A little bit of gratefulness, a little bit of loving, a little bit of life.

On my way home from work this evening, I started making a mental to-do list. I erased it and started again loads of times, mainly because I couldn't remember what was on each list. I just couldn't bear to put my hand into my bag and get my phone, cos then the list would be for real. 

I still can't remember most of what I had planned out to do and all those 'important' things but here's what's in my head now...

- I really need to put my photos from Budapest onto my laptop for a few reasons. 1) So I can look at them. 2) So I can email Cara the ones of her. 3) So I can blog about it all - I've got a few lined up for ya! 4) So I can keep remembering a pretty choice holiday I had. In the mean time, you can pop over to Cara's blog, Britventures, and check out what she had to write about it all! 

On the walking tour we did. All the Hungarian history got a little bit too much!

- I joined the gym yesterday. I got a pretty sweet deal - the gym, classes and the pool all for £18.50 a month! - all because I teach in Islington! Choice! And you can use any of the facilities in the Islington borough under the Aquaterra scheme! 

Luckily there's one right behind Archway station which is super close to my house. I popped along tonight, a little bit nervous as it's been a wee while since I've actually done proper exercise. I play netball once a week, but I needed more!

I strolled on over to what I thought was the cross-trainer, and low and behold, it wasn't. So after entering my all the important stuff and going for a few minutes, I realised that I was on the stepper. The freaking stepper. I immediately thought I CANNOT do 20 whole minutes on this thing! I lasted for 10 before my legs nearly gave out - in the mean time, I spotted the actual cross-trainers and did 30 minutes on that afterwards! 4 miles of exercise baby!

Whilst I was sweating up a storm, I also realised that wearing 'ear-muff' type headphones wasn't the best idea. I love my Skull Candy headphones, but I don't think they're going to love the pools of sweat that were congregating around my head and neck! Lesson learned. 

I make a point of not weighing myself as I find it quite easy to get all caught up in the firago that comes along with. I decided that I'd just hop on it for old times sake after realising I have no idea what I weigh and I'm a little bit stoked with the results. I've had the opposite of the 'London weight-gain', and since I left two and a half years ago, I've lost 15kgs, and I'm back down to that! I don't remember the last time I weighed this much! CHOICE!

Széchenyi thermal baths in Budapest

- I also love smoothies. They're rather easy to whip up but I seem to not make time to do it in the mornings! On the weekend I was craving one, popped down to Sainsburys and bought the essentials, and voila. We had a happy hungover Nikki on our hands!

- I also love Autumn. I love all seasons but for different reasons. Autumn = amazing colours, crunchy leaves, sunny cool days, refreshing air, and the exciting times when I get to wrap in warm in all sorts of woolen and winter paraphernalia!

My £5 cat dress off eBay! 

- Lastly, I love this song. It gets played at least three times a day, much to everyone's disgust. But I'm obsessed with it at the moment. I like her studio version better than the video clip as it's more raw, but the video is pretty rad too!

Gabrielle Aplin - Home

Linking up with Cat this week for things I'm loving and Simoney for the grateful project!

Sometimes I'm Adventurous

There are times when I jump at the chance to do something a bit adventurous and I really enjoy it. Then there are times when I jump at those chances, then freak out half way through.

Example one: The Good

One of my best friends ever and I and her family all decided to go sky diving. Oh yeah, this will be choice she said. Well it was actually amazing! The plane ride up was the scariest part! Not to mention, being half strapped in dangling from the ledge of the plane while the instructor continued to strap me in. That part was freaking terrifying. But the actual jumping and flying part - no problemo! 

I would sky dive again in a heart beat!

Example two: The Bad

So I was up in Auckland a few months ago, and Simone and I were being tourists and decided to go up the Sky Tower. Oh yeah, this will be choice she said. I hate lifts. Like really really don't like them and I will go out of my way to not like them and use them. 

So up the Sky Tower we went, up the anxiety went. I did love it, once we were back on the ground though! 

I may probably never Sky Tower again. Don't get me wrong, the views were amazing! But I just didn't fancy it.

Example three: The Good (well kinda)

When I was I think 15 I went down to Invercargill to spend a few weeks with a good friend who had moved down there. We went up to Wanaka for a week of camping by the lake and whilst we were there, we had a brilliant idea of driving to Queenstown so I can go Bungy Jumping. 

I was buzzing and thought, Oh yeah, this will be choice! I'm jumping off a super high bridge and getting dunked in the water! Que the nervous farts, and the standing on the ledge. And we have one Nikki who didn't listen to the instructions properly, ended up with two swollen bruised eyes (I seriously looked a bit Chinese..) and the cartilage torn of some ribs. 

I'd love to say I loved it, but went into shock for the rest of that day and don't actually remember jumping. Luckily I have it on DVD! 

So I would definitely Bungy Jump again. But, would definitely not get dunked in the water again!

Example four: The Bad (and a little bit good)

So I went on a date that wasn't a date but it might have been a date but probably wasn't one. Basically I met him at the bottom of this colourful building...

