Life updates, Why have I been so quiet? Whats Been going on?

Hi all,

Well, I'm back after a very long time away, There has been a lot going on here in the last 6 months and I simply feel like I haven't had time to sit and write.

I have a new job
I have had Hernia Surgery
I have got hair extensions
I have a new car

I now work for the national trust in the catering team at Clumber Park. I LOVE it! I feel like I finally belong, and have found a job I love to go to and get up in a morning and look forward to it. Yes, I have taken a pay drop and had to rearrange and reassess my spending. But its well worth it for actually feeling and being truly happy. My family have all commented on how I seem genuinely settled and happy.

I around easter found a lump in my stomach that was very painful, which ended up being a "paraumbilical hernia". I was signed off work and was operated on within 3 weeks. It was a painful recovery, and now 4 months on I am still not 100% strong in my core and stomach, but it has made me concentrate on eating well, and gentler forms of exercise and the process of building back up.

My hair never grows, and if you have been here for a while I have documented this. I have tried biotin and millions of different products. So finally I have taken the plunge and got tape in extensions, (I am now on my second install). They have lasted me about 8 weeks before needing to come out and be retaped and reinstalled. I have been truly amazed at how much my hair is growing while I have them in. I think its a mixture of the extra heat on my head and the sulphate etc free shampoo I am using to maintain them. I know it is growing as I am needing my roots doing every 8 weeks, and I can usually manage 12 weeks. I think they will be installed 2 more times and then my hair should have grown to my desired length.

I had a big life change last year when my sister died, and one thing I have learnt is that life is true too short and if you want something go out and do it. Well, I have always wanted a convertible "Sunday car". And I worked hard and saved hard and thankfully I went and bought it just before the summer weather started. I have been very thankful and happy to be driving around with the top down and tunes on over the last few weeks. Whenever I have felt low this has been a sure way to very quickly pick me up.

Lucy update - 6 months

Wow!
We have now had the pleasure of owning Lucy for over 4 months now, she is 6 months old,

I cannot truly remember my life without her,

We have now experienced:

• loosing teeth
• changing from puppy to adult food
• training to sit and stay
• sleeping in her room all night without accidents
• letting us know if we are out at other peoples houses that she needs to go out to toilet
• when she can or cannot come on the sofa

We need to improve:

• not pulling on the lead
• not jumping at people when coming in the door
• not crying when we leave the house (as from standing outside we know its been for like 30 seconds for attention)

I remember all the struggles and sleepless nights but I wouldn't have it any other way. 

From the day we were walking home and Lucy slipped off her lead, leading to her running back up a main road towards our house (luckily it was early morning with very few cars on the road) but it didn't stop me running like crazy and crying my eyes out.

To the time she decided to eat her flashing walking light (the size of a golfball) and waiting and checking on her sleeping for it to pass.

And all the little cute things, like sitting guard by our back door waiting for her nanny (the live next door) to come home from work, and wagging her little windscreen wiper.

To her being there when im poorly and giving me a cuddle when i need it, or licking a tear off my face when I cry.

I would not change her for the world, she is out little "cracker jack". Crazy, cute and sweet.

New Job - New Challenge

Hey, long time no speak.
I know its been a while and I just wanted to check in,
Well there have a been a few changes since I last blogged.

I have just accepted a new job, and I am in the final few days at my old company of 7 years. I will soon be moving on and hopefully progression within my career. The new company is within a similar industry and I cannot wait to work with them to progress myself and their company.

My boyfriend now has his new job, since leaving university and graduating last September, he has now got an amazing job. I am so proud that the hard work and effort of getting his degree has paid off. I just need to get used to him working away and not knowing when he will be home. Such as now 3 weeks in America, with no due date to come home (other than before his 60 day visa runs out).

A few things have happened recently that have made me realize you need to live for each and every day, and live life to the max.

Speak soon

Nic

The last few weeks,

The last few weeks.

I have had a bit of an emotional roller-coaster over the last few weeks, And as some things I think are best keeping private I have not posted much on here.

