Tag: ukblog

The Realities of Working Out

The Realities of Working Out

by abeesworldblog ♥ 6 Comments

I am what I like to call: Fit(ish).

Fit(ish): semi-fit and a little bit podgy. Someone that likes the idea of being fit, but likes food too much.

I strive to be healthy. To me, this means two things. To be physically fitand active, and eat a healthy balanced diet. And mentally fit, whereby (to avoid mental breakdowns, and maintain sanity) I eat cake when and if I want it. I think it’s a pretty healthy diet. I would never want to resent being ‘healthy’ if it meant I couldn’t eat birthday cake, or have a takeaway every now and then. I’m a firm believer in treatin’ yo self. 

But that’s enough natter, here are some of the realities I have found with working out!

CARDIO:

Getting bored after 5 minutes of any form of cardio. I have always hated running. I simply don’t enjoy it. But I do try. (I’m far better at running out of money, if I’m honest)will.gif

Running next to someone and it feeling like a race. They up the speed, so do I. Bring it. run.gif

My running style: drunk woman slowly being chased by absolutely nothing.drunk.gif

When you take your headphones out and realise you were making panting/grunting noiseswhile you did cardio.sponge.gif

When people look at you while you do cardio.melissa

When you up the speed too much and your heart skips a beat, because you can’t keep up.gym.gif

Me doing cardio: ’20 minutes left. That’s two lots of 10.  It’s only 4 lots of 5 minutes’(then I congratulate myself on the 30 seconds wasted on that mental maths session)wil.gif

I like to think, when people see me jogging outside, they think ‘wow an athlete’, but in reality it’s ‘aw, good for her’.

Quite frankly, the best bit about running is the end.

I’ve honestly come to the conclusion that running is wrong. I agree with Miranda Hart,unless it’s running professionally, or as a child- it’s not OK.

SWIMMING: 

Is this just me? As a kid, at swimming lessons, I would convince myself there was a shark in the pool– so I would swim faster. Maybe I should imagine clowns on the treadmill behind me.shark.gif

MOTTO’S I THINK IN THE GYM/LIFE:

‘Sweat is just my fat crying’.

‘I may look like a potato now, but one day I’ll turn into fries and you’ll all want me then.’

‘I work out because I know I would have been the first to die in the Hunger Games.’

‘I wear all black in the gym, like a funeral for my fat.’

REGRETS: 

When your ‘cheat meal’ turns into a cheat week.shame.gif

Stepping on the scales and seeing no change after weeks of exercise: ‘off to Krispy Kreme I go’.donunt.gif

Leaving the gym feeling great, waking up the next morning feeling like your legs are hungover.
running.gif

FIBS:

Aim:to be the weight I told the app I was.

‘Drink more water’ they said, ‘it will be good for you’ they said. I’m weeing ALL THE TIME.

(Last time I did that 2 litre a day thing, my Mum sent me to the Doctors thinking I had diabetes.)

My summer body expectations vs reality. summer.png

Embracing your summer body like ‘at least my flipflops still fit!’fat b 2.gif

So there it is, a page full of GIF’s, personal experiences and life contemplations, from a Fit(ish) individual with some serious love for cake. 

Wardrobe Malfunctions That Tick Girls Off, Part 2

Wardrobe Malfunctions That Tick Girls Off, Part 2

by abeesworldblog ♥ 2 Comments

OK, so there are a looot of things that frustrate me about clothes of today, varying from flashing your knickers on a windy day to having a claustrophobic meltdown after getting stuck in a top in the changing rooms. Here is another list of 10 Wardrobe Malfunctions That Tick Girls Off.

