Category: General ramblings

Lavender and lemon scones

Last week I was sent some lovely baking sugars from Sainsbury’s.

Lavender sugar, cinnamon sugar and vanilla sugar (the lavender container had cracked so I put it into a jar straight away). I really wanted to try the lavender sugar, as I thought it sounded so unusual, but pretty, so today I made some scones.

I used a basic scone recipe from The Great British book of Baking, but adapted it a bit. It made 6 huge wedge scones, but if you have patience to use cutters you could easily make 8-10 I would think.

Ingredients:

250g plain flour

3 tsp baking powder (I used 3 sachets of Dr Oetker baking powder)

35g caster sugar

15g lavender sugar

1 medium egg

50g pure spread

100ml soya milk

zest of one lemon

I used my food processor to make them, as the recipe had instructions for that and I wanted to see if it was any easier. I am not sure if it was in the end? Pre-heat the oven to 220C and grease a baking tray. Then, pulse together the spread, flour, baking powder and sugars for a minute until it forms breadcrumbs (or rub in with your fingers).

Whisk together the milk and egg, add in the lemon zest and pour this over the flour mixture, keeping the mixer going, until it forms a dough. I ended up with dough slightly too wet, so had to add in a tbsp of flour, so keep an eye on it!

Tip this out and gently knead, and shape into a round. Then slice into wedges or use a pastry cutter to make round scones.

Place on the baking tray and bake for 10-12 minutes until well-risen and golden. Then cool on a rack.

Because they didn’t look very lavendery I made a little bit of icing to drizzle over the top with icing sugar, lemon juice, water and a teeny bit of violet food colouring.

Then we sat down and enjoyed afternoon tea.

So civilised 🙂 The lavender flavour came through- I didn’t want to add too much in case they ended up a little “soapy”, but I think next time I would add a little bit more, or maybe infuse some milk with the lavender and then use that for the icing.

Yesterday we went into London for the day- we had tickets for the Pompeii and Herculaneum exhibition at the British Museum. We went in early to go to Borough market- I had never been there before and it was fab, it reminded me of the big fresh farmer and food markets from America/ Canada (eg the one in Seattle or Vancouver)- stalls selling freshly baked bread, freshly picked fruit and vegetables and food stalls everywhere. I had a spicy lentil salad for lunch, which ended up being super spicy! I bought some honeycomb to take the spicy taste away- I still have not mustered up the courage to try making my own.

We walked about 2 miles I think from the market to the museum, and had a little look around before it was time for us to go to the exhibition. I found it very interesting, I always liked learning about the Romans anyway, and it was set up really well. I could not believe it when we finished as we had been in there for 90 mins! It felt more like 30.

The downside with being out all day was that I had to cover up my shoulder graze. We tried to make the dressing in a sort of arch shape, so it would not touch the graze, but as soon as I put my cardi and coat over the top it was pressed down onto it. Some of it has sort of formed a scab, but some of it is still sticky, and when I got home I had to then peel the dressing off which was very painful (and also ripped off some of the stuff that had formed).

This is my collection of dressings I panic bought on Thursday morning- then it turned out that the dressings were not big enough so Andy went to Boots and got some 10cm ones, which only just cover it.

OK it does not look that bad in the photo, but it is really massive! And the bruise on my face is going a lovely yellow colour too!

I decided that today I would leave it uncovered (I need an 80’s style off the shoulder top to wear!) to try and make it dry out a bit. Also need to tie my hair in a bun as otherwise the ends keep brushing over it. And this is harder than you would think as I can’t really raise my arm above my shoulder.

Andy went on a run this morning, and I was planning on an 8 mile run, but I decided that a rest was more sensible. I am a bit worried as I have a 10k race next weekend (I think that should be OK) but then 2 weeks later I have a half marathon. I really have not managed to increase my long run recently, so I think it might end up being a bit of a challenge. But when I move my shoulder hurts, and there is no point in making it worse I don’t think.

I had a lot of work to do as well, so I read for a bit, did some work and then made pancakes. These worked out quite well. I didn’t want to open a tin of pumpkin for the puree, so I used 20g peanut flour, 20g wholegrain spelt, some baking powder, vanilla, about 100ml soya milk and then 5g chia seeds. I let it all gel while I did more work, and then cooked the pancakes. I burnt one side of one batch, but they turned out pretty well.

