Life Lately #8

We are in May!  The month of bank holidays and hopefully beautiful Spring-edging-into-Summer sunshine!  April was a bit of a quiet one in the blogosphere for me, partly because I have been super duper busy and partly because I became quite ill with gastroenteritis - which wasn't how I wanted to spend one of my only free weekends over the next few months but never mind.  

I had my birthday in April and I've blogged a little bit what I did to celebrate my 28th.  28 sounds like such a grown up age; I'm not sure if I'm entirely ready for it.  That being said, I did have some wonderful celebrations. Here's what else I have been up to: 


Eating : Chocolate.  It has been Easter and I did my own chocolate making party while away in Kent so it was only natural that I ate lots of chocolate.  Apart from that, I've been focussing on having lots of healthier lunches at school so that counts as a balanced diet, right?  

Drinking : As I was ill with a nasty stomach bug, I had to cave and have full fat Coke - something that I hadn't drunk since July last year.  I lovingly refer to Coca Cola as my own personal crack, I become full on addicted if I allow myself to drink it on a regular basis so it felt like a real treat to be able to treat myself it as I was ill. Hopefully it won't start off a nasty habit again! 

Reading : I've been able to read a little bit more this month and I've read a range of books.  My favourite was definitely The Art Of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson.  It's one of the talked about YA books of deal and it deals with transgender - something that is definitely not dealt with enough in literature (or life, to be honest). I also read Mousetrapped by Catherine Ryan Howard, an Irishwoman who worked for 18 months in a hotel in WDW - think I will do a review of this one.     

Watching : On television,  we've got into Mozart in the Jungle, which is set in the classical music industry in New York and starts Gael Garcia Bernal (my favourite Mexican actor).  It's witty and easy to watch;  sometimes that's all you want from a TV show.  On the big screen, one film I keep thinking about is Still Alice. I finally got round to seeing it a couple of weeks ago and it was definitely worth the hype.  So beautifully sad and inspiring, all at the same time.

Planning : We won a luxury spa break in the Cotswolds when I was going through my mad-comping stage so we are planning all the ins and outs of that trip!  

Anticipating : Another busy and exciting month:  camping, the spa weekend and I'm bridesmaid for one of my oldest friends.  It's going to be a good month!      

Buying : I have been buying a lot of jewellery from Etsy- there are so many seriously talented people out there.  I'm going to write a post about my favourite bits and pieces. 

Life lately #7

Goodbye March, hello April!  I like April; to me, it means the beginning of Spring!  It's also my birthday month but I don't want to even think about getting another year older.  My Peter Pan mode is in full flourish!  

Here's what my March looked like: 


Eating : I think I mentioned this last month but I really need to start thinking about what I'm eating again!  I've very much been over indulging this month: eating in lots of restaurants, enjoying lots of sweet treats, and craving naughty food!  I've very much enjoyed myself though but I'm all too aware that it's not the healthiest of diets! 

Drinking : I have an extreme relationship with hot chocolate, sometimes I love it and other times I hate it.  At the moment, it's the love phase so I've been ordering it in coffee shops and making it a lot at home for a chocolate hit!  

Reading : My schedule has been pretty hectic which has meant that I've not been able to read as much as I'd like - I've only really managed 15 minutes a day!  I have been reading my Poem A Day though which often gives me food for thought.  Although we're now in the Easter holidays, I'm working so still no time to read.  I picked up a 'blind book choice' from my local library last week; the library wrapped up a selection of books and the only clue to your choice is the novel's first line.  I thought it was such a good idea!  I picked up Santa Montefiore's Secrets From The Lighthouse  - it's a great way to introduce yourselves to an author you wouldn't have normally chosen. 

Watching : At the moment, I'm really enjoying Indian Summers.  To me, it's a fiestier Downtown Abbey.  I love the beautiful shots of India and the politics of that era are fascinating.  At the cinema, I saw Insurgent.  I thought it was okay  but has some of my favourite actors at the moment (Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Miles Teller, Theo James!) and I liked the book series.  I also surprisingly liked 50 Shades of Grey as I hated the book.   Who would have thought it?

Planning : I've been planning a camping trip over May Day weekend, we've gone for a no electric pitch in a woodland area so it will be great to switch off completely.  

Anticipating : My birthday weekend!  I've got lots to look forward to, some surprises and afternoon tea at The Ritz!  I feel very lucky.     

