I’m growing a human in my belly!
An actual human! Well according to my many apps, its only now beginning to look remarkably human! Previous more alien / Tadpole like!
But beside that it’s an actual human, with a heart beating away and arms and legs that can now bend at the elbows and knees, and can suck it’s thumb. I know! Madness!
Our family of two is about to become three and life as we know it is about to change!
The FAQ’s
Baby Amies-King is due January 2019.
We are not going to find out whether we are having a boy or a girl, We love the idea of it being a surprise! Plus its 2018/19 we are not limited to Pink or Blue, and we won’t be anyway once the baby is born! We both really like a lot of unisex clothing that is out there, and plus we are all for a girl in blue tractor dungarees and a boy in a pink shorts set!
We have some names we like. Some names I like and some names Thomas likes. In all honesty, we have a long list and at some point will make a short list. We will then probably make a short, short list and hopefully at some point I hope we can whittle it down to two names for each sex and then decide when the baby arrives!
We are super excited! Like super excited and feel very blessed. Without too much TMI it didn’t take us long to conceive, and I know that there are people who are trying to conceive (ttc) for years! So we are aware we are super lucky and super blessed!
Am I scared? This is a hard one to answer for me! Being an health care professional (Paramedic) I take a very medical facts view a lot of the time on all things medical. So for now I am very much I trust in the Midwives and Doctors, that medically this is nothing new, women for years have been doing it and the human body is incredible, and does what it has to do! On the other side of this, I can also be the worse patient ever! Firstly, sometimes knowledge is a bad thing! And that can make people in healthcare, not the best patients! But secondly the very thought of pushing out a baby (probably with a big head if My husband and I are anything to go by!) well... enough said! But I will cross that bridge when the time comes!
Pregnancy has had its up and down’s but I will leave that for another post! But all in all, I am very happy and feeling better each day!
On that note, as well as this being an announcement post, this also serves as an explanation to my absence on the blog and social media! Between sickness and tiredness and everything in between, the blog and social media has been the last thing on my mind!
As I am starting to feel better as I get comfortably into the second trimester, I am hopeful I will be back writing blog posts and posting more on Social Media.
But if I go quiet for a few days or weeks, then so be it. I am growing a human after all, which aside from being pretty incredible, is my number one priority right now!
Jasmine
x
Hello. Yes, it’s been a while. I have had a small detox from the blog and the Instagram grid (If you don’t follow me on Instagram, come on over, say hi!) and it has been bliss.
I say small detox, It has bee a whole month, which in the fast paced world of social media, is a VERY long time indeed.
I wish I could give you some elaborate story of mountain retreats, ‘finding myself’ and new ‘horizons’ but none of that I just took a break and spent time on general life and adulting.
So yes, nothing major to report, but thought it would be rude not to check in and let you know.
So I am officially back, and I hope you all will enjoy all the up coming content I have planned for you.
Always here for suggestions, so If you have any then please do let me know in the comments section below.
#BackinBusiness
Jasmine
X
I have made it my aim to read more books this year. I do love reading, aways have from a young child, but I don't put aside the time to read these days. I wouldn't say I don't have the time, I believe we can always find the time to do anything, we just have to put in the work to plan our time better.
So with that in mind, I am putting together my reading list for the year, and would love you help to expand my list with books you are reading / looking to read this year too.
I like to read most genre's apart from horror/thriller/murder that stuff is not my thing so please let me know your suggestions.
My current read: Black Box Thinking by Matthew Syed
- I have been looking for an inspirational book to start off my reading in 2018 and give me that new year inspo. I got this book from the hubby for Christmas and OMG it is brilliant and so me. This book is about high performance, growth and achieving success. It draws on examples in healthcare, aviation and sport. Hello this book is SO ME!! - The healthcare profession, the aviaton geek and the sports lover in me cannot sit still.
Review so far: Its a great book, it draws on some great examples of high performance and success and how this can be translated to everyday life.
So along with the current read here is my current 2018 reading list:
* Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult - heard so many good things about this book that I must read it.
* Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Sthetterly - I bought this book intending on reading it before I watched the movie, but I gave in and watched the movie, but I am determined to read the book too.
* When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi - Being a healthcare professional I do like to read books in and about the mdeical industry. Paul Kalanithi is a doctor who was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. He goes from to doctor to patient whilst also becoming a new father. This book highlights the relationship between doctor and patient, but also reflects on life and mortality.
* Sarah Knight Books - Her books are described as 'Self-help with an edge' by Vogue and sound right up my street. The first book; The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**K shows us 'How to stop spending time you don't have doing things you don't want to do with people you don't like' - I SO NEED THIS BOOK IN MY LIFE RIGHT NOW!
* I Know why the caged bird sings by Maya Angelou - I read this book in secondary school and it was pretty life changing. I have made a vow to read this book , along with Maya Angelou's additional six volumes of autobiographies and some of her poetry books. She was an phenomenal, inspirational women and extrodinary writer.
Her stories and poems written many years ago are still so relevant today. I love the poem 'Still I rise' so empowering.
On the poetry note, I do love poetry. So poetry recommendations also welcome.
Please comment below your reccomendations and I will post at the end of the year all the books I have managed to read.
Jasmine
xx
So with that in mind, I am putting together my reading list for the year, and would love you help to expand my list with books you are reading / looking to read this year too.
I like to read most genre's apart from horror/thriller/murder that stuff is not my thing so please let me know your suggestions.
My current read: Black Box Thinking by Matthew Syed
- I have been looking for an inspirational book to start off my reading in 2018 and give me that new year inspo. I got this book from the hubby for Christmas and OMG it is brilliant and so me. This book is about high performance, growth and achieving success. It draws on examples in healthcare, aviation and sport. Hello this book is SO ME!! - The healthcare profession, the aviaton geek and the sports lover in me cannot sit still.