.. and we caught the lift right up to the 39th floor. Shit I mean great! The lift ride wasn't too bad, it had a glass wall so I could see myself hurtling up above London at a speed I was less inclined to enjoy. Once we got up there the views were sooooo amazing that it washed away all the anxiety and I could enjoy myself. And after a few wines the ride down wasn't too bad! 

 

And there folks, I think I can safely say that I'm more 'into' being adventurous when there's more risk involved! 

Gratefully Loving on Special Friends

I could write a post about how I've lost the will to blog, or I could write a post that I've been mustering up in my head for a wee while now.

I think I'll go with the latter.

I have this really special friend. We became friends kinda by accident. I was her oldest child's teacher at day care and me and him became buds. Pretty good buds. We had 'Nikki cuddles' and would read stories all the time together and play loads of chasing games. 

Then I decided to move to London. 

In the few months between announcing my departure and actually leaving, I became quite close to his mum. And what a life changer it has been. It was almost a bit sad that I left at the beginning of something awesome, but the distance hasn't gotten in our way. Maybe only a little bit, seen as how we're both on the other sides of the world from each other, but never fear - Skype, Facebook and WhatsApp are here! 

This pretty choice chick, who also goes by the name of Meg, Meghan or my BFF4L, has got one of the hugest hearts that exist. That's a pretty big call to make, but it's 100% absolutely true. 

She introduced me to blogging, which coincided nicely with last minute bonding time before I left Wellington and started travelling, and after just over two and a half years, she's still my top 'blog-adviser'! 

She welcomed me into her family with the widest, most openest arms ever, and I'm pretty confident in saying that I won't be going anywhere, anytime soon! Sorry lovey, you're stuck with me now! 

You see, Meg is just really pretty choice. She's got a pretty choice husband and two super lush boys, who I all love to bits! 

It was one of my favourite parts of being back in New Zealand a few months ago, knowing that I was going to be seeing Meg and the boys, having chats about whatever rolled off our tongues, having quality chill-out-catch-up time. Basically whatever we did, it was fun. 

It was all the same again when Meg, Mark, Noah and Mylo all came and had a sleepover at my flat in London last week! I met them at the Natural History museum where Noah proudly showed me around the dinosaur exhibition - this kid can teach you a thing or two about dinosaurs! We had some of the best curry I've had in London for dinner that night, then me and Meg hopped into our matching pjs! I love being matching. 

After work the next day I met them all for dinner at my local 'spoonies' then we ventured back on the bus back to my house. I could tell (mainly because Noah had said he wanted to sit right up the front) that the boys really wanted to be, right.at.the.front. It's such a fun experience and a must do, so Noah and Mylo, your wish was my command! 

A few minutes later and after asking some man to move over, who got all nervous at the thought of us sitting next to him who ended up moving anyway, we sat merrily at the front, chatting about the things we could see and how close the bus would get to the cars! 

We enjoyed some delicious wine, after carefully talking Mark through how to spot good and cheaper wine at Sainsburys, had a little laugh at the new name I gave it, it's amazing what adding an extra O can do!, and continued to hang out like civilised adults... 

I miss these guys so much. It was a sad morning saying goodbye to them, knowing that when I next see them is unknown in the foreseeable future. 

But hey ho, that's what memories are for. They're the best.

Things I'm Loving!

Some lovings from this week...

Craft club

Cara and I are doing a craft club with year 6 children for the next 10ish weeks. This was our first creation!

 Discoveries

If you've been following me for the last few weeks, you'll know I've been trying out being gluten free. I've tried the other muesli by the same brand but this one kicks some serious butt! The coconut and cinnamon in it is sooooooo delicious!!

Long hair

Mainly due to the fact that it costs an arm and a leg to get a hair cut in London, my hair is getting pretty long now. I think this is probably the longest it's ever been, so it's perfect for fish tail plaits!

Winter

I'm really looking forward to winter this year! Crazy I know, but I have a new coat I've only worn twice, I've just bought this choice rabbit jumper to add to the collection, not to mention the surplus of scarves and hats I have - I want to wear them all now!!!!!

Sun surprises

There's been some mega fog in the mornings lately, so it was like a breath of fresh air to snap the sun rising!

Smoothies

When I was back in New Zealand I was having a smoothie nearly every day and the second day I was back in London, I invested in my very own blender! The plan was to make one each morning and take it to work for breakfast - that lasted two days! But after a quick trip to Sainsburys this morning, I had one delicious smoothie on my hands!

Colour-pops!

I bought this dress from Temt when I was back home and tonight it's getting its second outing! The dress itself I'm not a huge fan of, but those sleeves! They're the best part!

Linking up with Meg who I can't wait to see in a few weeks! 

Things I'm Loving!

The last wee while I've been loving...

Crafting!

I finally finished my crocheted slippers that I started on my journey back from New Zealand! 

Diet changes

I'm recently a 'gluten-freer' and I've been loving the challenges and results of it! 

