22 Things I've Learned in 22 Years

Hi everyone! Hope you're doing really well.

So yesterday I turned 22! *insert Taylor Swift lyrics here*.
When I had a bit of me time yesterday, it hit me. Like, shit i'm actually 22 today. I don't like birthdays normally. I don't like it all being about me, I always find it super awks. I feel like I have been through a fair bit in these 22 years I have been alive. I thought I would sit down and write about 22 things I have learnt in 22 years.

1. You WILL get over that first love of your life. Christ, I was heartbroken when my first ever boyfriend broke up with me and I never thought I'd get over it. Pretty much thought that it was the end of the world. Don't worry past me, you're now fine and you got through it. Sure you may think about them sometimes but not like your life depends on them anymore. It's all good.

2. Not going to university was the right decision. I knew from the start that I didn't really want to go to uni. But of course when all of your friends start talking about it you feel that instant peer pressure. I haven't gone to uni and I am free of thousands of pounds worth of debt and I'm doing the job that I've always wanted  to do. Snaps for me. I would make an exception for Hogwarts though.

3. Buy that top. There is nothing worse than realllllly loving an item of clothing in a shop, then saying to yourself "I'll get it next time". Then you go back to the shop and it's not there. Everyone I think is guilty of this. Just buy it. You know you want it. Clothes make me happy, so don't deny yourself of happiness.

4. If you can't decide between two puddings, order both. I made my friend pretty much cry with laughter when we went out for a meal and I couldn't decide between two puddings, so I ordered both. Obviously don't do this all the time as it's not great for you and you may run out of money pretty fast. I now live by the rule though if I genuinely really can't choose (not just puddings, but other things too) get both.

5. It doesn't matter that you only have two best friends. I used to see groups of girls who are all best friends and be really jealous.They'd all be really close an do everything together. Now, I'm pretty chuffed that I have the same best friends who I know are always there for me, even though we don't live in each others pockets. Quality over quantity.

6. Some days you don't want to get dressed and just be smelly and lazy. That's okay. I've found that some days you just have to sit down all day, not shower and stay in your pjs. Also eat all the food you have in your house. Everyone needs them sometimes to re-cooperate themselves. I don't feel guilty taking these days anymore.

7. Book that holiday. I can umm and ahh about a holiday or a trip for ages. Now, I will book it without thinking too much into it. As long as I have the money to pay for it and the time off work, that's all I need. The memories you make on the trip are worth so much more than the worrying. Holidays are so much more fun than staying at home anyway. And besides, when you're married with 3 kids it's going to be alot harder to drop everything and book a holiday.

8. Don't worry about money. Kind of linking from the last point. As long as you have enough money in that moment to do what you want to do then that's fine. I put away savings every month for some kind of stability. Money doesn't go with you, so don't get super stressed about it. It definitely doesn't define you. Its only a bit of paper with the Queen's mug on it.
 

9. You like red wine. Rose wine now tastes like shit. At 15 you never thought this would happen. Pass me a bottle of Malbec any day.

10. If someone you don't like that much is still in your life, get rid. I don't mean murder them. Just don't associate yourself with them any more. It will make your life so much more stress free.

11. Always appreciate your family. I lost my Nan in 2014 and it was the toughest thing I have ever had to deal with. It made me realise that your crazy family aren't going to be around forever. So make the most of them.

12. Speaking of family, your mum will always be right. My mum knows me best and now I've come to terms with the fact that she is always right. At 13 it was annoying as hell, but now just see it as a positive.

13. Exercise. It makes you feel a million times better about yourself. I get such a buzz after a good workout. Even if its a short walk or an hour on the cross trainer, it's something more than sitting on your arse. Make no excuses.

14. Do what makes you happy. Others may look in and think you're a bit weird. Fuck them. Any money them people have really strange hobbies or habits, so ignore them. Think of you.

15. Sleep is everything. After a good night sleep I feel like I can conquer the world. Go to bed that bit earlier, or take that nap that you really need. It's not going to hurt.

16. Keep your living space nice and tidy. I feel amazing when I walk into a clean and tidy flat. It's one less thing to worry about. Tidy house, tidy mind. It's also handy when someone decides to pop round last minute and you haven't got to panic that your house is a state.

17. Treat yourself sometimes. I'm a bugger for always buying other people presents and then feeling guilty when it comes to getting myself something. Now if I need a treat I try not to think about it and buy it (within reason though I'm not made of money).

