tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90962286354877409252024-02-08T10:59:08.512+01:00The Yogini BumAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15061125933399069768noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096228635487740925.post-58802282891786195272014-09-22T09:00:00.000+02:002014-09-29T19:23:18.164+02:00The summer sun has gone down...<div style="text-align: center;">
Today is the first day of autumn; not that you'd you know it by poking your head around the curtain in sunny Malta. The weather people tell us there is a heat wave this week! Perhaps it's a final wave before the clouds break and the first proper rain in three or four months pours down on us.</div>
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It's been a considerably calmer summer than last. Not much partying was done but I enjoyed it in other ways. </div>
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Here are a few of the highlights of this summer:</div>
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Lloyd visited twice! </div>
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A visit to Gozo and all the fun that ensued <3</div>
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Boat party with Rachel and her friends</div>
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A trip to the UK </div>
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I watched my first Rugby match! </div>
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Camping at Ghajn Tuffieha - so much fun!</div>
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Reading, reading, reading </div>
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How did you spend your summer? x</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15061125933399069768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096228635487740925.post-30521094304716225632014-09-09T11:40:00.000+02:002014-09-09T11:40:19.937+02:00Revisiting the 30 Day Yoga Challenge<div style="text-align: center;">
Today I went back to my yoga mat for the first time in almost a month!</div>
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I have such a bad habit of leaving things by the wayside even if they benefit me and I genuinely enjoy them. Life happens and my happy habits drift into oblivion.</div>
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The 30 day yoga challenge was something I started back in May (you can see this post <a href="http://theyoginibum.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-journey-so-far.html" target="_blank">here</a>) when I was feeling a little uncomfortable with how much I had let my fitness go (I'm seeing a pattern here, are you?) It's something that's really easy to get into even if you're a complete beginner so I would truly recommend checking out the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEdFmnwp53XmtODotf788-Q" target="_blank">DoYouYoga.com</a> YouTube channel; it's a great place to start!</div>
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On another note I started Insanity yesterday too. I understand why it's <i>called</i> Insanity now! I wish I could say that I was fit or superhuman enough to have gotten through the full 45 minutes but sadly I had to stop at 25 minutes out of real fear of throwing up on myself. My limit was pushed! Even though I didn't make it to the end, it's a stepping stone and I'm really happy that I even got that far. Later I'll do the next video :)</div>
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<a href="http://s1317.photobucket.com/user/cupofsimmy/media/quotebelieve_zps5bc5ea0e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo quotebelieve_zps5bc5ea0e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t638/cupofsimmy/quotebelieve_zps5bc5ea0e.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/27092035228878664/" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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Have you started Yoga or Insanity recently?</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15061125933399069768noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096228635487740925.post-89061426465079936442014-09-09T09:00:00.000+02:002014-09-09T09:00:03.566+02:00[The Malta Journals] A Trip to Gozo - Part 3<div style="text-align: center;">
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The last part of our trip was a visit to the Azure Window in Dwejra which I kind of insisted that we visit, because really, a trip to Gozo isn't complete without seeing this spectacle.<br />
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Little nugget of information if you didn't already know: You'll see the Azure Window in A Game of Thrones! Go and Google it now ;) It's pretty fantastic and also a spot which is close to my heart.</div>
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We did the usual touristy thing and took some photos with the Azure in the background and then we decided it was time to cool off. A little further in, close to where the buses stop, there's a road you can walk down to a small stoney bay. We found a quiet spot and relaxed in the midday sun. </div>
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Where are your favourite spots in Gozo? Send me your recommendations and I'll check them out!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15061125933399069768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096228635487740925.post-19770860343217675322014-09-04T19:26:00.000+02:002014-09-04T19:26:38.111+02:00Comfort zone - first exit on the left<div style="text-align: center;">
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Today was quite a momentous day in my life.</div>
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Today I finally put my money where my mouth is and took my first step to a new type of freedom - my first driving lesson! I made my way towards my instructor who was sitting in the car waiting for me. She greeted me happily and asked me to get into the driving seat. 'Just to let you know, I have absolutely no experience!' I exclaimed nervously. She put me at ease and we went through the initial points; mirrors, seating, clutch, gears and indicators. She tried to explain the biting point and although I'm sure she explained it very well, at this point my head was cloudy. When my head is cloudy my mind seems to just switch off, I'm not sure if this is something you normally experienced when anxious but I certainly felt flustered and I certainly panicked a little when we first got going. My teacher was amazingly nice and patient and I can't fault her at all for how she taught me. It felt like a dream. She got me from Msida to St Julians without crashing into anyone! For some reason I imagined driving to feel 'heavy', but actually it was the opposite. I felt like I was floating above the ground, controlling this heavy vehicle with just my feet and my hands. It was amazing and like nothing I've ever experienced before.</div>
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By the end of the lesson I was buzzing and so happy! I really enjoyed the lesson and I can't wait for next week. I'm actually quite glad that I was thrown into the deep end; it wasn't what I was expecting for my first lesson at all...it was better.</div>
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I was well and truly out of my comfort zone and it made me feel alive.</div>
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Have you done anything lately that has scared you?</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15061125933399069768noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096228635487740925.post-72314362220849751472014-09-02T09:00:00.000+02:002014-09-02T20:25:35.594+02:00[The Malta Journals] A Trip to Gozo - Part 2<div style="text-align: center;">
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Our journey continued on to the location of our stop for the night - Xlendi.</div>
