How running has changed my life

It feels like such a long time ago that I wrote my post all about the reasons that I signed up to run a half marathon. Finally, 3 months later the big day itself is looming and in the run up to the race I have come to realise a few things.

I think the main thing that has become apparent to me is that although I first signed up with the predominant intention of completing the distance, there is so much more to training for a race than the race itself. Yes, that will be a great way to mark the culmination of my training and to show how I’ve improved as a runner but it is what has happened in the lead up to the race and also what will happen afterwards that is important; there are so many wider implications.

Getting a Good Nights Sleep

Life is very hectic. I’m sure everyone can agree on that one? Sometimes managing a job, a social life, a fitness routine and finding time to relax can seem more impossible than solving an algebraic formula (and I was never very good at that). There just aren’t enough hours in the day nor days in the week. Since starting a 9-5 job I have found myself more exhausted then ever. I have over an hour commute there and back and quite frankly, waking up at 6.30am after three years of a leisurely student lifestyle came as a huge shock to the system.

Salads – More Than Just Rabbit Food

Before I went to uni I had a super fast metabolism and never really had to watch what I ate. During this time, I would have turned my noes up at the idea of a salad. A plate full of veg and lettuce did nothing for my huge appetite and it was an area of cusine that I never really explored. Since discovering the concept of healthy eating, salads now play a huge part in my day to day life and I have realised that there is a lot more to them than just ‘veg and lettuce’.

The possibilities are endless. Some of my favourite things to use in salads are humous, beans and pulses, sweet potato, quinoa, feta, avocado… In fact this list could go on forever! I do love to experiment with different things though.

So, here is a little recipe that I recently tried and loved! It is a combination of grilled goats cheese, avocado and peaches with blueberries and balsamic. I love using fruit in a salad as they add some sweetness and feel incredibly summery!

Graduating: What I Learnt When I Moved Out

Last Wednesday I graduated from the University of Leeds.

Wow, I can’t believe I can say that? It must not have hit me yet as it still doesn’t quite feel real. So I am no longer a student… How did I get so old?! I really have no idea. Anyway, amongst all the celebrations that come with graduating, one of them being a lovely trip to Betty’s Tea Rooms, I keep finding myself reflecting back on my time at university. There are so many things that come to mind and it would take three full length volumes (at least) to write about everything that happened, everything I thought and felt, and everything I learned during that time. I know it sounds cliche but amongst all of the last minute deadlines, the parties etc I did learn a lot. Not just about myself but about real life. That strange strange place that I seem to have ended up in now!

Afternoon Tea at Bettys, Harrogate

Last weekend I was lucky enough to be invited down to Bettys Tea Rooms in Harrogate to try out their new Lady Betty Afternoon Tea menu. I was over the moon to be given this opportunity for two reasons.

Firstly, I absolutely adore afternoon tea. The delicate sandwiches and the assortment of miniature cakes look like they belong in a dolls house and there isn’t much that beats a good scone with jam and cream. If there was a food heaven it would feature all the elements of a good afternoon tea. Also, obviously, there is the tea. Now I’m not at all a fan of your standard Yorkshire brew, but I really can appreciate a weak, black tea infused with pretty sounding flavours.

Secondly, I got to spend the afternoon with my Mum. One of my best friends and the source of all wisdom! I couldn’t wait to spend some quality time with her and what better setting to do that!

Childhood Memories

All through my childhood, from about the age of 7, I became obsessed with one thing: getting my ears pierced. I watched as the other girls in my class came in on a Monday morning show casing their new jewellery with pride. I looked on with envy; I just could not wait until that was me. I thought they looked so pretty, so grown up!

Why I signed up to run a half marathon

The other day I finally brought myself to click ‘confirm’ for the Fleetwood half marathon. This is something that I have contemplated doing for a while and suddenly last week, I decided to be spontaneous and go for it. Naturally, I have spent the last few days wondering if I am completely mad… what have I let myself in for?! But I have my reasons and I thought I would write about them. Not only to remind myself why I want to do this but also in the hope that maybe I can inspire others to set similar challenges for themselves.

Baking Blondies!

Hands up who loves a gooey, warm batch of blueberry and hazelnut blondies, oozing with melted white chocolate and milk chocolate chips… Yes? Well I made a batch of these the other day and they are just heaven. I figured that seeing as Easter was fast approaching (well it was when I made them) I might as well get the burning desire to bake the indulgent goodies out of my system before I settle down into a pre-summer healthy regime.

Hotel Chocolat’s Roast and Conch

I absolutely love chocolate. Simple as that. So, on discovering that Hotel Chocolat have their very own restaurant and that one of them was in Leeds, it quickly rose to the top of my list of places to try out. My parents and I went along for lunch to celebrate my 21st birthday. The Roast and Conch experience is so much more than just a meal, with cocoa incorporated into every dish you’re in for an absolute treat. Chocolate lovers, you need to come here!

Bobbi Brown Review

Hi guys!

I thought I would write a post on my collection of Bobbi Brown products. I have been using them for a few months so have some great advice after personal experience with the make up.