18. Stop comparing yourself to other people. This is a big one. I ALWAYS compare myself. It's so bad. Everyone else is on a different path. Just think that other people may be comparing themselves to you, and you don't even know it.

19. People may not like you, stop trying to impress them. I went through a phase of wanting everyone to like me. Now I know that this just isn't possible. People will not like you no matter how hard you try, so focus your energy on people who do actually love you. Not the haterz.

20. Tip. After working in the restaurant industry for nearly 5 years now, I appreciate a good tip after working my ass off. It's not an easy job and trying to go the extra mile for someone and getting a reward makes you feel appreciated. I always tip if I get good service, whether it's a hairdresser or a waitress. They don't have to be nice to you.

21. It's okay to spend £60 on Lush products a month. Some people my age go out drinking every weekend and spend that in one night. Me? I'd rather have a long bath with some nice products, and that's okay too. Bubble bars are life.

22. IT'S ALL GOING TO BE OKAY. Life is full of ups and downs but you will always come out the other end okay. Take every day as it comes. If you need to cry then have a good cry, and if you're super happy then whack a smile on that face. Just remember you're doing okay, even thought this shit is seriously confusing.

Here's to another 22 years!

Hope you enjoyed this post. Comment below! Say hi!

Lean in 15 by Joe Wicks (The Body Coach) Recipe Book Review

Hi everyone! Hope you are all well.

I decided to give you all an update/review on how I am finding the Lean in 15 book written by Joe Wicks.
After following Joe on his Instagram and always laughing at his quick 15 second recipe clips, I saw that he had just released a cookbook and thought I'd give it a go. I was getting bored with all the food I've been making and I definitely needed a healthy eating kick. I got it for a steal off Amazon for only £9. Bargain.

The book came the next day, I flicked through the pages and saw so many things that I wanted to try (they all looked so good).

That night I read the book cover to cover. The intro of the book explains more about Joe and what he is about. Then the first section of the book explains the whole idea of the Lean in 15 plan. He explains all about the food groups and goes in depth detail about the different types of fats and why they are important in your diet. I'm no nutritionist and only have a basic knowledge of food groups after taking GCSE Physical Education a whole 7 years ago but this stuff makes sense. He makes it easy for you to understand what you are putting into your body and why they are good/ not so good for you. Joe then goes on to explain about the fat burn itself and what foods will hinder your fat loss.
Joe then explains how you will be eating. The book is split into 3 sections of low-carb meals, post-workout meals, and then snacks. Also on what and when you will be eating your meals. This for me is very helpful as i'm pretty clueless apart from following just breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The next section of the book 'Getting Started', for me was incredibly helpful. He talks about planning and prepping your meals to get the most out of your food and time. There is also a list of cupboard essentials. I took this list shopping with me and believe me if you use these recipes every day you will use all of these. What I then loved is that he said to bin your scales. I 100% agree with this. Scales are shit. They make you feel shit about yourself and they don't truly measure how you feel. I think that was when I realised this plan was for me

Then onto the recipes! Like I mentioned the recipes are split into 3 groups. The reduced carb meals are full and protein an healthy fats. There is such a variety of recipes here from smoothies, to salads to amazing meat dishes.
The post-workout recipes have a refueling carb factor within, Carbs like oats and sweet potato, so near enough guilty free. The idea is to have these after a workout. Believe me after a workout these are so so good. You feel full and satisfied. After a workout I'm always so hungry straight away, so i have been getting on with these just great. Again there is a vast selection of things to try. I'm yet to have tried over half and I'm crazy excited to do so.
Then finally, he moves onto the snacks and treats part. There are so many things for you to try and foods that you would normally associate with being naughty and feel guilty eating,

Near the back of the book I discovered a workout section. When I ordered this book I didn't even realise that this was in the book so that was a complete bonus for me! He explains the HIIT (high intensity interval training) workouts and their benefits. There is a cardio and a resistance version. Trust me they both hurt equally as much the first time you do them. You can feel it working and it really does get your heart rate going and really feels like you have been working out hard.

Joe puts a section near the back also of his 'Lean Winners'. They are real life people who have taken part in his 90daysssplan(shift, shape and sustain) and have come out of it with remarkable results. This gave me more motivation than anything else I could have thought of. It makes you think, well if they can do it then so can I!

At the very back of the book i found his very helpful meal/workout weekly planner. Its sectioned into days and you fill in what meals an snacks you will be having that day along with what time you are going to workout. This for me is brilliant as I like to plan everything. It makes it so much easier when writing your food shopping list as you know how many times you are having a meal and what you need for it. I've found myself even saving money on my food shops now as i'm only buying stuff that I need.