Review so far: Its a great book, it draws on some great examples of high performance and success and how this can be translated to everyday life.
So along with the current read here is my current 2018 reading list:
* Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult - heard so many good things about this book that I must read it.
* Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Sthetterly - I bought this book intending on reading it before I watched the movie, but I gave in and watched the movie, but I am determined to read the book too.
* When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi - Being a healthcare professional I do like to read books in and about the mdeical industry. Paul Kalanithi is a doctor who was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. He goes from to doctor to patient whilst also becoming a new father. This book highlights the relationship between doctor and patient, but also reflects on life and mortality.
* Sarah Knight Books - Her books are described as 'Self-help with an edge' by Vogue and sound right up my street. The first book; The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**K shows us 'How to stop spending time you don't have doing things you don't want to do with people you don't like' - I SO NEED THIS BOOK IN MY LIFE RIGHT NOW!
* I Know why the caged bird sings by Maya Angelou - I read this book in secondary school and it was pretty life changing. I have made a vow to read this book , along with Maya Angelou's additional six volumes of autobiographies and some of her poetry books. She was an phenomenal, inspirational women and extrodinary writer.
Her stories and poems written many years ago are still so relevant today. I love the poem 'Still I rise' so empowering.
On the poetry note, I do love poetry. So poetry recommendations also welcome.
Please comment below your reccomendations and I will post at the end of the year all the books I have managed to read.
Jasmine
xx
I had been looking a trying food boxes for a while now. When I got home one day after work, the husband announced that a 'Gusto Man' ( that is what he shall forever be called) had knocked on the door and offered 50% off trying a Gusto Box, and he had signed up and we had one being delivered the next week. I was very excited to try this out. The husband had picked some lovely meals and as we both love cooking we would try following these recipes together and see what we thought of the food box concept.
We ordered 4 meals for 2 people and paid £17.00 normal price of £34.00
Here is the meals we cooked and a review of our experience.
Meal 1: Goan Fish & Spinach Curry, Coriander Rice.
This meal was so delicious. I love a good curry and this tasted delicious. It was very simple and quick to make. You could choose how spicy you wanted the dish, by the amount of chilli you added. It was very filling and the corinader rice was a delicious accompliment.
Meal 2: Lamb Burger with Minty Mayo & Chips
If you now me and my husband, then you know we love a good burger and lamb and mint is a classic combination. I also love a good burger bun. This meal came with ciabatta rolls. I was skeptical, ciabatta is known for its bite, it's chew... this is not what I like when it comes to a burger. However, this worked suprisingly well, gave the burger different textures. Also shoutout to the minty mayo that came with this meal. delicious!
Meal 3: Chicken Satay Skewer with Cucumber Pickle
Chicken Satay is an all time favourite for me. I love chicken and I love peanut butter. The chicken satay was nice as expected, nothing to right home about. For me the standout was the pickled cucumer. OMG. GAMECHANGER. Let me put this into prespective. I don't actually like cucumber. As a rule If its in a salad I will eat it as I just eat everything. On its own I would avoid it, like at the subway counter its a NO to cucumber, thanks. So thats my particular stance on the cucumber. BUT pickle the badboy and I am all over it. Who knew! Some rice vingar in a bowl, and cucumber ribbons (we made ribbons for the burger, for this meal it was just cut in 1/4, much preferred it in ribbons) made with the trust potato peeler, and cucumbers are back on the menu! Its a quick and simpe side to add to a meal and one of thise 5 a days I am meant to be getting! Win.
Meal 4: Chorizo & Cherry Tomato Risotto
I have actually never had a rissotto at home. I have probably only every had one once or twice at a push when I have been out or at someones house for dinner. Iam not a huge rice fan in general, so chosisng to make or have a risotto is never top of my list. Imust admit this risotto was very nice, I am a big fan of chorizo and cherry tomotoes so this combination was a good choice for me. Iwill definately love to try different risotto combinations in the future.
Overall Review
Yes to Food boxes.
I now know what the hype is all about when it comes to food boxes.
Meal prep like a pro. Meals are chosen in advance, so you avoid the night before panic of thinking what to have for dinner. Theres options to have things you won't normally have or know where to start to cook at home.
It'so easy. Everything pootrioned out already, just follow the instructions and away you go.
No waste. Linked to the previous point. With everything portioned out theres no excess of ingredients that 1. you will probably never use again or 2. will go off before you get a chance to use again. This is a huge one for my husband and I, as shops rarely sell things portioned for 2 people and a lot of food bought for certain meals especiallyvegetables gets thrown in the bin as theey go off. This is a huge waste of food and waste of money.
Tasty, quality ingredients. The ingredients we had from gusto were tasty and good quality ingredients. A lot of the food was sourced from the UK which was also nice to see.
Will I purchase again? YES. I want to try some of the other food boxes out there so Ican compare what is on teh market. But its a YES to food boxes from me.
Jasmine
x
We ordered 4 meals for 2 people and paid £17.00 normal price of £34.00
Here is the meals we cooked and a review of our experience.
Meal 1: Goan Fish & Spinach Curry, Coriander Rice.
This meal was so delicious. I love a good curry and this tasted delicious. It was very simple and quick to make. You could choose how spicy you wanted the dish, by the amount of chilli you added. It was very filling and the corinader rice was a delicious accompliment.
Meal 2: Lamb Burger with Minty Mayo & Chips
If you now me and my husband, then you know we love a good burger and lamb and mint is a classic combination. I also love a good burger bun. This meal came with ciabatta rolls. I was skeptical, ciabatta is known for its bite, it's chew... this is not what I like when it comes to a burger. However, this worked suprisingly well, gave the burger different textures. Also shoutout to the minty mayo that came with this meal. delicious!
