No 32- Go Watch My Nephew Play Ice Hockey!!!

Hi there you lot!!

This week has been absolutely manic! Some of your may or may not know that I am currently studying a degree in Dispensing Optometry through work. This means that every 2/3 months I have to venture down to Cambridge to attend a university residential. This is tiring. Very, very tiring. The week just gone was a residential week so I was down there Monday evening, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. It's safe to say that I was pretty zonked by the time I got home Thursday evening!!

As always, when in Cambridge I, without fail, have to pop into Primark as I always forget the silliest things. This time it was tights and being as I had only packed summery playsuits and dresses, tights were something i desperately needed. I don't normally shop in Primark and that isn't because of the brand or anything like that. I just tend to do all my shopping online now and hardly ever venture into town, so when I was let loose in there, this is what I came out with!

The first purchases...

 Then I went back because I had also forgotten my scarf!! Silly me...

The Second.

Now the purse and hair clips aren't from Primark. The purse is from the Mischa Barton handbag range and was reduced in Debenhams. I fell in love with it and absolutely had to buy it!!
As I had purchased my tights I decided to wear them the second day of my trip with my boohoo playsuit.

Here I am!!

& a close up of the print.

I love this playsuit. If you look carefully you can see the colours are a mixture of flowers and leaves in different patterns. I think this is such a versatile piece of clothing. It can be worn with or without tights and the sleeves can be kept long or rolled up for a more casual look.  Either way I think its super cute and I love it!
I have a new favourite juice drink. This got me through a very hard lecture in a very hot and stuffy lecture hall. Its full of amazingly healthy ingredients and tastes incredible! After my week of lectures was over and I was finally home, I went to my mum's for some well deserved food. She cooked up a proper feast and it was really nice to have a lovely, healthy dinner. The choice of wine wasn't so bad either ;)

Naked - Blue machine

Salmon salad feast & a beautiful glass of rose!

Finally we come to the weekend. Now I originally stated that I wanted to go and see me nephew at an away hockey game. The only problem with that was that all the away games they played were on days where I was at work and unable to make. It turned out that last night was the last game of the season at our local rink and so I went down there joined by the rest of my family to scream and shout support for the little star! He is incredible on the ice to say how long he has actually been skating. As a former ice skater myself (figure thought not hockey) I know how hard it is to do some of the moves he was doing. I thought he was a little star and had a very proud Auntie moment!! I may have even shed a teeny weeny tear!

I think it's so nice to see children in environments like the ice arena. The kids didn't really know each other but that didn't stop them having a good time and playing together. Sure, you get the odd one who is a bit naughty and all the parents tend to zone in on that one particular personality. Trust me, I would not like to be that kid around all those hockey mums! It is incredible atmosphere at those hockey games. Team spirit plays a big part in group sporting events and this was no different. At the end of every match the teams all nominated a 'Spirit of the Game' from their particular teams. This is voted for by all the parents and team members and so is a lovely way to praise somebodies achievements throughout the game/season.  Again, when this was announced I shed a tiny little tear I am ashamed to say!

I think for now I am going to leave this blog here. I am thinking about doing an April favourites blog to let you know some of my favourite foods, products and general things through April. Would this be a good thing? I'm always trying to keep the blog fresh and not just plain old, 'oh look, Zoe's done another one of the list' kind of blogs!

Love you and leave you guys,
Team Spririt!


Byeeeee xx

No 39 - Eat Pancakes For Breakfast

Hello you lot!

Yesterday morning I had a breakfast fit for kings!!!!!!!! Well, if kings eat pancakes I guess. I went to breakfast with a group of friends and as I normally have eggs benedict, I decided to be a little naughty and indulge in these...

Triple stack with bacon and syrup

After a lovely breakfast and a few cups of decaf later, we moved on to Sherwood Forest where we had a little walk around and watched some medieval displays. All the boys decided to be different versions of Gandalf which proved interesting. Why is it that men are so obsessed with sticks? Literally every man is obsessed with sticks. Now as we were at the park and it was sunny, sun, sunny, we had to have a little treat from the ice cream van!!! 

The Gandalfs

Funny feet!!!!

Time with my best boyo!

After sherwood Craig had to take me to the train station as I was off to university for a couple of days. I always hate going away for a couple of days, it makes me sad to leave my little home life, but as they would say in hot fuzz... It's for the greater good! When I come home on Thursday afternoon I'll be happy just to sit with the kittens listening to the other half ramble on about his week. 

I love you Craig if you're reading this!

