March Favourites

Favourite music:
March has really seen the Centenary of the Easter Rising in Ireland ramp up a gear. TV, radio and the printed media have been covering the event in depth and with a beautiful and mature reverence. I was introduced to a song called Grace in this time, which is an Irish ballad written about the wife of Joseph Plunkett, one of the rebels, whom she married in Kilmainham Gaol the night before he was executed. This cover in celebration of the centenary was recorded in the jail, and is poignant and touching.

Favourite TV show:
D and I have been watching Orange Is The New Black this month a lot. Always late to the party. We are really enjoying its subtle comedy and the depth of character development, while the storyline is a meandering wander, not a sprint - which we've been used to recently! (Following The Returned and Making a Murderer, I'm enjoying the gentle stroll)

Favourite movie:
10 Cloverfield Lane - reviews to follow...

Favourite book
Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. (Again, full review to follow..)

Favourite article:
Elton John: The Bitch at Peace by Stephen Rodrick in Rolling Stone, published February 25, 2016. The singer reflects on his career and his meteoric rise to fame, its effect on his long-suffering partner, David, and the feud with his mother.

Favourite moment:
Going to my first ever Ireland rugby game and watching them beat Scotland!

Most proud of:
Making necessary changes and pulling together to get back on track.

And my promotion at work. :)

Looking forward to in April:
I am looking forward to spending a night with our closest friends, for some laughs, drinks and nice food. A spa weekend with one of said friends, to celebrate her getting married soon!

Shifting plan, focus and a little change in direction

This year got off to a roaring start, and I was full of beans raring to go. This momentum has definitely got lost along the way. When I'm off over Christmas, thinking and evaluating and making plans for the goals I want to set in the new year, I sometimes forget how easy it can be to just let real life get in the way of all my grand plans. Recently, things have been extremely busy with a big project and work, and I was away in France on business. Which sounds more glamorous than it is, I promise.

I had a few days off over the Easter break to take stock and see what was going right and what wasn't. And that's when I had a look again at Slimming World. The plan is fantastic, and as I might have mentioned I lost a substantial amount of weight on it a few years ago. My problem is, that I know it so well and so inside out that I was complacent. I also had little niggles about some aspects of the plan, like how much processed food was enabled and encouraged, and they need to haul their ass into 2016 on the technology front!

And last week, I took a look at the Weight Watchers website. I was really, really impressed with their online package, and the look and feel of their website and their tools was just fresh, new and a little exciting. So I made the switch (and was pleased to discover I had made a £7/month saving in the process).

The plan works on (newly-branded, I believe) SmartPoints. You have a certain number of points per day, depending on your personal variables. After this, you also have a certain number of weekly points available to you, for use on the days when you run over your allotted daily allowance. On top of this, you can also convert FitPoints, which you get for completing exercise, into extra points, should you need those. I find the way exercise is encouraged and incentivised much better than on SW, as with WW you are given a certain number of FitPoints to aim for each week, and broken down to each day. Also,  the app connects to your FitBit device, making tracking effortless and seamless.

Being on a new plan is benefiting me in that it has refocused me. I have to concentrate on what I'm tracking and how the plan works, which is keeping me engaged and on top of it. I love the technology integration, I love a gadget and this works very well. The app is just fantastic - take note SW. The cost saving of going with WW is a bonus too.

In the coming weeks and months, I will learn the plan better myself and I'll be able to share my thoughts and experiences (and losses!) with you all. For now, 2016 may start again. And I will check in next week with my week 1 update.

Dream Destination: Mainland Japan

Tokyo

For those of you that have been following this blog recently, you will know that last month I started a new series called Dream Destinations, to allow me to explore locations for that next trip we might take! The next big escape we will plan (once we have our house stuff sorted, please refer to China post if this makes no sense!) will likely be Asia, as neither D nor I have been before and it is right at the top of our bucket list. Having visited lots of places in Europe and North America, it is time to visit somewhere that will be a lot more challenging to get around and a much bigger culture shock, depending on where we go.

Mainland Japan (which for the purposes of this blog post I will call 'Japan') is the next stop on this series, and as it's a little more manageable in size than China I am going to explore the cities right across Japan that can be hit up in one super-trip.

Why Japan?
As some of you might already know, I am a huge history buff and love anything to do with the world wars in particular. Japan's role in the second world war in particular is fascinating and I want to go there and explore what I can on the ground. Tokyo is a huge metropolis that I want to spend a few days getting lost in and Hiroshima is at the top of my list for a visit. I have visions of cherry blossom trees, tea ceremonies, mountains and lakes, bright lights, bullet trains, fast cars and great food.

Major cities/attractions?