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We took a bus from the station in Victoria and arrived right outside St Patrick's Hotel which is where we would be resting our little drunken heads. Since we were still a bit early we decided to see at the sea front and have another drink...aka our second bottle of wine! We were feeling rather chipper after that bottle.</div>
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Check-in was easy. A friendly receptionist explained where our room was and we made our way up.</div>
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The room was simple, spacious and airy. I was happy to note that the balcony was overlooking the sea as I had requested but although I knew what the view was like, I didn't realise just how beautiful it would be! We were right in the centre; the calm glimmering sea directly ahead, the cliffs on the right towering over and filling us with awe (or me at least).<br />
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Since it was a scorching day, we were both craving a dip in the sea. To make things more exciting, I suggested buying some snorkel gear which was met with approval. We each bought a decent pair from a little tourist shop for about €12 each and set off to find a quiet spot which was surprisingly not too difficult to find. </div>
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The water was <i>so </i>refreshing! We spent a fair amount of time snorkeling and chilling together. It was pretty perfect.</div>
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The rest of the evening was spent chilling on our balcony watching the sun go down with a couple of beers and some pretty hilarious conversation until it was time for dinner. It's kind of become a tradition to go for Indian food whenever Lloyd and I meet so we were pleasantly surprised that there was an Indian restaurant just a couple of minutes away from St Patrick's Hotel! </div>
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It was good. So good.</div>
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The breakfast at the hotel was lovely. We ate our food at a table next to the sea whilst there was still some shade and enjoyed every minute of it. I would have definitely stayed in Xlendi a bit longer if I didn't have to work but a little break was just what this girl needed.<br />
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***About St Patrick's Hotel***</div>
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Patrick's is classed as a 4 star hotel although to be honest I think
realistically in this day and age it should be a 3 star. Not that
there's anything wrong with it but I have seen 4 star hotels that are a
lot more luxurious. I don't wish to bash it however as I did really like
the hotel and the location is absolutely perfect. The breakfast buffet
was also decent, though what I would have really liked to see is fresh
fruit juices rather than those powdered type ones that taste overly
sweet and fake (sorry). The staff seemed very nice though and I would
definitely stay again!<br />
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***Sapana Indian Restaurant - Xlendi***</div>
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Despite the fact that it was very busy that night, we managed to find outdoor seating and were served by very friendly waiters throughout our meal. The food was absolutely delicious and there were plenty of vegetarian options (as there usually are at Indian restaurants - yay!). You won't be disappointed, just check out the reviews on Tripadvisor <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g230155-d3158546-Reviews-Sapana_Indian_Cuisine-Xlendi_Island_of_Gozo.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Have you ever been to Gozo? Tell me about your stay!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15061125933399069768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096228635487740925.post-32931106483183951952014-08-31T13:35:00.001+02:002014-09-02T20:25:47.329+02:00If at first you don't succeed...<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been pretty absent from the blog lately. That's not always a bad thing though, it just means that I've been living in the <i>present </i>and enjoying summer!</div>
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I must admit that I do miss blogging and I have felt pretty bad about abandoning my little nook so I'll be doing my best to keep posting. My little #GetSnappy project on Instagram was also a bit of a failure in that I lasted only 16 days in total - hey, that's not so bad... :)</div>
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Seeing as it's the last day of the month, here's a roundup of the #GetSnappy photos I took on my iphone. I hope you've all been enjoying your summer?<br />
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Is your summer in pictures too? Let me know so I can start following you!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15061125933399069768noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096228635487740925.post-36793283932469109792014-08-14T17:51:00.000+02:002014-09-02T20:26:47.903+02:00[The Malta Journals] A Trip to Gozo - Part 1<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Let's talk a bit about Gozo. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's my haven. My little getaway from the hustle and bustle of an overcrowded Malta and a place that up until recently I had neglected to visit for quite some time *slaps self*.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Before his last visit, my man had never visited Malta's sister island so it was a great excuse to book a hotel and hop on the ferry to Gozo. Yippee!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our first stop was Victoria where we had a little look around the small capital and stopped for a bite and a cheeky bottle of wine at Grapes Wine Bar. Lloyd ate a baguette and I took a salad with fried goats cheese. The salad was...okay, I think the thing that saved it was the cheese because really, who doesn't like fried cheese? Nom.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">After our lunch we took a 'slightly' tipsy peek around an awesome Fair Trade shop called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Organika-Gozo/353428674690295?fref=ts" target="_blank">Organika</a>. If I have a shop one day, it's going to be similar to this one - I literally could have taken the whole shop home with me! Instead I settled for some soap, a straw basket and some gorgeous greeting cards (only one of which will be to give to someone). Fair Trade is the future!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A visit to Victoria wouldn't be complete without a walk around the beautiful Citadel (or Cittadella) which I've read is on the tentative list of future World Heritage Sites. It is said to have been fortified in the Bronze Age in 1500 BC and has since then continued development by the Phoenicians and Romans. It's free to take a look inside the War Shelters while you're there so I recommend stepping into the depths of darkness and putting yourself in the shoes of the people who spent countless hours down there. It was really interesting to see the little rooms with their tiled floors still intact! I like to think it would have made the people there feel more at home at such a scary time in their lives...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1059_zpsa877bc03.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t638/cupofsimmy/IMG_1059_zpsa877bc03.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Below are some amazing views from the Citadel...and our punishment for walking around in a drunken stupor can be seen at the end! :)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1040_zpsb2895408.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t638/cupofsimmy/IMG_1040_zpsb2895408.jpg" height="480" width="640" /> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1054_zps4d96baf0.