On each of the recipe pages it also says if its suitable to freeze, or good to prep in advance. Also, how many servings it is. This again, makes it so much easier to plan your weekly meals. Prepping your meals is such a good idea as when you are at work for most of your life like me, you can't get lazy and decide to get a Gregg's. You're eating a meal which you have made and you know exactly what you're putting into your body. That can only be good, right?

I have found this book and general idea of Lean in 15 to be fantastic. I have fallen in love with healthy food. The recipes are so different and delicious, I find myself not getting bored. It's got me back into exercise and I'm already starting to see results only 3 weeks in.  I feel so much more energized and my appetite has shot up as i'm excited for meal times. It's also a lot of food. The portion sizes aren't puny and will not leave you hungry. When I first started to make the meals I thought to myself "woah, no way will I eat all of that". Trust me you will.

I thought I'd share with you a few of my favourite recipes from the book which I have tried so far.

      Lamb Koftas with Greek salad

                                                                Cheesy Chorizo Chicken

                                            Steak with Tomatoes, Kale and Chorizo

                             Satay Chicken Skewers with Satay Dip (not from the book, recipe taken from @thebodycoach instagram)

              Tortilla Pizza

Chicken and New Potato Hash

I feel truely inspired by this book to better myself. There is a massive hype on social media around Lean in 15 and I know honestly know why. Its not a diet for me, it's a brand new way of eating and fueling my body correctly.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to eat more food and lose body fat. It's working for me and for so many others. I get excited for my food and  I love cooking again. All of the recipes that I have tried DO take 15 minutes or less to make so there is no excuse for not having any time.

I personally cannot wait for another book(out in June) and I will continue to follow Joe on all social media platforms for more exercise and recipe inspirations.

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I hope you have enjoyed this post!
Comment below if you are following the Lean in 15 plan, or if you are going to try it.
What are your favourite recipes and workouts?

2015 In A Nutshell

Hi everyone!
This is slightly late but who cares!

This past year has gone crazy fast. Like, I actually can't get over it. I have had an amazing year, even though it went within a blink of an eye. There are some highlights that I really wanted to remember forever.

I'll start at the beginning of the year (good idea Beth, duh).

January

A pretty quiet month from what I can remember. I spent most of it planning for my holiday to Disney World for February. I was constantly at the gym and attempting to be more organised. Classic January resolutions.

February

Now this was a mint month. I turned 21 in my favourite place in the entire world. Walt Disney World. We flew out on Valentines Day which is two days before my birthday. We stayed there for 3 weeks and it started to feel like home for both of us! It was just my boyfriend and I and we had an incredible time. There is nowhere else on this planet where I feel so happy and at ease. We swam with dolphins, sting rays, ahhhhmazing. Went to all of the parks (Disney, Universal etc) and we did lots and lots of shopping!

We love it so much we are already going back in October this year and staying at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort (posts to follow).

March

To overcome the holiday blues we made the decision before we went to have an addition to our family. WE GOT A PUPPY! I have always wanted a Scottish Terrier and we searched high and low with assured breeders for the right one. Then one day, a few days before we went on holiday, I had an email saying there was a litter born in Wales. We reserved the puppy straight away and he was ready for when we got back from Florida. We named him Walter (one guess where I had name inspo). It was love at first sight. This was definitely the highlight of the month for me. 

Just look at his little face!

April/May

Not gonna lie I actually cannot think of anything that I did in these months. It was mine and Luke's anniversary on April 1st and we went out for a lovely meal. Work was crazy busy which took a toll on my social life! Boooooooring. But I did pass my Theory Test for driving, yay!

June/July

My favourite thing that I did over these months was that I whisked my lovely mum to London for her birthday. We had a lovely touristy weekend. We got lost in Topshop Oxford Street (literally we were in there for 3 whole hours and a lot of money was spent). Also, may I just say that Lush Oxford Street is fucking insane. The best shop ever. Too much money was spent but it was totally worth it. 

We ate at the Greek restaurant on South Bank and it was so gorgeous. Our table was in the window and we could see St Paul's Cathedral lit up and it looked stunning. We also did the London Dungeons which is always hilarious and of course we had to go to Buckingham Palace.

                                                                 

Also, for my Mum's birthday we took her down to Thorpe Park. It was such an amazing weekend! It was the first time my family had ever been, we have always just gone to Alton Towers. The rides were so much better, my family are proper adrenaline junkies so we all had the best time. I cannot wait to go back.   