The rest of the day has been spent baking (see above!), catching up with housework, watching the grand prix and football, and generally chilling out.

Have you ever tried lavender before? I had some tasty dark chocolate with lavender, so I think the next thing I try could be cookies with chocolate chips and lavender sugar.

30 runs and a fall

Hey peeps,

I hope you are all doing well. Last night was time for the weekly Sweatshop run, I was most excited to be given my “30 runs” t-shirt. When I saw them on the wall I thought they were thick cotton, but it is actually really light polyester, so I think it will be good for running it. (On the little yellow tab at the bottom it says “30”)

We were doing the route across the fields again (I did that on my own on Monday evening too) which I was looking forward to. All was going well until about a mile and a half in. There is a short downhill section, not that steep, but the ground is very rutted where tractors have driven over and then the ground had hardened. Suddenly I was falling.

This has happened to me once before when running (I think 5 years ago- luckily that time I was only half a km from home, although people waiting at the bus stop didn’t even stop to see if I was OK when blood was pouring from my wrists and I ended up having to have them cleaned and bandaged at the hospital because so much grit got in the wounds from the pavements- I still have a scar on one wrist).

Anyway, it is surprising when you are not running that fast that you skid along the ground at an awfully fast speed. I think I mis-stepped and tried to catch my balance (to stop myself twisting my ankle) and fell sort of sideways and forwards. I hit my head on the floor, and immediately sat up and checked my glasses were not broken (weird that they were my first concern). My knee and hands hurt, but it was only when someone else pointed out my shoulder that I saw the worst wound. Ouchy. A couple of girls were right behind me so they stopped for a few minutes (so nice of them) and then the guy from the shop caught up with me and checked me (so embarrassing asking me what was the date/ what did I have for breakfast…). We walked for a little bit, but I felt OK so we jogged the last mile and a bit back to the shop. They were so good about it- honestly I felt like such an idiot. I knew the ground was uneven and thought I was concentrating on it, but I must have misjudged it. They gave me a wipe to clean my shoulder, but it was so sore so I decided to leave it until I got home, someone also noticed that my head was bleeding a little bit- dearie me. Luckily my brother was there so he gave me a lift home as I normally run home but wanted to get home as quick as possible (although another runner offered me a lift too, how kind).

I managed to clean it in the shower, although today it is still rather weepy, I think it is deeper than I first thought. So no body pump this evening 🙁

Apologies in advance for the gross photo!

It has also made me think about what would happen if I was on my own or further from home. I have my ID on my shoe, but I don’t routinely carry a phone, especially in the summer as I have no pockets. I think I need to get a pouch that it will fit in to make sure I take it with me.

Look at the bruise/ cuts on my head. It has been sore today and I think there is a little lump too. I took some painkillers when I got home and that has helped.  I am still not sure how I managed to scrape there and not get my glasses damaged at all as I kept them on and they didn’t fall off.

Anyway, by the end of the day my arm was so sore as I think I have been holding it in a very tense way as every movement is sore, so when I got home I took time out from work to sit with it resting on a cushion.

Night!

3 is a magic number

Or it could be called Run by numbers (did anyone else used to love painting by numbers?)

So now I have the Embrace song in my head.

Anyway, I love numbers. I love it when a digital clock is symmetrical (e.g. 21.15), or when the odometer on my car makes a good pattern, so I was very excited when I got back from my run this evening to see basically all 4’s and 3’s. 4.43 miles in 43.34. Not bad. I went around the fields (the same as the Sweatshop run) although it ends up being slightly shorter due to no tiny detour to and from the shop. It was lovely going through the fields again, and I was worried about getting lost, (but decided that worst case I could just turn around and re-trace my steps), but I found the way and just loved it- being away from traffic is super. Plus the 10K I am doing in 2 weeks time is all on country lanes and fields so I think it is good practise.

