Welcome to the New Decade..!

Hello everyone, and a very Happy New Year to you all!

I trust you all had a wonderful festive season, and are now in that strange, foggy lull of not knowing what day it is (even if you’re back at work!). Apologies for the radio silence over the past few months (I’m kidding myself if I think you’ve actually noticed, but its nice to be polite), but its been 100 miles an hour here lately.

Now I’m not going to do a really long post reminiscing the last decade or year, because way too much has happened and to be completely frank, I do not have the time nor brain-power right now #festivefog. What I will say, is that there have been many ups and downs in the past ten years; none of which I can or would change as they shape who we all are. 2019 was quite the spectacular year for me. I really pushed myself to do things that I was afraid of, and I had a better year for it. So, that life lesson, along with my superb family, friends and fiancé (OMFG!), are going forward with me into the Twenties!

I don’t know about you guys, but I really feel January. Yes, we’re usually on the ‘come-down’ from all the festivities of December; yes, we’re all broke because its a five week month; and yes, even though we’re desperate to step away from all the beige food, you can’t quite help yourself reaching for those remaining Fox’s biscuits in the tin (because if you don’t eat them they’ll a) just go to waste and that would be a TRAVESTY, and b) the quicker you eat them, the quicker they’re gone and the house can be treat free ready for your diet). But I’ve always been amazed at what January can do for a person! This is the month where most people find hope. Whether that be the hope that the new year will bring better luck than the previous, or for the hope of the person you will become; fitter, slimmer, more positive, more assertive. I don’t know where it comes from, but its hope and positivity for better-ness. And for this, I like January!

Taking away from last year, I will henceforth venture into 2020 with the exact same attitude as I entered 2019! I will continue to do and try new things that scare me, whether that be a new class or a life adventure! So, I urge you to tear off the cellophane of your new 2020 diaries (that you will promise to do your best handwriting in), exercise that writing hand (that you’ll have forgotten how to use since being off work for the shutdown), and MAKE SOME PLANS! Get togethers, walks, coffee catch-ups, a new fitness class; whatever you want, just do it.

So whatever you are hoping to achieve in the Twenties, I wish you the very very best for 2020 and the coming years. May your lives and hearts be full.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Love,
SSA x

 

 

Race for Life Reflection

Good Morning Everyone, and a very happy Monday to you all!

I am… Absolutely shattered!
Yesterday was the day that I’d been working towards since registering for Race for Life. Now, I am not a natural runner… I’m not lean and graceful like a gazelle, instead I’m more on the curvier side; like a hippo, if you will. But I persevered through the training sessions, along with the boobage, and arrived like the early bird ready to catch the metaphorical worm that was the Race for Life track!

I won’t bore you for a long time with what happened in the interim, but a quick word of advice, GET THERE EARLY! My parents all got stuck in traffic, and since Mom had the pins for my back sign, I had to leave for the race without seeing them first, and without my sign! It gets so busy, and definitely go to the loo super early too. Me and Rochelle kept needing it constantly because of the nerves, and the line was about as long as the track!

Race for Life gets all those taking part to gather at the podium to share survivors stories, and they give you all a warm-hearted thank you for not only taking part, but also for the money that you all raise. They also used some local Personal Trainers to help us all singing along and get us warmed up before the race. It’s actually a very emotional time, and you don’t expect it! You’re aware of why you’re running the race, but you get so caught up in getting ready and raising your money, that I think you forget about who YOU’RE doing it for and the memories that you have with those people. It all gets brought to the forefront at this particular moment, those who’ve fought, those you’ve lost, and those who are still fighting every day. I did it for my Nanny b.b., and also my Aunty Margaret and Grandad Malcolm, both of whom are still with us today and fighting this disease! I began to feel very sad that I hadn’t found Mom in time, and would be running without my tribute, but at that exact moment (I don’t have a clue how he found me in a sea of 1800 people; its obviously a parent thing) my dearest Papa grabbed my shoulder and presented me with my tribute and four safety pins! I could have cried with happiness! ❤ We pinned me in on the way to the start line, and set off to The Greatest Showman’s ‘This Is Me”!