I have previously battled with depression, and I am aware of lots of my triggers. Recently a few of these have been apparent to me.

I have been trying to force myself into doing the things that help pull me around.

·        A bath

·        A walk

·        A run

·        Watching YouTube videos

·        Listening to music

Do you have any other suggestions?

The only other issue I am having is I cannot sleep well at night. I get to sleep easily, however then around 4am I awake and have broken sleep until I have to get up. I have tried no electronics, a bath, lavender spray and the odd glass of wine. Again all suggestions are welcomed.

Speak Soon

Nicola

What do you do when you have a bad Day/ Week / Month / Year?

What do you do when you have a bad Day/ Week / Month / Year?

HI All,

I’ve been a bit distant recently as feel like I’ve had a lot going on in my day to day life and I’ve been feeling very overwhelmed with it all.

I know what I’m about to describe will sound petti and nonsense to some people. I set up this blog as a place for me to vent and express myself. I am the worst person in the world for bottling up my thoughts and let them keep going round and round in my mind.

I have been through a lot in the last year, I left my marriage which took a lot of person strength, set up a new home, (which has a number of flaws e.g. mould and £120 pm electric bills) Set up a new party plan business. Carried on with my existing wedding photography business. Decided it was time to look to leave my 9-5 day job.

Well to add on top of this I have been getting really anxious lately. I find myself sat staring into space not knowing whether to go get in bed and wish the day away or burst into tears. I genuinely sometimes don’t know what to say when friends ask “whats wrong”. I just feel like I constantly give everything my all and go above and beyond to make everyone else happy. I feel that I have gotten lost along the way.

I feel like I go from extreme highs to extreme lows in the flick of a switch.

e.g. I’m amazed when I secure a wedding booking, or party bookings for my candle company, win a 5 year court case, & even the odd job interview and I’m on top of the world.

Only to then get an unexpected bill, not get that job that, your party bookings cancel on you, or your friends one by one suddenly stop responding to your messages (even though you can see they have been read) and you feel like the loneliest person in the world.

Yes I know everyone has issues and that life must go on, but when you feel like you have no aims, goals or reason to persevere. What is it that I need to do to snap out of this and break the cycle?

I have been trying to think of ways to break down what do I want, and how can I measure ways to say yea I did have a good week this week.

Yes I know this is not the usual blog, but I have had so much stuff built up I was ready to explode.

Nic 

1 month Diet & Exercise update

Diet and Exercise update:

Well here I am 1 month on.

To summaries.

·        I bought all the gear to go running

·        I went running 3 times a week for 2 weeks

·        I went MEGA healthy eating for 1 week

·        I limited to 1 cup of tea a day and the rest honey and lemon

·        Consciously drank lots of water

·        I dropped a dress size (in trousers)

·        I felt amazing! Alert, not hungry, happy,

·        I then was ill

·        I stopped exercise

·        Now I cannot get back on the healthy eating band wagon

·        I have a sore throat, feel really tired and run down

·        My get up and go has gone.

Plan:

·        Get back into exercise (however I shall mix it up with a run and a xbox game like Zumba)

·        Next food shop – go healthy again – however I do need to give myself treats and think more about lunches at work. I have found I need a mid morning or mid afternoon boost.

·        Drink more water again (my skin was clearer)

I cannot believe how quickly I started to see results and feel better in myself. I need to find a balance between TOO healthy and fit and making it work with my lifestyle and goals.

What can you suggest?

Speak soon

Nicola

Diet / Fitness & Meal planning

Meal Planning:

HI I got this idea from one of blogger friends.

I am starting on 23.03.15 starting my new exercise schedule including running and cardio along with toning. I am definitely running at least 5k this summer in the race for life. Depending how the training goes between now and entering this may be me signing up for the 10k.

I am doing this to get back into fitness as this did help me physically, but also metal it helped to get on a running machine and put my headphones on for a few hours. Well the difference this time is I cannot afford the Gym membership. Therefore I have found a running buddy who will help enforce me going 3 nights a week. And I won’t be out on my own. Then there will be home workouts between for more toning and strengthening.