So with 2days left, this lot better keep me entertained!

Ass biscuits? No thank you!

Trashy mags, a pug pillow, slippers, chocolate and new hair spray!

It's so hard to blog on an iPad! I promise to upload a better one later in the week with a little uni recap for you! 

Byeeeee x

No 14 - Afternoon Tea with Friends

This was my Sunday!!!!

Hi guys!!!

It's Easter so Happy Easter Sunday Everbunny!!!!!!!!

Now I am in no way religious, but for those of you who are I hope you have had an awesome chocolate filled day! Even though I am not religious, I love how this particular holiday brings everyone together. So today was a friend orientated day!

I am going to apologise now for the amount of pictures in this blog, hopefully you will enjoy looking through them. Now, on with the picture show!!!

Is that a big enough cup Lindsay!?!

Then we went to Creswell Crags!!

I got into a tiny cave!!

I then pretended to be a bear! Grrrrrrr!

& then Lindsay was a sloth.

& I turned into a monkey! This looks really high!!

Inside a cave!!

Craig waiting to take off!

Erm, Bunny?

All locked up :(

Necessary selfie!!
 

Then it was time to sit and have some tea in the cafe. Now i know it says afternoon tea as my blog list and in theory it was. It was 3 in the afternoon and we drank tea and ate cake. I can't be bothered with all this la-di-dah tea and scones business!

Decaf tea & Caramel Shortcake!

We then all went back to the Jones residence where we played this amazing game...

Harry Potter Scene it PT 2


And then we cooked this amazing dinner!!

So all in all it's been a good Easter Sunday. We tried to go on the Easter Egg hunt but the lady in the cafe told another group of older people that it was a hunt only for the children. This upset me!!

Tomorrow is a day for pancakes for breakfast I think so check back tomorrow for another bloggggg!!!

Love you all

Bye xxx

No 20 - Run 5k

Hi there you lot!!!!

So things have been a bit slack on the blogging front recently and I am sorry!

Here is an update for you, my new fringe!

I've decided to make a go of it at the gym again and so most of my free time has been spent there this week! I write this blog to inform you all that I have ticked off another of my list. Now normally this activity is done outside, however I find great comfort knowing that I won't get lost if I run on a treadmill. Yes, in the gym! Some of you may call it cheating, however I'm just proud I managed to do it by any means. I did it...

I ran 5k! Me!!!!!! That reaction you just had where you're questioning these words, eg " noooooooo she didn't!" Or " how? She can't run?!?!?!", that was exactly my reaction. I am not known for my stamina or lung capacity, So when I hit my wall* about 24 minutes in, I was incredibly close to giving up and walking over to maccies for a milkshake! But here is the important part. I didn't. For once, I find not give in and it felt awesome!  It took all of 39 minutes and a few seconds, but I did it!

*just as a side note, I feel I hit my wall a lot quicker than I have been doing when I was on my vegan eating plan. It is this that is creating me to question the positive impacts on my overall health that a vegan diet has to offer. This is something I am seriously considering as since I started eating animal related products again, I feel horribly drab and lethargic. Coinkidinky? I think not!!!!

As part of this blog, I challenge you. I challenge you to do your 5k. Whether it be jogging outside, jogging on a treadmill, biking, walking, skipping or even rowing ( for the real adventurous among us)! Then take note of how you feel. Then, if you tell me what you did, I will try and follow suit and post an update on here for everyone to read!

Thanks for reading you lovely lot!

Byeeeee
Xx

Ps. One of my favourite YouTubers, Jim Chapman, has recently started his blog. Go read it using this link  Jim Chapman and watch his channel on YouTube!

Pps. www.linzfoster.blogspot.co.uk <----you know the drill with this one!

Completed , No 92 - Completely Vegan Week!!

Hi guysssss!!!

So I did it! I made it through a whole week of only eating vegan friendly foods!!! I didn't actually find it that difficult. I basically lived off many types of beans, rice and vegetables which was super healthy for me! For snacks I had nuts and soya yogurts so all in all, it wasn't as hard as I expected!!
My body in turn has been really thankful. I feel so fresh and cleansed, so from this, I think I'll be continuing with some of the same meals I have been eating, but adding a bit of meat to them as a treat!!

I have decided to limit chocolate to a weekend indulgence too, in a bid to be healthier!

