New Glasses by Celine

Celine CL 41335 glasses

Buying new glasses is always a stressful time I find. You can never properly try them on in the opticians because they have those giant security tags on them making the glasses sit wonky on your face. Well, they sit wonky on me!

It's been over 2 years since I got a new pair of glasses. My current ones are the Ray-Ban 5228's. Comfy, but starting to get loose and slip down my nose. I decided it was time to get a new pair. I wanted to go for a different colour but being so expensive I didn't want to risk it. And plus, buying online, you cant't try them on. Yes, I always buy my glasses online now, for the simple reason that they are cheaper online than from an optician and you get a better choice.

I typed a few names into Google that I'd seen and liked the look of and decided to get these Celine pair (above). They're bolder and larger frames so I wasn't sure how they'd suit me but I figured, go big or go home. Ha.

I ordered them on Friday night from Eyewearbrands.com and they arrived on Wednesday. I love them. They are bigger than normal so will take a bit of getting used to but i'm sure i'll be fine. Btw, there's still a 15% off offer on their website just now. I think it may run out soon!

How do you choose your new glasses? Do you find online a better option?

Angela x

Let's Catch Up

It's been over a month since my last post. Sorry. A lot can happen in one month. A lot of good stuff that is. Life got in the way, as is the way of things, and with that came opportunity. I concentrated on that for the past month. But hopefully I can get back to this blog and make it what it should instead of some barren wasteland of intermittent posts that it has become, probably over the past year.

Good things from the past month are... that I have finally booked my first holiday in about 4 years. Exciting. Well I say holiday, what i really mean is a city break. but not just nay old city break. I am going to NEW YORK. I KNOW! I can't believe it but it's happening, at the end of March. Finally. Phew. So as you can imagine i've spent about the last three weeks booking flights, researching hotels, booking a hotel and generally Google mapping routes to sites and shops every spare minute I have. (Okay not *every* spare minute). I've listed every site I want to visit, I've searched the shops i'm going to shop in, places to have tea and cake, burgers, pancakes and I cannot wait for my first yellow cab ride. Big kid alert! And I've listed it all on a FourSquare To Do List. Exhausted even before I go.

As well as that excitement, I am also getting a new car. Not a big del for some but i've had my current runabout for seven years and it was about time I bought my first brand new car. Actually, I had to go and choose my number plate today so that they can register it as soon as the calendar hits 1st March. Now that I am really excited about. I probably won't be picking it up until about 3rd March (due to timings and stuff) but that'll be a really good way to start of the week of my birthday.

This sounds so materialistic, I know but these things don't generally happen to me so when they do I'm gonna celebrate it. I think I've earned that right.

Also in March I've booked myself onto a photo walk and workshop in Glasgow. I'm really looking forward to this one since I missed the first one. It looked really good and this one has a workshop by someone I follow on Instagram, so that should be really interesting and inspiring. Cannot wait.

So..this blog? In all honesty every time I sat down to write a post I'd just get a mind blank. In those instances I thought it was better not to try to force it. I always believe blogging should come naturally to you. You should't try to force it. I see every day now on Twitter too many people simply getting a post out there, even if it's similar to what someone else might've posted that week. That's fine too.

I've tried to become organised. I've tried to get a notebook and folder together with a blog calendar. Lasted a few weeks. I tend to forget, what with working all day then hitting the gym, there's not much time in the day leftover after i make my dinner. You've got to want to do it though I suppose and I really do so i'm setting myself mini goals.

Last week saw me up my training regime too. I got a new strength programme worked out in the gym. For completing one to two times per week, or as an alternative to one of my classes. I've also been set an ab challenge, ten sets of ten leg raised crunches. It's not as easy as it sounds and after six sets I was flagging yesterday. I ploughed on through though.

Now onto the bad. Ugh. I've been getting bad stomach problems. I self diagnosed myself the other week and added to the stress which made my symptoms worse. Tip: never Google any medical symptoms, go to your doctor. I did. He gave me some medication. It didn't really work. I now think there are certain foods triggering my symptoms and I'm going to try to note things down that may flare up the pains. But... ONIONS! I was watching a video on YouTube earlier from someone who talks about healthy eating and fitness. I did not know that onions can make you gassy, did you? I had onion gravy last night with my steak, my symptoms are bad today after a fairly stable week. Hhmmm, I think we could be on to something. Let me know if you have any triggers or indeed any natural ways to prevent bloating, stomach cramps and the like. I'd really appreciate it.

So that's all for now. Hope you'll visit again.

EDIT: OH I can't believe I nearly forgot this. I'm going to see the Mrs Carter tour next week. Yep. Queen Bey, Beyonce! Woohoo, can't wait.