  1. VPL. Ain’t nobody got time for that. Leotards are the worst for this! You don’t want a dented looking booty, and even the ‘invisible pants’ are telling porkies #girlproblems pants.gif
  2. Windy days + skirts = a knicker flash. I would love to say I’m slick enough to be all Marilyn Monroe about this- but no. skirt.gif
  3. Maxi dresses… being too maxi. I’m not even that small! I’m 5ft 3. Granted I’m not massive, but the Maxi dresses shouldn’t be a trip hazard. trip.gif
  4. Phones not fitting in pockets. This one I feel bad even putting in, because it’s super first world problems! I have an iPhone 7 Plus (pretty much an iPad) and it doesn’t fit in any pockets, it’s just another thing to remember to pick up. phone
  5. The Changing Room Panic. This has happened to me on numerous occasions and as a result I rarely go shopping alone. I genuinely think I developed claustrophobia specifically with regards to changing rooms. The panic of putting a top on and NOT BEING ABLE TO GET OUT. You do a sort of jumpy wiggle in desperation. Arms in the air, breathing in as much as you can and preparing yourself to walk out of the changing room to ask for help. Mortifying. Please tell me I’m not the only one?cat.gif
  6. Gym leggings falling down. To clarify, my leggings aren’t baggy, this is not because I am skinny. It’s to do with the design. Fellow gym-goers are more likely to think ‘what the heck is that girl doing on the treadmill?’ as I run while holding my trousers up, in fear of mooning someone behind me. A bit like a waddling duck.duck.gif
  7. Tops with make-up on in shops. This really aggravates me. I have a little hack for people who wear makeup and want to try clothes on. And it may sound silly, but I swear it works! Pull all your hair over your face + put the top on = no makeup mark! I always get super sad when I see a top I like but it’s smothered in a brownish nose mark around the neck. clothes
  8. 3/4 length trousers looking like ‘ankle bangers’. I love me some floaty trousers. But sometimes they can look totally ridiculous! Like I say, I’m 5 ft 3 and some trousers are simply too long, I got some 3/4 length trousers, but they’re an awkward length. There is literally an inch between my shoes and my trousers. It’s a dodge look.
  9. Flared sleeves. Flared sleeves are my favourite thing at the moment. But there is no denying that they get in the way. Washing up is a nightmare, eating dinner is beyond messy and putting a coat on makes the sleeves ruffle up to your shoulders so you look like a sumo wrestler.
  10. Socks slipping off in your shoes. The most uncomfortable feeling. Plus you have to take your shoes off in public to retrieve the escapee sock.
Wardrobe Malfunctions That Tick Girls Off

Wardrobe Malfunctions That Tick Girls Off

by abeesworldblog ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

You know when you have a leotard wedgie or stick your thumb through your tights? Thats what this blog is about. All the irritating things clothes can do that make you want to walk around naked!

  1. Trying to  avoid your clothes touching the toilet floor. Bane. Of. My. Life. London is one of my favourite places to travel, but OMG never again shall I wear a jumpsuit while exploring the capital. Sat on the loo, holding your trouser legs up and thinking ‘why is the floor sticky’ is never fun. floor.gif
  2. Being able to fit into an 8 in one shop, and just about squeezing into a 14 in another... how?! What measurements do you use?! clothes
  3. The Leotard Wedgie. Put your hands in the air (like you just don’t care- forever an S Club 7 gal!) and ain’t no top untucking itself. Buuuut, you have a mighty wedgie all day. A compromise? I think not. wedgie
  4. Hat hair. I try to pull of the cute hat look, but always end up with fluffy/ static/ sweaty hair and a silly looking makeup line. hat hair.gif
  5. I love me some Sequins, but can we appreciate the torture of wearing them sometimes? Plus the fact they can’t be washed and fall off everywhere. Scratchy little things. sequins
  6. Sticking your thumb through your tights. Give me strength. This is enough to ruin my mood all day. I even try and pack a second pair now, just in case! tight.gif
  7. When your ripped jeans… rip too much. OK I know this is a mega first world problem and I can hear every over-forty year-old in the country asking me ‘why did you buy ripped jeans then?’. Because they’re cool. OK. They’re not cool, however, when your knee is hanging out of the overly big hole that you busted bending over. Oh and another thing: I get chilly knees!jeans
  8. Side Zips. Pure evil. I genuinely feel like I’m from a scene from Jaws whenever I do up a side zip. The worst is a side zip under your arm. You have the frustration of trying to get the right angle without popping a shoulder. Then the panic that it could nip my skin at any moment. And I’ll be stuck. Forever. *cue dramatic music*jaws.gif
  9. When your little toe pops out of your tights. Makes me cringe even thinking about it. (Makes me cringe using the word cringe) Eugh the horribly cold sensation as the rebel toe escapes. Never sure if it’s cold or a lack of blood supply from the tight-tights. drama.gif
  10. Someone stepping on the back of your flip-flop. This aggravates me immensely. It goes one of two ways: it breaks the toggle-bit between your toes. Or, it shoots forward in an attempt at freedom and you have to hop after it, humiliated. anger.gif

Girl Struggles are one of my favourite things to write about. I think it’s because I’m a little bit dopey sometimes, and have experienced the majority of ‘Girl Struggles’ imaginable.