Mt Fuji

• Tokyo Old meets new in Japan's capital city, home to over 13 million people.
• Hiroshima This one needs very little explaining, the sight of the devastating nuclear attack by American forces. I imagine it would be extremely surreal to stand in the very place the bomb fell and reflect on the devastation that humans can wreck on one another. 
• Mt Fuji There are a few towns that offer exceptional views of the iconic Mount Fuji, some nice spa hotels in and around there offer guests the chance to soak in natural hot springs with an uninterrupted view of this dormant volcano
• Kyoto Large swathes of this city are protected by UNESCO, as so many monuments and relics in the city have been spared demolition of war and foreign forces that other locations in the country have suffered. 

Getting there?

To get from Dublin to Tokyo around October time will set you back £500 (approx) for each person. However, there are no direct flights so watch out for transfer times in airports as this can really make the journey lonnnng.

Getting around?

A Japan Rail Pass costs approximately £285 per person for two weeks, and it allows the user access to the network across the entire country. Alternatively, if the self-guided touring isn't your bag, there are some good tours including this 14 day trip from Intrepid Travel, which will set you back £2535 per person (excluding flights) and hits up some major headline locations, including Tokyo, Hiroshima and Kyoto.

How long do you need? 

I would anticipate a trip to mainland China would take at least 10-14 days to see it properly and at a relaxing pace. 

Autumn in Kyoto

When to visit?

The weather is kindest to tourists in Spring and Autumn, Spring being the time of year when you get to see the famous cherry blossom trees. 

Non-negotiables?

Hiroshima. 

Ground Zero at Hiroshima

Spring cleaning your home 101

There is a change in the air. The mornings and evenings are brighter and the sun is certainly making itself a little more available. Spring is always a chance to open the windows, clear the air and declutter. Let the winter air out and the fresh spring air in!

With this in mind, here are a few tips and tricks to help guide you spring cleaning in 2016.

1. Make a list.
Putting down on paper exactly what needs to be done can really help you visualise, plan and prioritise. This list will be applicable to every zone, be that an area or a room, and you will start at the top of the list and work your way to the bottom each time - checking off as you go. 

2. Take your time
Spring cleaning involves attacking every room and area of your home, so spread it out. You aren't going to get to it all in one day, so take a month and schedule time for each room or area in the month. So by the end of March, say, all your jobs are done, and it's only taken 1-2 hours out of each weekend and a few weekday tasks that are a bit shorter.

3. Delegate, if possible. 
A problem shared is a problem halved, so get everyone who lives in the house to help out. Husbands, children, heck - pets if you can strap little cloths to their feet.

4. Do a stock inventory before your spring-cleaning-month is here
The weekend before, add any extra cleaning supplies to your grocery list. Make sure you have the right sprays, cloths, sponges, bleaches, wipes - and of course the nice smelly candles for when you're putting your feet up with a cuppa in your sparkling new castle.

ZONES:

Kitchen/dining:

• Oven - clean the inside, take out the internal shelves and either run them through the dishwasher or give them a good scrub in the sink. While this is happening, fully clean the doors. 
• Fridge - take out and thoroughly clean each shelf and drawer. Clean the inside of the fridge and replace all the shelving. Best to do this on a day before you plan a major grocery shop.
• Cupboards - remove everything from each cupboard one at a time and dust and then scrub with water and dry thoroughly all the shelving. Replace items and move on to the next one. Clean the front and back of each cupboard door. 
• Wash skirting boards and hoover or dust ceiling and walls, including any air vents, pictures, mirrors etc. This will remove any dust and cobwebs.
• Clean the inside windows and windowsills (and the outside ones if you can brave the cold, I would hire a window cleaner for a professional gleam!)

Living area:

• Wash and dry any cushions covers/throws on the sofa, and if possible have your sofa shampooed/cleaned. 
• Wash and dry any fabric curtains (or have them dry-cleaned) or if you have wooden blinds, dust and wash those. 
• Declutter any old magazines or papers lying around that could be got rid of. 
• Dust and polish all wooden surfaces.
• Wash skirting boards and hoover/dust ceilings and walls.
• Clean the inside windows and windowsills. 

Bedrooms:

• Buy new pillows to replace any current ones. I wouldn't say this is necessary for spare rooms or pillows that aren't used often, but for your daily sleeping pillow, I would do this. 
• Wash and dry and curtains/blinds.
• Wash skirting boards and hoover/dust ceilings and walls.
• Clean the inside windows and windowsills. 
• Clean and organise your wardrobes - dusting where necessary and clearing out any clothes you no longer wear so they can be donated or got rid of.

Bathrooms:

• Wash every washable surface with bleach or cleaning products. 
• Clean taps very thoroughly, clean shower head and bath taps too. 
• Wash your bathroom bin.
• Clean tiles and grouting. 
• Scrub your bathtub clean.
• Wash and dry and curtains/blinds.
• Wash skirting boards and hoover/dust ceilings and walls.
• Clean the inside windows and windowsills. 

Other:

• Organise garage area and garden shed if applicable, dispose of any rubbish appropriately and tidy and organise the area. 
• Dust all doors (including the tops of doors) and shine all the handles. 
• Digitally spring clean - purge your inbox, back up your folders, save your photos. It is a good habit to get into as you approach each new month to save photos and organise them from the previous month. Each three months it is worth ordering any prints you might like to ahve hard copies of. 