Angela x

Tooth Brace: check up 4

Check up 4 and 7 months into my orthodontic treatment. I can't believe how time has flown. This was pretty much another bog standard check up. Nothing much to report except we're still trying to get my left hand upper teeth to move further over to the left I to the space where I had a tooth removed. This will mean she can then move my two front teeth around so that they're centred. Phew, what a mouthful that was.

It was pretty much a "nope, we've still got about 4mm to move" so she changed the e-wire stuff and tightened it a little so that it pulled on my upper incisors. Not much pain, only if I chew on those teeth. Otherwise she's happy the way they are going. It'll take another few months apparently, but they never said this was going to be a quick process. I'm fine with that. I can wait for a (near) perfect smile.

Talking of which, I just can't seem to stop smiling now. I'm not ashamed of brace wearing in my 30's. In fact, I think I would kind of miss it if it were taken off tomorrow. That seems weird saying that but I do feel like that.

I read a really good interview with a guy called Chris Millington over on Garçon Jon's blog, go over and have a read, fabulous photos too! Anyway, Chris is kind of recognisable now for his AMAZING beard. I mean he's not exactly unhandsome but with the beard, well it's like it's what makes him even more recognisable. I've always thought mine was my curly hair. But now I think it's the brace and the curly hair, oh and the big glasses. I'm a picture, me ;) Anyway, Chris says in the interview that his beard has given him incredible confidence, which I can identify with. Although replace his beard with my brace. You get my drift.

I feel like I can smile more and I want to smile more which is amazing for me. I'm not bothered if people stare at my mouth now. Whereas before I would always kind of hide my mouth and shy away if talking to someone new. I was always conscious of my squint front tooth, my crooked smile, my sticky out teeth. Now? Now I love them with the brace and I'm sure I will absolutely double love them without the brace. Is this making sense? It is to me.

Keep smiling,
Angela

The Searcher

I was flicking through my instagram home feed at all the wonderful pictures that people were posting. Occasionally some people post long comments along with their posts, called Instastories. The one below by James Kavanaugh was posted below a picture and I thought it was beautiful and felt an instant connection to it. I believe it sums me up really well. I wanted to share it here, in my 500th blog post! Can't believe I made it to 500.

I hope you like it as much as I did and I hope you like this blog as much as I like writing it. Granted, some times it's a bit barren for a few days but I hope to be giving regular updates from now on.

For you, dear reader...

“I am one of the searchers. There are, I believe, millions of us. We are not unhappy, but neither are we really content. We continue to explore life, hoping to uncover its ultimate secret. We continue to explore ourselves, hoping to understand. We like to walk along the beach, we are drawn by the ocean, taken by its power, its unceasing motion, its mystery and unspeakable beauty. We like forests and mountains, deserts and hidden rivers, and the lonely cities as well. Our sadness is as much a part of our lives as is our laughter. To share our sadness with one we love is perhaps as great a joy as we can know - unless it be to share our laughter.
We searchers are ambitious only for life itself, for everything beautiful it can provide. Most of all we love and want to be loved. We want to live in a relationship that will not impede our wandering, nor prevent our search, nor lock us in prison walls; that will take us for what little we have to give. We do not want to prove ourselves to another or compete for love.

For wanderers, dreamers, and lovers, for lonely men and women who dare to ask of life everything good and beautiful. It is for those who are too gentle to live among wolves.”
― James Kavanaugh, There Are Men Too Gentle to Live Among Wolves

Angela x

Monday

Monday gets a raw deal these days. I don't know why. If you see it as the start of your week, then it's just that. a Start. A chance for a new start, a new beginning.

I simply cannot stand Monday moaning on social media sites. There's no need. Granted, it's usually from the same sort of people who moan at the silliest little thing.

Don't get me wrong, I like a good moan. I'm good at it. I just don't see the point of putting it all over social media sites. There are some people who are genuinely struggling with things in their lives and don't ever seem to moan and yet here we are, bemoaning a gorgeous new day just because it happens to be called Monday.


Here's what Monday means for me...

• Monday Morning Motivation Meetings - amazing brainstorming list-making session.
• The first of my spin and Grit classes for the week.
• A new week.
• New ideas forming.
• New episode of a favourite programme to watch
• at the end of the day, day 1 of the week ticked off. You're heading towards that weekend!

What does Monday mean for you?

Angela x

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Share A Coke - update!

I know, I know, this may not mean anything to most people but... I managed to find a Coke bottle with my name on it! Yes!

You should've seen me in Sainsbury's last Sunday when my eagle eye spied it. I stealthily edged my way over to the tall standing fridge and grabbed it before anyone else did. I wasn't letting this one go. It's taken a while but I've finally got one.