Hope you enjoyed reading this and maybe you even thought ‘same!’ (I hope someone did!) ,

Bee xoxo

Dot To Dot- Wish List

Dot To Dot- Wish List

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I am loving all things dots at the moment and if I had more money I would certainly be wearing more of them! So today, I put together a Wish List of dot inspired clothing. I feel like Cruella Deville (minus all things animal cruelty!).

These are all products I would wear. So I’ve picked out things that would suit my body type. I am a HUGE promoter of dressing to suit your figure and to make you comfortable. And quite frankly, not all the ‘on trend’ styles suit me. So being brutally honest: I am 5 ft 3, I have big boobs and chunky thighs. So here is what I have learnt:

  1. Never underestimate the importance of feeling good in your clothes. You wear it with confidence and you will own it.
  2. You got big thighs? Emphasise your waist- oh and floaty trousers are your new best friend. 
  3. Fact: People pay mega bucks for boobs. Though I am the first to complain about their inconvenience, I know they ain’t going nowhere, so why not dress to suit! This, for me, means avoiding baggy tops and wearing comfy, supportive bras (even if they are a little granny-like or you have to pay a little extra!).
  4. Would you talk to your best friend the way you talk to yourself (in terms of body image)? No? Then stop. Be nice to yourself!

I hope you enjoy!

Screen Shot 2018-01-05 at 22.27.35

Mae Woven Pleated Polka Dot Culottes- £20, Boohoo.

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Bethany Polka Dot Wrap Front Jumpsuit- £25, Boohoo.

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Boutique Indira Polka Dot Tulle Full Midi Skirt- £20, Boohoo.

Screen Shot 2018-01-05 at 22.48.28

Polka Dot Wrap Self Tie Waist Frill Cami Dress- £12, Shein.

Screen Shot 2018-01-05 at 22.53.06

ASOS Bardot Long Sleeve Mini Skater Dress in Polka Dot- £28, ASOS.

Screen Shot 2018-01-05 at 22.55.40

Missguided Polka Dot Jumpsuit- £35, Missguided.

Screen Shot 2018-01-05 at 22.58.55

Mango Dot and Floral Midi Skirt- £16, and Floral Tie Crop-Top- £11.50, Mango

Screen Shot 2018-01-05 at 23.01.38

New Look Polka Dot Wide Leg Trousers-£11, New Look

Screen Shot 2018-01-05 at 23.03.31

Club L Polka Dot Wrap Dress With Flute Sleeve- £25, Club L/ASOS

Screen Shot 2018-01-05 at 23.08.57

Black Polka Dot Gathered Sleeve Blazer Set- £35, Missguided

Is it just me that dreams of the day I can see something I like and just click ‘buy now’ without a second thought?

 

Time Management and Positive Mindset Tips

Time Management and Positive Mindset Tips

by abeesworldblog ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

‘I am not an early bird or a night owl. I am some form of permanently exhausted pigeon’

Screen Shot 2017-12-03 at 19.00.29

Being one step ahead is undeniably a wonderful feeling, but at what cost? I have learnt that at University, it is just as important to be OK, happy and on track. I used to put a lot of effort into being prepared for the week before it had even started, but sometimes you have to admit, being ahead of the game is hard work, and actually not necessary. So here are a few ways that I manage my time and maintain a healthy mindset when going into each new week.

How do you manage your time?

‘time is non-refundable. use it with intention.’

Time management is so central to any degree and maintaining a healthy mindset. I love the phrase ‘work smarter, not harder’ and it’s something I really try to live by. Here are a few ways I manage my time to work smarter.

