, the chef made a me a superb veggie stir fry with rice, everything was cooked to perfection, in a home made sauce that was thick and a little bit sweet and a little bit salty, and hmmmm OH MY! there were a tonne of different veggies in there too, he really went all out for me! i was delighted, then he had prepared me a fruit plate with strawberries, raspberries and physalis, again OH MY! i was delighted – a bit of a different story from my meal out on Saturday night huh! phoning ahead is definitely the way to go, i’ll be doing that more often in future! i wish i could have got pics for you! </p> <p>We were still eating lunch at 2.30pm so i wasnt hungry, i had 1 slice of toast with PB, some strawbs and a small bowl of cheerio's for dinner – unpictured, the battery died so it was charging.</p> <p>So these were the Teapig samples i was sent to try out:<br>Popcorn tea</p> <p>Rooibos Creme Caramel</p> <p>Chocolate Flake Tea</p> <p>Jasmine Pearls</p> <p>Darjeeling Earl Grey</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THwWSyAs93I/AAAAAAAAB8k/D9qIVQzE_5Y/s1600-h/2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2" border="0" alt="2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THwWTs3QKtI/AAAAAAAAB8o/csRlN4m5pSU/2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="519" height="395"></a> </p> <p>I tried the popcorn tea, it was pretty good, completely different to anything i’ve tried before, there is definitely a distinct flavour, aftertaste and smell of popcorn, its amazing! you could totally be at the cinema, its not over powering though, its not strong, just a subtle flavour and beautiful after taste! i would buy a box of this flavour.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THwWUeo8JhI/AAAAAAAAB8s/Oqv5HSECRjo/s1600-h/3%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="3" border="0" alt="3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THwWVl-q_FI/AAAAAAAAB8w/H4HVrYYcHFQ/3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="406" height="533"></a> </p> <p>So here’s the Vegan Fudgy Brownie recipe as promised:</p> <p>I must give full credit to Angela from <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2010/08/27/ultra-fudgy-brownies/" target="_blank">Oh She Glows</a>, check out the link for the original recipe, her pics are way better than mine, but i’m sure the brownies tasted just the same.</p> <p>Vegan Fudgy Brownies</p> <p>I always like to lay all my ingredients out before doing anything, makes life easier!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THwWXp34MaI/AAAAAAAAB80/pGPVNj5dSzI/s1600-h/4.5%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="4.5" border="0" alt="4.5" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THwWYoW0nFI/AAAAAAAAB84/0nqQHYl4hLU/4.5_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="507" height="386"></a> </p> <p>1 Avocado</p> <p>162g Brown Sugar (1C)</p> <p>90ml Agave (Angela used Maple syrup but i didnt have any) (1/3C)</p> <p>2T Vegetable Oil </p> <p>1T Ground Flax</p> <p>2t Vanilla Essence</p> <p>2t Coffee Granules</p> <p>43g Dark Chocolate (angela used chips, i used finely chopped dark choc) (1/3C)</p> <p>167g Wholemeal Plain Flour (1 1/4 C)</p> <p>69g Cocoa Powder (3/4C)</p> <p>1/2t Baking Powder</p> <p>1/4t Baking Soda</p> <p>1/2t Salt</p> <p>Set oven to 175degrees (350)</p> <p>Blend the Avocado till smooth, then add the sugar, agave, oil, ground flax and coffee</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THwWZqRcPoI/AAAAAAAAB88/4MggPlyXMuk/s1600-h/4%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="4" border="0" alt="4" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THwWaubbw5I/AAAAAAAAB9A/g-xLDdpyBZo/4_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="502" height="382"></a> </p> <p>And Blend</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THwWbnaoEAI/AAAAAAAAB9E/Wh_tW675odg/s1600-h/6%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="6" border="0" alt="6" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THwWccFBWTI/AAAAAAAAB9I/p2T71hI6tcA/6_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="389"></a></p> <p>Now mix the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and powder and salt</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THwWdsYDLNI/AAAAAAAAB9M/dDkdNKgpTvg/s1600-h/5%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="5" border="0" alt="5" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THwWej1OJ3I/AAAAAAAAB9Q/T3SqTViUCfk/5_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="508" height="387"></a></p> <p>And slowly add in the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, till well mixed together – LOOK.AT.THIS.DOUGH! </p> <p>Then add the chocolate chips and stir through</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THwWf-_qsuI/AAAAAAAAB9U/hfGAxkW0TDA/s1600-h/7%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="7" border="0" alt="7" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THwWgkXaxzI/AAAAAAAAB9Y/lYaSG-ARuIY/7_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="505" height="387"></a> </p> <p>Now dollop (definitely more of a dollop than a pour! this is sooo thick!) into an 8”x8” lined baking tin</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THwWh2bitdI/AAAAAAAAB9c/4tCRdzluCck/s1600-h/8%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="8" border="0" alt="8" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THwWikKdb6I/AAAAAAAAB9g/yqYrPIzdEU8/8_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="490" height="376"></a> </p> <p>And i found the best thing to do was put on some disposable gloves (you could use bear hands but i’m a bit of a prude like that!) dampen with cold water and get stuck in and smooth it out, it was the only way! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THwWj66993I/AAAAAAAAB9k/C2YPFyDUDzc/s1600-h/9%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="9" border="0" alt="9" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THwWki5SJ1I/AAAAAAAAB9s/yjIEOcegBnw/9_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="483" height="371"></a> </p> <p>And bake for 20 – 25 minutes – Angela says make sure you bake for no more than 25 minutes, i did mine bang on 25 minutes, she also suggesting letting cool for approx 30 minutes i think then popping into the freezer to set for 30 minutes, i didnt do this, i just let it cool naturally and then cut</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THwWliX3uQI/AAAAAAAAB9w/G-IYGllMSjw/s1600-h/10%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="10" border="0" alt="10" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THwWnIbdaNI/AAAAAAAAB90/CKNhxHDmUvw/10_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="478" height="366"></a> </p> <p>When cut into 16 piece (which is pretty small – but personally i dont think you need the pieces any bigger) its 135 cals per square.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THwWoNtj35I/AAAAAAAAB94/yC1qb2DgsN0/s1600-h/11%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="11" border="0" alt="11" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THwWpBuZfRI/AAAAAAAAB98/DuaVAF8yZrE/11_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="483" height="368"></a></p> <p>These are heavy and doughy and claggy and really really stick to the roof of your mouth, theres nothing light about these, but you know what thats what brownies are all about – you want light and moist you bake a cake, you want doughy and claggy you bake brownies! </p> <p>Purrrrrrfecto! </p> <p><strong>Coming up: cookies recipe, more Teapigs reviews and the New Blog Celebratory Giveaway! </strong></p> Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04754195313876194329noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854598783655712172.post-24376459776037446492010-08-29T22:12:00.001+01:002010-08-29T22:12:25.579+01:00I am a baking machine!<p> </p> <p>Evening all! </p> <p>Have you missed me! i had a fab night out last night! the best i’ve had in a long time! there was 10 of us went out, 5 couples, one of the girls is one of my BFF’s i’ve not seen her in soooo long! it was Catherine i went to Ayia Napa with when I met Buddy (for those of you that dont know I met Buddy on holiday 6 years ago!). Well Buddy and Catherines boyfriend got on like a house on fire. </p> <p>Buddy and I have been talking about booking out holiday for July pretty soon, and we’ve been saying we fancied going with some friends this time, turns out Catherine and Darren have been having the same thoughts lately, so we decided why not go back to Ayia Napa (our first holiday – other than honeymoon obviously) as a married couple to go back to Ayia Napa would be awesome and also to go with Catherine and Darren would be awesome! a little reunion of sorts! so we’re all psyched and ready to book it soon! EXCITING!! </p> <p>The meal last night was a total FAIL! the menu was a horror story, everything was deep fried or in batter or pastry of some kind! i asked if they could do me a chicken breast with some veg etc, and apparently no they couldn't accommodate! so i ordered the vegetarian sweet and sour with carrots, pineapple and onions and cripsy veg parcels and rice, minus the parcels! it arrived and was ewwwww, like a whole bag of sweetener had been used in the sauce! i couldnt eat it, so i had some of the rice and some boiled veg from the tables veg bowls. RANK! soooo unaccommodating! that was all i had, no started and no drinks (as i was driving) but because we split the bill and agreed to split the bill for the girl who’s birthday it was, i winded up paying £20 for that terrible rice and veg! total FAIL!</p> <p>I did however have a fabulous time, so much fun to hook up with my BFF, and her boyfriend, and a whole load of other couples we didnt know so well. Confession time, i broke the rules and had 5 gin and slim line tonics! i kept it really slow and was under an immense amount of peer pressure to keep pace with everyone else, i reckon they each had around 15 drinks each, so i was pretty proud of myself! not a hang over in sight this morning (well for me anyway, Buddy can’t say the same – he’s been one sick puppy all day!) i kept within calorie allowance for the evening though, so its OK, i’ll let myself off, oh and i was in bed for 2am, unlike the rest of the crew who i hear were up past daylight this morning! </p> <p>I suffered alot of peer pressure for my easy going drinking and some stick too BUT i got a tonne of compliments about how i looked and how much weight i’ve lost and some of the girls were a bit in awe of my new healthy lifestyle and will power! </p> <p>Right then lets get to the good bit, the pics! </p> <p>Bfast yesterday – podge, peach, natural yoghurt, flaked almonds and a little agave, this is the first time i had yoghurt on podge and man it was gooood! </p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THrM0-46dFI/AAAAAAAAB6s/VLhu0hLcMjA/s1600-h/1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="1" border="0" alt="1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THrM1nPTG4I/AAAAAAAAB6w/rw3d43aAA00/1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="514" height="392"></a> </p> <p>Lunch was some ikea crispbreads, houmous, strawbs, bluebs, peas and runner beans, i tried to keep things light yesterday and cut out snacks to save cals for last night, i also did a mega hike earning 500 cals, it worked well huh! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THrM2rgeZ3I/AAAAAAAAB60/GkskUQOv7hc/s1600-h/2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2" border="0" alt="2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THrM3VXRNpI/AAAAAAAAB64/TZNEfaA5naw/2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="519" height="395"></a> </p> <p>Yesterday afternoon i had done all the house work and was showered and hair done for going out and found myself with a couple of hours to spare so i made some healthy fudgy vegan brownies, recipe to follow this week, they are beeeeeautiful! this recipe is a keeper! </p> <p>The space would be quality control at its finest! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THrM4tR6OjI/AAAAAAAAB68/VzKeNLp8qZo/s1600-h/3%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="3" border="0" alt="3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THrM5ZyDzpI/AAAAAAAAB7A/Fa4fMLbHgbI/3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="527" height="401"></a> </p> <p>Then i finished getting ready to go out</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THrM6fcjGyI/AAAAAAAAB7E/r8RFoJucWKQ/s1600-h/4%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="4" border="0" alt="4" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THrM69wcI_I/AAAAAAAAB7I/2zCwyGGbNEI/4_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="525" height="400"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THrM8gSjCUI/AAAAAAAAB7M/8cELQpcbGTM/s1600-h/5%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="5" border="0" alt="5" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THrM9tIwmaI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/ItOOytUTul8/5_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="535" height="408"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THrM_E5rK6I/AAAAAAAAB7U/J0wVswr8bms/s1600-h/6%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="6" border="0" alt="6" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THrM_7Z7SOI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/OavoT4AyBlY/6_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="536" height="408"></a> </p> <p>Buddy and I and Catherine – the statutory funny faces! i believe were shouting “Ayia Napa” for the camera! </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THrNA6msgfI/AAAAAAAAB7c/9oQjrZfV8Xc/s1600-h/7%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="7" border="0" alt="7" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THrNBnLFgjI/AAAAAAAAB7g/EHlQ8NQHSGo/7_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="537" height="409"></a> </p> <p>Today I felt great, no hangover, a little fuzzy this morning and quite tired all day but otherwise great! HUGE improvement from the year ago me! i’d have had those 15 drinks and a greasy deep fried meal stayed up , thrown up all day Sunday, suffered a 4 day hangover, felt off balance all week, strayed off plan for at least 3 days, and wondered why the scales weren’t being friendly! HUGE STEP FORWARD for little me!