A new-to-me blog

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I have just added another parenting blog to the list I read. 

 

I don’t know what it is about these blogs that appeals to me...despite having a 2-and-a-half-year-old-soon-to-be-stepdaughter, I have no urges to reproduce myself yet. I just find reading others journeys through motherhood fascinating, and I enjoy reading them. Especially when they are as well written as Write like no one’s watching and My Pretty Mummy.

 

And let’s face it, cute pictures of babies are nice to look at. 

 

Rachel x

Not-so-Fitness Friday #2

I’ve been a naughty girl this week. Last weekend I worked at an exhibition from Friday – Sunday, meaning I had no time to do any exercise at all.

I’ve felt a bit poopy all week, I’m guessing as a result of not having a day off for 2 weeks. Feeling poopy = no motivation, so I haven’t done any exercise this week at all either!

Bad Rachel.

I will give myself a kick up the bum and get motivated and energised next week. In other news, my PPI payment has come through therefore I now have the cashola to buy a bike. Kaching! I’m hoping to get it here and assembled in time to bike to work a few times before it gets far too dark in the mornings and evenings to do so safely!

Also - I was sent a link to this article earlier - and its still creeping me out. Its basically old balck and white photos of people wearing weird and wonderful masks, so nothing too scary really, but its really quite creepy. Look at with caution if you're of a sensitive disposition!!  

Hope y’all have a lovely weekend. I’m intending on stepping up my blogging game as well as exercise, so expect some more posts and a fixed blog design soon!!

Rachel x

A birthday.

Somewhat delayed post but 1st September saw Steve turn 29. Cue jokes about trading him in for a younger model...mwa haha.

As we’re planning some pretty spectacular celebrations for his 30th next year (helllooooooo Barbados), this year was fairly low key.

I bought him a snazzy new wallet, a modern family boxset (does anyone else watch this? I introduced Steve to it when we first met, and he’s possibly more of a super-fan than me now!), a posh case for his i-Pad and some socks (who doesn't love socks?).

During the day, we punted. It was a lovely warm afternoon, and even though it was his birthday, Steve did most of the punty-work. I did have a bash though, and managed not to fall in, but did manage to crash into a wall. Hmph.

Cambridge is a beautiful city, and we are lucky to live so close to it. Punting is a great way to see some of the historical sights.

The evening saw us go to a local country pub with some friends and eat steak. Steve had a 24oz T-bone, which FYI, is a whole lotta’ meat. I opted for a 10oz sirloin, medium rare thankyou please, and it was mighty lovely.

Both of us had a lovely day. It was a perfect mix of ‘us’ time and time with friends.

I love birthdays, even if they're not mine. 

Rachel x

Help.



Image



Eep. I’ve managed to drink 4 cups of coffee in the past hour.

This coming from a ‘tea-drinker till I die’ kinda girl. Before I’ve only ever sipped the stuff, generally following that with a wrinkled nose and a ‘bleurgh’ noise.

I’ve figured out how to work the posh coffee machine at work, and have been trying out lots of variations. It was the steamer that did it – that stupid, alluring steamer, making me want to play with it. And then feeling bad for wasting company property, so forcing myself to drink the cups I made.

I’m starting to shake but am typing at the speed of light. Swings and Roundabouts I suppose.

Rachel x

The most wonderful time of the year.

My birthday is a month before Christmas too, double excitement. From mid-November, I am pretty much unbearable with giddi-ness about these two occasions.

As I’ve gotten older, Christmas has become less about the presents (I still want presents though if you’re reading this, Steve), and more about the decorations, the smells, the sights and the feeling of joy and spending time with loved ones.

In the spirit of being a touch more personal than usual, this year Steve and I have decided to give our friends and family Christmas hampers.

So my question to you, bloggy friends, is what should I put in said hampers? What would you like to receive? I don’t think it’s going to work out cheaper than buying individual gifts, but the good thing is we need to pre-plan and spread the cost.

I’ve already been inspired by the idea of making apple and cranberry chutney from Cider with Rosie, and will be looking for a few other recipes for things I can make (jams, cakes, yaddy-yadda).  I also thought a Christmas candle of some sort would be a good addition. That is where my inspiration finishes for now. Any help?

Rachel x

I don't want to upset you, but....

My friend sent me a message the other day, saying: I dont wan't to upset you but...

And followed with this pic.

I'm not going to lie, I did tear up a little when I saw baby Dora.

But it's a lovely pic regardless of the fact that one half of this beautiful pair is no longer around.

I love kittens.

Rachel x

Fitness Friday

I saw Catherine from Running in My Wellies (one of my most favourite blogs – go read!) linking up and posting Fitness Fridays, and thought I’d jump on this bandwagon. I’m on a real fitness kick at the moment and love doing classes rather than the actual gym. If I’m booked onto a class, I’m less likely to sack it off and sit on my bum in front of the telly. Here’s what I’ve done this week!



Sunday
Body Attack – 1 hour
This was a new class to me, and can only be described as aerobics on acid. It was high intensity, involved a lot of sprints, jumping, jogging, kicking, burpees and squats, and I was most definitely wearing the wrong bra.  Noted for next time – strap boobies down. I was ruddy knackered by the time we finished, the instructor said you burn around 800 calories in one class. Win!

Monday
Just Zhoom – 1 hour
Again, a new class to me. It’s a Bollywood dance inspired fitness class, and while it was great fun, it was fairly slow and I didn’t work up too much of a sweat, therefore don’t feel it was of huge benefit. That said, it did get me up and moving and it’s a nice easy class for a Monday night, so perhaps I’ll try it again.

Tuesday
Body Pump – 45 mins
My favourite of all classes. A high intensity, weight lifting class to music. I feel so strong after these classes, and the results you get after a couple of months of 1 or 2 classes a week are phenomenal. Good bye saddle bags! See ya bingo wings! Helloooo definition and abs!

Wednesday
Rest day
Ate spaghetti bolognaise & chocolate souffle with some girly friends. Well earnt, I feel.

Thursday
Zumba – 1 hour
I love Zumba, it doesnt feel like a workout. We had a different teacher this time and she wasnt as high intensity as my usual teacher.

Friday
Tonight I shall be having a rest night. Tomorrow I have a 1 hour horse riding lesson booked, which is a pretty good workout in itself!!

What have you been up to this week?

Rachel x