Meal 3: Chicken Satay Skewer with Cucumber Pickle
Chicken Satay is an all time favourite for me. I love chicken and I love peanut butter. The chicken satay was nice as expected, nothing to right home about. For me the standout was the pickled cucumer. OMG. GAMECHANGER. Let me put this into prespective. I don't actually like cucumber. As a rule If its in a salad I will eat it as I just eat everything. On its own I would avoid it, like at the subway counter its a NO to cucumber, thanks. So thats my particular stance on the cucumber. BUT pickle the badboy and I am all over it. Who knew! Some rice vingar in a bowl, and cucumber ribbons (we made ribbons for the burger, for this meal it was just cut in 1/4, much preferred it in ribbons) made with the trust potato peeler, and cucumbers are back on the menu! Its a quick and simpe side to add to a meal and one of thise 5 a days I am meant to be getting! Win.
Meal 4: Chorizo & Cherry Tomato Risotto
I have actually never had a rissotto at home. I have probably only every had one once or twice at a push when I have been out or at someones house for dinner. Iam not a huge rice fan in general, so chosisng to make or have a risotto is never top of my list. Imust admit this risotto was very nice, I am a big fan of chorizo and cherry tomotoes so this combination was a good choice for me. Iwill definately love to try different risotto combinations in the future.
Overall Review
Yes to Food boxes.
I now know what the hype is all about when it comes to food boxes.
Meal prep like a pro. Meals are chosen in advance, so you avoid the night before panic of thinking what to have for dinner. Theres options to have things you won't normally have or know where to start to cook at home.
It'so easy. Everything pootrioned out already, just follow the instructions and away you go.
No waste. Linked to the previous point. With everything portioned out theres no excess of ingredients that 1. you will probably never use again or 2. will go off before you get a chance to use again. This is a huge one for my husband and I, as shops rarely sell things portioned for 2 people and a lot of food bought for certain meals especiallyvegetables gets thrown in the bin as theey go off. This is a huge waste of food and waste of money.
Tasty, quality ingredients. The ingredients we had from gusto were tasty and good quality ingredients. A lot of the food was sourced from the UK which was also nice to see.
Will I purchase again? YES. I want to try some of the other food boxes out there so Ican compare what is on teh market. But its a YES to food boxes from me.
Jasmine
x
A new event is in the athletics calendar.
The Athletics World Cup.
If you know me, then you know I love Sport, but you also know I love my athletics. Whenever there is a meet I am usually watching it. I think I got my athletics bug from my Grandad and my Mother as I always remember them glued to the screen when the athletics was on, years on my mum is still the same and I am no different, but probably worse with the addition of the Internet and the red button.
There are so many athletics meet and the likes of the popular diamond league is constantly changing to meet the needs and demands of the athletes and the fans alike.
So here's the lowdown on the newest meet in town.
The Athletics World Cup will see 8 top athletics nations Compete to win prize money and the World Cup Champions Title.
The 8 nations are: Great Britain, United States of America, South Africa, Poland, France, China, Germany and Jamaica.
One male and one female from each nation will compete in all field and track events up to 1500m
Dates: 14th and 15th July
Where: London
Side note: For the eagled eyed amongst you, yes, you have thought right, this is the same weekend as the Football World Cup Final and the Wimbledon Tennis Finals. So you know where you will find me that weekend. #WeekendOfSport #PassTheSnacks
At the moment, this event is not known to be held annually. But there is scope for it to be held around the world hosted by the competing nations.
My thoughts: Yaaaaaaaas more athletics. Are there too many meets? As a fan, I don't think so. More athletics is a good thing in my opinion. This event will be 4 months after the World Championships; which is also being held in the UK in Birmingham. Athletes coming off the highs of a great world camps, combined with athletes who didn't do as hoped and has some thing to prove, can only produce a great event. Hopefully there won't be too many world champs injuries, forcing many athletes and 'big names' to pull out.
In August, Chief executive of British Athletics announced 'The Meet' a GB vs USA one-day athletics competition in London in 2018. This event seems to have now been cancelled in favour for the Athletics World Cup.
Jasmine
x
The Athletics World Cup.
If you know me, then you know I love Sport, but you also know I love my athletics. Whenever there is a meet I am usually watching it. I think I got my athletics bug from my Grandad and my Mother as I always remember them glued to the screen when the athletics was on, years on my mum is still the same and I am no different, but probably worse with the addition of the Internet and the red button.
There are so many athletics meet and the likes of the popular diamond league is constantly changing to meet the needs and demands of the athletes and the fans alike.
So here's the lowdown on the newest meet in town.
The Athletics World Cup will see 8 top athletics nations Compete to win prize money and the World Cup Champions Title.
The 8 nations are: Great Britain, United States of America, South Africa, Poland, France, China, Germany and Jamaica.
One male and one female from each nation will compete in all field and track events up to 1500m
Dates: 14th and 15th July
Where: London
Side note: For the eagled eyed amongst you, yes, you have thought right, this is the same weekend as the Football World Cup Final and the Wimbledon Tennis Finals. So you know where you will find me that weekend. #WeekendOfSport #PassTheSnacks
At the moment, this event is not known to be held annually. But there is scope for it to be held around the world hosted by the competing nations.
My thoughts: Yaaaaaaaas more athletics. Are there too many meets? As a fan, I don't think so. More athletics is a good thing in my opinion. This event will be 4 months after the World Championships; which is also being held in the UK in Birmingham. Athletes coming off the highs of a great world camps, combined with athletes who didn't do as hoped and has some thing to prove, can only produce a great event. Hopefully there won't be too many world champs injuries, forcing many athletes and 'big names' to pull out.