</p> <p>Today i arose at the ridiculously late hour of 10am and had some podge, peaches and almonds</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THrNCZOPFdI/AAAAAAAAB7k/scOmFtwO2yg/s1600-h/8%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="8" border="0" alt="8" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THrNDjsOFvI/AAAAAAAAB7o/VPbe60UiE0E/8_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="532" height="405"></a> </p> <p>Lunch time was a nutritious fail but still within cals</p> <p>Supernoodles</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THrNEgZ5JWI/AAAAAAAAB7s/I4vbKU3zZw0/s1600-h/9%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="9" border="0" alt="9" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THrNFWWSYiI/AAAAAAAAB7w/f-PGZMAayjs/9_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="532" height="405"></a> </p> <p>A small cheese scone, home made and delivered by my sister – who am I to say no! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THrNGVJo4SI/AAAAAAAAB70/HOEhLKWCfKA/s1600-h/10%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="10" border="0" alt="10" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THrNHEwU0XI/AAAAAAAAB74/YZPEJjdVciQ/10_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="534" height="407"></a> </p> <p>After lunch I made Buddy some chocolate chip muffins (recipe to follow this week)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THrNH-diubI/AAAAAAAAB78/GDWwg7b6x9o/s1600-h/11%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="11" border="0" alt="11" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THrNI10W4xI/AAAAAAAAB8A/Bbf3PsRqX30/11_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="539" height="411"></a> </p> <p>Raspberry breakfast muffins ( i *think* these were a fail – but we’ll see tomo at breakfast – if their good i’ll share the recipe)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THrNJt0XUuI/AAAAAAAAB8E/R_Y-Vv1U3gs/s1600-h/12%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="12" border="0" alt="12" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THrNKkO8tCI/AAAAAAAAB8I/ihgfafU-T3c/12_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="542" height="413"></a> </p> <p>I also made some tropical nut oaties, i forgot to picture, but their awesome, pics and recipe to follow mid week.</p> <p>Dinner was a monster plate of veg – to make up for lunch – butternut squash, parsnip and carrots roasted and french beans, runner beans, peas and broccoli steamed with a sprinkle of cheese. – hmmmmm twas perfect! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THrNLrrnopI/AAAAAAAAB8M/2bdhMFw01xs/s1600-h/13%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="13" border="0" alt="13" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THrNMVUcXyI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/pnkmAZJB1ZY/13_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="543" height="414"></a> </p> <p>And for dessert a peach and a small apple.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THrNNCABkaI/AAAAAAAAB8U/-CJ4ZUxH8Cs/s1600-h/14%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="14" border="0" alt="14" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THrNOFVkCkI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/8uhc2dDIhzU/14_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="555" height="423"></a></p> <p>We had a Dexter season 3 marathon tonight – arghhh i frickin love Dexter! and now i’m off to the land of Nod.</p> <p>I hope everyone had a good wknd! </p> <p><strong>Have you been on your holidays this year? are you still to get away? anywhere nice?</strong> we are itching for our honeymoon now, and are pretty lucky that just 8 months after our honeymoon we’ll be going away again!</p> <p>Coming up: lots of yummy recipes and the Teapigs giveaway.</p> <p>Nyt all, much love! <3 <3 <3 xoxo</p> Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04754195313876194329noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854598783655712172.post-4473263572708276952010-08-27T22:56:00.001+01:002010-08-27T22:56:46.994+01:00Eating Out<p> </p> <p>Evening all! hows your wknd kicking off? good i hope!</p> <p>Sorry for my absence last night i spent the evening with my mum, having dinner and watching movies! you gotta love a bit of mum time!! especially when you have a poorly tum, theres no better place to be than on mums couch with a blanky! </p> <p>So i wanted to talk a bit about eating out first of all, what with the big <a href="http://broadbeantorunnerbean.blogspot.com/2010/08/boot-camp.html" target="_blank">Boot Camp</a> Challenge under way and the final wedding push in full flow, i want to be mindful when eating out. Eating out isn’t something we do a whole lot of at the mo, what with saving for the wedding, BUT this week i’m eating out twice, once tomo night with a large group of friends, and again on Monday lunch time to celebrate a colleagues 50th. So for Monday, we’re going to a pretty posh place for lunch, i looked at the menu and there was nothing that suited me on there, so i rang up and asked if they could prepare me something special, they put me onto the head chef, i told him i was vegan (i figured the best bet to getting a healthy but lovely meal) and could he prepare me something special that was healthy….Well he was delighted i’d rang up, and said he would enjoy the challenge and get me some lovely fresh veggies in and prepare me a nice meal! i was delighted!!!</p> <p>I then rang the place we’re going tomo night (not so posh) and asked if they would prepare me a vegan meal, and was told by the dippy waitress “ummm i think you’ll really struggle here, we dont really DO vegan!” OMG just think if i was actually vegan and was here on holiday OUTRAGEOUS!! so anyway i figured i would offer myself up as the designated driver to ease the problem of transport and keep me away from alcohol (which i had vowed not to have any till the Hen night anyway), as soon as i’d offered i felt a slight panic, what if i wanted to drink when we got there? theres a large group of us going out, what if i feel out of place not drinking!? but then i hushed myself and reminded myself of Boot Camp and THE DRESS etc etc, and figured this was the perfect excuse to exercise some self control and bring on feeling of sainthood! also i’ll be up and working out early on sunday fresh as a daisy whilst everyone else is a tad groggy huh! </p> <p>Next on the agenda, is a quick review of <a href="http://broadbeantorunnerbean.blogspot.com/2010/08/boot-camp.html" target="_blank">BOOT CAMP</a></p> <p><strong><em>FITNESS</em></strong> <ol> <li>6 workout per week – <font color="#ff0080">i did really really well with this since the beginning of Boot Camp up until Tuesday, i did the full programme of Insanity every day with one rest day, i did sooo well but i was rained off on Tuesday with a dodgy tummy, resulting in my not being able to be far from the bathroom for a few days! as a result i had tues/wed/thurs off! Fail! but i think it’s excusable.</font> <li>4 of which insanity – <font color="#ff0080">complete – all of my workout have been insanity!</font> </li></ol> <p><em><strong>FOOD</strong></em> <ol> <li>Count the calories – all the calories and KEEP within the allowance, every day, not most of the time, EVERY DAY! - <font color="#ff0080">Complete</font>! <li>Drink Protein shakes on work out days - <font color="#ff0080">A high five complete – i’m pretty proud of this one! as there have been days i’ve wanted to use those cals for other stuff but have had a little chat to myself and had the protein shake! </font> <li>Assess, daily, my levels of fat, carbs and protein intake, to ensure its bang on track! – <font color="#ff0080">bang on target</font> <li>Cut alcohol out completely for the next 9 weeks, apart from 2 nights for the hen wknd and 1 night for my works night out. – <font color="#ff0080">complete so far so good.</font></li></ol> <p>So all thats pretty good! However i stayed the same at weigh in this week! NO IDEA WHY! i hope its something to do with my tummy being poorly! i cant think of any other reason! </p> <p>Bfast yesterday was a banana, bluebs and half a mango, i haven’t had many bananas since switching to cal counting, i think thier kinda high in cals for what you get, so this was a nice change.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THgz0kJrpqI/AAAAAAAAB3A/TAeLnzsJ8jU/s1600-h/1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="1" border="0" alt="1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THgz1Uk1qVI/AAAAAAAAB3E/b_3VKqR9KDw/1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="502" height="382"></a> </p> <p>And the usual breakfast <a href="http://broadbeantorunnerbean.blogspot.com/2010/08/clothes-flood-and-muffins.html" target="_blank">pumpkin muffin</a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THgz2fAxnvI/AAAAAAAAB3I/k7lqwRdLaqY/s1600-h/2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="2" border="0" alt="2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THgz3jGqKSI/AAAAAAAAB3M/d98gln9EJyo/2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="513" height="391"></a> </p> <p>Mid morning yesterday i went away from my desk and when i came back i found someone had kindly left me a biscuit! not cool though guys! everyone i work with knows about my big wedding push! someone <strike>tried to sabotage me</strike>! was a bit too kind though! i think it was an oaty biscuit. look at the size of it, thats a regular post it pad its hanging off the edge of there! </p> <p>So i looked at it and thought i dont want you, i bet your about 250 cals at least! i’m going to leave you sitting there for a while then i’m going to throw you in the bin!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THgz43Me7xI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/6M5U1UPe118/s1600-h/3%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="3" border="0" alt="3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THgz5jy8IcI/AAAAAAAAB3U/iEe6d-0cqks/3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="509" height="389"></a> </p> <p>It didn’t even look that appetizing! the old me would have eaten it anyway, and sod the calories, its only one biscuit right! WWWWWRONG!! thats what got me into this pickle in the first place! </p> <p>So after about 30 minutes i picked it up to put it in the bin and LOOK.AT.WHAT.I.FOUND!!!</p> <p>look at the state of the post it! so much grease! from just 30 mins of the biscuit sitting there! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THgz6ddx6fI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/xiTtQt__CKc/s1600-h/4%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="4" border="0" alt="4" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THgz6wY8_uI/AAAAAAAAB3c/GzeXE0FFPSc/4_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="514" height="392"></a> </p> <p>Ewwwww</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THgz72DJ5mI/AAAAAAAAB3g/SCGmzVz6owU/s1600-h/5%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="5" border="0" alt="5" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THgz8qlMA-I/AAAAAAAAB3k/l-cJDDHx8g0/5_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="395"></a> </p> <p>It even went through to the second page! i just dont want that crap in my system! i threw it in the bin in disgust! feeling like i’d earned a sainthood in the process! it wasn’t a difficult decision though once i saw the post it! </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THgz9V2QtZI/AAAAAAAAB3o/Dgtabg8hGME/s1600-h/6%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="6" border="0" alt="6" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THgz-NQojwI/AAAAAAAAB3s/Zz83hLAiuIg/6_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="514" height="392"></a> </p> <p>I snacked on this baby instead! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THgz--87TDI/AAAAAAAAB3w/USNBGZYcEPg/s1600-h/7%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="7" border="0" alt="7" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THgz_l9hMzI/AAAAAAAAB30/Pf8xCs3BBI0/7_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="519" height="395"></a> </p> <p>Lunch was some squash stew – it was OK, not brilliant, i’ll work on it some more before i share the recipe.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0AUOoadI/AAAAAAAAB34/SMoNO_3ihhw/s1600-h/8%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="8" border="0" alt="8" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0BZi_U2I/AAAAAAAAB38/ry8Hjvno8ag/8_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="514" height="392"></a> </p> <p>And a food doctor pitta</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0CcEqzJI/AAAAAAAAB4A/XhCSqmHuzuo/s1600-h/9%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="9" border="0" alt="9" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0DVqHizI/AAAAAAAAB4E/qDgw82ZP750/9_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="518" height="395"></a> </p> <p>Mid afternoon was a couple of those perfect plums!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0EbvNtSI/AAAAAAAAB4I/u6lGr8jHkYA/s1600-h/10%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="10" border="0" alt="10" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0FPJFVSI/AAAAAAAAB4M/vEOB0CUpJD4/10_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="519" height="395"></a> </p> <p>I went to my mums for dinner last night, we attempted the artichoke, she boiled it for approx 20 minutes, and served it with a butter dipping sauce, i tried a leaf and didnt like it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0FzUjcgI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/p4amdmGiwbM/s1600-h/12%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="12" border="0" alt="12" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0G2Jl_TI/AAAAAAAAB4U/ZtEJ0tfXk9o/12_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="518" height="397"></a> </p> <p>I was promised goodness at the heart of it! it didnt deliver though! you apparently have to take off all the hair before you get to the heart, ewww! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0Hl8VxhI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/atnLSTxtRVA/s1600-h/13%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="13" border="0" alt="13" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0IZxl5TI/AAAAAAAAB4c/b-7q6hvANzE/13_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="517" height="394"></a> </p> <p>We did that only to find a flat ukky looking thing under it that was tough, like tyre! i dont know if we didnt cook it long enough or what but seriously the whole thing just made me feel icky! i mean who discovered this! who discovered which bits you do and dont eat! they must have been pretty desperate to try it out! needless to say i dont think i’ll be visiting artichoke again anytime soon!! </p> <p>FAIL</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0JLY_8TI/AAAAAAAAB4g/pbqNAVcZQr0/s1600-h/14%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="14" border="0" alt="14" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0Kd8LItI/AAAAAAAAB4k/jtfiSLhR8xA/14_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="520" height="396"></a> </p> <p>I did have a large portion of this garden salad</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0LHRvbtI/AAAAAAAAB4o/5BTPkabbPfI/s1600-h/15%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="15" border="0" alt="15" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0L3un7YI/AAAAAAAAB4s/WrWqmstKhho/15_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="532" height="405"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0MhR7vDI/AAAAAAAAB4w/nKIRLwKlpgs/s1600-h/16%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="16" border="0" alt="16" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0NSjAIFI/AAAAAAAAB40/9rWnRoOImpM/16_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="536" height="408"></a> </p> <p>And about half of my mums home made parmesan and courgette pasty. (all within cals!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0OXG8QhI/AAAAAAAAB44/VfYZeyMqy1c/s1600-h/17%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="17" border="0" alt="17" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0Penj0HI/AAAAAAAAB48/Xqn6pRrjmXo/17_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="530" height="404"></a> </p> <p>Today’s breakfast was a quick muffin and a peach, nothing fancy today, i’d just finished an awesome session of insanity and had a big to do list to deal with so i munched on the go.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0QK6IXzI/AAAAAAAAB5A/PY7ClGLQ2iM/s1600-h/19%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="19" border="0" alt="19" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0Q8fPLjI/AAAAAAAAB5E/-M579BQWgJU/19_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="530" height="404"></a></p> <p>Lunch was an unpictured PB sandwich and some roasted broccoli</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0R-Kgy3I/AAAAAAAAB5I/Q51SKuXBpy4/s1600-h/21%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="21" border="0" alt="21" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0S2EArdI/AAAAAAAAB5M/i9qV3qz3bhM/21_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="522" height="398"></a> </p> <p>Dinner tonight was a lovely Friday night treat, we’ve not had enchiladas for like ever! so i got some whole wheat wraps and off we go! </p> <p>Onions, peppers and shredded chicken thighs</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0Tm28ZhI/AAAAAAAAB5U/V1oeqlG6zEs/s1600-h/22%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="22" border="0" alt="22" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0UqwOPeI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/tKk7dcb3g-M/22_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="517" height="394"></a> </p> <p>A jar of enchilada sauce and spice mix</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0VSExRKI/AAAAAAAAB5c/P0J9yaNKHl8/s1600-h/23%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="23" border="0" alt="23" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0Wais9WI/AAAAAAAAB5g/Sm9TDbauSD0/23_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="522" height="398"></a> </p> <p>wraps spread with extra spiced refried beans</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0W7XOScI/AAAAAAAAB5k/cL1XMtz9vXM/s1600-h/24%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="24" border="0" alt="24" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0X2kcd1I/AAAAAAAAB5o/jgUMe8xrie4/24_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="424" height="557"></a> </p> <p>with the spiced chicken mix and added sweetcorn on top</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0YixzbWI/AAAAAAAAB5s/FqXyZmrXVy4/s1600-h/25%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="25" border="0" alt="25" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0ZjZGf8I/AAAAAAAAB5w/yZY0h2J2dM8/25_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="427" height="561"></a> </p> <p>Wrapped up in their little blankets and tucked in to bed (budge up make room for one more!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0azWFIYI/AAAAAAAAB50/Pb0NlwaBW-U/s1600-h/26%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="26" border="0" alt="26" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0bkLOQ_I/AAAAAAAAB54/jKyuDV-bN5Q/26_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="509" height="389"></a> </p> <p>All snuggled up under enchilada sauce and grate cheese</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0cpSPiUI/AAAAAAAAB58/6v5MSXMD5e8/s1600-h/27%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="27" border="0" alt="27" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0dYy8qiI/AAAAAAAAB6A/I76O0OqqbVM/27_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="511" height="389"></a> </p> <p>And baked till golden and chewy!! OH MY.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0eW7W66I/AAAAAAAAB6E/0R-nqkQ6bg8/s1600-h/28%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="28" border="0" alt="28" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0fSV5JHI/AAAAAAAAB6I/zYompnsuVBo/28_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="526" height="401"></a> </p> <p>Serve (2 for me, 3.5 for him) a slice of garlic bread for me and the rest of a mini baguette for him, and a little salad on the side! OH MY.</p> <p>Goshmeeshers its good to be back on the exercise wagon and be able to “afford” (cal wise) a special meal! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0gyy0SmI/AAAAAAAAB6M/hJOFonlznhs/s1600-h/29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="29" border="0" alt="29" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0iMOy6yI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/CiarvoaQvrM/29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="523" height="398"></a> </p> <p>Right then i’m off to hang out with my two favourites!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0jPafPbI/AAAAAAAAB6U/r6MljGH4rq8/s1600-h/30%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="30" border="0" alt="30" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0j5fmXKI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/AvbBF2Aca3E/30_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="525" height="400"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0k1FbPoI/AAAAAAAAB6c/dsAjCS14VXM/s1600-h/31%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="31" border="0" alt="31" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0l5WRnSI/AAAAAAAAB6g/m50xytZK9hk/31_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="530" height="404"></a></p> <p>And a little teaser to come: The lovely folks at Teapigs sent me a little package of goodies to celebrate the new blog name! some samples for me to try out and review and couple of full size boxes for me to giveaway to you lovely readers! </p> <p>Stay tuned, i’ll be kicking the giveaway off next week. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0mcuWSjI/AAAAAAAAB6k/1e6zqWjofv4/s1600-h/18%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="18" border="0" alt="18" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THg0ncddkNI/AAAAAAAAB6o/rS6OyvMthcs/18_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="531" height="405"></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Question: How do you deal with eating out? not for big special occasions but just sociable eating out? </p> <p>Coming soon: Teapigs reviews and Giveaways. </p> <p>Nyt peeps, much love <3 <3 <3 xoxo</p> Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04754195313876194329noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854598783655712172.post-75689362258346873912010-08-25T21:30:00.001+01:002010-08-25T21:30:58.163+01:00I Feel……..Fine<p> </p> <p>Evening peeps. Sorry for my absence yesterday the internet died in the whole village, the exchange was down or something! lack of internet didnt only mean lack of blogging but also lack of Xbox for Buddy, doubled with no work out yesterday = a lovely long evening! quite a treat! </p> <p>Lets talk about the title first, I dont actually feel fine, more on that later but for now - have you heard of <a href="http://www.wefeelfine.org/" target="_blank">We Feel Fine</a> if not check it out! i found it because i saw they had looked at my blog, when i did a bit of digging, turns out they hadn’t looked at my blog per say, but its a “thing” (sorry not very technological like that) that scours the internet and blogs etc for sentences that start with “I Feel” and it assesses (how crazy is that work!! waaaay too many s’s!) the mood of the population! it picked up on my from my post the other day when i was talking about how I feel so lucky just now!! you can see the sentences and read thoughts and feelings, its lovely, and a little bit sad too coz not everyone feels great! its definately worth scoping out over a breakfast (which according to the commenters on <a href="http://britchickruns.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Freya's Blog</a> a large number of us bloggers seem to catch up on blog reading over breakfast). </p> <p>Now I’ll tell you why I didnt work out last night and i haven’t worked out again tonight. I bought a cooked chicken in Sainsbury’s at the wknd, and unbeknown to me your supposed to eat these things on the day of purchase or at a push the day after, well i bought it on Saturday and ate it on Sunday and again on Monday, by the time i came to do Insanity last night, i had to run to the loo twice before i started, and then i kicked off and had to pause 3 times in the middle of the warm up to run to the loo, hmmm not a good start and Buddy insisted that enough was enough i was to give in! so give in i did, my tum’s still not right today, its a tad like a washing machine – so another rest day today. Hopefully I’ll be back in the game tomorrow night, i’m just glad that it didnt make me super ill! i’d have been mega bummed out about that! </p> <p>So i got my legs waxed today, you know i <a href="http://broadbeantorunnerbean.blogspot.com/2010/07/weddings-treats-and-fairies.html" target="_blank">Got my bikini waxed</a> for the first time last month (to test out for the wedding) and this month i tested out leg waxing, the ankles were a little painful but otherwise a walk in the park, and for £12, I just cant complain, i think i’ll now be a regular bikini and leg waxer! LOVE it! if you haven’t tried it out dont let the pain put you off, its nothing, really just like ripping a band aid off, its really quick, easy, cheap, and last for ages! </p> <p>Right then without further ado – lets get to the eats from yesterday/today</p> <p>Bfast yesterday, Peaches, strawbs, blackcurrants and some blueberry and apple compote for dipping</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THV9Jxt7mNI/AAAAAAAAB1g/iRx_TlIsYoQ/s1600-h/1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="1" border="0" alt="1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THV9KvhA_tI/AAAAAAAAB1k/ngrfjntNiW8/1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="495" height="377"></a> </p> <p>A <a href="http://broadbeantorunnerbean.blogspot.com/2010/08/clothes-flood-and-muffins.html" target="_blank">Pumpkin and Choc Chip Muffin</a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THV9Lq8GYTI/AAAAAAAAB1o/PKXtpq1_jis/s1600-h/2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2" border="0" alt="2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THV9MtUJPGI/AAAAAAAAB1s/FbOVeq_p5aE/2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="493" height="376"></a> </p> <p>Some of THAT amazing houmous, 3 mini pittas and some veg sticks</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THV9NSOLTFI/AAAAAAAAB1w/zGilNGiscMs/s1600-h/4%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="4" border="0" alt="4" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THV9OMYceCI/AAAAAAAAB10/wGLvGByb9r0/4_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="489" height="373"></a> </p> <p>I had grand plans for a chicken and edamame veg stir fry with insanely hot sauce using some of my new ingredients i picked up at the wknd, but as my tum was poorly, i just had a small portion of stir fried veg, with soy sauce and a couple of mini pittas</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THV9PLvCunI/AAAAAAAAB14/5HhIKzm1db8/s1600-h/5%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="5" border="0" alt="5" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THV9QV4BVJI/AAAAAAAAB18/4_zgc7ZbwE0/5_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="372"></a> </p> <p>Breakfast today was a nectarine, strawbs, bluebs and some compote for dipping</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THV9RXV2mSI/AAAAAAAAB2A/UOAPkGizM-M/s1600-h/6%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="6" border="0" alt="6" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THV9SF_6WnI/AAAAAAAAB2E/T3qMfW6UB3g/6_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="485" height="370"></a> </p> <p>And a Pumpkin and choc chip muffin</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THV9TJrU8uI/AAAAAAAAB2I/mZ6YZpK3-G4/s1600-h/7%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="7" border="0" alt="7" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THV9T25GVUI/AAAAAAAAB2M/-oQ1kCjtk0Q/7_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="483" height="368"></a> </p> <p>Mid morning i had a couple of the most perfect plums i ever had, so flavourful and firm, and a little bit pretty with their speckles</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THV9Ut-lFzI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/n05Cb2GmXtE/s1600-h/8%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="8" border="0" alt="8" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THV9VakQutI/AAAAAAAAB2U/HbY0DSstHys/8_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="481" height="367"></a> </p> <p>Lunch today was some left over stir fried veggies, a food doctor seed and cereal pitta (love these!!) and some of THAT houmous!! AH.MAY.ZING lunch!! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THV9X9KypiI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/O7xkXviImE0/s1600-h/9%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="9" border="0" alt="9" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THV9YqBg-CI/AAAAAAAAB2c/mEAU-YVPfWg/9_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="483" height="368"></a> </p> <p>Today i drove past the Fruit/butchers shop and THERE.THEY.WHERE! I’ve been keeping an eye out for these for the past week or 2, i knew it must be time soon, he gets them in every year, their locally grown and he always has such a great selection! (its not often you’ll here me say that about shops out here in the middle of nowhere! but seriously our fruit/butchers shop and our health food shop are two of the best stocked shops i’ve ever been in!)</p> <p>I drove by this morning, slowly to see if they were in and there they were (he always displays them in the window) so i swung the car round and just <strike>abandoned</strike> parked it and dived in! i picked up one of each kind they had! </p> <p>I LOVE SQUASH!!</p> <p>After a bit of research on line i *think* i figured out what these are <strong>(if you know differently please let me know)</strong> </p> <p>from left to right: Carnival Squash, Ambercup Squash, Petty Pan, Acorn Squash and finally Jarrahdale Squash.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THV9ZRkm8mI/AAAAAAAAB2g/vYEQ6rRhIto/s1600-h/11%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="11" border="0" alt="11" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THV9aPgOFBI/AAAAAAAAB2k/o55s0hS4QP4/11_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="366"></a> </p> <p>I also picked up a globe artichoke! i dropped that off at my mums and we’re having it there tomo night, theres no point in me keeping it at our house as its not really a one person meal type of thing i dont think and there no way in hell Buddy would even entertain trying this! do you have any ideas for Artichoke? </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THV9a9O_6UI/AAAAAAAAB2o/8m9trGscn94/s1600-h/12%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="12" border="0" alt="12" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THV9bv-Q9HI/AAAAAAAAB2s/hB79RubKGnU/12_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="499" height="380"></a> </p> <p>For dinner tonight, i roasted the Acorn Squash in halves with a little paprika, garlic, salt and pepper and cooking spray, some mixed roast veg, 2 little pieces of Buddy’s pork medallions, and some steamed garden green veg.</p> <p>The Acorn Squash was delicious, not like butternut squash at all, it had a more dry and powdery texture, a little less flavour, but still deliciously sweet and smooth, i’ll be eating alot of these over the winter.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THV9dWnhtvI/AAAAAAAAB2w/XnoqQ9brKOo/s1600-h/13%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="13" border="0" alt="13" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THV9els2cfI/AAAAAAAAB20/556D9hxFE9o/13_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="506" height="386"></a> </p> <p>I also made a Stew with the Carnival Squash for lunches, I’ll post the recipe tomorrow I promise, its worth the wait! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THV9fZ09UlI/AAAAAAAAB24/vftYwlaShpk/s1600-h/15%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="15" border="0" alt="15" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THV9gLbFl7I/AAAAAAAAB28/1xJd8fNRZLU/15_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="506" height="386"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Rightio I’m off to paint my nails, i got a new colour today (i’ll show you tomo once i’ve painted ) you know me, i like to get a new colour every month :-) </p> <p><strong><u>Questions: </u></strong></p> <p><strong>Can you tell me have I got the Squash names wrong? </strong></p> <p><strong>Do you have any good tips/recipes to share for Squash (of any kind) and Artichoke? </strong></p> <p><strong><u>Coming Up: </u></strong></p> <p><strong>Eating out and the Squash Stew Recipe.</strong></p> <p>Nyt all. Much love <3 <3 <3 xx</p> Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04754195313876194329noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854598783655712172.post-33020687443209072872010-08-23T21:04:00.003+01:002010-08-23T22:26:44.561+01:00The Clothes, The Flood and The Muffins<p></p><p>Ok so last night was The Food, and as promised tonight it The Clothes, but sit back and relax coz i have to tell you about The Flood and The Muffins too.</p><p>Enjoy……….</p><p>Lets start with food: last night after i left you, i still had a tonne of calories to use up after my day of mega exercise, so i whipped up some chocolate avocado dessert, with bluebs and strawbs, hmmmmmm! </p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLTw1jzKeI/AAAAAAAAByU/hyh6-oc4UuQ/s1600-h/1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="1" border="0" alt="1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLTxtNyUII/AAAAAAAAByY/3ddmlGURTUU/1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="506" height="386" /></a> </p><p>We’re back in business with the fruit, and compote again….LOVE, mango, peach and strawbs with apple and blueberry compote (baby food – now i dont eat just any baby food, i’m a bit particular about what i eat haha, i just use the fruity ones as a compote, as i cant get anything like that here, and these have excellent ingredients and taste amazing when ice cold)</p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLTyTEmpcI/AAAAAAAAByc/a3umB0i5kSQ/s1600-h/2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="2" border="0" alt="2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLTzmJu2FI/AAAAAAAAByg/JgOAPMaNaBs/2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="509" height="388" /></a> </p><p>Along with a pumpkin and chocolate chip muffin – so good! i love this combo for breakfast, such great satiety and feels naughty to eat muffins for breakfast! but its all good i promise! </p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLT0eI-nLI/AAAAAAAAByk/kleb7BVVA-k/s1600-h/3%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="3" border="0" alt="3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLT1BaPExI/AAAAAAAAByo/5FMEBWFTDH4/3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="506" height="386" /></a> </p><p>Some sweet little grapes mid morning</p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLT2BszE0I/AAAAAAAABys/ab_QWcrJbOw/s1600-h/4%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="4" border="0" alt="4" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLT2vOgaRI/AAAAAAAAByw/9O3iPoXVZ8M/4_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="508" height="387" /></a> </p><p>And the innocent mushroom risotto veg pot with 2 mini pittas for lunch, i liked this, i reckon i can recreate a version at home.……watch this space! </p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLT3TMN3tI/AAAAAAAABy0/9Bpm7KnYXSg/s1600-h/5%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="5" border="0" alt="5" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLT3-rGkbI/AAAAAAAABy4/3ZbuMaDF1WY/5_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="266" height="207" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLT4yXJsYI/AAAAAAAABy8/qGLnxfCoblo/s1600-h/6%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="6" border="0" alt="6" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLT5e_G0SI/AAAAAAAABzA/TCq3h7ssZnI/6_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="269" height="207" /></a></p><p>Dinner was left over chicken and veg from last night, garden peas and a few crispy potatoes from the top of Buddy’s hot pot.</p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLT6UOq31I/AAAAAAAABzE/HsWU6-iP_0c/s1600-h/7%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="7" border="0" alt="7" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLT663zs8I/AAAAAAAABzI/X6jfsjyYin0/7_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="506" height="386" /></a></p><p>After lunch today i shot off from work, as you might know from previous pictures of my parents epic garden, a fairly big river runs along the bottom of it, we had rainforest rain today the banks of the river burst into their garden, totally flooding the garden up to knee high, and it came up their front door into their hall a little, the power blew and my mum was in a bit of a panic, my dad who runs his own maintenance business and is the leading retained firefighter here was busy with both hats on pumping out flooded local shops next to the harbour, so i shot off from work to help my mum on a salvage mission of the house in case the water came in any further and to don my wellies and attempt a salvage mission around the outside of the house and garden. Their road was completely flooded, you couldn't walk through in wellies they just filled up! my dad had to drive me through in his pick up! we started a mission on the house to start but then the water started receding so we moved to the garden and the grounds surrounding the house, we thought the veg and the green house and tunnel would be ruined but alot of it was salvageable! they were soooo lucky! you’ve seen the monser veg patches they have and the monster veg they produce, i’d have cried and cried if they’d been ruined! as the water receded a bit more we could really get in about it and start clean up, check the pics out! </p><p>The water is running right over the bridge here, its usually about 3 feet below the bridge, earlier today the water was right up over the seat! </p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLT8f9hq3I/AAAAAAAABzM/Tf4V3zmjR50/s1600-h/9%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="9" border="0" alt="9" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLT88XxV2I/AAAAAAAABzQ/yfofA15Mhzs/9_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLT-Mo43-I/AAAAAAAABzU/58d3a8Lm6Sk/s1600-h/10%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="10" border="0" alt="10" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLT-v61DBI/AAAAAAAABzY/KbV4D--XcHg/10_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p><p>Around the picnic bench is usually bark chips, earlier it was up over the seats.</p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLT_dJ5XHI/AAAAAAAABzc/xRK7HzlH5nA/s1600-h/11%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="11" border="0" alt="11" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLT_2D5DoI/AAAAAAAABzg/INpIlLjyNRU/11_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLUA8L9l2I/AAAAAAAABzk/SEkF0y1fC4o/s1600-h/13%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="13" border="0" alt="13" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLUBfZAqfI/AAAAAAAABzo/ZvmOkVLxoYA/13_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p><p>either side of this decking bridge is usually lush grass! so upsetting! and they have a huge fish pool, the river totally flushed it through and they lost all 10 mega sized goldfish!! </p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLUCdRsV1I/AAAAAAAABzs/PRoIdb2-PRg/s1600-h/14%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="14" border="0" alt="14" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLUDfP6hCI/AAAAAAAABzw/Q6K_Ds7uJFc/14_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="381" /></a></p><p>After this we dried off and warmed up and i just chilled with my mum for a bit, then i hit the spare room for some Pure Cardio Insanity! </p><p>Ok here’s the recipe for Pumpkin and Choc Chip muffins, i got the recipe from the lovely <a href="http://iheartlaceandpearls.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Pearls and Such</a>, this is a really pretty blog, check it out if you have time for some more daytime reading, she’s a construction manager and her blog is her outlet for her girly side! she just got married recently and has some awesome wedding posts in her archive.</p><p><strong>Pumpkin and Choc Chip Muffins: Makes 24 large and 12 mini</strong></p><p>1 15oz tin of pumpkin (i used Libby’s)</p><p>280g brown sugar</p><p>225g unsalted butter (melted)</p><p>120ml cider</p><p>2t baking soda</p><p>2t baking powder</p><p>1/2t salt</p><p>4.5t cinnamon</p><p>4.5t ginger</p><p>1t nutmeg</p><p>150g dark chocolate</p><p>Preheat oven to 175degrees.</p><p>Put the pumpkin, brown sugar and melted butter in a mixing bowl and mix really well.</p><p>Add the eggs and mix again, add the cider and mix again.</p><p>Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder and spices and salt, mix on slow until well combined.</p><p>Add the choc chips and mix again on slow.</p><p>Fill the muffins cases 2/3 of the way full, and top with a couple of extra choc chips, this mix made 24 regular size muffins and 12 mini muffins, beware it is a big recipe! but i just threw most of em in the freezer, i’ll be eating these forever but thats OK by me! </p><p>Bake for 25 minutes, or until tops spring back when pressed.</p><p>Remove from the tins and leave to cool!