Delicious dinners...

Delicious lunches...

and delicious breakfasts!

Water beads!

I can't get enough of these! I'd happily take sit in a bath full of these (togs on of course, so they don't slip up anywhere unwanted!)

They're simply magical! I bought 50 packs of them for £5 for a sensory activity for my kids at work and they've been going down a right ol' treat - even with the year 6 kids!

Once the water has been added, it's a pretty quick process to see get going. Keep on adding the water and they'll keep on getting bigger, until they get to about the size of a marble! 

Linking up with a super choice babe who I'm soooooo excited to see in a few weeks!!!!

Being Gluten Free - the amateur edition

WARNING: if you're hungry, you might want to wait and read this until you're full. There are a lot of food photos! 

I've been dairy free for the last four years and after slightly introducing it again and reacting horribly, I took a closer look at my diet. I was often so bloated I looked about 5 months pregnant, got stomach cramps, and was terribly, ahem, irregular. 

When I got back from New Zealand I made the decision to cut gluten out of my diet to see what difference that'd make. Within a week I was noticing a huge difference! 

I'm now in week 4; my skin has cleared up loads, I'm a lot more regular, the bloating has pretty much disappeared and I just feel better. 

So here I am, dairy and gluten free, being one of those annoying people to cook for or take out for dinner, and having to become more creative and aware in the kitchen! 

Gluten free bread, ham, rocket, hummus and goats cheese

To be honest though, I don't actually mind. I've noticed too much of a difference for it not to be worthwhile, so I'm happy to carry on my merry way!

I'm not a 'breakfasty' person, but this muesli is lush! 

The things I've found the hardest have been having to shop for a 'gluten free life'. I'm getting the hang of it pretty quickly but having to check the labels of a lot of stuff whilst I get to learn, know and have favourite brands can be somewhat painstaking. 

Baked salmon, rocket, and roasted potatoes

I've definitely been eating a whole load healthier and having to think of different things to cook, but that challenge has been kinda fun! Like cooking proper fish, I don't remember the last time that ever happened! But it was delish! 

This pizza, it was the best. I couldn't find proper pizza bases at the small Sainsburys near my house, you can get them in your online shop or possibly at a bigger store, but the pita breads were actually perfect! They tasted just as good the next day and were a choice leftover lunch! 

Gluten free pita breads, bacon, red peppers, goats cheese, olives, tomato paste and rocket! 

Gluten free pasta was one of the first gluten free things I bought, but I hadn't gotten around to cooking some until recently. It cooks normally, however I found it to be slightly dry the next day, so maybe add some olive oil before fridging it! 

Gluten free pasta, yellow peppers, olives, chorizo, rocket, tomato based sauce

 In terms of snacks, I'm not a huge snacker. I normally just wait for the big meals or have fruit. But when I feel like a snack, it's gotta be good! I found some gluten free rice cakes, threw some hummus and goats cheese on top and voila! Here we have the most boringest looking beige snack. Ever. It was pretty tasty, so putting the beige aside, I was quite happy munching on a few of these! 

Gluten free rice cakes, hummus, goats cheese

 Now, this is a classic Nikki concoction. A not-how-it's-meant-to-turn-out meal, which turned out to look like vomit but taste amazing! The lentils went too mushy, so I added borlotti beans and whatever was left in the fridge. The soupy texture was actually alright and there was enough substance for it to not be really runny.

Red lentils, borlotti beans, chorizo, green peppers, mushrooms, and add whatever spices/herbs you want!
 

I love chick peas, all the different kinds of beans, I've started experimenting with lentils and am going to try quinoa next! 

So as a newbie to being gluten free, I'm enjoying it quite a bit. It can be hard, either to find a meal on the menu you can have, or something specific at the supermarket, but it's all good! 

Persevere! It's worth it! 

What are your favourite gluten free meals? I'd love some more inspiration! 

Things I'm Loving!

This week I'm loving...

Being more 'Londony'

Last weekend my friend Cara and I went for a walk along the South Bank and decided that we both should do more things around London. 

This week a friend from work asked if we wanted to go see Sky Fall at The Scoop near Tower Bridge. It's an outdoor amphitheater, which in itself is awesome, however the rain played a big part in us leaving half way through! 

Popcorn was consumed quickly before we were soaked through and headed to the pub to warm up!

Bright things

I bought these tights for my Pikachu Halloween costume a few years ago and they haven't been worn since. As I was searching through my draw, I came across them and thought they'd be perfect for the grey day we were having! I love having a 'pop' of colour, so these were perfect! 

Are you having a giraffe?

There's giraffes scattered all over The Thames walkway at the moment. A year or so ago it was massive gorillas, some pianos and short-stay art installations. They're for a campaign called Stand Tall which is part of Colchester Zoo's 50th anniversary. They're pretty awesome and each are so different! 

Spicing it up

I made a new header for my blog which you should all probably check out, it's pretty choice! 

I used this fantastic and easy to follow tutorial from Meg and voila! 

Linking up with the woman herself