Buying : I caved and have been getting the Look Fantastic Beauty Box for the past couple of months.  It's £15 that I should be saving but getting a selection of new and exciting products each month to try has curbed my urge to buy lots of new make-up and products!  I look forward to receiving it every month and I love that it's such a surprise!  

How was your March?

February Fun | Life lately #6

L-R Miles, the Thomson bear! - Hospital perks - Sleeping Beauty's Castle - From one Disney park to another. 

I feel like I say this all time but: where has time gone?  I cannot believe we are in February... in 2015!  But anyway, enough of my realisation that I'm getting old, here's what I have been up to: 

Eating : After my operation a couple of weeks ago, I ate all the foods that I wasn't able to enjoy pre-op!  I had pizza for the first time in nearly 18 months and it was so good! I need to start focusing again on what I eat but I do feel so much better eating well.    

Drinking : I've been enjoying a lot of Beanie's coffee recently; I love the flavours.  We have Amaretto Almond and Cinder Toffee at the moment, the hint of flavour means that I don't put any extra sugar or sweetener in.  

Reading : I'm reading a lot of books about American culture (which I have blogged about).  I think I'm enjoying it so much as it's reminiscent of my university days; I'm reading to discover and learn something.  As much as I love reading to relax and switch off, it's great to be able to absorb and relax at the same time.  A lot of the books are debate-worthy too.  I am a such a loser.  

Watching : On TV, I am glued to Broadchurch.  I'm  not sure if it's as good as the first series but it's still really gripping and Miller just cracks me up.  Olivia Colman is an amazing actress, David Tennant can do no wrong in my eyes, and the rest of the cast is just stellar, I mean: Charlotte Rampling!  Looking forward to seeing how the storyline unravels.  On the big screen, I feel like I've been disappointed.  I've seen a lot of musicals and they're not my favourite genre.  I did, however, love The Theory of Everything.  Two of my favourite actors (Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones) in a British film, full of Britishness, laugh and cry moments,  A beautiful film. 

Planning : The WDW planning has quietened down a little bit so I'm not really planning that much at the moment.  I'm having to save, save, save which means I'm working my day job, doing private tuition, and working during the school holidays.  I'm feeling quite busy but it'll all be worth it. 

Anticipating : February half term,.  I just said I'm saving but I have a few exciting days planned during the half term, days that have been planned since August last year and Christmas!  In fact, I'm bursting with excitement.   

Buying : Again, trying to save so no beauty products.  I did buy an online photography course, I've mentioned that I want to get to grips with my camera.  I've had it for so many years but never really had the time to dedicate to learning all the settings, tricks etc.  Hopefully this course will help me understand my camera, I'm never going to be a professional photographer but I want to be able to take photos that I will value and treasure forever. 

How's your February looking?

Blogger Missing In Action...

Hello?  Is there anybody out there....?  It would seem that I have taken a bit of a "blogger break" recently and it really wasn't intentional!  Life has done what life generally tends to do and kept me busy and tired every day; time also has done what it tends to do, runs away with itself and I look back and say where has the past month gone?! 

I'm still managing to keep up reading my favourite blogs but I've neither been commenting nor writing my own posts.  The more time passed, the less I wanted to write anything but since it's something that I do enjoy doing, I've decided to try and get back into it and try and do one post a week, about something, anything.  

So here I am. My life is slowly settling into a routine during the week and weekends have been crazy busy the past few weeks doing different projects and catching up on errands etc, but here is what I've been up to over the past (two) months!

Eating : I'm still following the Slimming World diet and because it's such a well rounded, positive way of eating, I've discovered that I now have a much more positive and healthy relationship with food.  I've currently lost 1 stone 8 pounds and to be honest, I don't feel that I have deprived myself of anything.  I'm feeling good and eating well!

Drinking : Tea and Pepsi Max Cherry.  Since starting work at the Primary School, my tea  intake has increased dramatically!  I'm not sure if it's because of the early mornings or it's comforting warmth but I religiously take a flask to work with me.  Pepsi Max Cherry is my favourite 'treat' drink; it's replaced full fat coke!  I'm a sucker for fizzy drinks but since I'm dieting, full sugar drinks are off the menu and Pepsi Max Cherry tastes just as good!