In August, Chief executive of British Athletics announced 'The Meet' a GB vs USA one-day athletics competition in London in 2018. This event seems to have now been cancelled in favour for the Athletics World Cup.
Jasmine
x
This monthly favourites have been quite beauty heavy. But here are all the things I have been loving this month:
1. Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-place Makeup (7N1 Deep Amber)
I love my Lancome Tient Idole Foundation, I have used it for over 10 years and no other foundation I have tried as ever come close to its greatness. However, I have been loving the Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-place Makeup Foundation. It does what it says on the tin. It definitely stays in place. It is medium coverage, but very buildable and also SPF 10. I normally love full coverage, but how this foundation builds I can chose my perfect look. The only negative is the bottle has no pump or tip for easy dispensing. However, You can purchase a double wear pump from Boots, House of Fraser and Sefridges for around £5.50 for easy dispense. This foundation is definitely staying in my makeup bag.
2. Elf Matte Magic Mist & Set
Admittedly I have used this setting spray for a couple of months now. But I have been loving using this setting spray this month. So thought I would add it into my monthly favourites. This setting spray is high street, super cheap and works like a dream. My makeup stays in place after a 12 hour shift and has been suprisingly good with all the daily weather changes we have had this month.
3. Pixi by Petra Shea Butter Lip Balm (Natural Rose)
I love to pull out a lip balm out of a pocket and put some on, it keeps my lips moisturised and is just easy to apply. I normally use a plain Nivea lip balm, but I have been loving the pixi by Petra Shea Butter Lip balm in the colour Natural Rose. I am always weary of tinted lip balms as the nornally are quite drying. I don't know if it's the colouring that takes away the moisture element, but I have not got on with tinted lip balms in the past. The Pixi by Petra lip balm has not had this problem, which I have been pleasantly suprised. This made me very happy, as sometimes I want a little colour on my lips, but not the hassle of putting on lipstick. Winning. The colour is a little pinkier than I would chose for my skin tone, but with a brown lip liner I can get away with it. I definitely want to try some more colours in this lip balm range. I will keep you updated.
4. Chroming Nails by Primark
I love the Primark Nails. I have round nails so I wear the almond style for a shorter polished look, the pointer nails when I want long claw like nails and the rounded french nails. This month there has been a few occasions where I wanted something a little more special,and I have been loving the Primark Chroming sets. Definitely stand out from the crowd with those on. Starting from £1 you cannot go wrong with Primark nails. They do come with nail glue, but I only use elegant touch nail glue on my nails as I find they don't ruin my nails and extra residue comes off nice and easy with my nail file block.
5. YourGoodSkin Balancing Skin Concentrate
If you read my post on my skincare journey you would have heard all about YourGoodSkin and in particular the Balancing Skin Concentrate. If you haven't read that post, than I recommend you do! Anyway this month every day we have had all four seasons, one minute its sunny, the next hailing and then snowing! My skin started to not cope at the begging of the month, and I realised I had not been using the Balance Skin Concentrate religiously like I used to. So I started using this again, and my skin has definitely thanked me! My skin has felt and looked visibly healthier once again.
6. Make up Revolution Concealer (C13 and C14)
If you have not heard about the Make up Revolution Concealer where have you been? Rivaling the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer, but only £4 on the high street, this concealer has been raved about everywhere! I have to say, I love it! The coverage and consistency is incredible. A great shade range also with 18 shades! The easy applicator achieves that perfect finish. The concealer does start to dry very quickly, so no hanging around, you have to start blending quick, but apart from that. Well Done Make up Revolution. Rumour has it the foundation in the same 18 shades will be released very soon!
7. Spectrum A05 Blush Brush
So apart from this Brush being super cute! The Green and the Pink just pops in my makeup brush vase. The quality of the Spectrum Brushes are really good. I sometimes look at Brush brands that have incredible design and think are they just all about the design all about the look for the Instagram photos, but the spectrum brushes is really nice to use. I particularly like the blush brush as it gets the right amout of product onto my cheeks, and the brush doesn't seem to retain too much product. I am a real techniques fan, and this is one of the first other brush brands I have tried. I think I do need to try more. Any recommendations?
8. Tassimo Cadbury's Hot Chocolate
When it is winter, there is nothing I like more than to snuggle down on the sofa with a Hot drink. Sometimes its a fruit or herbal tea, but this month I have been indulging in a Cadbury's Hot Chocolate made on my Tassimo Machine. Super simple, Super Quick and Super Chocolatey! Perfect!
Jasmine
x
Team GB hope PyeongChang 2018 will be their most successful Olympic Winter Games to date.
Here's a quick guide on some of Team GB medal hopefuls and events to watch!
9.2.18 - Opening Ceremony - Face of Team GB Winter Olympics Lizzy Yarnold will be Team GB Flag bearer.
10.2.18 - Annika Taylor makes her Olympic debut in the women's 15km skiathon. She faces 10 x Olympic Medallist, including six gold medals, Marit Bjørgen. Marit only needs one more medal to become the most medalled female Winter Olympian.
11.2.18 - Snowboarder Jamie Nicholls, 24, is looking to improve on his 6th place finish at Sochi 2014 in the slopestyle event.
Fresh from a bronze medal at Decembers World Cup, Andrew Musgrave, 27, competes in cross country skiing
12.2.18. - Snowboarder Katie Ormerod missed out on selection for Sochi 2014 aged 16, but has been selected for her first Winter Olympics in PyeongChang. Named as one of Britain's medal hopes, she is Competing in the slopestyle and big air snowboarding events.