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t638/cupofsimmy/IMG_1054_zps4d96baf0.jpg" height="480" width="640" /> </span></span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15061125933399069768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096228635487740925.post-11165924725845048092014-08-06T22:02:00.000+02:002014-08-06T22:02:48.849+02:00Finding a Rhythm<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Today I realised that it's been a little while since I posted an update on my Yoga practice. Well...let's just say that although I've been trying to keep active every day, my energy levels have been pretty low. A mix of hot and humid weather, too many evening shifts and trying to eat right but not allowing myself enough time to prepare healthy food meant that I found myself in a funk for awhile. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But then I started running and everything started to fall back into place again.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've started small: Power walk 10 minutes, run 4 minutes, rest 2 minutes, run 4 minutes, Power walk home and streeeetch. My first goal is to run 5k!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I can't tell you how good it feels to have started running again. The freedom and power it gives you is immense and after a good stretch, I felt like a new woman!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So now I've worked running into my fitness plan, I've started to find a rhythm which goes something like this:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Day 1 - Run</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Day 2 - 10 min abs & restorative yoga (Empower practice)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Day 3 - Heart I yoga (Empower practice)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Day 4 - Run</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Day 5 - 10 min butt & restorative yoga (Empower practice)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Day 6 - Strength I yoga (Empower practice)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Day 7 - Run</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Day 8 - 10 min abs & restorative yoga (Empower practice)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Day 9 - Heart II yoga (Empower practice)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Day 10 - Run</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Day 11 - 10 min butt & restorative yoga (Empower practice)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lather, rinse, repeat!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Empower is a 30 day yoga challenge by Yoga with Adriene. Check out her Youtube channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFKE7WVJfvaHW5q283SxchA" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">She is seriously amazing! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/164029611402896249/" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Believe_zps751f4990.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t638/cupofsimmy/Believe_zps751f4990.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/164029611402896249/" target="_blank">Source</a></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15061125933399069768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096228635487740925.post-76768016958688588982014-08-03T09:00:00.000+02:002014-08-03T09:01:22.986+02:00Let's go back in time<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'm going to tell you a story of how I ended up travelling to India and back in the space of three days. This is going to be a long post so if you don't make it through, just know that I did! (Obviously).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'll start from the beginning...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As the train pulled into London Gatwick I felt my stomach lurch. This was it.</span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">For
the entire journey from Bath to London I had this sinking feeling that
wasn't going away. I was leaving life as I knew it to venture into the
unknown. Alone. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">'I have to try' were the words that resonated in my head. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This
should have been one of the most exhilarating moments of my life but
all I wanted to do was buy a ticket for the first train back to Bath.
Was this really what I wanted after all?</span></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><img alt=" photo collageleaving_zpsa7782c2d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t638/cupofsimmy/collageleaving_zpsa7782c2d.jpg" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Some of the very few photos I took on my journey.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">At the end of 2012 I had decided that in 2014 I was going to travel the world. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I spent countless hours immersed in travel blogs planning where I was going, which visas I'd need, which gear to bring and which vaccinations to take. I declined offers to go here and there so I could save every cent I possibly could to put towards the trip and I felt truly excited about something that I had always dreamed of doing. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Aside from the scrimping and scraping, 2013 was an amazing year. I was living alone for the first time in my life and learning how to take care of myself. Summer on the rock was a mixture of work, sunshine, beaches and laid back nights at a reggae bar in Marsaskala, not to mention frequent ventures to my local bar with awesome work buddies. It was at my local that I met my mister...so yep, it was a pretty perfect time. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I passed through security with no problems (no reason why I should have had problems but passing through metal detectors always gives me the feeling that I'm carrying a gun in my pocket). In departures I buzzed around like a squirrel searching for nuts. Did I remember to pack this, that and the other? I just couldn't relax. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My first flight was to Helsinki to catch a connecting flight. As I sat in my window seat flicking through the in flight magazine my thoughts constantly drifted to what I was doing and who I was leaving behind. I had a full on break down on that flight and it was only with thanks to the fact that Norwegian Air had free wifi on board plus Lloyd on the receiving end of my messages that I could stay relatively sane and not let my break down turn into a panic attack of epic proportions. For two and a half hours I sat in my seat with my hair covering my face and cried. I'm not sure what the passenger next to me must have thought but fortunately we had a seat between us so he didn't have to be in complete proximity of my constant sobs. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I had about eight hours waiting in Helsinki Airport before my next flight which would land me in Amsterdam. This was roughly enough time to get a couple of hours sleep in a quiet corner and pull myself together. I must have looked terrible (I'll be the first to admit that I'm not the most attractive of criers - think Rudolf and you'll be on the right track). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Once I had landed in the enormous Schiphol Airport I navigated my way to my next departure gate. Normally I absolutely love the buzz of airports but I was just going through the motions at this point. I felt numb. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Fast forward through a peaceful thirteen hour flight to Malaysia and another three hour haul to Mumbai and I had finally landed. I remember flying low over Mumbai, a bustling colourful city and feeling a slight glimmer of excitement however as we hit the runway this feeling quickly faded.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Making my way towards the exit to my prepaid taxi I was targeted by my first scam (of sorts). The welcoming guy who came to greet me was not my taxi driver but a random person who wanted to be paid for walking me to the taxi which was just a few meters away. I gave him two euros and he walked off grateful for my donation (though not before hustling me for more, which I politely declined).