  • Complete my most important tasks first– if it has to be done, it’s top of the list.
  • Don’t over-commit– I take on enough. Why give yourself an unrealistic target? It’s not worth having mountains of things to do, but never finishing them to a standard you are proud of.
  • Have a good night sleep- boring but true. 7 to 8 hours is best to be productive the next day.
  • Work at your optimum time– I find I work best in the afternoon and when I get the motivation, I grasp it with both hands! Some people work best in the morning. Find out what works for you and plan your time accordingly.
  • Don’t procrastinate– as the Queen of Procrastination I can say this is a tough one. So I usually put my phone far away from my bed. Or even on a high up shelf, which sounds ridiculous, but my lazy butt won’t be able to justify reaching up to get it off of the shelf when I know I should be doing something else.
  • Give your tasks a time limit– it’s tough but more time efficient. For example, I can have hundreds of pages to read for pre-reading, but if I have a lot of other tasks needing to be completed, then I will allocate myself 2 hours
  • Leave a buffer time between tasks– I usually add 30% of the time I expected the task to take. This way if you run over, it’s OK and you have factored it in.
  • Think of each task as an individual one- looking at a long list of ‘to-do’s’ is enough to stress anyone out. So plan what you need to do to complete your tasks and focus on only one at a time. I even get rid of all my other tabs, so I can fully focus on the task at hand.
  • Exercise and eat healthily- I am a lover of chocolate and an advocate of treating yourself when the going gets tough. But, eating a healthy, balanced diet is key. Plus the gym is a great outlet.
  • Make weekends actual breaks– granted we all have work that runs into the weekend, but take some time off for yourself.
  • Create an organised system that works for you– I like to print of a calendar at the beginning of term and fill in all my deadlines and social events I would like to attend. Seeing it in this format makes everything look a lot less daunting.

‘the key is not to prioritise what’s on your schedule but to schedule your priorities’

How do you maintain your mental health?

Maintaining a healthy can be hard, especially when you have deadlines coming out your ears- so here are a few way’s that I rationalise my ‘to-do’s’ and maintain a healthy mindset.

  • Keep perspective- everyone has those days where things just go wrong. But tomorrow is a new day. A new start.
  • I write a list or a mindmap of everything on my mind, right before bed. It’s quite therapeutic, I pour out all my worries, concerns and to-do’s and go to bed with the knowledge I’ll pick up where I left off in the morning. You can even have a chuckle with yourself when you think ‘future me can deal with that’.
  • Value yourself- a friend said to me that you should be your own best friend. Like the phrase ‘treat others the way you would like to be treated’ but in reverse. Treat yourself the way you treat others. Value yourself and avoid self-criticism. Make time for hobbies and the things you enjoy the most.
  • Do not compare yourself to others– you’re doing your best and that’s all that matters.
  • Take care of your body- eat a healthy diet, treat yourself occasionally, drink lots of water and avoid the consumption of things that aren’t going to benefit your body, such as cigarettes.
  • Find something that makes you happy. For me it’s chocolate. Some may say comfort eating is bad, but when you’ve got deadlines and need a boost, or even have had a bad day… treat yo self.
  • Surround yourself with good people- positive vibes are so important to maintaining a healthy mindset. People generally feel better with a bigger support network.
  • Control the controllables. Change what you can and don’t worry about the rest.

    ‘surround yourself with people who see your value and remind you of it’

Defining Moments

Defining Moments

by abeesworldblog ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

This blog post was inspired by Natalie Leanne’s Blog Post that I read on the train journey home the other day. I’m super nosy and love learning more about people. Natalie’s Blog is so open and just so relatable- I highly recommend checking her blog out (natalieleanne.com).

On that note, I am going to share some of my defining moments in life and hope that others can relate!

Defining Moment Number 1: University. Seems pretty straight forward, but actually this was a defining moment for me in a way I totally didn’t anticipate. My first year of university I found really tough, and I know I’m not alone in this. I just felt so alone. I missed home, my family, my friends and my boyfriend. Plus I didn’t “click” with my Flat as much as I had hoped. My first year of university was a defining moment because it taught me so much about myself. I realised I am OK on my own, completely capable, but I wanted to be around people. I spent so much time alone, that now I try to make plans all the time, so I’m not. I almost exhausted my own company. Having said that, being alone doesn’t scare me as it used to. University also taught me to be independent. I didn’t automatically have those “life-long” friends from uni in my Halls, so I became that person who walks up and introduces themselves, asked if people to wanted to grab a coffee after lectures or meet up later on. This was SO out of my comfort zone, but I knew I didn’t want to feel isolated, so I did my best to make lots of friends. It actually worked and I met my two best University friends through having that little bit of extra courage. I came to the conclusion that being overly friendly isn’t a bad thing, that if all people can say about me is “she’s overly friendly” then I’m 100% OK with that. My initial sense of isolation and home sickness actually just pushed me to question myself, ask me who I wanted to be. Lonely wasn’t on my list, and friendless wasn’t either. So I forced myself out of my comfort zone. I still do this now. I have an added confidence in the fact that I’m a good human being. And if anything I’m more aware of other people’s feelings because of my experience.