UPDATE: Katie Ormerod has had to withdraw from the Games after a severe right heel fracture requiring surgery. Wishing her a speedy recovery.
13.2.18 - Elise Christie, short track speed skater, won 1000m, 1500m and overall gold in the 2017 world cup, the first British & European Woman to do so. Today she kicks of her Winter Olympic campaign in the home of the sport South Korea. She faces tough competition especially against top-ranked Choi Min-Jeong.
14.2.18 - The Muirhead family are in action today, as the Curling begins. Thomas and Glen Muirhead will compete in the Men's rink for the first time. Whilst Sister Eve Muirhead will be skipping the women's rink again following their bronze medal in Sochi, 2014.
17.2.18 - Lizzie Yarnold, Team GB Opening Ceremony Flag bearer, aims to become the first British athlete to successfully defend a Winter Olympic title in the skeleton.
Izzy Atkin, became the first British Woman to win a ski slopestyle world cup last year and followed this up with a bronze medal at her first World Championships. A Medal hopeful for Team GB, her campaign begins.
In the men's ski slopestyle, James Woods looks to improve his 5th place at Sochi 2014 after overcoming injuries.
30 years after the men's Jamaican Bobsleigh team made history, the women's team are doing the same. Jamaica have 3 athletes at the Winter Games, Skeleton athlete, and two women competing in the Bobsleigh... Cool Running 2 anyone?
19.2.18 - Making its debut at the Winter Olympics is snowboarding's Big Air event. Expect big flips and tricks in the air, as the name suggests. Slopestyle was one of the most popular events at Sochi, and its thought that the Big Air event will be just as, if not more popular at PyeongChang.
20.2.18 - In Figure Skating Penny Coome and Nick Buckland compete in the Ice Dancing.
22.2.17 - Dave 'The Rocket' Ryding competes in the slalom. Last year Dave got a silver medal at the World Cup, Britain's best ever World Cup finish and will want to medal at the Winter Olympics.
25.2.17 - Closing Ceremony - Who will everyone be talking about in the closing ceremony? Will it be the medal hopefuls or will there be some unexpected stars? Who will be GB's standout performer and flag bearer at the closing ceremony?
The Winter Olympics never disappoints, the sport may be less mainstream, but after a few days you are sure to find that everyone is an expert, or has an opinion when it comes to curling...
Lets go Team GB!
Catch all the action on BBC and Eurosport
Jasmine
x
Note: Photographs thanks to Louisa Bramley IG @louisabramley
www.facebook.com/loulabellcreations
With both the Men and Women teams reigning six nations champions. Round 1 was the start of both England teams defence of their titles and they certainly did not dissapoint.
Men's
Score: Italy 15 - 46 England
England started this game as they meant to go on. Two Early tries from Anthony Watson saw England lead from the get go. A change to last years Six nation encounter between the two sides, when Italy led 5-10 at half time.
It is worth noting, this lead was down to the much discussed breakdown tactic that Italy adopted in the England-Italy Clash at Twickenham in 2017. Italy had not committed any men to the breakdown beyond the initial tackler, meaning there was no ruck formed so the offside was inapplicable. Italian defenders could therefore stand between England's half-backs with no rules broken, causing confusion for everyone, players, coaches and fans alike. England Rugby Coach Eddie Jones described the tactic as 'very clever' but 'It wasn't rugby'
I digress, back to the 2018 clash and the England Men went from strength to strength, with Exeter's Sam Simmonds having an incredible Six Nations debut with two tries, was England's leading tackler with 23 tackles and he made the most meters and clean breaks in the match. For me Sam was the Man of the Match, but the award went to inside centre, Owen Farrell
Injury: Ben Young is out for the rest of the Six Nations with a rupture of the medial collateral in his left knee.
Women's
Score: Italy 7 - 42 England
It was a slow start for England. An initial Try by Englands Sarah Bern, was matched by Italy's Valentine Rozza, leaving the score 7 - 7 at half time in Rome.
However the second half, the England Women showed just what they were made of and the tries kept coming.
Katy Daley-Mclean kicked off the comeback in the second half with a penalty, putting England back in front and that's were England stayed.
England Captain, No. 8, Sarah Hunter shone scoring a hat trick, cementing Englands win with her final try.
A Bonus point win for both teams. Next Stop Twickenham to face Wales.
Next Fixtures:
Saturday 10th February
England vs Wales
12:15 - Women
16:45 - Men
Tomorrow Sunday 4th Feb is Super Bowl Day.
Aired 11:30pm UK Time.
The biggest event in the American Football Calender.
It is a HUGE event watched by millions around the world.
The teams have fought it out throughout the season and one team will lift the Vincent Lombardi Trophy and receive their Super Bowl rings.
It's not all sport, the Super Bowl half-time show is highly anticipated, from revealing the act(s) who will perform to the actual show. The half-time show has featured, Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Coldplay, Paul McCartney and Beyoncè to name a few. This year it is Justin Timberlake. Let's hope he doesn't repeat the escapades of Super Bowl XXXVIII IN 2003 where Janet Jackson got "exposed"
As American Football continues to grow in the UK and around the world, I have put together a beginners guide to the Sport of American Football. It won't teach you everything, however, if at work, on the morning commute or chatting on Facebook someone mentions the Super Bowl, this guide will help you talk back like you know what you are talking about, or at least understand some of the words being said!
American Football is played on a field 100 yards X 53 yards with 2 10 yard END ZONES.
There are 2 teams of 11 players on the field at anyone time, but the team is made up of a squad of 53.
The squad is made up of three areas: OFFENSE, DEFENCE and SPECIAL TEAMS.
Each takes turns on the field.
The aim of the game is to move the ball into the opponents ENDZONE to score a TOUCHDOWN.