This week has really made me think about what we put our bodies through on a daily basis. So many bad foods, stress, unnecessary strains that only hinder our ability to progress. I feel like now I am changing. My mind is changing. My beliefs are changing... But only for the better. I'm gaining focus on life and how to combat the negatives. So far this is what I have done in a bid to relax and change:

1. Cut out caffeine
2. Started exercising again
3. Cleansed my diet
4. Laughed
5. Challenged myself
6. I've been honest about who I am

I think that taking these things into account have really helped me gain perspective. I don't have it all together and I definitely worry more than I should. I'm not going to hide it anymore though. That's life! We all have to live in it together so I won't hide who I am anymore. You can't be strong and fight 100% of the time and I know that now. So let's just be ourselves. 

When I started this list I never thought it would affect me like it has, but I'm glad. Sleep tight you lot!

Night,

 Byeeee x

Half Way There, No 92 - Completely Vegan Week!

Morning Luna Bear!!!

Hi guyssss!!!
Cute picture right? She's not being nasty, this is what I woke up to this morning, a lovely big cat yawn!
Well friday night I made a huge commitment for me...start my vegan week on the Saturday morning! For anybody that knows me, you will already be aware that giving up cheese and eggs is my idea of a living hell! But anyway, I decided to suck it up and do something drastic for once in my life!!

So here I am, day 4. Now I thought this week would be quite an easy week to do this challenge as I was working the Sunday so could keep myself occupied. Boy was I wrong!!! Now the actual not eating meat, dairy or anything that's comes from animals isn't bothering me in my everyday life all that much. I eat vegetables that I love along with whole wheat noodles or rice and i'm all happy smiley. However over the weekend, I somehow managed to become very busy after work and ended up going to a friends on Saturday night and the pictures on Sunday night. So because of this I had to take a bag of pistachios to my friends on Saturday night whilst they all sat there eating popcorn and a bag of cashews to the pictures with me, when everyone else sat there eating frozen yoghurt!! That is my idea of mental torture. Forget all the horror movies you have seen, the biggest way to torture any woman is to eat a tub of Ben & Jerry's right in front of her when she can't have any. Having said that, I didn't moan because it was me who chose to do this silly challenge. On the plus side, I made it to day 4 and I made it through the ice-creamless trip to the cinema!

Other than than it's not been all that bad. I feel brighter and healthier for it already. I think mixing this challenge with my ongoing challenge of drinking no caffeine has really gone hand in hand with making me a bit healthier looking all around! I've been eating so much broccoli, mushrooms, beans and rice. Which to me isn't that bad because broccoli is my favourite vegetable! Throughout the day before I used to get so hungry and have major dips in my energy levels, but so far these last few days I have been absolutely fine. If anything, I am not eating as much as I used too because i'm not making massive portions of food that give me a quick full feeling. By changing to an extremely healthy eating pattern I seem to be fuller for longer which is always a plus when you're working 8 hour days and then coming home to study and talk to you guys! How do I ever have time to eat anyway?!

If anyone is looking to change up their eating habits or just create a healthier diet all around then something like this might be a really good thing to try. I'm not saying go full on vegan like I have, but change your main meals and lunches to a healthier option. Cut out all the processed foods and make everything from scratch. Even if you replace your chocolate with a yoghurt or a handful of nuts, just try it and you'll see how much better you feel for it. It sounds silly but even before I started this challenge I was drinking Alpro soya milk in my tea (decaf) and coffee (decaf) at home. It's so much healthier and full of loads of protein and to be quite honest, it doesn't taste much different. I even gave it to my blue milk top loving Dad and he didn't even notice teehee... Don't tell him though guys, I don't think he'd appreciate it!

My Mug, Kettle and Alpro Soya Milk! Yummy

You can even have it on cereal!!

This just happened whilst I was writing this blog. Yes, I blog whilst being sat on my bed!

Before I started writing this blog I had just completed a good portion of my project report for university. It's now positioned next to me saying, 'leave me till tomorrow, go watch Netflix and drink more tea Zoeeeee'. So with a wise study guide telling me to go make a brew, I think that's what i'll do!

Eugh. Just Eugh.

Okay guys so time to love you and leave you for today. Remember, if you want a good read, check out Love, Life and Maltesers

Byeee xx

Bubble Bars & Broken Hearts

Hi guys!!

First I am going to apologise for the lack of accomplishments with regards to my list. It would seem that all the simple ones I have now done, I have to start getting focused on the days trips and harder ones now. Also, when I came upstairs to write this blog, this is what was happening in my bed...

Morrissey all snuggled in bed!!

Yes, my beautiful little moggy, Morrissey, all snuggled up on Craigs side! He does know how to make me smile!!