About five minutes into the hustle of Mumbai's crazy roads I heard a tap on the window next to me. It was an older lady with a man probably in his twenties who looked extremely malnourished and had lost one of his eyes. I smiled apologetically as the driver shooed them away. I knew that this was something I was going to have to get used to if I was going to stay in India for two months so I was trying not to let it affect me too much. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The driver eventually found my hotel after stopping a few times to ask for directions. He walked me into the entrance and I gave them my name to check in, relieved to finally be able to have some rest. I had left Bath on a Wednesday (it was now Friday) and had probably slept about three hours in total since then. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">'There is no booking' the man at reception said with a nonchalant expression as he flicked through his bookings.
I explained that I had made the reservation through Booking.com and he made his excuses.
'This happens a lot, they don't send us the booking! No problem, we will find you another hotel'.
I tried to remain calm as they made a call to another hotel. I didn't know who was in the wrong here and making a scene wasn't going to help the situation especially when they were working on finding me another place to lay my head. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It didn't take long before I was being guided to a near-by hotel and checking in.
Laying my backpack on the bed I stood in my room not quite sure what to do with myself. I had made it...but I wasn't happy or even relieved.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I tried to convince myself that I was just tired but I couldn't shake off the feeling that I just didn't want to be there.
The wifi was an ordeal in itself but it worked long enough for me to communicate with Lloyd and my mum to tell them that I was having strong doubts. They were both undeniably supportive and tried to encourage me to rest and see how I felt later. I hung up my mosquito net and tried to get some sleep but I just couldn't relax. Mum had suggested finding a nicer hostel in the morning but between our communication I found myself booking the next flight to London.
My heart just wasn't in it anymore. In fact I don't think my heart ever left that train journey two days ago. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I made a quick getaway with my belongings on a tuk tuk and headed for the airport with at least five hours before my flight would leave. The airport was rammed with people (and that was just outside!). I've never seen anything like the queues I saw that night. One of the airport workers advised me that I couldn't go in until three hours before my flight so I had no choice but to find a little corner and wait outside for two hours watching Indian families, couples and singles make their way to their next destination. I was kindly given a cup of tea from one of the workers - probably the best tea I've ever had! I was asked many questions like whether I was married (I said yes to make things easier) and offered to go to a restaurant "over the road". I declined the offer which apparently was the right decision as there were signs inside the airport stating that if you were offered to go somewhere, say no! In hindsight these signs would have probably been more useful plastered on the pillars on the outside of the airport...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It was when I made it into the airport that chaos ensued. When I finally found my check in area, my booking couldn't be found in the system. They sat me behind the check in counter (you know where the conveyor belt for the baggage is?) whilst they tried to find out what was going on. I was stared at curiously by each passenger lined up at the desk. Time ticked by. Sixty minutes...ninety minutes, I was feeling very anxious, what was taking so long? Finally after investigating the issue the staff found out that the booking was not officially placed because the website thought that my debit card had been used fraudulently! I can understand their thoughts but it didn't make me less furious. I was advised that there was still space on the flight and I could book a seat but I would have to go back outside to the ticket office. That meant queuing up again to get back inside! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I ran outside and found the ticket office and booked my flight. A one way ticket was costing me over 800 euros but I didn't care. I just had to get out of there. I had about 40 minutes left until my flight departed and my heart was determined to catch that flight. There was no way I was being stranded there. I paid one of the security guys at the airport to get me inside quicker and I ran to security...the queue...I was going to cry. It was worse inside here than outside. I'm talking thousands. As I waited, extremely anxious to get to my flight, a security guard noticed me (being probably the only white girl in the queue) and asked me when my flight was. I told him it leaves in twenty minutes and he quickly geared up and moved me to the front of the queue! I thanked him profusely, he asked for nothing in return and I made my way through x-ray. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I made my way to the departure gate and I was in time! People were just boarding the flight. I handed them my ticket and they noticed that my backpack wasn't tagged correctly. They couldn't let me on. They told me to run back up to security for a tag which was 5 minutes if I ran. I dashed to security and advised them. After it was sorted a lady at security asked me when my flight was, she then panicked and told me she would take me. We both ran down departures, everything was a blur! I made it to the plane...I was the last passenger.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It was time to relax. Finally. What I had wanted with all my heart a year ago wasn't what I wanted anymore. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My life had changed. I had changed. There was a person in my life who was important to me even though I had only known him for six months.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I was welcomed by Lloyd at Heathrow Airport. I've never been so happy to see someone! After living off of plane food and sleeping on airport benches for three days I was ready for a comfy bed.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">One day I will go back, but it will be on different terms. In the end I kind of felt like I was doing it to follow through and not because it was really what I wanted which is a tough realisation but one that I needed to make nonetheless. Learning to follow your heart is not always easy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">That's the story of how I went to India and back in three days. Maybe one day my future kids will read this and realise what a crazy mum they have (if they haven't figured that out already!).</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15061125933399069768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096228635487740925.post-75657054641015068112014-08-01T09:00:00.000+02:002014-08-01T09:00:02.804+02:00Food For Thought<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s1317.photobucket.com/user/cupofsimmy/media/bewhoyouare_zpsd3c53f90.