My aim is to get fully into my size 8 clothes. I am in some 8s comfortably, however I still have work to do on my stomach. Therefore I would love to go to a clothes shop and not have the am I an 8 or 10 debate. (I bet that sounds really vain)

Also I want to help my overall eating style. I am quite good in general due to the Coeliac nature of my diet, But I am a sucker for cake and biscuits. (gluten free of course). Therefore today with a little help from other people made a health meal plan for the next week.

This will involve batch cooking to give me easy meals for when you just cant be bothered to cook, and meals for lunch at work. Both of these factors should combine to give me healthy meals at a cheaper cost.

I have recently done a Costco Meal shop, therefore my freezer is stocked up on chicken thighs, pork loins, beef mince and stewing beef.

All I didn't buy today was fish as the Aldi selection was not great and I shall go to a larger superstore or a local fishmonger in the week to get this closer to the night of the meal.

I was surprised at how little the shop cost £36.27. But this will be of course subsidized by the meat from the Costco meals.

My fridge is now well and truly stocked up.

All with healthy meals.

The meals I chose are:

Roast Chicken salad / tuna salad

Beef vegetable stir-fry

Beef stew

Pasta with pesto, cherry tomatoes and leftover chicken

Chilli and rice

Fish with new potatoes and peas

There should be some food left at the end of the week which will no doubt be come some kind of concoction to use up. (I hate waste)

I will be very conscious about the level of water I am drinking – I even have an app on my phone. I don’t know how ill manage but I want to drop to 2 cups of tea a day. And yes that includes at work. This will be hard for me as I am a tea monster and I have at least 10 now. I have bought some berry tea for at work and hopefully this will help if others don’t just make me a regular tea.

I am looking at some health supplements to help with metabolism and fat burning. However I shall be careful with this as I know you can get some dodgy ones.

What do you think?

What meals could I add in? They need to be easy, filling and cheap.

Nic

Appreciate the little things:

Appreciate the little things:

Over the last week a lot of things have changed in my personal life. (Im not going to broadcast the ins and outs of this online.) However it has made me realise not to take anything for granted. Find what makes you happy, and work with that.

If something you are doing is making you unhappy or ill, you need to realise this and work towards and end goal to help make you better. That end result may not be easy, and could hurt others along the way. But as long as you think about it and take your time deciding what is the best outcome. Then you will get there in the end. 

It could be a massive leap of faith to believe in yourself and go for it. It doesn't have to be an entire life change. Just I have realised that you need to take a step back from your day to day life and see what doesn't seem to be working, and fix it.

However you do need to be appreciative of others and their feelings. Just because something may seem obvious to you, other people could be affected by the result. Take the time to think things through, talk to people for support if you need it and don't rush into anything. 

I know this may seem a little cryptic, but I hope the message I am aiming for gets through.

Speak Soon

Nic

Where have I been?

You may have noticed I have been a little quiet for a few weeks. As you are aware we are all human and sometime things happen in your daily life that can take over a situation.

I am not going to publicly divulge this to everyone who can read this blog and go in depth of what has been happening. However all you need to know is I'm safe and well.

Over the next few weeks and months there will be changes happening, some of which I will post about on here and show happening. Some will be kept quiet behind closed doors.

I totally missed a September Favorites post and it seems a little strange posting this mid October. However a couple of things I had been loving are:

Lush bath items, I went to lush for the first time, amongst other items I picked up “the comforter” this pink creamy bubble bar is amazing. Smells like the sweets refreshers, makes your water pink and makes my sin feel amazing afterwards. I have loads left but will repurchase.

Kirkland Face wipes, I have a Costco membership and went a few months ago. I know face  wipes are not always thought of as being the best way to remove makeup, but when its a day of a wipe or don't do it, then I though a wipe would be better. I used to use simple wipes due to sensitive skin, but they were working out expensive. I bought this box from Costco of their own brand, it was £3 for a big box including 3 full size packs and 2 travel packs. They are not scented as such as say suitable for all skin, however they do smell of aloe vera and chamomile. They have not brought me out in a rash and remove waterproof mascara easily.