This post is not about my list but more of a recap of Wednesday for you all. I woke up feeling terrible, possible food poisoning, and did not feel safe to get out of bed till about 11am. Bearing in mind I was actually awake from about 9am. My chest was ever so tight that morning too. I practised some breathing control and decided to rest my body and focus on the pain. It did help, it took forever though. Me and Craig decided that even though I felt soooo poorly in my belly, we would make the most of the rest of our day and go on a brunch date.

We have recently started going on weekly 'date nights' inspired by a couple we know and love. I find it nice to just get away from the house, from everyone and just do something as the two of us. Sure we love being with our friends too, but it's really refreshing to sit and catch up on each others weeks. Don't get me wrong, we spend most of our time together at home, but you don't often get chance to have a random, healthy chat. Well, not when you have to worry about mortgages and bills and re-decorating! This strange thing is, this problem I have with my anxiety does affect me in social situations. Having Craig there acts as a guide for me. It sounds really soppy and lame but I really couldn't do all this without him.

We then ended up purchasing Apple TV. I've found a new love for my iPad recently and was getting a bit frustrated that all the content I had on there, couldn't be seen on a big screen. This was the perfect solution and it is so easy and compatible! It's only taken me about 4 years to recognise this however! Maybe I am a bit of a dinosaur when it comes to technology?
Just whilst we are on the technological dinosaur subject, don't you think keyboards these days are getting so flat? I got a bit frustrated at work today because I had an office day and was using one of my least favourite desks with a flat keyboard. I suck at typing on that thing. It would have been more productive for me to use a good old fashioned typewriter! Oh well, back to the old faithful big keyboard tomorrow!

The rest of our day was just as chilled as the start really. I went and had my nails preened and pampered. Then we went home and as I was still feeling a bit iffy, ran a lovely bath with one of my favourite Lush bubble bars and finished my book! Those of you who will know me, know that I can be quite dangerous in baths. I get too relaxed and tend to drift off to sleep if I do not have a direct focus i.e a book, iPad etc.

The Comforter Bubble Bar in Blackcurrant & new nail colour!

Purple Bath, Purple Bath!!

The book I have been reading is by John Green and, you guessed it, is 'The Fault In Our Stars'. Yes, it is meant to be a teen read and yes it may seem childish. However as a best seller I was intrigued to see what it had to offer and I cannot say I was disappointed. The story is beautiful whilst being slightly heartbreaking. I think if anything, even though it is pure fiction, it gives you a different perspective on the world and makes you think differently about your own ability and health. If you are at a loss this Spring/Summer and want a good read, I recommend this book! Plus, they are currently filming the screen adaptation so that will be coming soon!

The Fault In Our Stars - John Green

Now i'm working all weekend so hopefully next week I can start making prep to complete some more of my list. Look forward to blogging for you lot again!
Have an awesome weekend!

Byeeee x

What Makes A Good Tuesday?

Hi Guyss,

So today I haven't ticked off another of my list, I am just writing about Tuesdays. Now in my opinion, Mondays are bad. Tuesdays however, are far, far worse. How many of us have had harsh realities to contend with on a Monday and have done the inevitable and gone, 'It's ok, i'll sort it tomorrow!'? I'm pretty certain that 98% of people reading this blog will have said this at some point. So really, considering we defer all of our Monday mess to Tuesdays, doesn't that make Tuesdays equally as bad, if not worse, than Mondays?

My Tuesday has been a little like that at work, however I won't bore you with those details. Instead what I will do is give you my insight on why this Tuesday has been different. I think there is a lot of pressure on society to go and socialise over the 'weekend' days. These days being Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. So on the remaining days it can feel as if we are longing for these days to come round quicker and therefore wishing the days away. So today I met with a friend. On a Tuesday!! Who would think it?
We only went for something to eat and a catch up and then back to mine to do bloggy things, but seeing her today made me feel at ease about the rest of the weel. It may sound crazy, but I never stated I was sane!

We also had a proper little sing-a-long to the songs in Frozen, as everybody seems to be doing at the minute. I always feel sorry for Olaf thought because all he wants to do is be in summer. Even if he is a snowman!

I think that when making plans to meet with friends or go on dates etc, it would make a nice change to see people doing it on Tuesdays. They really are bad enough as it is, never mind being bored and wishing for tomorrow to come!

If anybody fancies checking out my lovely lady friends blog, here is the link ; www.linzfoster.blogspot.co.uk
She writes about life and the single lady! Also the cutest kitten in the world features in her blog!
Till next time folks!
Byeeeeeee x