Five things Friday

Happy Friday!

It’s been a busy old week and office conversations have revolved a lot around the Royal wedding. I’m looking forward to seeing what Megan will wear; whatever it is, she will look absolutely incredible. Although I do feel bad for all the press around her Dad – there are daily articles on news websites (and there has been two BBC Breaking News alert, although I’m not sure these are quite necessary) about the developments. It must be awful to have your family affairs under the spotlight for scrutiny and judgement, but I guess it shows that regardless of fame or money, no-one has a perfect family.

Anyway, here are five things have either entertained or put a smile on my face this week.

The Crown

I’ve put off watching this for ages – I’m a bit weird because when people are constantly talking about how great a series is, I always feel a bit put off because I think it’ll be a disappointment. Anyway, we finally started watching it and now I’m obsessed! We’re halfway through the second series and I don’t want it to end. I genuinely gasped with surprise through an episode last night – it’s a history lesson and entertainment all rolled up into one. Absolutely unmissable.

Lucy Bee

Even typing this, all I can hear in my head is the Body Coach shouting, ‘in with the Lucy Bee!‘. If you don’t follow him on Instagram this will make no sense so please ignore.

Recently I made my first purchase from Lucy Bee, as I believe in the ethics of her company and am always happy to support Fairtrade businesses, so I decided to treat myself to a few things. Now, I’m not a massive fan of the taste of coconut oil; I don’t mind roasting potatoes in the oil but as for frying an egg or making an omelette I find the taste a bit too strong, but fear not, I’ve found another use for it.

Removing my makeup. Other cleansers I’ve used in the past sting my face when I rub them in but not with coconut oil. It glides on and it’s so easy just to wipe the oil off with some micellar water on some cotton wool. The next day your skin feels smooth and I think my skin looks more radiant – I have oily skin but using the oil has not made it appear more oily, although I do use it sparingly. There is a sale on some products on the site at the moment and I can’t recommend it enough. 

If you can, invest in coconut oil that is sustainable and Fairtrade – some brands use monkeys to pick their coconuts and are inhumane to animals, so where possible spend that bit extra and do your bit to help make the world a better place.

Exercise

In the last two years I have put on weight (two stone to be exact) and I’m not at all happy about that. My friends tell me that when you’re in a happy relationship, you put on weight, but I really don’t like it and I’m not comfortable with my increased booty. AND I think my friends are lying to me because I was listening to The Archers the other week, and Harrison and Fallon were off out for a run together and they’re very happy!

I’ve hit my unhappy limit now and have gone back to using My Fitness Pal to help me understand where I’m going wrong. I know I eat well, but I’m realising I’m eating too much and also eating without really thinking about it. I’ve started doing some exercise, aside from walking the dog, in the form of running and skipping. How do people make either of these look easy?? I think perseverance is going to be key here and not only that, by doing exercise I earn some more calories, which means I can have that scoop of ice cream after supper.

Another reason I like the app is that it forces me to be honest about what I’m eating – two weeks in and I’ve lost 4 pounds. Only 24 to go…

I took this picture halfway through my first run, whilst I was leaning against a tree, sweating and hoping that I wouldn’t throw up. Sexual.

Sunshine

I love the way sun makes everyone happier, me included! I have about an hour’s commute to and from work, so when the sun is shining it makes that drive home so much more pleasant.

Fortunately my drive is literally from one end of the Cotswolds to the other, so it’s incredibly picturesque, but it’s even more gorgeous when the sun is beaming, the buzzards are circling and you see the steady stream of purple from the bluebells out of the corner of your eye.

It’s also having a great impact on my vegetables. Although I’m getting rather impatient now; my courgettes and tomatoes are flowering so how long until I see a courgette or a tomato?

Scent

Has anyone else noticed how great being outside smells at the moment? Lily of the valley, lilac, phlox, grass, cows parsley, dew in the mornings – it’s just all gorgeous. We normally take it in turns to walk Bella to give the other a lie in, and try to walk her together as much as we can, but either way it’s an effort getting out of bed. However more recently it’s be that bit easier knowing what lovely smells are waiting outside for me.

Have a great weekend!

A x