(My University best friends, the ones I forced myself upon and have absolutely no regrets about!!!)

Defining Moment Number 2: is a rather random one. I can’t remember where we were when I heard it for the first time but I watched “We Bought a Zoo” a few years ago and the phrase “all you need is 10 seconds of courage” popped up. And since then it’s stuck with me. Through the difficulties at Uni, I would convince myself that all I needed was 10 seconds of courage. Once you’ve said “hi” that’s the hard bit out of the way. I used it for my first job at 15/16, in a huge store with loads of people I didn’t know. It helped me with handing in CVs (and resignations), with interviews, and dealing with situations I wasn’t comfortable in. 10 seconds, and it’s done. No take backs, just dealing with the consequences.

Defining Moment Number 3 is a little bit different. During my Freshers week I experienced something that a lot of women unfortunately experience in clubs. I had gone out with my flat and it was my first night of Freshers week. This experience really knocked my confidence. But it also proved to me that I knew what was and was not OK. And I like to think it’s made me a stronger person. I am very conscious in clubs, I’m constantly aware of my surroundings and actually find it quite hard to let my hair down and enjoy myself if I’m not with Jack. But it made me realise my worth. This is my body. I think recognising your worth, your value as a human being, is so important to a happy life. I genuinely believe I can do anything I want if I put my mind to it. I know I am as good as any man. This experience simply raised the question: are you ok with this? And the answer was hell no.

(This is a picture of Jack and I, in 2015, 1 week after Freshers. My family and him came to visit, and they were my rock!)

Of course I still have my insecurities, I most definitely have my (weekly/daily!) wobbles. But I would say that, now, I am confident in myself, as a person. I try hard to be the best version of myself.

I hope you enjoyed reading today’s blog.

What are your Defining Moments? Have you experience something similar to me? Let me know in the comments!

Bee xoxo

Top Ten Beauty Hacks

Top Ten Beauty Hacks

by abeesworldblog ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Hello everybody!

Today I am talking about my top ten beauty hacks that I use! I hope you enjoy!

1) Fixing smudged nail varnish

There is nothing worse than doing your nails and then catching them on something, putting a mighty finger print on it or fluff getting stuck on them. So I figured out this trick a few years ago and have been doing it ever since. When the nail varnish is tacky, but no longer wet, you can (and this is going to sound super weird) lick the nail varnish. You can flatten and smooth out any marks and nobody would even know you smudged your nails. Top tip: make sure it’s not still wet though, because that just tastes gross.

2) Having that big eye look.

Use a white eye-liner on your waterline to give your eyes a pop.

3) Keeping your lips healthy and looking pumped. 

carmex.jpg

I use the Carmex Lipbalm before I use any lipstick or lip gloss- it plumps up your lips and they never dry out. This works with matte lipsticks aswell.

4) Getting the perfect lip line. 

I intentionally brush the remnants of foundation from my brush over my lips, this means that when I apply my lipliner and lip stick I have a lighter base tone. This also helps because I always find that the skin around my lips can look a little pinker than other areas on my face.

5) When you buy the wrong shade foundation

I am the queen of mixing foudations. Sometimes it’s simply because I’m stingy, and other times it’s because I like the qualities of both foundations. If I want a full coverage look, but I perhaps haven’t tanned for a while, I will add a lighter shade of a different brand of foundation to the darker, full coverage one. This way I get the full coverage, but avoid the big orange line that no girl wants! This also works with foundations that you buy after holiday, when you’re that shade darker.

I personally use Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation in the shade True Ivory (which was perfect after my holiday and is a total coverage foundations) and combine it with my L’Oreal Paris Colour Match Foundation in the shade 1N (which is more accurate now!).