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo bewhoyouare_zpsd3c53f90.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t638/cupofsimmy/bewhoyouare_zpsd3c53f90.jpg" /></a>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15061125933399069768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096228635487740925.post-14029111004734994152014-07-31T22:14:00.001+02:002014-07-31T22:16:16.013+02:00August [#GetSnappy] <div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt=" photo getsnappy_zps0bb8b1e1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t638/cupofsimmy/getsnappy_zps0bb8b1e1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One more evening and we're into August 2014! Where heck has all the time gone?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Self promises of daily swims and a tan to put all tans to shame has been severely lacking (failed really!)...not that these things are particularly important in the grand scheme of things, but they kind of put a stamp on Summer in one way or another.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've been enjoying myself mind you. I like a simple life. A book to read and a smoothie in hand is a happy way to live. Enjoying my time with Lloyd and family and friends. A full moon gathering on a beach full of happy people in Ghajn Tuffieha, a Reggae boat party full of good vibes, great music and even greater company, an *awesome* trip to Gozo with Lloyd - these are just a few things I've enjoyed so far. Now I'm looking forward to my man returning in 15 days! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Starting from the 1st August, I'm beginning a little project called #GetSnappy. It's pretty simple; I'll take one photo a day and post it on Instagram. This is just my way of getting a little creativity and inspiration flowing. If anyone wants to join in, it'd be my pleasure to have you here for the journey! Just post me your Instagram and I'll follow your story :)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">GetSnappy!</span></span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15061125933399069768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096228635487740925.post-68777672160119118882014-07-28T09:00:00.000+02:002014-09-02T20:28:45.147+02:00[The Malta Journals] Festa Time<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_1176_zpsca7f85f7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t638/cupofsimmy/IMG_1176_zpsca7f85f7.jpg" height="480" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>That's my mum and I in the second window when I was a kid! Throwing confetti at one of the Feasts</u></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's Summer in Malta which means one of many things! Today it's all about the Feasts though.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Maltese love any reason to celebrate but the Feasts are really something to behold if you're planning on visiting the island in Summer. Each village holds an annual festa to celebrate their patron saint and it's a tradition that has never gotten old! I'm not a religious person but to witness and be part of these festivities really makes you feel like a part of the Maltese jigsaw puzzle. Eat, drink and be merry whilst watching the local band perform and see the Saint being taken his annual walk through the village. Apparently the locals pay good money to carry the statue! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Two Sundays ago I went down to the Msida Feast with my family to check out the festivities. It was bustling with activity, smiling locals and bewildered tourists. The roads are full of vans selling fried food and plenty of Cisk (the local Maltese lager), fireworks are exploding overhead and everyone is just...happy! I wandered into the brightly lit church before mass and it was spectacular. The smell brought me back to much younger years when on the odd occasion I would go to a mass either with my nan, schoo or another occasion. It's funny how all the churches smell the same. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was such a fun experience that I would recommend going to everyone. With feasts throughout the whole of summer you'll most certainly find one when you're here. Apparently the St Julians feast is quite a riot!</span></span></div>
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<img alt=" Msida Feast" border="0" src="http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t638/cupofsimmy/IMG_1135_zps6cb82aed.jpg" height="480" width="640" /><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15061125933399069768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096228635487740925.post-66367309204511542752014-07-25T09:00:00.000+02:002014-07-25T09:26:00.939+02:00Food For Thought<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/164029611403522667/" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo livefortoday_zpsa7551f06.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t638/cupofsimmy/livefortoday_zpsa7551f06.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In memory of those who lost their lives on MH17. You never really know when your time will be up.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Apart from the crash being an absolute tragedy, this was incredibly spooky because three days before it happened I had dreamt that I was on a plane that crash landed into Russia. In January I had flown the exact same route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur on Malaysian Airlines...</span><span style="font-size: small;">crazy coincidence?</span></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I think I will start keeping a dream journal from now on.</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15061125933399069768noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096228635487740925.post-36941133208942560452014-07-23T09:00:00.000+02:002014-07-24T11:32:44.739+02:00The Next Adventure<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Whale watching, northern lights, dramatic landscapes, ice cold weather...this is a destination I have dreamed of going to for years! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Can't wait to start planning our trip :)</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/59180182574315043/" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Reykjavik_zps1d7cb4a1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t638/cupofsimmy/Reykjavik_zps1d7cb4a1.jpg" /></a>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15061125933399069768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096228635487740925.post-76828511853849554762014-07-22T11:16:00.001+02:002014-07-22T11:16:15.275+02:00Headstand<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Woops...according to my Empower emails, yesterday was Day 7!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I've done 4 out of 7 days so far...not because I haven't wanted to practice, but because my energy levels are wiped out, not to mention the practices have taken a toll on my muscles so I have really needed to recover! Yesterday instead of a full practice I decided to practice my headstand. I remember back in the day when I had no problem doing headstands. They were like part and parcel of being a child! Now it's a challenge to lift my legs above my head, I feel every muscle in my core engage, my arms tense as I try to hold my weight and I have that initial nervousness of 'letting go'.