It was sooo hot out there though- I didn’t go out until about 5pm I think, but the sun was still going strong. Again, all good practise for the race as last time I did the race it was on a very very hot day indeed. Last year it was overcast (and actually pretty cold)-Andy and his brother did the race, but I was just getting back into running again after my op, so I was a spectator instead. So who knows what it will be like- I am ready for anything!

This weekend we went to Dorset, but I have not sorted any photos yet, so you can look forward to those on another day! We had a run together along the seafront in Bournemouth on Saturday morning- we set off and almost immediately there was a steep uphill section, which wore me out right at the start. We ran along the top for just over 2 miles, then came down some steps and back along the seafront. That was super tough as suddenly we were running into a strong headwind, and sand from the beach was blowing right at us (I was feeling smug earlier when I saw a lady running in full length tights- there I was in my capris thinking I would nice and cool- but no, I think I had harsh exfoliation on my legs and sand micro-dermabrasion (is that a word?) on my face from the stinging sand)- I really struggled although I think in the end we averaged 10 minute miles so not too bad.

Earlier in the week I was sent some food from the Boots Shapers range (Shapers for Later)- they are launching evening meals to go alongside their lunch meal deals. This links with numbers as the Shapers meal are all calorie counted- the main meals are under 500 calories, and the side dishes/ desserts are under 100 calories.

Unfortunately the main meal they sent me was a chicken meal (I did ask for vegetarian things, but there was a little mix up somewhere)- Andy had it but it reminded me of an Innocent Veg pot- lots of veggies in there, and you just microwaved it so it was ready quickly. I think it would be a good option for a lunch if I knew I was working late (well the veggie ones). They also sent me some fresh fruit with a passion fruit dip. I did try the dip but the fruit was so sweet I didn’t want to cover up the fresh taste. Finally I was sent some jelly and fruit- (the jelly was veggie)- that was a nice snack- I especially loved the pomegranate in there- I hardly ever have it but it was delicious.

Very summery.

They also have side dishes, although I am not sure if they are going to be priced like the lunchtime Meal Deals (where you get main, side and drink for  £3.50 I think?).

Do you ever get ready meals? Most of the meals I cook (or should I say Andy, as he does most of our cooking at home) are pretty much from scratch, but on occasion I do like the Innocent Veg pots- if I have Parents Evening or something then it is great to just put something in the microwave instead of having to wait for another half an hour for an even later dinner. Or if we are out we might pop to Boots or M&S for a nice sandwich or salad for lunch. And we do sometimes treat ourselves to a nice Waitrose pizza for dinner.

Are you a fan of seeing number patterns?

Kitchen Appliances- my dream list

Hey peeps,

As I am sure you all know, I love baking. Baking is a bit like running, in that there are claims that it is a pretty cheap hobby, and anyone can do it and you don’t need fancy equipment. Now, all that may be true, but what is also true (with running and baking) is that there is a lot of (expensive) equipment and paraphernalia that can be purchased to support the hobby.

For example, when starting running, all you need are trainers and a good sports bra (ladies), but of course pretty soon you will want sweat wicking tops, stretchy capris/ leggings, twin skin socks, running gloves (because “normal” gloves are just not for exercise you know). Then you might want proper runners earphones for your mp3 player, and a heart rate monitor or watch, or GPS watch, and then maybe a bottle to hold, or a waist pack, or one of those hydration rucksacks if you are super hardcore and can work out how to clean them…..Then comes the race entries!

And so to baking. Again, you can start off with minimal equipment and ingredients: a bowl, a wooden spoon, a set of scales, a baking tray. But pretty soon you will want different shaped and sized baking trays, fancy spatulas, lemon zesters and juicers, perhaps a sugar thermometer, some pretty cupcake cases….

And all that before you get to the equipment! A few years ago I bought a food processor, and I really love it- it is great for making raw treats as it blitzes nuts and dates really well. I also use it for grating carrots if I am making a carrot cake (I did use to do it by hand but it took so long and turned my fingers orange), or for making salads, or that delicious avocado pasta sauce.

But, the top of my list is one of those beautiful kitchen-aid mixers. I think I would actually only use them for making butter icing (which I hardly ever made because I don’t like it that much) but they just look so pretty!