Reading : I am pleased to say that I have been able to read a few books since I last posted, not as many as I would have liked, but I'm getting through them.  My recent favourite has probably  been Alice Bliss by Laura Harrington.  Has anyone else read it?

Watching : I'll admit it:  X Factor is one of my guilty pleasure.  It just entertains me so I was pleased when it began again!  I wasn't so pleased when it was on for three different nights (that's too much of a commitment in my eyes) but now we're back to two, I look forward to snuggling down in front of the TV.  I also saw Pride at the cinema - fantastic, simply amazing and I would highly recommend.  

Planning : Next year!  Things are still up in the air for my future plans but I'm looking into the different routes into teaching.  The application process seems pretty intense; literacy, numeracy tests, UCAS, personal statements are all super stressful!  

Anticipating : The next big 'thing' I'm waiting for is probably reaching my goal weight at Slimming World.  It's less than a stone away and I still have wobbly days but the beauty of the plan means you can adapt it to your life; it's for real life and people.  I'd love to be at target for Christmas but we will see!

Buying : Pennies are a bit tight at the moment so I'm trying not to splurge.  I did buy a new moisturiser for my skin - extremely dry cheeks, oily forehead and blemish prone - I'm trying Kiehl's Blue Herbal Moisturiser.  I've only been using it for a week but finger's crossed it helps.  

That's it what I have been up to... how about you?  

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Life lately #5

L-R : First Nando's in a year // Teacher's pet // Summer in the UK // Best socks ever!

Wow!  Where has the summer gone?  Since getting back from Mexico, my life has been pretty much non-stop.  I was home for around five days and then started working at a summer camp, which was fun but pretty intense and I finished last week.  It's only now that I've been able to finally catch up on everything.  I've been sad that I've not been able to blog as much recently, hopefully when I get into a routine again I'll be able to devote more time to writing.  

Here's what I have been up to: 

Eating : As I've embarked upon a new healthy lifestyle, I'm eating a lot of delicious low-fat, healthy meals.  I've also enjoyed a lot of fruit since being back home, I've re-discovered my love for blueberries.  I'd probably eat those all day if I could! 

Drinking : As boring as it sounds... water!  Again, in order to complement my new found healthy lifestyle, I'm trying to up my water intake.  This is always one of my new years resolution's and I'm really trying to focus on drinking an extra one or two glasses a day.  

Reading : I haven't had much time to read recently but I have enjoyed Wintergirls (which I will post a review for soon) and I'm currently reading Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird, which I am loving.  It's such a well known, well loved classic, and to be honest, I can't believe I've never read it before. 

Watching : The Great British Bake Off!  Masterchef!  I love the summer months when all my favourite cookery programmes begin.  I love Bake Off and Masterchef so much, I enjoy cookery and always look to them for inspiration... although, they tend to make me so hungry (especially the dessert/cakes).  As for the cinema, I've enjoyed The Dawn of The Planet of The Apes and Jersey Boys.  

Planning : I'm planning my post-summer life.  From September, I'll be working in a primary school and looking to apply for a PGCE if I do not get my very much wanted next job (it's very competitive so I'm not holding out too much hope).  It's going to be a fulfilling year! 

Anticipating : Visiting friends and new parts of the country.  I'm camping in Cornwall at the end of the month and in Cornwall, we are going to watch a Shakespeare play on the cliffs, star gazing, amongst other very exciting things!  It's my first time camping so I'm a little apprehensive but I'm sure I will enjoy it.  

Buying : I didn't actually buy it but received it as a gift, but I have currently started using the famous Liz Earle's cleanse and polish.  My skin already feels softer and clearer but I have to be patient and allow my skin to settle down and get used to a new product.  My skin is so incredibly sensitive that any little change results in a horrible break out but I'm hoping I'll get used it to, because I adore it!

How's your August been?

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Life lately #4

Wow!  Where has the past month gone?  I can't believe I'm writing my first blog back in England; I had such an amazing last month in Mexico, with memories that'll last a lifetime.

My parents and aunt came out to visit and we all spent two weeks in Nuevo Vallarta - it was great to get out of the city and spend two weeks relaxing by the sea.  We also did a couple of excursions while we were there, blog posts to follow!

After holiday, we spent a week in Guadalajara.  I had a couple of goodbye parties with my school there and Mexican friends as well as visiting a few places around the city that we still hadn't gone to - even after living there for one and a half years.