I think thats it for now, I will be back soon.

Nic

New things: New Car

Over the last few months I have been looking into selling our second car and upgrading it. In theory there was nothing much wrong with the old car, It was getting on in years and a few things were niggling us about it. Therefore I thought time to look into changing it.

I have had bad experiences with cars and dealerships in the past. As I am the buyer and the name the finance goes in etc. I want to be the one the dealerships speak to when going to test drive etc. Usually the dealers wont speak to me and only speak to my husband. This annoys me very much. Another annoyance is that the dealers think they know what I want as soon as I go in. No I may not want the top of the range sports model car, but I may not want pink and shiny either.

I went to a number of local dealers, some of which were your usual salesey car garage, asking too many questions, taking way too long and not letting you even sit in a car.

Then I found Toyota, well this was a different experience altogether. I called on Friday and asked what the opening times were for sat to test drive the car. As my husband worked until late in an evening this would not be suitable. I was trying to rearrange a date that was suitable and was drawing a blank. The helpful sales may said no problem, can you pick the car up on sat afternoon and  then bring it back on the sunday. That way you can both drive the car and see what you think. This was a great idea. On the saturday I went to pick the keys up, I was literally 10 minutes signed 1 piece of paperwork got shown the car and off I went. Me and hubby drove the car and made a few decisions. The next day I went back to drop off the car, getting ready for a million questions and salesy pushy tactics. 

This was not the case, I simply sat down, he asked if we liked the car, and he showed me a few pre worked out figures on a new and nearly new car. He asked what I thought and off we went. I was very happy with all of the figures and decided to go ahead there and then.

This was when the fun began, I had been telling my husband we could not afford a new car right now and that now we had made the choice I would save some funds and buy in a few months. We I can say now this was a lie, I knew the maths and I was pretty sure before taking the car back that the deal was possible. This is when the suggestion was made to pick up the car on the very next day. This was a good plan, and helped with the surprise element. However caused me a problem, the car being part exchanged was the car my hubby takes to work. I arranged to collect him from work, so no problem.  I even got a bunch of flowers from the dealership to say thank you for the order.

To cut a long story short, I am now the happy owner of a Toyota Yaris Hybrid. My hubby had a very nice 5th anniversary present.

I will be completing a post of all about the car as I know a few people have asked for it. But as I have driven the car twice since it ws purchased, I think I need to know more about it, before I write it up.

Speak soon

Nic

I am going to get muddy for charity!

Get Muddy for Charity:

Well I never thought I would be saying this but I am running a 5k race and then to top it all off it ends with a muddy assault course.

Well anyone that knows me I am not the messiest of people. I don't mind hard work and exercise but mud is not my cup of tea.

However it is for a vey good cause and I have now registered and shall not be going back.

One the 14th of September I shall be running round a local country park (Clumber park) for Cancer Research. 

I am going to start my training on the 14th of July. As I do want to run the race.

I am going to be doing this as part of a team of 10 with others from my work and some people will be walking, but a few of us are competitive and shall be running.

To say I am not very fit at present would be true, I am aiming currently to complete this within 20-30 minutes.

Last weekend I went and bought my clothing, as due to the nature of the run and the muddiness I wanted some good off road running shoes that I would not be too precious about getting ruined. I also wanted to get them now so I have them ready to break in and train in. Also due to now losing quite a lot of weight my old gym clothes were falling off me. I didn't think it would be the best look me on a treadmill and my trousers around my knees.Therefore I now feel I have the equipment to complete the job.

Mentally I am ready, This is a charity very close to my heart and I am proud to be taking part to raise money and awareness. I just hope now I can get some sponsorship in as this will be well outside of my comfort zone. 

An actual challenge!