6) Soap and Glory Wonderbronze Shimmer Brick

bronzer

This is one of the best products I have ever got. If I’m in a rush, I’ll use it as a bronzer, an eye shadow and will pick out the lighter tones (with a different brush) and use it for highlight as well. It also gives a lovely sun-tint that I always feel I’m lacking in the colder seasons. It’s a constant in my handbag for those moments I want to touch up my makeup!

7) Find that perfect lip colour- Tanya Burr, Pink Cocoa

pink cocoa

I searched for ages trying to find a lip stick that was just the right shade. I wanted one that I didn’t need to line my lips with and was a shade darker than my natural lip colour. This, for me, is Tanya Burr’s: Pink Cocoa, it’s so perfect and I can whack it out when I’m out and about to give my lips a little more colour but still look natural.

8) Give yourself a healing foot treatment while you sleep

Sometimes it’s nice to pamper yourself, but feet never seem to be at the top of my ‘pamper yo-self’ routine. I like to cover my feet in a thick moisturiser and go to bed with socks on- they feel like heaven the next day!

9) Spots vs. tooth paste/ sudocrem

If ever I am out at a friends and haven’t brought over my night time face routine with me (or even if I am super tired) I use tooth paste or sudocrem. Stupid though I may look, my spot’s are not going to be as aggravated the next day!

10) Run out of dry shampoo? Baby powder. 

I am blond, so maybe it works better on lighter hair, but this trick is legit! It works and lets face it, baby powder smells nice too. Double bonus.

These tricks are all ones that I use myself! I hope they are helpful!

Bee xoxox

 

In love with Ineffabless!

In love with Ineffabless!

by abeesworldblog ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Hi everybody!

Today’s blog is a little different, it’s about a piece of jewelry I absolutely LOVE.

I am 20, going on 21, so I have a year full of friends BIG birthdays coming up and finding a present that can stay with people for a long time is really important to me. This is where Ineffabless comes in!

A few weeks ago Ineffabless approached me to try out their jewelry. I’ve never had this before and so was – as you can imagine- super excited! I went onto their webpage and was overwhelmed with the choice they have. You can choose from rings, necklaces, bracelets, bangles and can even personalise them. How perfect is that for a present for a loved one?

Oh and the price is ridiculously affordable. It’s quality jewelry- for less.

I used to work in Ernest Jones and while it was quiet (which was a lot of the time!) I would pick out which pieces of jewelry I would choose for myself. But one of the things I noticed were that the styles were quite mature. Ineffabless offers really up to date, statement pieces of jewelry. The sort of statement pieces that define an outfit.

I chose these earrings:

I have seen this style earring in Accessories and Pandora, but not for the same price or quality. I had the hardest time choosing!

If you have a special birthday coming up- create your own ‘wish list’. It’s easy and then you can choose what you get!

If it’s your Mums/ Sisters/ Aunts/ friends birthday- definitely look here before any other jewelers. Or even if you fancy a pick me up- just do it!

Add a little sparkle to your life!

You can visit the Ineffabless website at:

http://www.ineffabless.com

http://www.ineffabless.co.uk

 

We got a Puppy- Amber!!

We got a Puppy- Amber!!

by abeesworldblog ♥ 2 Comments

Today was a super long day, but totally worth it! We got a puppy! Our family of five (including Jim, our 10 year old Border Terrier) grew to six with Amber.

As I write this I’m in bed, having listened to her bark for 51 minutes straight (and counting!). It’s honestly heart breaking. She was one of ten golden doodle puppies and naturally she’s missing her Mumma and sisters. My room is right above the kitchen and she is piercingly loud. For a little Afro ball she sure makes one hell of a racket!

So we have known about picking Amber up for some time now and we were SO EXCITED. And she certainly didn’t disappoint. We picked her up at 11 this morning, after leaving home at 7 am, and met 2 of her sisters who were super cute! If I could I’d have honestly taken all three home. The breeder did however have 5 of their own and just from looking at the size of them… having more than one would be a nightmare!! We then brought her home and introduced her to Jim.

*moment to celebrate… its been silent for a whole minute! Hopefully she’s fallen to sleep!! Eeek!*

Jim absolutely loved her. It was so interesting to watch as we really weren’t sure how Jim would react. Part of the reason we got Amber was to keep Jim company. Being 10 years old, going on 11, with my younger sister being 14 and everyone being out of the house more, we wanted him to have a companion. Golden doodles are meant to be brilliant companion dogs and are great with all ages- so, despite being considerably bigger than Jim, she was perfect.