</p><p>These are heavenly! everything a muffin should be, their light and fluffy but claggy and stick to the roof of your mouth all at the same time, the flavour is so rich and creamy and……….hmmmm perfect! soo good straight out the oven! </p><p>I plan on trying to make these a bit healthier, I'll sub some butter for some apple sauce, and try reducing the sugar a bit too, although that wont be for a while i’ll be eating this batch for weeks! i’ll be sure to report back when i make amendments! i like to bake something according to the recipe first time round so i have something to compare the trials to when i try to make it healthier, the only changes i made this time to the original recipe was i used dark instead of milk choc and i omitted the cloves from the recipe, it was meant to have 1/2t added at the same time as the rest of the spices.</p><p>Here’s just some of them.</p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLUEUKxlyI/AAAAAAAABz0/tqrV0ZtW36g/s1600-h/8%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="8" border="0" alt="8" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLUFvSUYFI/AAAAAAAABz4/2BpgIa_uun4/8_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="505" height="385" /></a> </p><p>OK dokes, I wont keep you much longer, let me just share the clothes haul for the honeymoon then we’ll call it a night.</p><p>An over sized beanie – Primark (ummmm justification – i can wear it when i get off the plane on the way home – i’ll be cold right? Its November, and i’ll have just spent 2 weeks in Mexico?!)</p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLUGHe8hDI/AAAAAAAABz8/nKimvy4Ku9w/s1600-h/15%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="15" border="0" alt="15" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLUG_wMNVI/AAAAAAAAB0A/708bwh7PLT4/15_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="319" height="418" /></a> </p><p>A little khaki vest - Primark</p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLUHpggalI/AAAAAAAAB0E/z8OpkcBlTg0/s1600-h/16%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="16" border="0" alt="16" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLUH5vH2DI/AAAAAAAAB0I/isLYrg3VwC8/16_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="319" height="419" /></a> </p><p>2 pairs of yoga pants – Primark</p><p>I’m not sure about these, i wanted them for soooo long for the flight to Mexico, but now I have them i’m not sure if i dont just look like I’m wearing a nappy! hmmmm jury’s still out on these! <strong>what are your thoughts???</strong></p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLUJCjEsXI/AAAAAAAAB0M/qY-CBn_E30Y/s1600-h/17%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="17" border="0" alt="17" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLUJ7TDt0I/AAAAAAAAB0U/lW0OkmGPrSk/17_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="515" height="392" /></a> </p><p>Another pair of flippy floppys to add to my already mega collection! - Primark</p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLUKVwDbuI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/88wLwkPGmEU/s1600-h/18%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="18" border="0" alt="18" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLULCn2yRI/AAAAAAAAB0c/7vSDVaK8RQE/18_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="343" height="450" /></a> </p><p>A shades of khaki leopard print bikini – Marks and Spencers</p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLULg6aktI/AAAAAAAAB0g/HBqpt4XdgX0/s1600-h/19%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="19" border="0" alt="19" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLUMbxI2hI/AAAAAAAAB0k/LjDObrHCOAg/19_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="348" height="456" /></a> </p><p>A hot pink bikini – Marks and Spencers</p><p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLUM0QCaYI/AAAAAAAAB0o/UlWVmES9rFg/s1600-h/20%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="20" border="0" alt="20" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLUNqyJkzI/AAAAAAAAB0s/HmEJg5sLj9o/20_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="356" height="467" /></a></p><p>A really cute sun dress/beach cover up – LOVE think i’ll be living in this! - Primark</p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLUO3wxeaI/AAAAAAAAB0w/P3yXG6lIypE/s1600-h/21%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="21" border="0" alt="21" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLUPULLKsI/AAAAAAAAB00/yhV8fCSaKWE/21_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="356" height="467" /></a> </p><p>Eeeeee I’m soooooo excited about this purchase guys! this is what i’m going to wear to breakfast in the hotel on the morning after the wedding, with a nice pair of 3/4 denims and the gold flip flops! </p><p>I wont show Buddy till the morning after the wedding when i put it on, i love it! all our friends and family, all the wedding guests will be there at breakfast as their all staying in the hotel – so i needed something fab to wear, i had thought about a dress – But then i saw this and thought it was perfect! </p><p>It says “ It Started with a Kiss” !!!!!!!! LOVE - Primark</p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLUQp2uyrI/AAAAAAAAB04/ycgEZBOt29I/s1600-h/22%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="22" border="0" alt="22" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLURmK_anI/AAAAAAAAB08/B53zkNSkIAQ/22_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="362" height="475" /></a> </p><p>Ok I saved the best till last……….CHECK.THIS.OUT!! </p><p>did i do well or did i do well?? </p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLUSSSaTHI/AAAAAAAAB1A/lHEnOuDvC5I/s1600-h/23%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="23" border="0" alt="23" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLUS1GE2KI/AAAAAAAAB1E/sYfRwqJzzaQ/23_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="371" height="487" /></a> </p><p>In fact I think i outdid myself on this one! ADORE!! its from monsoon – I saw it and HAD.TO.HAVE.IT! its for the Saturday night of my Hen weekend! Perfect I think, we’re going to a Brazilian Restaurant and then to a really posh cocktail bar.</p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLUTmj8ZrI/AAAAAAAAB1I/Ts2YMTePEao/s1600-h/24%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="24" border="0" alt="24" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLUUauijtI/AAAAAAAAB1M/Pwzp2rX8zdA/24_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="288" /></a> </p><p>Most Beautiful dress I ever owned (apart from the wedding dress obv!)</p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLUU2vYWwI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/A2cdbiKZYKo/s1600-h/25%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="25" border="0" alt="25" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLUVsQc24I/AAAAAAAAB1U/6agYjI3oNQ0/25_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" height="503" /></a> </p><p>And PERFECT shoes that will go with both the Friday and the Saturday Dresses!! – Nine West</p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLUWGhoqFI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/sdPXzU-TYh8/s1600-h/26%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="26" border="0" alt="26" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THLUWzjjDOI/AAAAAAAAB1c/kd_2qYDCwuU/26_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="494" /></a> </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>I’m a bit pale and yeugh, I’m going for a leg wax on Wednesday so havent had any tan on for a week, so after the wax and tan i’ll slip this little baby on and show you pics of it on.</p><p>Normally I wouldn’t mind just showing you it on pale or not (because I like you guys to know the real me and the real me isn’t always preened and tanned) but this dress deserves preening and tanning! </p><p>So thats all folks, thanks for tuning in! I hope you stuck with me! much love to you all! </p><p><strong>xx</strong></p>Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04754195313876194329noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854598783655712172.post-1314087989279489682010-08-22T21:01:00.001+01:002010-08-22T21:01:31.946+01:00The Food<p> </p> <p>Hey hey bloggies, I’m going to keep it simple tonight, and show you lots of piccies, Buddy is champing at the bit to curl up with me and watch “The Wire” and who am I to resist.</p> <p>So lets run through my days food and my food haul from yesterday. Let me just tell you today has been an awesome day for exercise i hiked this morning and did insanity this afternoon, and burned between both over 800 cals!! wooppdiddywoo! i’m a machine grrrrrrrr!! heh heh!! </p> <p>SO Bfast, was a crumpet with a little home made cherries and berries jam </p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGBbkh1cnI/AAAAAAAABvA/uavDrvo8BOI/s1600-h/1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="1" border="0" alt="1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGBcyakcmI/AAAAAAAABvE/CUT7nnwBa-I/1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="489" height="373"></a> </p> <p>And a fruit plate with some apple and blueberry compote (aka baby food) for dipping, ice cold and refreshing, yay – fruit plates are back in business!! on the plate, mango, grapes and a peach</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGBePSOEbI/AAAAAAAABvI/JW5kKcKsUwU/s1600-h/2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2" border="0" alt="2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGBejx5XCI/AAAAAAAABvM/sSREgKsBepA/2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="496" height="378"></a> </p> <p>Let me show you some of the more interesting highlights from yesterday’s haul, there was a tonne more stuff, but hey you guys dont wanna see tinnes tomatoes and tuna and bleach and loo rolls do you! most of this stuff is either new to me or stuff i cant get round here, the Sains I went to was a particularly brilliant store! </p> <p>I got a fresh basil and a curled parsley (i killed the last plants) to go in my beautiful window box made for my by my dad LOVE.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGBfpouxuI/AAAAAAAABvQ/EmAZMXCgqnk/s1600-h/3%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="3" border="0" alt="3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGBgTRZMgI/AAAAAAAABvU/GP4SM1dZ39A/3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="493" height="376"></a> </p> <p>Some Food Doctor Multi Seed and Cereal pitta, (never tried these before) some mini pittas, and some Planet Lunch garlic bites</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGBhVMTGfI/AAAAAAAABvc/C-mpGQ-3rvQ/s1600-h/4%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="4" border="0" alt="4" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGBiGjV7bI/AAAAAAAABvg/dp5ZGy7s0Ss/4_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="490" height="373"></a> </p> <p>Some Wholewheat Noodles, not tried these either, I’m excited to try these out.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGBitkah8I/AAAAAAAABvk/WePwGAyNkks/s1600-h/5%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="5" border="0" alt="5" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGBjGjEwmI/AAAAAAAABvo/rFYlLLDuDOs/5_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="339" height="445"></a> </p> <p>and some Wholewheat Soba Buckwheat noodles and Udon Wholewheat brown rice noodles, WOW so excited to try these out! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGBj42wAsI/AAAAAAAABvs/jZduB-fGhBI/s1600-h/6%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="6" border="0" alt="6" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGBkQEvUhI/AAAAAAAABvw/TEtI1vb-Aos/6_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="346" height="450"></a> </p> <p>Dried fruits, of the unusual and interesting variety</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGBlaohI1I/AAAAAAAABv0/TRi97IuESdo/s1600-h/7%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="7" border="0" alt="7" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGBmNyiRZI/AAAAAAAABv4/8YT6iK7uBM4/7_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="517" height="394"></a> </p> <p>A mega Butternut Squash</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGBm2opkbI/AAAAAAAABv8/GL-mAXSpgrc/s1600-h/8%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="8" border="0" alt="8" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGBnkRx1sI/AAAAAAAABwA/hZlnWHQoUrI/8_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="367" height="482"></a> </p> <p>3 packs of Cookeen – its vegetable fat and i hear it mega for baking with! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGBofNOImI/AAAAAAAABwE/PWbqyNTAi14/s1600-h/9%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="9" border="0" alt="9" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGBpISKewI/AAAAAAAABwI/mufXeHH_gUs/9_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="528" height="402"></a> </p> <p>Buddy got some poptarts, neither of us knew these were still made! ewwww i say, hmmm he says! he burnt himself on one today, the jam and hot sugar spilled out all down his had, my dad (a trained medic from his bomb disposal days) had to come take a look at it, we thought we were going to have to take him to A&E, he spent about 40 minutes with it under cold water followed by frozen peas, Honestly i couldn’t believe how bad and how big the burns are from Pop Tarts people!! Pop Tarts!! their pure white and cover the side and heel of his hand!! Poor buddy/Silly boy!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGBpxBACxI/AAAAAAAABwM/xcvSDNvwKm8/s1600-h/10%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="10" border="0" alt="10" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGBqj7JRNI/AAAAAAAABwQ/-aZXst7YihU/10_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="472"></a> </p> <p>Some OJ</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGBrCwEV2I/AAAAAAAABwU/E_Jw1wyIZ-A/s1600-h/11%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="11" border="0" alt="11" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGBr_LPYRI/AAAAAAAABwY/3socGBePMlg/11_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="478"></a> </p> <p>Some scoth bonnet chillies, i’ve never heard of these before, it says they are very hot with sweet fruitiness! these bad boys are going in stir frys For sure! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGBtDfBHlI/AAAAAAAABwc/_tYpw5XvKJA/s1600-h/12%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="12" border="0" alt="12" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGBtwb2T6I/AAAAAAAABwg/do79ZjEf6Ys/12_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="506" height="386"></a> </p> <p>The stir fry in question…..Edamame Bean – man i LOVE edamame but you cant find em fresh/frozen/in stir fry’s/anything for love nor money round here! i got 2 – but now i’m just noticing the label says “any 3 for £2.50” oopsy should have got 3!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGBvSJtPxI/AAAAAAAABwk/9JLfMIxwAmc/s1600-h/13%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="13" border="0" alt="13" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGBwPPt-iI/AAAAAAAABwo/W2ddUk-ybrk/13_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="389"></a> </p> <p>Some Gnocchi, never tried this before and quite fancied giving it a test out, I’m intrigued.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGBxOo9xAI/AAAAAAAABws/AJXSEQCqv24/s1600-h/14%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="14" border="0" alt="14" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGBxyqm5AI/AAAAAAAABww/QteQU0b-DQg/14_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="386" height="507"></a> </p> <p>A couple of innocent smoothies.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGBy-0cadI/AAAAAAAABw0/NPT7kfuOPPY/s1600-h/15%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="15" border="0" alt="15" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGBz1Cp1OI/AAAAAAAABw4/wQP9f-Ir7Bw/15_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="513" height="391"></a> </p> <p>Some very very interesting looking houmous, look at the toasted pine nuts on top and the chickpeas underneath! hmmmm drools! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGB0vs0ccI/AAAAAAAABw8/S-lwvkfIh3I/s1600-h/16%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="16" border="0" alt="16" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGB1YGi1oI/AAAAAAAABxA/l7QGvqpxdRg/16_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="515" height="392"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGB2VKd32I/AAAAAAAABxE/xYySSpQ3WOk/s1600-h/17%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="17" border="0" alt="17" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGB3Os0SzI/AAAAAAAABxI/cvbTDE2vOQQ/17_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="519" height="395"></a> </p> <p>Tomorrows lunch, and innocent woodland mushroom risotto, looks good! </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGB3wFBZpI/AAAAAAAABxM/-4vDwjqOAPI/s1600-h/18%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="18" border="0" alt="18" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGB4l3b83I/AAAAAAAABxQ/zTqz2Liyqws/18_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="521" height="397"></a> </p> <p>3 kinds of baby food! Hello My name is Rowena and i like fruit baby food! (its pure health though eh! and tastes fab with fruit for breakfast! dont knock it till you’ve tried it!!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGB5pHMG2I/AAAAAAAABxU/MPB5z1N-hak/s1600-h/19%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="19" border="0" alt="19" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGB6bEqAUI/AAAAAAAABxY/YTa6ujFCJVM/19_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="523" height="398"></a> </p> <p>Some Wagamama stirfry sauce, some African hot sauce and some honey and cashew sauce! stirfry love! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGB7efg58I/AAAAAAAABxc/PK4mynHJ0tU/s1600-h/20%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="20" border="0" alt="20" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGB8ML7zbI/AAAAAAAABxg/hqlh80wkH5w/20_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="531" height="405"></a> </p> <p>Baking goodies!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGB9RI5uoI/AAAAAAAABxk/m4gfYV8rqZc/s1600-h/21%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="21" border="0" alt="21" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGB9-cd9pI/AAAAAAAABxo/BouhTzgdo3M/21_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="359" height="471"></a> </p> <p>Lots of lovely fresh fruit</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGB-_asOGI/AAAAAAAABxs/mCs0Otzt8xs/s1600-h/22%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="22" border="0" alt="22" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGB_ouAWhI/AAAAAAAABxw/7Lt3vb67ki8/22_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="505" height="385"></a> </p> <p>And a tonne of pea pods – lovingly shelled this morning! Its so much easier to do it this way, and bag em up and throw em in the fridge then their always there to grab handfuls of, and stay fresh a whole lot longer. thats all like i said theres a tonne more stuff but this is the highlights of the interesting stuff! yum yummmmm!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGCAqk8aII/AAAAAAAABx0/2C1-Q4Cuz-Q/s1600-h/23%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="23" border="0" alt="23" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGCBT0VDRI/AAAAAAAABx4/faBy2EJp7W0/23_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="517" height="394"></a> </p> <p>Lunch was 2 smal pittas and some of THAT houmous! OH MY GOSH! my life will never be the same again, i’m not exaggerating! i’m taking the empty tub to my health food shop and <strike>asking</strike> begging her to stock it!! this isnt houmous, this is perfection, so creamy and full of flavour, NOTHING like the normal pots of any flavour that you buy regularly!! i need this in my life!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGCCD8GSFI/AAAAAAAABx8/3kHPOF_4z8w/s1600-h/24%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="24" border="0" alt="24" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGCDUhs41I/AAAAAAAAByA/x3ewdRYA6Pc/24_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="506" height="386"></a> </p> <p>Followed by a home made pumpkin and chocolate chip muffin, i got the recipe from the lovely <a href="http://iheartlaceandpearls.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Pearls and Such</a>, i’ll post it here for you soon! these are perfection, everything a muffin should be! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGCEPfdXLI/AAAAAAAAByE/BSEnwR26gUA/s1600-h/25%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="25" border="0" alt="25" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGCEwHFFpI/AAAAAAAAByI/fgKkt0ZpZFg/25_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="505" height="385"></a> </p> <p>And finally after insanity and a protein shake, dinner was a little bit of chicken and a tonne of veggies, roast brocc, green garden veg, roast sweet potatoes, parsnips and Bnut squash, hmmmmmmmmm!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGCF_o_O-I/AAAAAAAAByM/zOTAFkTP6Mk/s1600-h/26%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="26" border="0" alt="26" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THGCGhLcuhI/AAAAAAAAByQ/J6xvjwd9J8I/26_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="502" height="382"></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Right then must dash, buddy’s giving me googly eyes! </p> <p>Coming up: the Clothes haul and the recipe for Pumpkin and choc chip muffins! </p> <p>nyt all!! <3 <3 <3 x</p> Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04754195313876194329noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854598783655712172.post-76621945437268983512010-08-21T22:52:00.001+01:002010-08-21T22:52:59.229+01:00I’m a LUCKY girl!<p> </p> <p>Hey Hey blogger babes, I’m back from the big smoke! what a fab day I had, i’m nackered my back is killing (for those of you who dont know we were in a car accident last March, i was banged up pretty bad, I had lots of time off work and lots of physio and am more of less great now, but days like today i have the back of a 90 year old, it hurts lots and i CANT find a comfortable blogging position!!) I feel manky, the city does that me, I’m sure I actually feel my skin breaking out right now!! </p> <p>BUT….</p> <p>What an Awesome day! we left at 8am and got home at 9pm, a full day of was had! </p> <p>We set of this morning and i took breakfast on the road, let me introduce to one of my not so finer habits “wangy toast” its totally amazing, if you like that kinda thing, you make toast, slap PB on it while its warm, cut it, fold it over and put it in a sandwich bag quick while its warm! The trick is to leave it there till its cold then devour with much gusto! its kinda chewy and sweet and perfect, hey dont knock it till you’ve tried it! and its a perfect pack up breakfast too!! hehe!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THBKb-iOKVI/AAAAAAAABto/PfBQq9kC1dU/s1600-h/1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="1" border="0" alt="1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THBKcuuTpgI/AAAAAAAABts/j2qtdufHF7A/1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="515" height="392"></a> </p> <p>Then i had a perfectly hard tasty peach (i prefer peaches hard) stolen from my mums fridge when we went to drop Red off.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THBKd6P1liI/AAAAAAAABtw/0uA4lf8IFpE/s1600-h/2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2" border="0" alt="2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THBKesFpN2I/AAAAAAAABt0/1N-XTporFO8/2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="514" height="392"></a> </p> <p>Ok lets take a minute, when we arrived we went straight to Ernest Jones to pick out the rings, we did Bens first we got him a monster gold band, he has big hands so totally needed the big one – no pics i’m afraid (i’m a selfish photographer it would appear!) then concentrated on me! orginally way back when we start out on the wedding planning we were getting gold bands each, but i tried a few on months and months ago and realised I really wanted diamonds! no surprise there eh! but its Buddy’s fault, he bought me such a spectacular engagement ring (chosen and sized by surprise so all on his own i might add) that it just NEEDED something spectacular to go with it, I broke my own heart and decided on a ring almost 3 times out budget, months and months ago and have had many a dream about it, so finally today on the way to the shop Buddy told me he would buy me whatever ring i wanted! I LOVE THIS GUY!! </p> <p>I tried loads on! and guess what…..it turns out I didnt like the one i broke my heart over all those months ago, it wasnt as special as i remembered! and i fell right in love with this one! and bonus it was only about…….2.75 times the original budget!! heh heh bargain!! or so i managed to convince Buddy anyway! </p> <p>As soon as i tried it on Buddy said you have to have that one, its like it was made for you and matches your engagement ring perfectly, i felt the same and every other one i tried on he said no i liked the first one! So thats the one we got!! LOVE LOVE LOVE! they have to have it made for me though coz they didnt have my size. They also took my engagement ring away (insert sad face here!) to resize it, as its way too big now, i wear an old wedding ring of Buddy’s mums to hold it on, it fitted when we got engaged! and is now 2 Sizes too big!! how cool is that! </p> <p>I know you lovely gals out there have your own lovely hubbies/boyfriends and those of you who are married have your own lovely engagement and wedding rings and its all nothing out of the ordinary really, but i feel like the luckiest girl in the world right now! so lucky to have Buddy, so lucky to be having a lovely wedding and being able to have everything i want for our day and for our honeymoon, so lucky to be so spoilt with these beautiful diamonds and so lucky that we have good jobs that can support such a lovely life! I’m so grateful for everything in our lives! </p> <p>Before the lovely lady took my rings away i asked if i could take some snaps! so may i present to you………………….MY DIAMONDS!!!! swoon!!! would it be inappropriate of me to jump up and down and stamp my feet because i want them NOW!!! heh heh! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THBKfWgRwvI/AAAAAAAABt4/yZzaC0cqeS0/s1600-h/3%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="3" border="0" alt="3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THBKgFFrN2I/AAAAAAAABt8/8z_4rVhsQ9A/3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="506" height="386"></a> </p> <p>After ring shopping we met my parents at the suit shop and got Buddy and my Dad measured for their suits! its soooo real now! </p> <p>Right ok ok lets get back to reality! lunch was a fail!!! we went with my parents and i ordered the warm sweet potato and butternut squash salad with Moroccan dressing on the side, only to be told 5 mins later that they didnt have any left! bummer! i was looking forward to that! so instead i had a yoghurt and some cereal and a fruit tub, there was really nothing else appropriate for moi! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THBKg1GfUgI/AAAAAAAABuA/nO9JkGJ_qoc/s1600-h/4%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="4" border="0" alt="4" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THBKhtnBQtI/AAAAAAAABuE/3IbQOiD0qTU/4_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="490" height="373"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THBKieWXFkI/AAAAAAAABuI/3Q0_1A-08Aw/s1600-h/5%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="5" border="0" alt="5" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THBKjAfFzII/AAAAAAAABuM/CWjmWbNfOHU/5_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="369" height="484"></a> </p> <p>After lunch we parted ways and Buddy and I did a tonne of shopping, I got lots of honeymoon bits n bobs, Note: I’m outraged at the price of bikinis! a decent one with support for my chesties is stupidly expensive! £15 per separate, equalling £60 for 2 bikini’s!!!!! daylight robbery people!! the cheaper ones in primark etc just didnt do the job of keeping my under wraps up top, so to M&S it was so they could ROB ME! i got lots of other honeymoon bits, a couple of random things thrown in while no one was watching, AND…………….THE DRESS! i found it! i found the dress for the hen! it was twice the budget i had (getting good at blowing the budget aren’t i!! – think after the wedding i need to take leaf out of <a href="http://keepingslimandgettingstylish.