I shall post a few updates along the way of how the training is going and how the fundraising is too.

incase you did want to sponsor me the details are below:

Online Donations: 

https://www.justgiving.com/melody-maison-girls

Text Donations
Text the word melo94  £(amount) to 70070 

Speak soon

Nicola x 

Making Time: Small things can make a big difference

Making Time:

Hi All,

I know I have been a little quiet on here for a few weeks and thought I better explain myself. We all have busy lives and lots going on and sometimes we don't make time for things that can be important to us.

Well I have decided this is going to stop!

I have recently taken on a new level responsibility of in my day job. Although great is meaning I'm coming home from work frazzled and just wanting a shower and bed. Also as it is wedding season I am working many of the weekends too.

I have decided that this month I am going to make a conscious choice to make time. Even if its just for small things that make a difference I am going to do it.

1: Go back to the Gym. 

After a few things over the last few months I am now feeling healthy enough to go back to the Gym. I shall start taking my gym wear to work and getting changed before I leave. Therefore as I drive past the Gym on the way home, I should get a good hour in. I shall be aiming for 3 times a week again. When I do go to the gym apart from helping me tone up etc, all of the exercise helps me clear my head and feel energized and much better on the whole. Meaning I feel like I can get on with more as a result.

2: Me time.

Wether this is simply half an hour a day to catch up on my blogs, have a longer than necessary bath or shower, or watch youtube videos in bed. If does help for me to try and clear my head and have space. I know spending time with others and having a chat about the day helps some people and I do like this too. But I am the type of person who likes their own company too.

3: Family

As my family don't live locally to me I do have to make a conscious effort to see them. They do understand that at this time of year I am often not free on a weekend to go over. However I want to make contact with them more often. Wether just a Facebook message or a text I think its important to try and keep close.

4: Friends

This is kind of the same as family really. Over the last few years my friends have all grown up and some have moved away. We all work different hours and it is really hard sometimes to keep in touch. This month I am going to try harder to make contact at least once a week with my true friends. Again it does not have to be a grand gesture or lavish meet up. But just something to acknowledge that you are thinking about them.

5: Passions.

In my life I have a few passions and I want to maintain a constant connection. I am going to spend at least 1 hour a week on each somehow. One is Ice Skating, I love the freedom, and feeling of being graceful. (Especially as my day job is by no mean graceful) I get and I have recently been back at skating and I am going to keep it up. My other passion is Photography, and by this I mean not the things I am paid to take photos of. I love photography for the simplicity and lasting reminder of something. Wether I can get out and actually take new images, or simply review and edit my previous images. I want to connect with my past, and think of new ways to capture and remember my future. I love looking at sites like Pinterest for new styles and ideas.

So there we are, a ramble about me wanting to spend more time doing what is important to me. Taking more time to appreciate every day individually and make the most of it. As you never know what the next new challenge you may come up against will be.

Speak Soon

Nicola x

Blog Update: What have I been doing over the last few weeks.

Weekly update:

Sorry I have not blogged for a few weeks, I have had a busy time but I am back. I have had lots of exciting things I have done and why not turn this into this weeks post:

I have recently caught up with a few Uni friends for a few nights in Blackpool. The weather was really good this first day we were there and we popped to the pleasure beach. Im not one for big rides therefore I was enjoying sitting in the sun being the designated bag lady. The other 2 days we were there the weather was not so great but we still made the most of our time off. 

We wanted to go up the Blackpool tower but sadly due to high winds it was closed. On the final day we went to see the animals at Blackpool zoo.

It was nice to relax, and this did include a glass or two of wine. Especially catching up with friends not seen for 18 months.

I have not been feeling 100% recently and have been really tired and achey after work. I have been having quite a few baths and using lots of lovely smelling products to try and ease the stress and aches. I do really enjoy taking some time out from everything, just me, bath, candles and music on my phone. I guess now we are going into summer with the warmer nights this may have to stop soon. As I don't want to overheat in the bath, (I already come out looking like a lobster)

As my family don't live near me I had chance to go and see my mum and family. A nice sunday lunch and a good chat. Especially nice to see my niece who is growing up so quickly. I know she was dressed as a disney princess but I don't know which one. I really am loosing touch with disney films.