TOUCHDOWN = 6 POINTS
You can also get extra points after a touchdown
♡ 1 EXTRA POINT for kicking the ball between the upright posts (Point after Touchdown P.A.T)
♡ 2 EXTRA POINTS for passing or running the ball into the end zone (2 POINT CONVERSION)
A TOUCHDOWN can be achieved by moving the ball down the field in a series of plays known as DOWNS
This can be done by:
♡Passing the ball through the air from the QUARTERBACK to a RECEIVER
♡The RUNNING BACK rushing the ball along the ground
The OFFENSE must move the ball at least 10 yards down field every 4 DOWNS to keep possession of the ball and earn another 4 DOWNS to head towards the ENDZONE.
If the DEFENCE prevent the OFFENSE making these 10 yards, the OFFENSE must either
♡PUNT (kick out of hands) the ball towards the opposition towards their endzone (This option is done to put the opposition at a disadvantage as they will have more yards to make to get to their endzone)
♡ Attempt to score a FIELD GOAL (Kicking the ball between the upright posts).
FIELD GOAL = 3 POINTS
IF neither of these options are taken the ball is given to the opposition (TURN OVER ON DOWNS)
NOTE: A FIELD GOAL can be attempted at anytime in the game.
The game has four 15 minute QUARTERS, and the team with the most points at the end of the game wins.
Some key words to help your American Football chat...
FUMBLE - When a ball carrier drops the ball. When this happens, any player on the field can recover the ball by diving on it. The team of the player who recovers the ball gets possession.
INTERCEPTION - THE DEFENCE can gain possession of the ball by catching or intercepting passes.
NOTE: FUMBLES and INTERCEPTIONS can be ran into ENDZONES for TOUCHDOWN
SACK - When the defence tackles the QUARTERBACK whilst he has possession of the ball. This is detrimental to the OFFENSE as a DOWN is wasted and usually results in a loss of yards.
INCOMPLETE PASS - When a pass intended for a reciever hits the ground first or is thrown out of bounds. This also wastes a DOWN. Play is restarted from the spot of the last DOWN.
PENALTY - If a player breaks one of the rules the referees will throw flags down onto the field. They will determine who made the foul and how many yards the player at faults team will be penalised.
CHALLENGE - When a coach disagrees with a decision on the field they will throw a red flag onto the field challenging the referees decision. When this is done, the previous play is reviewed. If the CHALLENGE is successful the ruling on the field is reversed. If UNSUCCESSFUL the ruling on the field stands and the coach forfeits one TIMEOUT.
TIMEOUT - When the team wants to stop the clock to take a break or regroup or change tactics, they call a TIMEOUT. TIMEOUTS last 60 seconds and a team has a maximum of 3 TIMEOUTS per half. There is a 12 minute break at half-time.
Jasmine
X
Life admin.
I love this phrase. This concept.
When I have used this term before people have said 'Life admin. I like that phrase' or 'That' s a good saying'
In all honestly, I have been quite shocked by how many people have had that similar reaction to me using the term 'Life Admin'
I have definately heard other people use it. It's not a new, chic word that's on the streets...because if it was I am definately not cool enough to be one of the first to use it. Anyway, I googled it. It's in the Urban dictionary, so therefore it's legit a known term.
Life Admin is all of those tasks that you have to do. There's no way of #adulting without getting them done. Some, (pretty much all of them) are mundane, take up way too much time and effort when there is probably more enjoyable things to do in that time.
I love the term #LifeAdmin it just sounds much better than organising a meeting with the bank or doing household chores or decluttering my email inbox.
And. To be honest. As much as some life admin tasks are boring and I would rather catch up on Netflix, secretly I love it. I love it even more when I life admin like a boss.
Now let's get something straight. I am no expert and I certainly am not perfect. But here are my tips on how to life admin like a BOSS
1. SET DEADLINES
Pretty straight forward concept I know, but never under estimate the power of a deadline. Like most things, we don't really want to do, but know we should, as once we do it, we will be better for it - oh hey new diet - life admin can easily get pushed back. recognise the phrases "oh i will start it on Monday" or " I will do that tomorrow" In the words of Ronan Keating ' If tomorrow never comes...' you guessed it tomorrow never does. So set some deadlines. Start and End dates for all your life admin tasks. Even narrow it down for times if its tasks that won't need a couple of days. I like to that with mini tasks, like booking appointments online or filling in a form. Will allocate 30mins in my schedule to get that done, and because it's somewhat like a challenge, and we all know how competitive I am... it works a treat.
2. PRIORITISE TASKS
Seems logical right? Prioritise tasks, and get the most important or the one that needs to be completed done first. Simple right? NOT if you don't prioritise tasks first. It so easy to start with the easy tasks, or tasks you like ( or dislike a little less than others) but then when you need a few things done immediately you then feel bogged down with life admin. To avoid this I advise prioritising tasks. Things that need to be done now, or today or this week, and tasks that can be done in the next month or that can be done whenever. Simples.
3. UTILISE 'WAITING AROUND' TIMES
I know what you are thinking when you read tip number 3. 'I am too busy, I don't have waiting around time' However, bare with me. Believe it or not, there are a good few hours in a day where we could fit small life admin tasks in, where we would be otherwise 'waiting around'. Let me explain. Waiting around is probably not the right phrase, but it's the best way of describing the times I am referring too. Smaller life admin tasks like, sending a Facebook message to arrange something, or uploading a selling post on a buy and sell site or writing some post-it notes for around the house etc. can actually be done whilst we are doing other things or 'waiting around'. Examples of these times are: waiting for the kettle to boil, waiting in the car to pick someone up, watching the tv, cooking dinner or making lunch waiting for the 5mins recommended for the Bathroom tile spray, before rinsing off. See. I bet you can find a few spare minutes now. Perfect for ticking off those smaller life admin tasks!