That being said, I was ready to move on at the end of our last week in Guadalajara.  I hate living in limbo and we were like that, with all our hotel and transportation reservations, suitcases packed and just waiting to leave for Mexico City.  I had an amazing last week in Mexico City and to be honest, it made me remember why I love Mexico so much.  Mexico City is such a dynamic, vibrant and culturally rich city; there is always something to do, a place to visit, or something different to experience.  We had a lot of fun just generally being tourists, we went to some amazing museums and discovered interesting places in the city.  But alas, all good things have to come to an end and so I find myself back here, in Suffolk.

So far, I'm enjoying being back, I've missed England a lot, and of course, my family and cats.  I have a new job to start and lots of other ventures planned over the summer.  Here's to a good summer and to start ticking things off my summer bucket list!

Happy July! 

Life lately #3

L-R NARS Orgasm blush - Selfie! - Friday morning brunch on the terrace - Counting down the days!

I can't believe it's my third Life Lately post!  I've really enjoyed  blogging frequently, it's been a great outlet for my mind... sort of like a written pensieve!  

Eating : Friday morning brunch has become one of my favourite meals. We normally go for a full on continental style breakfast: juice, fresh fruit, cereal, bread, jam, yoghurt and coffee, all enjoyed in the sunshine on our terrace. 

Drinking : Mexican coffee is simply delicious and I've enjoyed having a cup every now and again. I'll admit I'm not usually a huge coffee drinker, but there have been a few mornings where I have had a cup of coffee instead of tea. I've also enjoyed exploring little coffee shops here in Guadalajara, they're often lovely places to while away an hour or two. 

Reading : I've been steadily working my way through a number of books this month: my goal on Goodreads is to read 25 books this year and as I've finished 19 so far, I think I might have to up my target. You can read my review for one of my May books, All The Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy here and look out for another book review this Sunday. 

Watching :  I've been really getting into Hart of Dixie recently; I'm getting my southern USA fix since Nashville has finished for the season, as well as seeing more of Rachel Bilson after binge watching the entire series of The OC!  I've also been to the cinema a lot this month... I have seen The Other Woman, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (for the second time!), Non-Stop, Godzilla, X-Men: Days of Future Past, and Maleficent. 

Listening :  I've loved Phillip Phillips, The Vamps, and the second volume of the Nashville soundtrack  this month. Thanks to the Nashville and Hart of Dixie sound tracks, I've really started getting into country music and discovering new artists. 

Planning : I'm planning my life back in England!  It's causing such a range of emotions:  I'm happy to go home but really sad at the same time.  We're also planning our last week here in Mexico; thinking of spending a final week in Mexico City, finishing my year in the same way we started!

Anticipating : Holiday! I'm so excited to see my parents and spend two weeks by the beach, relaxing!  

Buying : Shopping, shopping. I've splashed out a little bit this month and treated myself to goodies from The Body Shop as well as my first NARS blusher; needless to say, I love it. We have a Sephora here, in one of the shopping centres, so I might investigate on my favourite beauty blogs and see what else I can treat myself to. 

How's your month been? Happy June!


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Life lately #2

So it seems that April was a month full of sweets and swimming pools! I've already blogged a few times about Disney, and to be honest, I'm still riding the high from such an amazing and happy week. Every now and again, such happy times and memories make me feel a bit blue (how is it already three weeks ago?!) but I had such a magical and special time that I know it will stay with me forever.  I love visiting the United States, something that seems to cause scorn from fellow foreigners in Mexico. The States offer a complete change of pace from Mexico and I relish that; a change is as good as rest, supposedly.

May is going to be a fairly quiet month for me in Mexico, I only have two months left here and at least 3 of those weeks at the end of my stay will be spent travelling or away from Guadalajara. My parents and my aunt are coming to spend two weeks in Puerto Vallarta in June so I will be staying in an all inclusive beach resort. I can barely contain my excitement! I cannot wait to see my family, and honestly, I'm counting down to the day they arrive and when I can spend two blissful weeks away from the hustle and bustle of the city.  With that to look forward to and having spent out a little bit in April, I'm having to cut back a bit.  To be honest though, it's not all bad because I get to indulge in my less expensive hobbies like reading and films!