Last weekend I was very lucky to be invited to a wedding as a guest. One of the girls from work was getting married. It was at my local church and a lovely hotel nearby. The weather didn't quite know what it wanted to do. But the sun was shining and the Bride looked lovely. It was strange going to a wedding and seeing it from the guests eyes. Realising firstly how many gaps and breaks there are in the day when you are not a guest. And (yes I'm going to say it) how annoying the photographer can be. The day felt long for us as guests but then i found out the bride had her hair and makeup booked in for 8am that day, and the first dance was not until 9pm. It was also a lovely day as I knew quite a lot of people at the wedding due the being kind of a work wedding. Good to see people out of work relaxing too.

and finally, I got to see a very dear friend to me this week. It was really strange how even after not seeing someone properly for over 3 years I instantly felt relaxed and as though nothing had changed. A good natter, a few apologies, a few tears and a hug from her beautiful baby boy really made my day. It does make me realise that true friends are there somewhere. You may not see them all the time but you do need to put the effort in to keep in touch as it is worth it. 

Well there I am, hopefully usual service will be resumed, I am planning to write up a lot of blogs this weekend to schedule for the next few weeks.

Bye 

Nicola

Do what makes you happy:

Do what makes you happy:

Over the last few weeks I have had a few things going off in my life. There are ups and downs for everyone and I think I have finally realised that you need to to what makes you happy. Whatever that may be sometimes you just need to forget everything else and have some you time.

I have wanted to embrace the good weather we have been having, I had some help to restore the garden to its former glory. They also helped me to build a bench. I have as a result this morning had an hour out in the warm sunshine with my favorite breakfast, music on the Ipad and a good cup of tea. I felt very relaxed and happy and only had to leave my spot to come and write my blog. 

I have found that when I am low I don't eat very well and as a result over the last month I have lost almost a stone in weight. I have however started to feel a bit better and I have started feeling hungry. Eating good food is another thing that makes me happy. I generally don't not eat anything, ill have anything in moderation. I do really enjoy my fruit and veg therefore if I want chocolate cake I will have it. On a shopping trip this week I had seen an cream tea on the menu. So you guessed it I had it, and it made me happy.

I am a typical girl, I love having a bath and pamper session and sitting on Netflix with a cheesy TV show. Sometimes it is good to simply have you time. I know it can be good to talk things out and not bottle up. But is is very good to simply sit and shut out any issues for a few hours clarity.

Friends make me happy, sometimes I feel like I am the one my friends come to when they need to talk and get things off their chest. I had been feeling like people were too busy to bother them with my problems. I have realised there are a few good true friends out there that are there no matter what or when you need them. I am very thankful to them for many things and I know you may be reading.

My house makes me happy, we were very lucky to inherit a house which enabled us to buy the lovely house we live in today. I take pride in my house and keeping it tidy and homely. I have been making sure things are in their place at the minute. Yes this may be a sign of my OCD creeping out and heaven forbid if a plug socket is not turned off. But doing these things help me feel at ease and then momentarily happy.

So whats the point in this blog, well I have waffled on a bit. I just wanted to say I am human I do have happy and sad times and there are lots of things we call all do that are personal to us that can make you happy. Wether it is a short term fix or a longer term result you need to find what makes you happy and cling to it.

Try not to let your feelings overwhelm you, sometimes life is hard and doesnt always look great. But take every day as it comes and slowly things should get better and you turn a corner. Its not always easy and some tough choices may have to be made, and not everyone may be happy with the path you choose but do what you feel is right and make yourself a priority. Its your right to be happy.

Nicola 

x

Have you met Zoe? I love her very much.

I drive an Electric car.

So I own a lovely White shiny Renault Zoe. This is a 100% Electric car. I shall apologies now is if I call the car she, she is part of the family and we love her.

It too a lot of patience to get her but now we have her I wouldn't look back. 

What is different about an electric car. Well it is powered by electric and not petrol, therefore I have to plug it in to get mileage. We have a charger in our garage and also use chargers when out and about such as a supermarkets or motorway service stations.

