24/11/2015

After a 7 year break...

I can't believe its been almost 2 weeks since I last wrote, especially since I was doing so well with regular updates, I guess you could say life got in the way. The little free time I have has recently been spent dating or training, but the next few weeks in the run up to Christmas should just be good fun; I have so many exciting things to look forward to and I'm sure I'll share them with you.

A while ago I decided to take the plunge, quite literally, and enter my first swimming competition in 7 years.

OUCH!

Seriously I don't remember how I used to do that, after a whole day of swimming on Saturday my whole body was sore but it was totally worth it!

I had challenged myself to compete in 5 individual events including butterfly and then in 2 relay teams. I managed a bronze in my 100m breaststroke but really thats cause there were only 3 of us who chose to swim it (but lets not tell anyone that). However our freestyle relay team finished first! go team!

I'm so glad I did it, there were 12 of us on the team and hopefully our numbers will increase for next year, its great fun and it helps keep fit at the same time. Even if its not to compete I highly recommend swimming for exercise due to the low impact and full body workout!

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12/11/2015

Girls Weekend

We figured out it had been almost a whole year since we were last together so as you can imagine there was a lot to catch up on! Last weekend was definitely some much needed girl time.

On Saturday night I finished work, rushed home to get changed them headed into Edinburgh to meet Jill and Holly. Rather than go out for a meal we decided to grab a dominos, a couple of bottles of wine and stay in so we could have a proper catch up. Before we knew it, Holly and I had to head to the hotel for a good nights rest before our early start on Sunday Morning.


We stayed at Malmaison in Leith, and I really can't wait to go back! It was really only a bed for the night, but I will be heading back there ASAP to really make the most of what they have to offer.

We had to get up super early for a Sunday so that we could meet Ayoola off the bus at 8am! But the excitement of our day together combined with a coffee made it bearable; this view also helped.




Our plan was to grab breakfast but, thats really hard to do at 8.30 on a Sunday morning so we headed for The Standing Order which is always a good back-up plan, plus we knew there were more exciting things to come. We were out and hit the shops for them opening at 10am.

By the time it got to 12 we decided we needed to stop to re-fuel before making a few more purchases. Hotel Chocolat just happened to be round the corner, we figured it would be rude not to stop in. 

We continued on our tour of the shops, although much to my surprise we managed to resist temptation and pick up some ideas for christmas gifts.

Really We were just passing time and catching up until the main event of the day; afternoon tea at The Dome.

This is how you know its almost Christmas in Edinburgh, the tree and twinkling lights just make you feel so festive.


Of course we opted for afternoon tea with champagne. If its worth doing, then its worth doing properly right?

We were in the Georgian tea room for a couple of hours and it was just the perfect way to end the day and start planning our next trip together.

I can imagine the afternoon tea is great any time of year however, this time of year it really does help you to get in the festive mood so I highly recommend it to all!



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09/11/2015

Grab your wellies...

I think we can all agree that winter has pretty much arrived and I feel a little guilty for barely seeing autumn; its the best time of year for walks along the beach. 

Luckily I managed to find some time to get out and enjoy the peace that seems to be all around at this time of year. The sky looked slightly overcast so I popped on my wellies and headed out into what was possibly the last nice day of autumn.

I was planning on taking a walk through the woods just near my house, its so quiet and colourful but I got a little distracted and decided to walk through the burn that runs down the side of the path.

This is why wellies are the best! Lets you make the most of the photo opportunities.

After a little splashing about and a few questionable looks from some dog walkers I continued on my way towards the beach.

Its so peaceful at this time of year, hardly anyone goes to the beach when it starts getting colder, I had it all to myself for the most part.

I grabbed a seat on a bench for a few minutes; theres nothing quite like relaxing in the peace and quiet.








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05/11/2015

a warm tasty snack

With the days getting colder theres nothing better than something warm to eat, especially if that something is freshly baked bread! I have been meaning to attempt making some bread for ages so when my brother and I were stuck on ideas for lunch I reached for Marry Berry Cooks the Perfect and settled for the soda bread recipe.

You will need:

  • 20g butter
  • 225g plain white flour
  • 225g plain wholemeal flour
  • 1tsp bicarbonate of soda
  • 1tsp salt
  • 400ml buttermilk

You basically throw all the ingredients together and stick it in the oven, 40 mins or so later you have some delicious bread ready to serve up with whatever else takes your fancy.

We kept it simple with butter that melted into the warm bread....is there really anything better? A few crisps and some fresh fruit.
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