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Bit by bit I'll get there, I think I just need to continue building my strength and core but I want to try practicing each day; I understand what people mean when they say being upside down is good for you, it really gives you a boost! Good morning world!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Here are some beautiful images of beautiful people in beautiful headstands. Pinspiration!</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/573927546235192110/" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo e61550a68077cff275c6915595e3a2fb_zpse891ef2a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t638/cupofsimmy/e61550a68077cff275c6915595e3a2fb_zpse891ef2a.jpg" height="640" width="509" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/573927546235192110/" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/126100858291238674/" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 0ccb5c971569509cc4f2d9e16d9f4728_zps0bde48a7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t638/cupofsimmy/0ccb5c971569509cc4f2d9e16d9f4728_zps0bde48a7.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/126100858291238674/" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/97671885642778967/" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo bda9d33827ef26c5029f527fffa24b11_zpsc835eab7.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t638/cupofsimmy/bda9d33827ef26c5029f527fffa24b11_zpsc835eab7.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/97671885642778967/" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/74309462576074382/" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 0c5fd28f40590013371db07961659d8c_zps383d6d71.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t638/cupofsimmy/0c5fd28f40590013371db07961659d8c_zps383d6d71.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/74309462576074382/" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/186899453258000568/" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo 21c82ad431ad3ddcc63a3623f80b0e0f_zps414932ad.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t638/cupofsimmy/21c82ad431ad3ddcc63a3623f80b0e0f_zps414932ad.jpg" height="640" width="516" /></a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/186899453258000568/" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15061125933399069768noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096228635487740925.post-39615842838295791262014-07-18T09:00:00.000+02:002014-07-18T09:00:01.385+02:00Food For Thought<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s1317.photobucket.com/user/cupofsimmy/media/Believethatyouare_zpse207b32e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Believethatyouare_zpse207b32e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t638/cupofsimmy/Believethatyouare_zpse207b32e.jpg" height="640" width="585" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/12274757" title="Follow The Yogini Bum on Bloglovin"><img alt="Follow on Bloglovin" border="0" src="http://www.bloglovin.com/widget/bilder/en/lank.gif?id=12274757" /></a></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15061125933399069768noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096228635487740925.post-75421987668628936032014-07-17T12:56:00.001+02:002014-07-17T13:01:14.294+02:00Listen to your body<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Waaaa, I've just logged on to find over 2k pageviews just for today! Not sure what's happened but I'm kinda liking it! Hopefully I'm sending some kind of positive message to all you lovely earthlings :)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, today was actually Day 3 of Empower however due to a slight physical glitch, it's now my Day 2. Yesterday I woke up feeling as stiff as a plank of wood. I was aching from head to toe, my throat was sore and my body exhausted. There's a lot of sickness going around at work and I think the mix between late nights and coughs and sneezes has been taking its toll on my body. I was very tempted to go home sick but I fought through and made it to 7pm.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was about 9:30pm by the time I actually set up the second video of Empower (Strength) so I was battling with tiredness as well as aches and pains. Suffice to say, I only made it through 10 minutes before my body screamed out '<i>stop!</i>'. I just had no energy to hold myself up and with half a heart I released and let myself slump upon my mat without any grace whatsoever. I have really learned that to get the most out of my practice, I need to listen to my body. Yesterday wasn't the day for Strength and that's ok. It was important to heal before moving on.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm happy to say that I made it through Strength this morning! It was bloody tough, I haven't felt so physically challenged since Yoga classes with my past teacher Anchelique (she used to push me beyond my limits every day!). I found solace in downward dog, usually the nemesis of my practices and I found myself not only pushing through but being kind to myself too. How do I feel now? Well, the aches certainly didn't diminish over night, but I did feel a little stronger and I feel like the practice actually did my muscles some good! Now I have the day to recover and I'll pick up the practice tomorrow with Day 3.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wherever you are in the world... </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/76279787409988526/" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo bekind_zps8ffed61c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t638/cupofsimmy/bekind_zps8ffed61c.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/76279787409988526/" target="_blank">Source</a></span></span>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15061125933399069768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096228635487740925.post-21644057880312238382014-07-15T20:15:00.000+02:002014-07-15T20:15:39.996+02:00Just Say Yes!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hi everyone!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's been a little while since I posted, I know. I've had a busy couple of weeks as my lovely fella was over for a holiday catch up so we spent the best part of our time just hanging out whenever I wasn't working (which unfortunately <i>was </i>the majority of the time - boo). We had an awesome time though! Beautiful weather, an amazing two days in Gozo and lots of conversation and yummy food. I ended up gaining a kilo that I lost but oh well, it was for a damn good cause :)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">On to some exciting Yoga news!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've been following Yoga with Adriene on YouTube for quite some time now and she recently launched her new blog page findwhatfeelsgood.com where she was advertising her latest Yoga course called Empower - 30 Day Yoga Challenge.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yesterday I was umm'ing and err'ing about whether I should sign up with the $99 fee. Was it worth me spending the money? Was I going to stick to it? After about thirty minutes of reading up and still feeling undecided I made a choice. Just say yes. I'll never get anywhere if I keep thinking and not <i>doing</i>!