In July we had a bit of nice weather, so me and my best friend made the most of it and went on some lovely picnics (M&S picnics to be precise). We went up the Wrekin and into Ironbridge and had some really nice days out. 

It was also my friends 'hag do' (gay wedding so mix up of stag/hen,funny no?) and a big group of us went to Nottingham for a total wipe out style game with inflatables and water and it was bloody hilarious. Then we all got royally drunk and went out to the bars and clubs. Had one too many mojitos. Sorry not sorry. 

All in all these months were really social for me and I loved it all. Definitely started to feel like my normal self again after a few quiet months!

August/September

August was the month of the wedding of the year. My two lovely friends finally got married and it was the most emotional and beautiful day. I feel honoured to had been there and if I could relive that day I 100%. Gay weddings are bloody fabulous.The food was incredible, the decor and the hotel itself was insanely gorgeous. Even my emotionless boyfriend cried at the ceremony which says it all!

I love weddings. I'm so soppy and romantic it's annoying.

     

On a slightly lower note, it was also a year since my Nan passed away and a year since the funeral. This gave me a lot of reflection time and a chance to step back. The year had gone fast for me from the point of her death and I still miss her every day. We were extremely close and it is very hard to get over. Since the year had passed it kind of lifted something in me. Knowing that I had gone a year without her and even though yeah it has been pretty shitty, but me and my family are okay. Death has made me see everything in a completely different light. Now I am a firm believer in that you have got to live your life as much as you physically can!

October

Highlight of the month was easily Amsterdam. Me and Amy went and had the funniest time. It was definitely an experience. If you ever get the chance to go there never ever pass it up. I have honestly never been anywhere like it. The place itself is stunning. The canals and the buildings are gorgeous and something you should for sure see. On the first day we did some exploring and our first cafe experience was The Bulldog. We were complete newbies and had no idea what we were doing and tried our best to play it cool. Not sure how cool we actually looked though. There is so much to do there and so many places. I would highly recommend Anne Franks House and the Heineken Museum, and also if you get chance get to the Red Light District and watch a sex show. It was 50 euros but it was an experience you would never get anywhere else.  It only takes 45 minutes on a plane to get there which is crazy as that's how long it takes for me to get on a train to Birmingham. I can't wait to go back. When I think about this trip the memories make me so happy. It was so nice to spend some quality time with my best friend making some crazy and unforgettable memories. If you read this Amy then you know what I mean!

As always my crazy family will host a Halloween party. They are always a right old laugh. We do it every year and they just get better. We are all very into fancy dress and I love face paint so it's a good excuse to do something! 

November

November was a very strange month. For about 8 months me and Luke had booked to go to Disneyland Paris at the end of November. A few days before we were about to go, the horrific Paris terrorists attacks happened. We were in complete shock as we watched the news until about 2:30am trying to get our heads around what had just happened. The next day my phone was filled with text messages by friends and family pretty much begging me not to go. My heart sank a bit and I had a big gut feeling that this trip wasn't going to be full of the Disney magic that we were waiting for. I'm not very good in stressful situations and when I feel anxious I can't really do much, so travelling there would have been a nightmare for me. I knew I had to cancel the trip.  People had lost their lives in sheer terror and it wasn't going to be the same when it was all so raw. Luckily, Disney were brilliant and gave us a full refund and my travel insurance sorted the Eurostar cancellation. This wouldn't have mattered even if they couldn't. All I wanted was for everyone to be safe, and even I felt anxious about go there. I was starting to lose my faith in humanity and starting to feel scared whenever I watched the news. 

December

Ahhhhh the end of the year already! Christmas creeped up very quickly so I rapidly did all of my Christmas shopping. People think i'm mad because I bloody love doing it. Buying gifts for people is so heart warming and lovely.

Work was extremely busy in December in both of my jobs so it flew by. 

I had a Christmas do which was very funny, we all got a bit tiddly. Only right to do so on Christmas. 

Even know I worked on Christmas Day we still had a laugh and on the evening I got to spend it with my family. We had a good game of Cards Against Humanity and watched rubbish TV and ate a shit load of cheese. Good times.

Our NYE party was also a highlight and also another fancy dress party. This time it was the theme of Disney. Everyone made such an effort. I of course went as my favourite, Mary Poppins. After that I now just wish that I could walk around pretending I'm her every day. It's always nice seeing the New Year in with my family and friends who mean the most to me. 

So there we have it. A year of me! Filled with holidays, animals, laughs and friends and family.

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What was your favourite thing you did in 2015 I would love to know!