How do you attack Spring Cleaning? What's your favourite thing about getting it done? Let me know in the comments below! :)

Recipe: Albodingas, mash and griddled asparagus

I am always on the hunt for a good recipe, that can fit in with the Slimming World plan and is tasty, nutritious and that my husband and I can enjoy on a week night! I found this recipe in an old copy of Slimming World magazine, so it fits the bill nicely.

Albondigas are Spanish meatballs, in a tomato-based sauce. You could play with flavours here and mix in some chillis, chorizo, anything you can think of! I kept this attempt plain and simple.

Ingredients:
For the meatballs:
794 g lean minced pork (though I am using beef)
3 garlic cloves
1 egg yolk
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground cinnamon
salt and pepper
For the sauce:
fry light
1 onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove
2 x 400g chopped tomatoes
1/4 tsp artificial sweetener
1 tsp smoked paprika
salt and pepper

Handful fresh flat leaf parsley

Method:

1. Put the mince, garlic, egg yolk and spices in a bowl and, using your fingers, mix well until combined. Season. Cover and chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours.

Getting the mince mixture ready

2. To make the sauce, heat a large frying pan sprayed with fry light and add the onion and garlic.
Cook over a medium heat for 5-6 minutes. Add the tomatoes, sweetener and paprika and bring to the boil.

3. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer gently for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. For the meatballs, make small balls from the mince mixture (allow 5-6 per serving). Add the meatballs to the sauce in a single layer and stir gently.

5. Continue to cook over a gentle heat for 12-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Remove from the heat and season to taste.

Bubbling away

6. Serve in warm bowls, scattered with chopped parsley.

While all the above is going on, I made the mash and griddled the asparagus in a dry griddle pan so it charred nicely. (This takes about 4 minutes each side).

The easiest and tastiest asparagus ever

Let me know if you make this - I would love to see pictures. If you are on the SW plan, this is free (aside from any margarine you might put in the mash). Enjoy! :)

Finished product

Book Review: War Horse

For those of you who have been following my blog for any length of time, you will know that I have been on a bit of a mission to swot up on my knowledge of both World Wars. As part of that, I have been trying to bring the era to life through books and films and TV. War Horse was one of those novels that I really wanted to read for that purpose. I first became aware of it, after having seen the stage production on a visit to Toronto. The stage production really blew my mind, the staging was ingenious, the costumes and the way they portrayed these huge beasts and the terror of war on a stage was mind-blowing, I would really recommend it to anyone.

The book tells the story of Joey, a horse who has been sold to a farmer. Joey finds himself being trained to work on the farm, threatened by the farmer who has purchased him. He finds a very loving relationship with the farmer's son, Albert. Joey and Albert are separated when Joey is sold to the army and goes to fight on the front line with British soldiers. In his time at war, Joey fights with the British, is captured and employed by the German army, and manages in an extraordinary twist of fate to find his way back to Albert once again.  

The book is charming, short and lovely, and definitely a children's book. The whole story is told from Joey's point of view, which is lovely. It is WW1 for kids, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, maybe just not what I was after.

Overall score - 3/5

World Book Day 2016

Today is World Book Day - a celebration of literature around the globe. Should it be an international holiday? I think so. I love the traditions that surround this day, people dress up and really get behind the imagination of it all. I thought this would be a great chance on SDWC to really reflect on reading, which is such a huge passion of mine. Why do I love it so much?

There is something magical about reading. It has the power to literally transport you anywhere. I am currently reading Oliver Twist (review to follow soon) and I was really struck by the magic power of Dickens' words during the week. I was sitting on a train, commuting to work, and rolling through the foggy Northern Irish countryside. Except I wasn't. I was on Fagin's coattails as he navigated and trundled through tiny, dirty, dark, Victorian London streets. I was totally there with him. I was in two places at once. My mind was able to decipher these squiggles on a page and simultaneously put me in Victorian London while I was physically north of Antrim. You can time travel to places you would never be in your whole life. It expands your horizons. It's pure escapism. You can be in any story in any part of the world, in times gone by, in times that haven't even happened yet. You can be in space. You can be at sea. All through your eyes and ink on a piece of paper. It is pure magic.

The printed word changed everything. It was fundamental in the development of the world and the human race. With knowledge comes power, and books give people that knowledge. Books are imperative for understanding the world in which we find ourselves. We learn about the past, the future, the present. We become informed, intelligent, and we develop. Hitler's book burning in 1933 has sinister imagery, the image of depriving pep. In 1821, German journalist Heinrich Heine said, somewhat prophetically, "Where they have burned books, they will end burning human beings."

So here's to the printed word, the wonderful stories, the past, the present, the future, the wild, the wicked, the hilarious, the dreamy, the magical, the real, the sad, the uplifting, and the romantic. How will you be celebrating World Book Day?