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So I signed up and completed my first day this morning! It was a fourty minute power yoga session with some cardio mixed in and wow, it was tough! I'm so not used to longer sessions anymore so by the twenty minute mark I was seriously flagging. My legs felt like jelly and I just wanted to give in...but I pushed through and finished with my head held high in savasana! Yay!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I encourage you all to say yes to something today and to see where it takes you <3 </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/494621971545018616/" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo b99f86e84290ee9a8f5c2335bb9d9cfa_zps400b09a9.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t638/cupofsimmy/b99f86e84290ee9a8f5c2335bb9d9cfa_zps400b09a9.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/494621971545018616/" target="_blank">Source</a>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15061125933399069768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096228635487740925.post-28884368880011673952014-07-04T09:00:00.000+02:002014-07-04T09:00:01.984+02:00Food For Thought<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s1317.photobucket.com/user/cupofsimmy/media/ifwewaituntil_zps2abd5ae3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo ifwewaituntil_zps2abd5ae3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t638/cupofsimmy/ifwewaituntil_zps2abd5ae3.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15061125933399069768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096228635487740925.post-11547647080298449292014-07-01T09:00:00.000+02:002014-09-02T20:30:22.315+02:00[The Malta Journals] Why Not? Creativity Vortex<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0963_zps05bcbe16.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t638/cupofsimmy/IMG_0963_zps05bcbe16.jpg" height="480" width="640" /> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Malta amazes me. I've lived here for thirteen years and even though this island is the size of my pinky there are always places to discover. I think I battled with the idea of living here for so long that I forgot that I could truly enjoy this country. It was only when I moved away for a short period of time at the beginning of this year that I realised just how <i>in love</i> with Malta I really am. It's where my heart feels at peace.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">On a quiet morning a couple of weeks ago, a friend and I decided to go for an early breakfast of Maltese toasted bread and coffee in Mgarr. It was probably the cheapest breakfast I'd ever bought in Malta and it certainly filled the bread craving gap. Afterwards we ventured off to the not so far away Why Not? Creativity Vortex which is also in Mgarr.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What is this place?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Creativity Vortex is the creation of an NGO functioning in Malta called Why Not? In essence, it's an 8 meter Bamboo Geodesic Dome created from locally sourced materials. It's a non permanent shelter where organisations can hold events such as talks, meditation, yoga and creativity through art such as music.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The area surrounding the vortex is a quietness that you rarely find in Malta. It feels peaceful and the air is light. There were only a few people when we entered, all sitting around a table conversing. Why Not allows people to visit and camp on the premises in exchange for participating in some voluntary work around the area. You can even ask to set up your own plot of land to grow your own organic produce!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We had a little nosey about the land, stepped inside the vortex, made music with the gong (so much fun!), climbed the treehouse and sat awhile. We even thought about spending a night here in summer which I would definitely be up for. Luckily I have a mosquito net or I will be mossie bait for the entire night, ha. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I think this is such a brilliant concept that I would like to involve myself in eventually. My own downfall is that I don't drive yet so I know I'll find it difficult to get to and from there. Hopefully in the future though :) </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Click <a href="http://www.butwhynot.org/projects/about-our-creativity-vortex" target="_blank">here</a> to visit their website and find out how you can participate!</span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15061125933399069768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096228635487740925.post-48429488003908839802014-06-27T09:52:00.000+02:002014-06-27T10:59:30.390+02:00Food For Thought <div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/164029611403376491/" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo johncmaxwellquote_zps0982415d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t638/cupofsimmy/johncmaxwellquote_zps0982415d.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Happy Friday friends xo </span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15061125933399069768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096228635487740925.post-61331832897770500972014-06-25T10:47:00.001+02:002014-06-25T10:49:11.277+02:00Achievement unlocked!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/372602569142231360/" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo ifitdoesnt_zps09db14fb.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t638/cupofsimmy/ifitdoesnt_zps09db14fb.jpg" /></a></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/372602569142231360/" target="_blank">Source</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I did it! The 30 Day Yoga Challenge is complete and for once in my life I didn't give up :) There is no one in the world prouder than I am of myself right now! Please excuse the exclamations! I'm happy! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This challenge was just the beginning of the mind, body and spirit journey and I'm looking forward to pushing myself further. I mentioned in my last post that I want to learn how to do the splits so I consider this my next big challenge. On Monday I followed a video detailing a yoga practice with splits as the goal and though I was nowhere near the ground, it was a start. Unfortunately I must have stretched a little too much because the next day my legs were sore and achy (and still are!) I decided to take a day or two to recover instead of stressing my body even more which leaves us at today...Wednesday and on the lookout for a new video. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Since I'm still recovering I decided to go for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5YvtYXSocw&list=PLui6Eyny-Uzw1DKEgFQZ5m38iZAXF1Xk5&index=2" target="_blank">Yoga with Adriene</a>'s healing practice which I'll do just before hitting the shower for work :) </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">That's my little update. Is anyone thinking of starting a challenge of their own? Or already started? xo</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15061125933399069768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096228635487740925.post-30053097146403900482014-06-22T09:44:00.000+02:002014-06-22T09:45:51.966+02:00The challenge is almost over<a href="http://s1317.photobucket.com/user/cupofsimmy/media/IMG_0833rounded_zps671b077f.png.