There were points when it was hard (remember what I said about me not being a natural runner!), and it got so hot at times that I thought I was going to keel over from stitch… But seeing the sign that says ‘Finish line this way!’ and sprinting down the last stretch towards the victory bell whilst you’re whole family cheers you on, made it all completely worth it! As I rang that bell, I felt so so sooo proud! And extremely emotional. I was so proud of my amazing family, who had all taken the time to come and support me on the day; swapping shifts, moving things around, assisting me in making sure I was race ready. I was proud of how much we’d raised! We’d absolutely smashed our target! And, I was also proud of myself! I wouldn’t even run for a bus back when I was a teen, now I’d just done a 5k race and actually RAN for 85% of it! I never thought I’d do anything like that, I didn’t think that I could. But I DID! I’d also smashed my personal target of raising £100, and actually raised £160 (with more donations still to go!)! Proud, is definitely how I felt. Of everything, and everyone ❤ ❤

My goodness, it was such a amazing day! As Mom calls it, “It’s a memory day.”, and I wholeheartedly agree. We couldn’t have asked for a better day” The sun was shining, our family was there, we had a wonderful picnic together and then went off to the pub to congratulate ourselves, catch up, and be an awesome, if slightly dysfunctional, family.

I’d just like to say an absolutely huge thank you to everyone! To every who supported us, donated to us, and sent their well wishes for the race! We really appreciate it, and are so grateful from the bottom of our hearts! ❤

To anyone thinking of walking, jogging, or running at a Race for Life event next year, please do it! Go and get registered! It really is one of the best days that you will have. Don’t think that you can’t do it, because you can! Their website lists all of the races and Pretty Muddy’s that you can take part in. If you’d still like to donate, I’ve left the link at the end of this blog post.

All my love,

SSA x

https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/samanthas-race-for-life-3704

Together; we CAN beat cancer!

 

Social Media Detox

Good Morning readers! I hope you’re all well! It has been a while, hasn’t it? Nearly two months, I think…

As the title of this piece suggests, I’ve been taking a very much needed break from social media. My reasons were twofold:

1. Since Easter I’d barely had time to sit back and relax. It had been all systems go! Every week was chock-a-block at work, and every weekend was littered with parties, birthdays, weddings, hen parties, travelling back and forth… Of course, these are wonderful things that were happening, and I was extremely grateful to have been included and invited! But you get the idea. I was exhausted. Physically and emotionally shattered. I am sort of used to life being 100 miles an hour, but I definitely needed to just sit (at home) and be still after this.
2. I’d become disillusioned with the whole point of social media. I’d lost hours (like many of us), mindlessly scrolling through Instagram and Facebook, looking at people I didn’t know and past things I didn’t really care about. I’d also noticed that I’d become quite envious and cynical of good things that were happening to others (most of whom I don’t even know!). I feel that if everyone could let themselves admit it, then we’d all say we’ve felt this way during our time vegging out on SM. We’ve all felt jealous of something happening for someone else; often “hrmph-ing” about their achievements (but liking the post anyway, cos, you know… God forbid you should let anyone know you’re feeling a smidge peeved and spiteful about the whole thing), and, then inevitably, we compare ourselves to them (“Why haven’t I got that?” or “Why aren’t I that lucky?” or the classics, “She’s not even that pretty anyway!” and “Oh my god, I wonder where that tops from?! I must purchase this immediately!” because obviously, when you purchase that top you’ll automatically be amazing like them and a better person).

So yes, anyway, I decided that instead of losing hours on social media and thus losing many hours of my life that could be used experiencing something useful that could actually benefit me, I decided to take a break. I tuned out of Instagram, Facebook, and SnapChat. If my friends wanted to talk to me (and visa versa), we’d text, call or actually SEE each other! I decided to be PRESENT and enjoy the moments that make my life what it is. And you know what? It was one of the best things I’ve ever done! I’ve noticed quite a lot, but these are the biggies!

1. As if by magic I’ve started to sleep so much better! It’s probably to do with the amount of blue light I’m now not getting. Instead, I’ve gone back to reading before bed. I love my sleep and always have 8+ hours a night, but my sleep is definitely less fitful and I drop off much quicker.
2. I’m much less concerned about doing things and getting that picture for Instagram. Obviously, I still love to do things, but instead, I’m completely immersed in the activity, scene or conversation!
3. My biggest change is that I’ve become much less critical over myself. Of course, I still have wobbly bits that I absolutely loathe, or love handles that absolutely refuse to budge (argh!), but I’ve almost gone for the more natural look… I no longer feel compelled to buy into the latest fashion or something that I’ve seen someone wear on Instagram. Nor do I feel compelled to wear make up. In fact, I haven’t worn make up for the past four weeks! Other than moisturiser, the only things I’ve been doing are been drawing my eyebrows on and mascara-ing my lashes purely because I think they accentuate my natural features. And that, right there, is the crux of the matter, I now only accentuate my natural face and no longer use make up to cover up what I see as imperfections, or indeed to make things look more perfect. In fact, it’s been fantastic! I have way more time in the mornings, and my skin has never been clearer or more youthful!