I am also on the lookout for a new blender, as my old one stopped working last year. Of course I have the bog standard appliances non-baking appliances like a kettle (for teapots, as I now have the hot cup for cups of tea), microwave (good for porridge) and toaster (great for crumpets, yum) but the pretty kind of appliances will always be on my wish-list too!

Do you have a hobby that started out pretty cheap and now takes all of your money?? I hope it isn’t just me!

*Post contains a sponsored link, but all the content is by me, as I am sure you can tell with how it rambles on.

Common gym mistakes

Hey peeps,

After the London Marathon the other weekend I am sure some people are getting inspired to start a new exercise regime. I have a little guest post for you, all about common gym mistakes (and if you read to the end you will see some of the mistakes I have seen too- one of them still amuses me today).

Common Gym Mistakes

A common gym mistake made by new gym-goers and regular fitness fanatics is underestimating the amount of fuel to consume both before, during and after a workout.
If you have never been to a gym before, take a large bottle of water, approximately 1 litre. I always keep a spare bottle in my car or gym locker in case of emergencies. The most important thing to remember is that you need to replace the fluid that you are sweating out as it is your body’s way of cleansing. Make sure that you also drink plenty of water or energy drinks after your workout as well, to restock your fluids on your body’s cool down. LA Fitness have water on tap at all of their gyms so there’s no excuse!

Food is just as important as water. Lots of people who go to the gym with the purpose of losing weight go on an empty stomach with the notion that this will help them lose weight faster. This is completely wrong as your body cannot burn off the energy unless it has fuel and will tire much quicker. Proteins and good carbohydrates such as brown rice, brown bread and cereal bars are a great source of fuel to keep your body going. However, try not to eat too close to a workout, I find a banana is a fantastic source of energy without compromising feeling sea-sick or risking stomach cramps and stitches halfway through your time at the gym.

It is also important to refuel after the gym, and remember that your body continues to burn the fat well after your workout. It doesn’t mean that you should go home via the chip shop (or Starbucks!), but again stick to carbohydrates, healthy fats and proteins to keep your metabolism going.

Without fuel your body cannot function and it is easy to forget this when many of us are seeking to lose weight and see food as the enemy. Just make sure you choose the right food and drink to aide your exercise and see improvements whatever your aim.

So, what was the mistake I noticed?

Years ago I used to belong to the gym, and used to go about 3 times a week after work. The gym was only small, with a couple of bikes, maybe 6 treadmills, plus a few other machines, and weights machines. Anyway, there was a lady who was only wearing a swimming costume while on the exercise bike. To this day I can’t quite believe that she did that! But I would say wearing cotton is a massive mistake (especially light grey!). If you are going to get sweaty, cotton gets damp and then does not dry, so it goes soggy and rubs (and the light colours show up the sweat a lot). So I would say get a cheap sweat-wicking top as it will leave you feeling much cooler and with less chafing.

I also think fuelling is a massive issue, and something that can take a while to get right. I find that bananas are not good for me to have before I exercise, whereas a post race banana is something I really look forward to.

I have also learnt over time that I don’t always need something to eat before I workout. I used to be a bit paranoid about feeling hungry during a workout (I had a couple of dizzy spells at one point and started to equate feeling hungry with feeling faint), so I would always have a small snack like a cereal bar before going to the gym. Since taking up running I have learnt that I can run in the morning for up to an hour before breakfast, and if I am running further I can manage with a small snack, head out and eat breakfast when I get home (and on these runs I run much faster too- no stomach issues to slow me down). But this is individual to everyone so I think you have to work out what suits you.

I also think that fitness classes are sometimes underrated, and I wish I had tried the classes out sooner. I really enjoy them for something different, and find them really motivating (this is a lot to do with the instructors)- but then if you try one and don’t like it you have only lost an hour.

Finally I would say that you should make the most of the induction time with the instructors. When I look back I was so nervous about going, and really just wanted to get on and do it myself, so I didn’t ever have a program set up for me, but I can see how beneficial it would have been, as I just spent my time plodding on the cardio machines and then guessing at random weights for all the weights machines.

Are you a member of a gym? What would you say to someone thinking of becoming a member?