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0833rounded_zps671b077f.png" border="0" src="http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t638/cupofsimmy/IMG_0833rounded_zps671b077f.png" height="480" width="640" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Happy Sunday! Yes, I am working today and I'm still happy. That's got to say something right? When you've been out of work for almost six months I guess you learn to be grateful. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">With just a few more days left of the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcjgXQkHWH453km2BpJqYHzmkUkkjH5IB" target="_blank">30 Day Yoga Challenge</a> I thought I would write a little update on how I'm feeling. When I started this challenge I had been out of any real committed exercise for quite some time. I hadn't practiced yoga since summer 2013 and had kind of lost my way. I was weak and about four kilos heavier than I was last July. It's been a tough month what with starting a new job and having to absorb massive amounts of information, not to mention I've needed to adjust to working shifts so my routine has been a little out of sync so admittedly, I haven't practice yoga <i>every day</i>. But almost.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If anyone reading this is thinking about starting yoga but doesn't know where to begin, then I think this challenge is perfect for everyone. Yes, you'll probably find it tough to begin with and want to stay in Child's Pose for half of the practice sometimes but you'll <i>want </i>to succeed! The practices are less than twenty minutes each and you go as far as you want to. I was incredibly weak at the start of this, particularly in my arms and in this last week I have found myself feeling strong; my planks are much better formed and I don't need to go on my knees to <a href="http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-6631/How-to-Do-Chaturanga-the-Right-Way.html" target="_blank">Chaturanga</a> most of the time. This for me is such a big achievement!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've decided that when I've finished this challenge my next step will be learning how to do the splits. Something I have <i>always</i> wanted to learn! I'm also going to start the 30 Day Yoga Challenge from the beginning again find a new video to follow. I also really want to start running again! Finding time is going to be my issue...I'm a serial procrastinator!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I hope that anyone reading this decides to give this challenge a go. Erin Motz, who presents it seems really lovely and fun! Let me know how you get on if you do :)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Have a great day! xo </span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15061125933399069768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096228635487740925.post-43950406276544145602014-06-20T08:00:00.000+02:002014-09-02T20:33:52.080+02:00Kiwi & Banana Smoothie [Vegan friendly]<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt=" photo IMG_0813_zpsa9484e83.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t638/cupofsimmy/IMG_0813_zpsa9484e83.jpg" height="484" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The simplicity of smoothies is one of my main reasons (aside from them being extremely delicious and healthy) that I enjoy making them daily. It's also really fun to experiment with different mixtures! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You'll need: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 Kiwi chopped</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2 tablespoons of plain Soya yogurt </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You'll also need a hand mixer or blender to whizz it all up into a super smoothie. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Put your Kiwi and sliced Banana into your blender or jug for mixing.
Add two tablespoons of Soya yogurt and a generous splash of Almond or Soya milk and mix! </span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15061125933399069768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9096228635487740925.post-65011671414234632852014-06-14T08:00:00.000+02:002014-09-02T20:34:52.069+02:00Introducing [Fair-Trade]: The Zambian Soap Company<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0924_zps1bc5f6e6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1317.photobucket.com/albums/t638/cupofsimmy/IMG_0924_zps1bc5f6e6.jpg" height="480" width="640" /> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I love products with a story to tell, don't you? I guess if we dug far enough we could find the beginning of a story in everything, even those corporate chains that seem to rule the world. The problem is that these companies seem to have forgotten their roots and are only interested in one thing. Can you guess what that is? Yep, money! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I want to support the people behind the products that I use by buying Fair Trade whenever I possibly can. Fair Trade companies pay their workers a fair wage in order to not only survive, but to live and support their families and communities. I was searching for Fair Trade soap when I stumbled upon <a href="http://zambiansoap.com/index.html" target="_blank">The Zambian Soap Company</a>. I never used to read the 'About us' page of online shops but nowadays it's the first thing I look for. I want to know who is making my products and where it's coming from<span style="color: #0000ee;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"> <span style="color: black;">and I think that it's my duty as a blogger to spread the word about the amazing and sustainable products out there! </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Let's be the change.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's always a little daunting to try out new things. It's also really exciting! When I received my package from The Zambian Soap Company I couldn't wait to open it; I could almost smell the soaps through the packaging. There are currently three types of soap - Lavender, Spearmint, Cassia and Lemongrass. I wanted to buy one of each but the Lavender was unfortunately not in stock when I ordered so I went for the other three. They look and smell wonderful! I particularly love the Cassia because of the Cinnamon scent (or as my mum says, it smells like Christmas, ha). I love Cinnamon! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The spearmint is a little more subtle but still very nice. The soaps lather up really well and make my skin feel amazing! I was a little hesitant about using it on my face because I have quite sensitive skin but I had no problems at all- if anything my skin feels cleaner and clearer due to the organic ingredients :) They're also vegan!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm really happy with The Zambian Soap Company and will be more than happy to buy from them again! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can find this awesome company <a href="http://zambiansoap.com/index.html" target="_blank">here!</a> Be sure to check out their story and read about Zambia and the workers :)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is not a sponsored post and my views are my honest opinions of a brand that has positively impacted me :) </span></span><br />
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