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Laura</a>’s book and have a Big Budget Challenge! but for now as my BFF keeps telling me, this isnt a rehearsal, you arent going to do this again, you wont get another Hen night or another “Friday night celebration before the wedding” or another BIG DAY or another Honeymoon, the time for watching what you spend has passed in your wedding saving time and will come again after wedding so enjoy this time, and relax! I’m taking her advise and I’m working it people!! heh heh! </p> <p>The dress I showed you the other day, I’m going to wear that on the Friday night of my Hen and I’m going to wear the dress i bought today on the Saturday night (the big night) its to die for! will show pics tomo – i promise! its worth the wait! I’ll also share pics of the other bits i bought, Hmoon haul etc.</p> <p>After shopping i was nearly keeling over i was so hungry but we were fast running out of time and energy so i grabbed a baguette and ran, seeded wholemeal with tuna mayo and sweet corn, i had half and because i found my mother in Sainsbury’s car park in much the same hungry state i was in i donated the other half to her.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THBKj2mbgJI/AAAAAAAABuQ/6TSah5kvE3g/s1600-h/7%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="7" border="0" alt="7" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THBKkhsiwMI/AAAAAAAABuU/j2aPlnN_Kao/7_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="506" height="386"></a></p> <p>A packet of “real” crisps</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THBKls6MLaI/AAAAAAAABuY/CDj4e3TjwyM/s1600-h/6%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="6" border="0" alt="6" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THBKmh_ze2I/AAAAAAAABuc/qx-GFRLd0b0/6_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="509" height="388"></a> </p> <p>And a diet coke, it sure is hard to find totally healthy food on the go when your in a rush, i dont think i did too bad though.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THBKnWtXC0I/AAAAAAAABug/EjjW3P5XTb4/s1600-h/8%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="8" border="0" alt="8" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THBKoXdkjJI/AAAAAAAABuk/qS2_aM20rf0/8_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="381"></a> </p> <p>Then we attacked Sainsbury’s, twas wonderful! its a huuuuge superstore theres not a whole lot they dont have, i got some wonderful things, pics to follow tomorrow (it will be an epic post i promise!)</p> <p>Here’s a couple to tide you over, because <em><u>Obviously</u></em> you are all in suspense to see what i bought heh heh! </p> <p>Some lovely bakeware, cute muffic cases, silicone muffin cases and mini silicone muffin cases (perfect for fudge babies), loose bottomed tart tins, and a loose bottomed large tart tin, i think Sainsbury’s is really reasonable for this type of stuff! its all to go with our lovely first wedding present <a href="http://broadbeantorunnerbean.blogspot.com/2010/08/presenting.html" target="_blank">The Kitchenaid</a>!! we figured (well ok ok I figured) she needed some cute little accessories! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THBKpJdQIOI/AAAAAAAABuo/pU7zhohpx6Y/s1600-h/9%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="9" border="0" alt="9" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THBKp_XKOUI/AAAAAAAABus/mm1yiHwWjC8/9_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="485" height="370"></a> </p> <p>My mum and dad bravely attacked Ikea – kudos to them for doing that on a Saturday afternoon!!</p> <p>My mum picked me up a lovely salad bowl and salad servers</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THBKrLW2qoI/AAAAAAAABuw/gZ06iYO90mQ/s1600-h/10%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="10" border="0" alt="10" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THBKs62ZB0I/AAAAAAAABu0/yYyEGnWw6Ww/10_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="493" height="378"></a> </p> <p>And some Rye Crackers and some seeded rye crackers! she knows me too well!! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THBKtkZBXbI/AAAAAAAABu4/da78-jMU3hA/s1600-h/11%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="11" border="0" alt="11" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/THBKuc6LyXI/AAAAAAAABu8/ctB-mt0m6nU/11_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="496" height="378"></a> </p> <p>Ok dokes I’m off to tend to my poor back and get it better for insanity tomorrow along with a good nights sleep. I’ll be back tomorrow with that epic post with pics of THE DRESS, the honeymoon haul and the Sainsbury's goodies.</p> <p>Night night peeps. xx</p> Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04754195313876194329noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854598783655712172.post-63081791049035350952010-08-20T21:38:00.002+01:002010-08-20T21:41:41.978+01:00Sometimes its natural and sometimes its forced<p> </p><p>Hey there my lovely little readers, who’s numbers i see have grown! so i’ll start by saying a very BIG <span style="font-size:130%;">WELCOME ALONG</span> I’m delighted to have you here, feel free to take a look around, I hope you like what you see and hang out here in the future. And while we’re on the subject of thanks, i just want to thank my readers who came with me from Neenie’s Getting There, I did wonder if i’d loose a lot of you along the transition but no you stuck with me, i appreciate you all and all your comments, it still amazes me that you guys are interested in what i have to say! </p><p>Right then nuff mush.</p><p>It seems from your comments on yesterdays post that each and every one of you uses lists ALOT! i wonder if its linked to blogging which i suppose is a glorified form of brain dumping also, so i guess in a round about way it makes sense that we're a list writing bunch o' gals! </p><p>So after being on this journey for a fair amount of time now, the choices i make, healthy eating and fitness come naturally a lot of the time, i dont have to think it through or fight with myself i just *want* that healthy choice or i *want* to work out. But i wont lie to you some days, (less now than ever before but still it can happen) its tough, and these are the days that count, these are the days that if you push through and, in the words of Shaun.T “Dig Deep”, these are the days that bring about the most satisfaction, the most hero like feelings, the days that make you feel like your achieving something, and you’ve come a long way.</p><p>Today was one of those days, i think that might mostly due to “Pure Cardio” Insanity last night, the most intense session so far, no water breaks, just full on hardcore cardio from start to finish. By 9.45 last night i was laid with head on Buddy’s knee with my eyes rolling in my head I was so tired i felt sick, i dragged myself off the couch and just about crawled into bed, where i fell asleep instantly and awoke this morning in exact same position! </p><p>My mood has been wonderful today, i guess a mixture of healthy eating, LOTS of exercise, great sleeps, feelings of achievement of late (i’ve been getting alot of things done most days) and the thought of going to Glasgow tomorrow to do the suits, buy the rings (which i’m pretty darn excited about), and buy some lovely honeymoon clothes and hen night outfits! bliss!! I’ve been cheery and giggly all day!</p><p>However despite my mood being wonderful everything else has been forced! </p><p>I had to force myself out of bed this morning, my poor tired body wanted another hour. I had to force myself to do some work today, i was seriously lacking in motivation, and I bailed out early, I had to force myself to do Insanity, and I had to force myself to push through to the end, i felt sick for the last half i was so exhausted, i had to force myself to eat dinner, my appetite was gone, i had to force myself to drink my protein i wanted to use the cals on dark chocolate instead, I had to force myself to tidy up, hoover and do the dishes, then i had to force myself to go for a shower and force myself to dry and straighten my hair (cant go to Glasgow with frizzy slept in hair now can I). Despite it all being forced, i managed to do it all, it was a struggle but i did it, and now i have a great sense of achievement and peace! i failed on the calories today i ate approx 200cals over allowance but i’m not going to beat myself up about it, i achieved a whole lot more today, and i have the rest of the week to under eat those 200 cals! no worries!! </p><p>Anyways lets talk food peeps: this morning was miserable</p><p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG7nsVz_-kI/AAAAAAAABsw/gDXTmP3yFsg/s1600-h/1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="1" border="0" alt="1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG7ns_wN0fI/AAAAAAAABs0/DZeXnS7uQWs/1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="538" height="410" /></a></p><p>So breakfast was a welcome warming bowl of porridge! at weekends I do porridge on the hob and its lovely, so creamy and yummy but through the week i do in the microwave at work and its just not as good, today however i did it in the microwave and it was uber creamy, annoying as i don't know why!! </p><p>In the mix:</p><p>porridge oats, skimmed milk, water, agave, apricot, blackcurrants, sunflower seeds, raisins, and about 17g of my mums home made paradise slice, hmmmm the paradise slice on it just made this heavenly! </p><p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG7ntxDalkI/AAAAAAAABs4/5Eu8aWOIcOQ/s1600-h/2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="2" border="0" alt="2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG7nulpJkFI/AAAAAAAABs8/S2JYsk0t2PM/2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="527" height="401" /></a> </p><p>I didnt have an AM snack i was full from breakfast all morning.</p><p>Lunch was home made tuna pate, a wholemeal wrap and a garden salad with apricot in it.</p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG7nvbyZesI/AAAAAAAABtA/iEnM2K6bcB4/s1600-h/3%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="3" border="0" alt="3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG7nwEYncpI/AAAAAAAABtE/cn4FOlWXjZU/3_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="531" height="405" /></a> </p><p>After lunch i had a bottle of vitamin water as a little Friday treat and packet of Bear nibbles, these ones are my favourite.</p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG7nwg-FxcI/AAAAAAAABtI/_NM1Iw6DqUo/s1600-h/4%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="4" border="0" alt="4" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG7nxHWaXTI/AAAAAAAABtM/aet8chQwFz8/4_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="373" height="490" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG7nxolK-UI/AAAAAAAABtQ/VZMeqLjRp64/s1600-h/5%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="5" border="0" alt="5" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG7nyC6kXGI/AAAAAAAABtU/nbsOAJE5GQA/5_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="492" /></a> </p><p>Dinner rocked! i had tuna and a peach and little bit of raw garden veg and 50g of real deep fried home made chips and half a 100% cod fish finger! hows that for a balanced diet eh! this wasnt what took me over cal budget though, this was ok for cals, as the portion of chips was small! I actually remember the last time I had chips was in April! crazy! I’m not a chips fan, its not something i’d choose to eat given the choice aside from cals.nutrition, but this was a welcome treat today! i really really enjoyed them! and it felt good to have them as a treat but within cals! sort of naughty and self righteous all in one go! </p><p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG7nzqT9O1I/AAAAAAAABtY/7QAi8uMojaw/s1600-h/6%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="6" border="0" alt="6" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG7n0EX9ENI/AAAAAAAABtc/3I-EGlrojsM/6_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="513" height="391" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG7n1OHiInI/AAAAAAAABtg/9IiYa10uMqs/s1600-h/7%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" title="7" border="0" alt="7" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG7n2drDKHI/AAAAAAAABtk/ANHgldzkB3g/7_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="517" height="399" /></a> </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Then I came home and had my protein shake, and then had some dark chocolate (thats what took me over my cals! – but lets not dwell – onwards and upwards!)</p><p>So tomorrow is rest day from Insanity which is timely as i wont have time to work out tomorrow. Its also very well earned too! i need a break tomorrow mentally as well as physically! And thats week 1 of insanity DONE! go me!! </p><p>I just want to give a mention to Healthy Living Blogs, a new site resource use Healthy Livers! its fab, i’m totally impressed with Lindsey’s dedication and effort that she has put in and want to say a huge thank you for building such a wonderful resource. If you haven’t heard of it yet, check it out, here’s the blurb:</p><blockquote><p><a href="http://www.healthylivingblogs.com/"><em>Healthy Living Blogs</em></a><em> is a new resource for the health blogging community. Created by Lindsey of </em><a href="http://www.soundeats.com/"><em>Sound Eats</em></a><em>, HLB is a site designed to enhance the positive community of the healthy living blog world. Bloggers and readers can explore the site and find more blogs to love, bloggers in their area, and forums to deepen healthy discussion and support. If you're interested in having your site listed on HLB, simply send the following information to </em><a href="http://uk.mc865.