So… To sum up, my break from social media has been extremely beneficial for me, in both my life and well-being. I feel refreshed, present, balanced, happier, less stressed, less critical of myself and others. I do still have my Facebook and Instagram accounts. In fact, I went online today and culled my following, so now I only see the posts from people I know and like, or influencers who actually inspire me (they’re usually food based, because… well, who isn’t inspired by gorgeous plates of food?!)!

A social media detox isn’t for everyone, even spending just a little more time off your phone can be beneficial. But if you do feel like I did and have the willpower, definitely give it a go! Come on, think about it! What’s the worst that could happen? Would you reeeeally be missing out on anything that better than your own amazing life? I doubt it.

Love,

SSA x

 

p.s. calligraphy found – https://www.joanquiros.com/blog/calligraphy-journal/calligraphy-journal-17-hiatus

Bristol Getaway

Good Afternoon lovely people!

I hope that you’re all well and enjoying this glorious, spring-time weather that we’re having (dunno about  you guys, but the rains been a smidge torrential here at times!). It feels like an absolute age since I managed to get on here and write an actual post! For those of you who saw the recipe I uploaded, YOU ARE WELCOME. Best cake of my entire life! Honestly, its stunning. WARNING: Sammy Strikes Again moment. Handy tip though, make sure you oven cook it…  As in, don’t grill it… Like I did. I got the setting wrong on Mom’s oven and yeah… We wondered why it took 1.5 hours to bake unlike the 20 minutes that the recipe suggests. Oh well! Still yummy! Other than this, our Easter was gloriously chilled and family-filled, it left my feeling extremely smug and content to be honest.

So! Last month me and Kris set off on another mini-break. We’re determined to visit some new places this year, and Bristol was one of those on our list. We’d briefly been before, but this time, we had plenty more time to explore!

The first stop on our whistle-stop tour of Bristol was one of the most iconic sights on the Bristol skyline; Clifton Suspension Bridge. We walked up from the centre of town, getting very very VERY wet on the way up. I cannot stress how soaked we actually got… I could have squeezed out my denim jacket! We were incredibly glad when we saw the Clifton Observatory was open! The Clifton Observatory provides you with fantastic (even in the wet weather and fog) panoramic views over the bridge, city and the river the flows through. I definitely recommend a visit to the Giant’s (or Ghyston’s) Cave if you’re popping into the Observatory, as its underneath, deep in the rock face. You travel down the compact, 220 feet tunnel (BEWARE: the taller amongst you will have issues… It is very steep and tight, so you do have to scrunch up your body in some places. Kris is 6ft and he had issues but luckily he’s quite nimble. I am 5ft7… I am not nimble. We both agreed that my stepdad, Lee, who is 6ft4 and broad, would just get wedged…). Eventually, the tunnel opens out into a cave halfway down the cliff-face about 250 feet from the gorge below. There are railings! And the view of the suspension bridge from the middle of a cliff is quite spectacular! However, being able to step out onto a grid just outside the cliff edge, with nothing but that grid and air between your feet and the road, is not my cup of tea. Heights isn’t really the issue, the issue is being about to see how far I am from the road. I touched it with the tip of my pump, and that’s as far as I was ever going to go. However, Kris, has no sense of danger. Absolutely no fear. As you will see from the photos, he’s happy to have photographs and even dance on this HAZARD! I like to think that I’m not dull.. Just that I have a healthy respect for danger.

Once we’d left the cave, we ventured back out in the rain (we were still wet anyway, sop why not embrace it!) to get a good look at the view and bridge. It is fascinating to find out how they built it back in 1864 (I think) and how its still open and in use now! I took some nice shots despite the conditions, and it actually looked like the bridge was suspended over a rain forest haha!

After our visit to Clifton, we decided to continue with our voyage of knowledge and headed the Museum and Art Gallery. They have lots of really interesting exhibits, including a Japanese Prints exhibit (showing life in the city through the centuries and how its still extremely prominent in current culture), an excellent nature exhibit, the work of Banksy, an Egyptian exhibit, and they were showcasing Leonardo da Vinci whilst we were there. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to go around it. There were a lot of families there, and the museum seems to cater for young learners very well (the dinosaur exhibit was extremely popular, with the kids and with Kris)!