I love that going to the cinema is so cheap (compared to England, anyway) here.  Tickets usually cost between $35-70, which is £1.75-3.50 and it is only £2.50 for a massive bucket of caramel popcorn... Truly my heaven!  I've been able to go to see a movie at least once a week and been able to keep up with new releases.  Dena and I have also compiled a list of 50 'must-see' films that we haven't already seen.  I consider myself a film fan but there are a lot of classics that I should have seen but haven't, so I am looking forward to working my way through the list.

This month I've also been thinking a lot about my plans post-Mexico.  I've got some big ideas about where I want my life to go but my plan (I'm scared to tell people about it in case I jinx it!) involves a lot of competitiveness and a long wait.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it all will work out but who knows what life will throw at us?  I've also got to get my gallbladder removed before I consider anything too major too.  One plan or goal that I'm less afraid to jinx is the Couch to 5K.  When I get home and get a good pair of trainers, I'm setting myself the challenge of doing this exercise plan.  I've never, ever ran before, I'm a bit of an exercise-phobe but I've decided that I really want to push myself and do something that I never thought I'd be able to do.  The C25K is designed to get people running 5 km in just nine weeks, running 3 days a week with a days rest in between.  I'm sure I'll blog about my progress but it seems like a realistic way to become more active and do something for me.  

Here's to a happy and fulfilling month for everyone! 

Live the full life of the mind, exhilarated by new ideas, intoxicated by the romance of the unusual. - Ernest Hemingway 

Life lately #1

1. Busy April plans! 2. Cooking by candlelight - no electricity!
3. Wise words from Walt.  4. Sunshine selfie.

April is well and truly upon us now and I am so excited for it to be here!  School breaks up for Easter holidays which means that it is time for me to embark on my travels, after months of excitement and anticipation.  First up, as I'm sure you are well aware by now ('cause I haven't really spoken about it much) is my birthday trip to Florida!  Planning for a Disney/Universal trip seems to have to be very meticulous and although I've had the majority of it organised for me, I've enjoyed looking up the different attractions, restaurants, and the local area.  Once we arrive back in Mexico, we have a few hours sleep and then we are off to Ajijic again for a few nights.  It'll be my birthday when we arrive, we decided on a little pick-me-up to help avoid the post-Disney blues and I'm always so grumpy on my birthday!  I really liked Ajijic last time we were there and it's the perfect spot to unwind and chill by the pool.  After Ajijic, the suitcase will be packed again as we are flying to Los Cabos and another few days of beach and pool relaxation!  I am feeling very lucky to have all of these plans coming up.

1. Black pepper chicken salad.  2. Disney princess hair.
3. Getting pin trading ready! 4. Feelin' hot hot hot. 

The past few weeks here have flown by but I have managed to find time to enjoy the soaring temperatures here in Guadalajara.  Spring has very much sprung and each day temperatures reach at least thirty degrees.  It's getting very hot and honestly, the hour commute to and from school is a mission.  Apart from sunburn (I get burnt if I spend 15 minutes outside without suncream), the heat is very tiring and after a day at work, I'm happy to relax reading or watching television.  Not very cultural but sometimes needs must!  The hot weather tends to destroy appetites too, so I have not wanted to eat heavy, big meals.  A fresh, crisp salad is perfect for a light, tasty meal and gallstone friendly too.  Fortunately, my gallstones have been pain-free for a while and I'm hoping that it will continue.  My diet is still pretty much fat free but I have been allowing myself mini treats every now and again to help curb cravings.  We found a fat free froyo place and it's been so nice to eat something that I loved in my pre-diagnosis days!  At times it has been difficult to resist fatty foods but I have learnt a lot of different ways that you can make a meal fat free.  Pinterest is amazing for recipes.

I have less than 100 days left here in Mexico now, which means I have some big decisions to make when I get home.  The time has really flown by and it feels odd to be counting down to my return to England. I'm looking forward to seeing my family and cats but I'm already anticipating the reverse culture shock, I've become very accustomed to the Mexican way of life: transport, food, money... Britain will be a huge shock to the system! All good things do indeed have to come to an end but already, I have some ideas for the next big adventure! If anything, this year has made me realise that I want to have different life experiences, I want to live my life in different places but know that I will always return home to Suffolk and my family. I'm so fortunate to have these opportunities so I fully intend on pushing myself and taking decisions that aren't initially the easiest but pay off in the long run.

"The most important thing is to enjoy your life - to be happy - that's all that matters." Audrey Hepburn. 

Happy April!