Jim has (what we call) “Little Dog Syndrome” whereby he gets agitated by other dogs on walks, most of the time because he feels threatened.

Well today he was (just about!) the bigger dog, and she was totally aware of the pecking order. She copied everything he did, from eating grass (and greatly disliking it and ultimately spitting it out) to weeing up the washing line… a great habit inherited from Jim.

They did laps of the garden all afternoon and it was so interesting watching them interact. She has, what I think is, a bum that could give Kim Kardashian a run for her money and a strut sassier than Beyoncé. She sort of wiggles her bum, and often when she runs it looks as though it’s catching up with her- which is adorable!

Toys-wise: we bought several toys for her specifically, but she’s far more interested in Jim’s toys and vice versa. She is equally interested in people’s feet as she is a fluffy toy and has nibbled toes once or twice this evening.

Amber also appears to have some sort of infatuation with the herb plant pot outside the backdoor. In particular the Rosemary. Likewise she has taken on the Acer tree a couple of times.

She’s unbelievably clumsy, her feet seem too big for her body and for some reason she seems to walk into EVERYTHING. She is a typical clumsy puppy, with a little extra sass and a bundle of character.

She’s perfect!

*update: she’s wailing again and every now and then Jim gives a low grumble as if to say ‘send help’… it’s gonna be a long night!*

My Lactose Intolerance Journey

My Lactose Intolerance Journey

by abeesworldblog ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Hi everyone!

Today’s blog is a little bit different to my usual blog- I am going to be talking about my lactose intolerance!

What is a lactose intolerance?

  • It basically means that my body does not like as much dairy as other people. But I think it’s important to highlight that there are different levels of lactose intolerance. I am pretty lucky and my intolerance is pretty minor. That basically means that if I have a cup of tea with normal cows milk in, or maybe a cheeky slice of cake on a day out, I won’t necessarily have stomach cramps. So my body can deal with a small amount of dairy.
  • dairy-freeHowever, if I pig out and have a heap of dairy- I get the worst stomach cramps. The longer I have had this intolerance though, the more I have been able to judge how much dairy I can have.

When did I realise I was lactose intolerant?

  • There was a bit of a journey to figuring out what was going on and why I was having stomach cramps- but we got there eventually.
  • Period Pains- I first started getting cramps when I was about 13 or 14, at which point my Doctor’s were putting it down to my time of the month. I started my period when I was 12, so I had had some time to figure out what was ‘normal’ for me, and these pains were different. My stomach cramps are like stabbing pains that make me want to curl into a ball- not a constant ache like periods.
  • Appendicitis- I started passing out when I was 14 from the pains and I can honestly say it was mortifying. So after this happened a few times and started to be super embarrassing, I was taken to hospital to have some tests and I stayed over night. The tests came back negative.
  • Gall Bladder- they then tested me for problems with my Gall Bladder. I can’t really recall much about the tests, it all sort of merges into one in my head- but long story short they came back negative too. So yay for my appendix and gall bladder working!
  • Celiacs Disease– this was a quick test, but luckily this was negative too. The Doctors were basically ruling out different illnesses and allergies.
  • Gluten Intolerance- IBS– for YEARS I was convinced, and was diagnosed, with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Though originally this made a difference Lactose free stampand the pains died down, it wasn’t a long term fix. I completely changed my diet to be Gluten Free- which is surprisingly easy as loads of supermarkets accommodate for this diet. But the pains came back.
  • Dairy Intolerance- BINGO. By 18 I was still having the stomach cramps and I was getting pretty irritated. I ended up not knowing what to eat and what not to eat. At the same time my sister was told she was dairy intolerant, and so my family changed our diets again to accommodate  her. This meant lacto-free products- and the cramps started to die down. Though I was eating less dairy, I hadn’t completely cut it out of my diet. At this point I was about to go to University and my Mum suggested, with me shopping for only myself, to try a completely dairy free diet. That was that really, I went to University, bought only dairy free products and my cramps have been so much better!

Now I eat a mostly dairy free diet and occasionally have some dairy if I really have no alternative (or the food, usually cake, just looks too good!).

I know this is slightly different from my typical lifestyle blogs, but if you enjoy reading, or would like to know more about my diet let me know in the comments. Please like and subscribe!