After all this learning, we decided to pop to Za Za Bazaar for a buffet lunch. This had been recommended by a good friend, and it did not disappoint. Plenty of food and cuisines to choose from, Indian, Mexican, Italian, and Chinese, and each station had a ‘Live’ counter, where you could have food freshly cooked for you. There was also a chocolate fountain, so I was happy!

Our last stop on our quick tour of Bristol was the Cathedral. This magnificent building sits proudly within its own grassy square, surrounded by cafes and high street shops. Somehow, it seems very fitting and at home there. From what I could tell, Bristol was quite the melting pot of nationalities, cultures, and probably, religions. It was nice to be out of the bustling streets for a bit of quietness and contemplation. I’m not overly religious, and neither is Kris, but the inside and outside of this place of worship is really quite gorgeous, and it does make you stop and stare in awe at the craftsmanship that went into each window and eave.

So! That was our day in Bristol done! I hope you enjoyed my little rundown! I’d definitely go back, as it would be nice to stay over and see some nightlife there (only til about 10pm, cos you know, granny-life over here). The city caters for everyone, local or visiting. There is culture, history, shopping, chic bars, as well as independent and well-known eateries. Its well worth a visit as there is plenty to do!

Love,

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btf

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SSA x

Motivated for March – Update

Hello all! And welcome, to April! *fanfare and streamers*

So… Let’s talk about Motivated for March. To be honest, it didn’t go quite as planned, but then again, when does anything go to plan..? As you can see from the below images, the original has been subject to much change, movement, swaps… You name it!

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As I did say in my first post about my fitness plan, this month wasn’t about getting “skinny” or “bikini-body perfect”. It was, in fact, not only about finding the motivation for exercise that I’d had before Christmas, but also about remembering how much I love exercise and the way it makes me feel.

During this month, there have definitely been some bumps in the road! I came down with a tummy bug after the first week (it had been going so well up ’til then), and ended up taking the whole week (and the rest!) off. After I’d recovered from the bug itself, I just felt absolutely drained of energy, so I decided to exercise self-care instead of my legs. Once I’d recovered fully, I committed myself back to staying on track as much as I possibly could; no point falling at the first hurdle.

About half-way through the month, I looked at the chart again. Was I enjoying these activities? How committed was I to the 9:30am Pilates class on a Saturday morning, when Kris was off work and all snuggled in bed? As it turns out, not very. So I hit the weekends on the head! They didn’t make me joyful, so I knew I wouldn’t do them. I’d much rather a walk on the weekend, especially after being couped up in an office between Monday and Friday; its also something me and Kris can do together, involves fresh air, puppies, and usually, cake. So I changed my rota around and weekends became my rest days. I always feel more motivated for the gym or classes in the week because a) its on my way home, b) it helps to get rid of any stress that I’ve accumulated over the day, and c) I get to go straight home afterwards to shower, eat and then go to bed for an early night (which we all know, makes Sammy HAPPY).

In terms of classes, I moved those around too! I’m training for a 5k Race for Life, so am following the Couch to 5K app (I had to start all over again after I got sick…). Because of this I’ve decided to take a rest from Sprint on Mondays, and pick up another Bodypump class instead. I also tried an indoor cycling class. MOST BORING CLASS OF MY ENTIRE LIFE. So I won’t be doing that again! What I did enjoy, was running three times a week and then having strength classes mixed in. As a result, I’ve found more of a difference with both my running and my body. I’m already getting stronger after just a few classes (hence, upping it to two classes a week) and I actually enjoy it! The instructor is so motivating, and she plays cheesy music so I sing and don’t notice the time! Not going to lie, there are moments in that class when I want to give up and go home (erm, chest sets, I’m talking about you), but its not supposed to be easy! Now… That second Bodypump class was supposed to start this week, but to be quite frank, Monday 25th March was utter shit. So, that didn’t happen. But I aim to go to it this week, and it didn’t stop me going on Wednesday as usual!

So yes, there have been some hiccups along the way, as you can see for  yourselves if you compare the two plans. But I wasn’t ever about being perfect, it was about finding out how exercise is going to fit into my life so I can reap the benefits. And, do you know what? I feel like I’ve achieved that! I feel healthier, I feel stronger and fitter, I feel very much alive and proud of myself for the small changes I’ve made! I will continue to fit these classes and running sessions into my everyday life, but will still take time out if things crop up! Motivated for March did what it was meant to! I will always be a work in progress, but I’m not aiming for perfection; just to be happy and healthy ❤

Love,
SSA x