I love this phrase. This concept.
When I have used this term before people have said 'Life admin. I like that phrase' or 'That' s a good saying'
In all honestly, I have been quite shocked by how many people have had that similar reaction to me using the term 'Life Admin'
I have definately heard other people use it. It's not a new, chic word that's on the streets...because if it was I am definately not cool enough to be one of the first to use it. Anyway, I googled it. It's in the Urban dictionary, so therefore it's legit a known term.
Life Admin is all of those tasks that you have to do. There's no way of #adulting without getting them done. Some, (pretty much all of them) are mundane, take up way too much time and effort when there is probably more enjoyable things to do in that time.
I love the term #LifeAdmin it just sounds much better than organising a meeting with the bank or doing household chores or decluttering my email inbox.
And. To be honest. As much as some life admin tasks are boring and I would rather catch up on Netflix, secretly I love it. I love it even more when I life admin like a boss.
Now let's get something straight. I am no expert and I certainly am not perfect. But here are my tips on how to life admin like a BOSS
1. SET DEADLINES
Pretty straight forward concept I know, but never under estimate the power of a deadline. Like most things, we don't really want to do, but know we should, as once we do it, we will be better for it - oh hey new diet - life admin can easily get pushed back. recognise the phrases "oh i will start it on Monday" or " I will do that tomorrow" In the words of Ronan Keating ' If tomorrow never comes...' you guessed it tomorrow never does. So set some deadlines. Start and End dates for all your life admin tasks. Even narrow it down for times if its tasks that won't need a couple of days. I like to that with mini tasks, like booking appointments online or filling in a form. Will allocate 30mins in my schedule to get that done, and because it's somewhat like a challenge, and we all know how competitive I am... it works a treat.
2. PRIORITISE TASKS
Seems logical right? Prioritise tasks, and get the most important or the one that needs to be completed done first. Simple right? NOT if you don't prioritise tasks first. It so easy to start with the easy tasks, or tasks you like ( or dislike a little less than others) but then when you need a few things done immediately you then feel bogged down with life admin. To avoid this I advise prioritising tasks. Things that need to be done now, or today or this week, and tasks that can be done in the next month or that can be done whenever. Simples.
3. UTILISE 'WAITING AROUND' TIMES
I know what you are thinking when you read tip number 3. 'I am too busy, I don't have waiting around time' However, bare with me. Believe it or not, there are a good few hours in a day where we could fit small life admin tasks in, where we would be otherwise 'waiting around'. Let me explain. Waiting around is probably not the right phrase, but it's the best way of describing the times I am referring too. Smaller life admin tasks like, sending a Facebook message to arrange something, or uploading a selling post on a buy and sell site or writing some post-it notes for around the house etc. can actually be done whilst we are doing other things or 'waiting around'. Examples of these times are: waiting for the kettle to boil, waiting in the car to pick someone up, watching the tv, cooking dinner or making lunch waiting for the 5mins recommended for the Bathroom tile spray, before rinsing off. See. I bet you can find a few spare minutes now. Perfect for ticking off those smaller life admin tasks!
4. DAIRYS / NOTEBOOKS / JOURNALS
I am girl obsessed when it comes to diary and notebooks. I brought 4 new notebooks last week, I still have two empty ones from my last notebook haul. Seems excessive, but believe me they will get filled. Diaries, notebooks and journals are an excellent way to plan and utilise to make notes on all things life admin. I have a notebook for different things I am involved with or doing. It seems basic but it is such a lifesaver. All my notes, forms, bits of papers all in one place. Importantly any phone conversations I have regarding any of my projects, I can jot down anything that was discussed or any important notes. I also have to have a diary. I cannot live without one. I have to schedule in pretty much everything and this is great for cracking through that long list of life admin tasks!
5. APPS: CALENDAR / NOTES / SPREADSHEETS / ALARMS
Our phones and tablets are full of unbelievably helpful apps to help us be a BOSS when it comes to life admin. The calendar is a great start. Now I work shifts so this is incredibly helpful in knowing when I am working and when I am not. I have a specific shift calendar app, but this calendar, like many standard calendar apps, allows me to write in extra notes on each day! I love to use this when out and about and someone asks me can I attend something or I see an event I want to attend. I can check first, If I am working or more importantly, If i have scheduled in some important, prioritised (see what i did there) life admin. The Notes app is like a portable extension of my (MANY!) notebooks at home. With an app I can note take anywhere I want to my hearts content! As well as notebooks, your girl loves a good spreadsheet. Now I am not spreadsheet heavy in my life. I mainly use them for finances and I had a few of them when it came to wedding planning! but that life admin is well and truly done with! THANK HEAVENS! But all in all I can appreciate the usefulness of a good spreadsheet. Columns and rows, can be very handy to lay out tasks and with numbers and colour co-ordination, you can't go wrong with this level of organisation. I also have just found out how good setting a variety of alarms can be. Now I love my sleep and love my bed, so the alarm is not on the top of my favourites list. However, the alarm can come in handy to remind yourself to start or do something that just needs to get done! Even simple things that you can forget if you get carried away doing something else. A good idea I came across was setting a weekly alarm to ensure the bins go out! Brilliant idea!