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=healthylivingblogs@gmail.com"><em>healthylivingblogs@gmail.com</em></a><em> and check the site out for yourself!</em></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><em>· Email subject line: MEMBERS</em></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><em>· Your name (please share if you prefer to go by first name, first and last, or however you prefer to be known on the Internet)</em></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><em>· Blog Name</em></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><em>· Blog URL (please start with http://, not www.)</em></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><em>· Your twitter handle, if applicable</em></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><em>· Your location (if you prefer not to disclose this information for privacy's sake, that is completely understandable. We'll simply include your blog listing in the A-Z listing, not by location, too)</em></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><em>· Any specific labels (i.e. vegan, gluten-free, weight loss, running, etc.)</em></p></blockquote><p>Thats all from me tonyt chicko lickos, i’m off to try stay awake to watch an episode of The Wire, a new series we’re watching its pretty good! <p><strong>Do you have days where its forced? does it make you feel better to push on through? is it more natural or more forced for you at the moment? if its more often natural than it is forced, how long did it take you to make this happen?</strong> <p>I used to force it and battle with it more often than not, i spent over a year like that, but earlier this year, my light switch came on and its now about 91% natural these days, which is extremely satisfying! it was hard to get here though! </p>Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04754195313876194329noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854598783655712172.post-30986218099596123732010-08-19T21:19:00.001+01:002010-08-19T21:19:24.375+01:00The Little Black Dress<p> </p> <p>Evening peeps</p> <p>First up let me link you to the Bondi Bands Website for <a href="http://boxruneat.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Laura</a> who was asking where i got them – just in case you didnt check back the comments, i got the BondiBands direct from BondiBand in the US, here’s the link to their site:</p> <p><a href="http://www.bondiband.com/" target="_blank">BondiBands</a></p> <p>Next i just want to revisit food splits for <a href="http://happyatthirty.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Helene</a> who was asking a bit more about how to work out the splits, it was too much to answer in the comments, so i promised to write up a bit more about my findings here.</p> <p>I researched on the net, and asked my “in the know” friends from the weight loss section of a wedding forum i use, (their a clever bunch over there), and what we came up with is that a good split will see you approx:</p> <p>30% protein/45% carbs/25% fat</p> <p>likewise a good split could also be approx:</p> <p>30% protein/50% carbs/25% car</p> <p>It’s whatever your body sits comfortably with, but using the above splits as a rough guideline, obviously we need carbs, but of the unrefined kind, so choose the brown and wholemeal/wholewheat/wholegrain options, i try to choose bread (even wholemeal) as infrequently as possible as too much just bloats me and slows down my weight loss. </p> <p>But things like sweet potato instead of white potato, wholewheat pasta instead of white, brown rice instead of white, but quinoa is even better than brown rice.</p> <p>Proteins the biggy here, its the one worth keeping an eye on, I read in a book that protein was to the diet world what black is to the fashion world – it makes everything slimmer! and its true, also protein is essential for muscle repair when working out, its why i drink protein shakes, i just cant get to the level i’m aiming for without them. As a general rule i aim for 1gram of protein for every 1kg of body weight, so for example weighing in at 75kg, you’d be looking to have around 75g of protein in the day, especially on work out days, but aiming for every day, i need to keep an eye on this personally, because if i dont keep tabs on it my carbs naturally go slightly higher and my fat goes slightly higher, resulting in drops in protein.</p> <p>I hope that sums up my research in a nutshell, any more questions just Holla!!</p> <p>Right then onto the fodder of the day</p> <p>Breakfast, podge, blackcurrants, apricots, sunflower seeds and raisins, i do love podge so much, but i missed my refreshing fruit plate with apple sauce today, i’m looking forward to the big shop this wknd to restock.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG2RgCU_riI/AAAAAAAABrI/dkpykUWfYwU/s1600-h/1%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="1" border="0" alt="1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG2Rg78xnEI/AAAAAAAABrM/ALMaBCwo7CM/1_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="366"></a> </p> <p>Mid Morning was a couple of plums</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG2RhlkBASI/AAAAAAAABrQ/0pkxrkEEMro/s1600-h/2%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="2" border="0" alt="2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG2RiyWyhzI/AAAAAAAABrU/D3KFW851_PQ/2_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="369"></a> </p> <p>Lunch was amazing, a garden salad – as per, and my mums home made tuna pate! TO.DIE.FOR!! with 3 krisprolls for spreading it on!! hmmm hmmm</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG2RjyHDG0I/AAAAAAAABrY/tRf5r4gY2wY/s1600-h/3%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="3" border="0" alt="3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG2RkVoeZUI/AAAAAAAABrc/M_j5RaIVRn4/3_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="330" height="431"></a> </p> <p>Followed by the last peach of the week, this wee man was a bit wrinkly but still juicy inside!! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG2RlAzzAQI/AAAAAAAABrg/cQQa1VFMKhk/s1600-h/4%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="4" border="0" alt="4" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG2RlxzgnJI/AAAAAAAABrk/soaxxATweXA/4_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="473" height="360"></a> </p> <p>Dinner was a garden veggie pasta, odds n ends out my fridge, courgette, cherry toms and runner beans, a couple of olives, half a tub of dolmio stir in and 60g of wholewheat pasta.</p> <p>I had an attach of the lost appetite after and intense session of insanity so i only ate about half of this, and i had to force that down! </p> <p>I’ve also decided I think I’m over pasta, it just doesn’t do it for me, it bloats me, its not all it used to be, i’m just not fussed! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG2Rm6Y-ObI/AAAAAAAABro/vG0DKzyBmxA/s1600-h/5%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="5" border="0" alt="5" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG2Rn9HXL1I/AAAAAAAABrs/c0vBSeChhEs/5_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="476" height="363"></a> </p> <p>So i weighed in tonight, first weigh in of <a href="http://broadbeantorunnerbean.blogspot.com/2010/08/boot-camp.html" target="_blank"><font color="#ff0080">BOOT CAMP</font></a> although i only started boot camp 2 days ago so it really isn’t the FIRST BIG WEIGH IN, whatever, i lost 1lb, not awesome but hey their going in the right direction, and that will do for me this week! I WANT BETTER NEXT WEEK THOUGH!! </p> <p>So things are crazy busy round here, in my head i guess is the busiest place of all, i feel like i have so much to think about! I’m a sucker for lists, the more the better, heck i even have lists about the lists sometimes! so today I tried to get everything dumped out of my head and onto some lists, they always make me feel so much better, some of the stuff on my lists is so menial, like “nails” but if its on the list its cleared from my head, and thats what we’re aiming for.</p> <p>General “to do” for today! all of this took me under an hour (apart fro insanity obviously) but having it on the list and scoring it off helps tremendously in keeping me calm! </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG2RoQW_KWI/AAAAAAAABrw/8N941aQcGJ8/s1600-h/7%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="7" border="0" alt="7" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG2RpcJLkUI/AAAAAAAABr0/KXyQ8MJejow/7_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="365" height="479"></a> </p> <p>The list for Saturday – i think its safe to say i’ll be spending the price of a small island on Saturday but at this stage in the wedding/honeymoon game its an expensive time! this is just the enjoyment shopping list, theres another to come for food! I’m hoping to get most of the last bits i need for the honeymoon on Saturday because I know come October/November there will be sod all in the shops for a sunshine holiday! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG2Rp-8ntNI/AAAAAAAABr4/j745gUbgc5A/s1600-h/8%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="8" border="0" alt="8" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG2RqsO1ZMI/AAAAAAAABr8/kkb9v5DlB-Y/8_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="474"></a> </p> <p>Then my meal plan for the week – i do these every week, it keeps me on the straight and narrow, avoids the “hmmm what do i fancy for tea tonight” dilemma, which inevitably always winds up with naughties, and helps me sort out a shopping list, thus keeping food budgeting to a minimum and wastage to a minimum! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG2RrJtRjUI/AAAAAAAABsA/OuRD_XF0YEM/s1600-h/9%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="9" border="0" alt="9" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG2RrpCl0KI/AAAAAAAABsE/1sbZKkfukSQ/9_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="473"></a> </p> <p>Then i was in a position to write my shopping list, we’ll stop in at a Sainsbury’s super store in Glasgow so its a good opp to stock up on stuff too.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG2RsT0l_dI/AAAAAAAABsI/A0MlgC7GgzY/s1600-h/10%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="10" border="0" alt="10" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG2RtrC0zHI/AAAAAAAABsM/9qWONQcDV7s/10_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="474"></a> </p> <p>Then i felt a bit floopy about the honeymoon, so i made a list of what i need to take with me, i wouldn’t normally start a holiday list so darned early but because i needed to not only buy the usual holiday toiletries, but a whole new holiday wardrobe (given my drastic change in size since my last holiday) its a lot to buy and i cant afford to be shelling out all that money right before the wedding, so i’ve been buying bits n pieces for ages n just sticking it away in my suitcase ready for when i pack.</p> <p>It was time to dump all that down on paper so i dont over buy and so i dont wind up at the end with a shed load of stuff still to buy! </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG2Ruem_zuI/AAAAAAAABsQ/mAxrx733dfQ/s1600-h/11%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="11" border="0" alt="11" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG2RvJ06yvI/AAAAAAAABsU/RPSwfQL7xoI/11_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="373" height="489"></a> </p> <p>Phew…..and after all that i thought i’d write a lil bloggy list just to keep me sane! </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG2RvhCeV0I/AAAAAAAABsY/RbT2mk5sp20/s1600-h/12%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="12" border="0" alt="12" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG2RwSBInWI/AAAAAAAABsc/1_pipODF1mU/12_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="506" height="386"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Ok so you wanna see my potential hen night dress, i’m not sure if I’ll wear this on the Friday or the Saturday night yet, i’ll see what i find in Glasgow on Saturday and take it from there.</p> <p>The pictures dont do it justice, its pure silk, with sequins, and a cowal neck, and frill hem with sequins all round the hem and falling down from the neck, very elegent on, and has a split up the thigh which you cant see so well in the photo but you can really see when i walk, everyone thought it was WOW (thats Buddy, my mum and dad everyone right!).</p> <p>Its also too big at the mo, its a 16 and is hanging off me, but they didnt have a 14, my mum will be able to take it in though.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG2Rw5M138I/AAAAAAAABsg/plNQm-re5Aw/s1600-h/IMG_3369%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3369" border="0" alt="IMG_3369" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG2RxsrDMTI/AAAAAAAABsk/ORr9dVtigwM/IMG_3369_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="497"></a> </p> <p>I’m holding it in at the back here, so it looks better…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG2RyROozWI/AAAAAAAABso/_VCSsT2hQjY/s1600-h/IMG_3375%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3375" border="0" alt="IMG_3375" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_u7Xbohu5QPM/TG2Ry6v8WVI/AAAAAAAABss/xG9fSIzfpsw/IMG_3375_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" height="503"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Thats all for tonight my lovelies, i totally had it on my list to blog about healthy living blogs, but i ran out of time and space, tomorrow for sure!! it’ll just have to go back on the list, cest la vie! you dont always get all of the list done!! </p> <p><strong>Do you write lists? or do you just go with the flow? what works for you? </strong></p> Neenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04754195313876194329noreply@blogger.com7