We get around 80 miles distance in the winter and around 100 miles in the summer. I know this would not suit everyone but me and my husband have a less than 20 mile return commute to work. We also combine charging the car with the use of our solar panels.

A normal home charge takes around 3 hours and costs about £2.50. Therefore the cost is about 4p a mile. I do not know of any other vehicles that can match anywhere near that. We have also started using the Superchargers at our local services and these are free to use, are powered by sustainable electricity and take around 30 minutes.

Also she is a joy to drive, Before we go this car my husband would automatically walk to the drivers side of the car as I would never voluntarily drive anywhere. Now we argue who is driving and usually resort to one there and the other back. She is silent to drive and usually you can only hear her if the radio is on inside the car or we have the heater on to keep warm. The car is automatic and the smoothest drive I know.

The car is classed as being a super mini, but is spacious on the inside. The boot is quite large to and can fit in a wheelchair and shopping besides. The seating is comfy and firm and the leg room is better than our old car.

Yes we do have the second car that is a petrol car, but I can honestly say since we took delivery of Zoë in September we have put petrol in this twice. That car is only for use when we have more than an 80 mile trip, or where we are going do not have chargers. 

We are even planning a holiday to Cornwall this year and we shall be taking Zoë. and staying in a cottage where there is a charger.

I do understand that this type of car is not for everyone, and that Zoe is suitable for my lifestyle. There is a great community of EV car drivers and I am very proud of being one of those people.

There are a number of Ev cars on the market and over the years to come there will be many more no doubt. My aim is one day to be a Tesla car driver but right now I love my Renault Zoe.

February Favourites video now live:

I have just posted my February Favourites video to Youtube.

Why not take a look at what I have been loving.

Please excuse the thumbnail, Youtube did not give many flattering options.

Why not comment with you would have been liking too and maybe I will purchase it to try in March.

More blogs coming up later this week. 

I shall be still aiming for a written blog at least once a week. 

Speak Soon

Nicola

x

About Me: Im Coeliac and what that means

About me: Im coeliac,

Right, so this is not going to be anything heavy but a brief explanation.

Not many people know but I am Coeliac. This is an illness that affects mainly the stomach and intestines. This illness is an allergy to Wheat and/or Gluten. Such as you would find in cakes, bread and pizzas.

I found out when I was 16 that I had this illness after many years going backwards and forwards to the doctors with stomach issues.

Oh the fondness of going to school wearing a size 10 trousers knowing in by bag was either a size 16 or maternity trousers ready for the afternoon. I used to literally swell up and look around 6 months pregnant at school.

After the diagnosis it appeared to be quite simple of how to stop the illness. Or so you would think. Cut out the things that contain wheat. Well there are more than you think, start with the obviously yummy foods, cakes, pizza and sandwiches. But then you get to Gravy, Vinegar and frozen chips that you wouldn't think of. You then become one of those people in the supermarket spending 30 minutes on each isle reading the back of the packets.

10 years ago being coeliac or wheat intolerant wasn't heard of. There were no free from sections in supermarkets and I had to get my food on prescription. Also because it was on prescription it was generally nasty. One good thing about more people having this illness now, or even choosing to go on a wheat free diet, is that now there are many more products on the shelves.

Yes not everything is great, and the bread is nasty but its a million miles from before.

Im guessing I'm spoilt as I had 16 years of yummy fluffy cakes and bread. Not the bread I have now which is stodgy, and has a sandy texture.

Well where am I now, I generally know the products, how to cook them and which to avoid. I do sometimes have a ‘naughty’ meal but I have to sum up in my mind if it will be worth the consequences. I have to be honest, my downfall is usually chocolate fudge cake.

I do get very bored of going out for a meal and always having a salad no dressing, or a jacket potato.

Over the next year I would like to find out more about new products that I have not used as I would love to be able to be 100% wheat and gluten free all of the time. But there are just so many products that just are not there or not up to scratch.

Anyone out there that has a great recipe or product that you have found I would love to know!