6. HAVE LIFE ADMIN DAYS!
Now I know looking at that title the concept of a life admin day sounds like THE most boring day ever, but it can be super useful and somewhat cathartic. If you are the sort of person who just one day thinks, 'right today I am going to (insert a long overdue task here', then a life admin day is for you. I have done it with the major spring clean and the organising the cupboard ( which intern are life admin tasks themselves..) but a day dedicated to just GETTING STUFF DONE works wonders. If you cannot be bothered to set different deadlines, or get little things done every day throughout the day, then set aside a day and go full force into the life admin. AS well as my other tips, I have at least two life admin days a month. I set my self up with YouTube, Netflix and a selection of snacks and drinks and I just crack on! I normally station myself around a table or at the computer, if I have a few online tasks and then work from there. I might have to go off into the bedroom for a couple of hours to do the wardrobe sort, but I just pick up the tablet, and a selection of snacks and there I am for a couple of hours and then onto the next task. To be honest, the time flies by, and I am normally surprised at the end of the day about how much work I have actually go done. Winning!
7. DON'T AVOID IT
Above all the best tip I can give is to not avoid doing your life admin tasks. Life admin is something that has always been there, and always will be. It won't go away. It will just get more frustrating as the lists grow longer, the deadlines approach and you can no longer fit anything more under the bed. So even if my tips above are not for you. Then please take in this one! A BOSS is not perfect, a BOSS still has things it should of done earlier... but a BOSS always has a good go and tries to get it done!
Life admin. We got this.
Jasmine
x
When I decided to do this part of the blog, I couldn't decide who was going to be the first female to be featured in my Femspiration posts.
It is worth noting that as time goes on, some of the posts in this feature will probably be dictated, by things going on in the news, by historical events or just by the time of year.
As a new feature, I have always been convinced the first post will defiantly be a bold statment of #femspiration. I was thinking the likes of Oprah Winfrey. A female who is known by many, whos story has been told by many and a woman who has already inspired so many. Super famous, super inspiring and pretty much a super woman.
Then I wrote a facebook post to inspire my friends about a personal experience, and recieved so mamy comments of how inspired people were from this story, and there I realised the first female in this feature had to be the first female in my life. My Mother. Jennifer Scott. Not super famous, but to me super inspiring and definately a super woman.
Jennifer Scott; Fist pumping every victory.
Strength is measured in so many different ways. I have always known that my mother is a woman of strength, as a single mother she struggled and sacrificed for me in every way but never once gave up. All my succeses today are hers. But today, she has shown me a new kind of strength.
TODAY, she walked around her bungalow with her new frame and even made herself a cup of tea and she did it with the greatest smile and sense of achievement. Simple tasks to many but a milestone for my mother! I have never been more proud or more inspired.
Let me explain.
5 days before Christmas after rushing down the Motorway. Consultants told my husband and I that my mother would be having major spinal surgery in the morning to ensure she is not paralysed, due to her spinal cord being compressed by a cancerous tumour. My mother is 52 and was at work the day before we were told this! We were told in no few terms that the surgery may not be a success and she may not walk again or have full feelings in her lower body.
TODAY is just 4 weeks to the day of the surgery and what she has achieved has impressed everyone. She is aware that her mobility may never be what is was before, she is still in a lot of pain post surgery and she knows the battle is far from over as we have to fight the Big C.
But for now her 'fist pumping' moment was that simple task, to be at home and walking around with her frame.
Her strength, I know, is down to two things;
1. Her Faith in God
2. Her mindset.
Her mindset to always keep going, to never let the odds dictate your outcome and, no matter what, to always fight and NEVER give up.
If any of us can adopt that strength that I have seen in my mother in the last four weeks then we can overcome any battle.
Let's celebrate all our victories no matter how big or small. with that same 'fist pumping' sense of achievement. Reminding ourselves that there may be many battles ahead, but every battle won is another step forward.
Jasmine
x
Hello. I am Mrs Amies-King and this is my blog!
You may have been here before, if you have, as you can see, we have a new look. If you haven't, welcome!
New year, new look and somewhat new blog.
I don't make new year resolutions, but I have set myself a goal of putting some work and focus into my blog in 2018.
There wil be a few changes to the original format and a few new exciting things.
1. The 'My week in pictures' segments are gone. This wasn't very practical with my shift work. I could have four days out of seven just working and then three not very interesting days, which can make for a very boring post. Instead there will be a monthly round-up highlighting the best adventures of the month.
2. Introducing the monthly favourites. Each Month I wil highlight my favourite products from new products, new discoveries to the old classics making a reappearence. Anything from beauty, food, fashion, interiors, apps, books, films and T.V...you name it. If i have been loving it, I will be letting you know.
3. The newlyweds series. I had many comments and messages after my ' Becoming Jasmine Amies-King ' post that I have decided to do a whole series on being a newly wed.
4. I love lists, I love reading them and writing them....so look out for many lists on this blog!
5. Femspiration. I came across this word on twitter. Female inspiration, female perspiration. I am all about empowerment. I love to see strong women doing thier thing! This part of the blog will highlight women that are providing me with femspiration. Stories, speeches, quotes you name it. A section that's not preaching feminism or being political, just saying 'you go girl' and highlighting how I have been inspired.
6. Sport. I didn't include this in my original blog set up, but I am so glad I am including it now. Sport is a pretty integral part of my life. I am a sports fanatic. Which, for the record, my husband loves - no arguments about having sport on the T.V in our house. We had Sports related photos on our engagment shoot, I have worked in Sports development, been an athlete... the list goes on. As this blog is all about my views on the world, my thoughts on the things I love, and sport is something I love, it makes sense to have sport as part of this blog. I have not seen this done in any of the blogs I have read ( If anyone knows of any, please share) as I guess its not the usual female blog thing to do! But this is my blog, and I love sport so I am doing it! Maybe it wil be my USP!
I have left some of my older posts on the blog, Feel free to check these out and leave me a comment.
I am excited to work on my blog this year and to engage with my readers. Let's get a conversation going!
Jasmine
x
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