Now the dilemma is... Do I drink it, or not?

Angela x

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Teeth Brace: Month 2

I had my second 8-week brace adjustment appointment with my orthodontist last week. So I'm now 16 weeks in to my 2 year brace life. I've come to like attending the hospital for these appointments (I go to the hospital as it's the NHS treatment I'm receiving). I'm in and out in about 15 minutes for these appointments. All very efficient.

A gap had formed where my troublesome front tooth had been straightened up a little bit. Remember my front left tooth had a severe squint overhang of the right front tooth. After my last appointment the left tooth had straightened out a little and had given me a gap in between my two front teeth. It was kind of quirky. I'm not that bothered abut a gap, so long as it didn't develop into a severe gap. The only problem with this gap is that it's is off centre. Like a good 3mm off centre to the right hand side. Anyone looking probably wouldn't notice this but in orthodontics, every millimetre counts.

To combat this gap and right hand side pull she inserted a thicker wire as she wanted the teeth to move in a different way and for the upper arch to expand a little. I was told the front gap might get worse before it gets better but that this was fine as the teeth need to be straightened up first and then pulled into line, so to speak.

She also attached some joined up plastic loops on the side wires where there are huge gasp due to the teeth I had removed back in January. The technical term is e-chain plastic. It's basically to close the gaps, and also protects the slightly thinner side wires. So my large side gaps will close a little bit, meaning the front teeth can space out and straighten up properly. All very complex but an amazing piece of engineering when you think about it.

Lastly she added on some of the little rubber bands that hold the main wire onto each bracket. I chose the silver again. I was going to white or clear but they say the bands can get discoloured with food and general eating so silver is the safe option. Next time I might get a coloured one. Maybe!

See how they're kinda off-centre?

After each appointment my teeth are always a bit sensitive, but that's because they are moving again until they get used to the new adjustment. It means I can't really chew anything tougher than a piece of toast but I've managed to figure that if i cut my food into tiny pieces I can just about get away without too much pain when chewing.

After just a few days I can already see that the front tooth gap has gotten smaller. There's only really a space at the top now. I'm always amazed at how this metal contraption can move my teeth and the results I see so quickly.

After only a few short months, I can already see that my confidence has lifted a bit. I'm actually smiling wider than I thought my widest smile has ever been. I'm not afraid to show people the brace in the way that I always shy'd away from showing people my wonky teeth. Isn't that peculiar?

It's another 8 weeks until my next appointment. But for now I just have to keep on going with it. Clean my teeth thoroughly and try to cut down on the sugary drinks! Yikes. Cola and chocolate is my craving. Bad.

Angela x

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You watch something new every day: Game of Thrones

I'm totally new to this Game of Thrones party that's been on around me for a couple of years now. I'd never bothered with it before due to the fact that I didn't have access to watch it since its broadcast on Sky. And only having council telly means no Sky. Until I got the Sky Go app (from my sister) on my iPad. AMAZING!

The technicalities are that Sky customers can use the Sky Go app on two devices for free. It gives you access to the basic Sky channels and some that you are subscribed to. You can 'watch now' or watch 'on demand'. You can also download.

It's been a great addition to me. It means that I can watch in my bed without having to wear my glasses. Which is a great thing for wearers of glasses i;m sure you'll agree. I set my iPad on my bedside unit close enough so that i can see and off we go.

I've taken to watching the Australian Open tennis in January, the F1 races LIVE!, cycling on Eurosport and lots of new series' that I always felt I was missing due the volume of tweets about such programmes.

So, back to Game of Thrones.

I'm not really a fantasy book/show fan. If I'm honest I only dip in and out of Dr Who. I hate Star Wars and the likes and i never imagined I'd like Game of Thrones. The new series (3) began this week with a great deal of publicity and a nod that the first two series' were going to be available on Sky Go 'on demand'. I decided I'd try it out.

OMG. I watched the full first series in a day and a half. Which isn't too bad since there's only ten episodes. But it really was good. Great even. I think I'd recommend watching them all in one go like that, or at least in quick succession otherwise the plot and story-lines a plenty may be a little difficult to follow. Here's some blurb on it...

Summers span decades. Winters can last a lifetime. And the struggle for the Iron Throne has begun.

It will stretch from the south, where heat breeds plots, lusts and intrigues; to the vast and savage eastern lands; all the way to the frozen north, where an 800-foot wall of ice protects the kingdom from the dark forces that lie beyond. King and queens, knights and renegades, liars, lords and honest men... all will play the Game of Thrones.

By far my favourite has to be little Arya Stark. Ser Eddard (Ned) Stark's tomboy daughter. She's a sword wielding little champion. By far the least favourite is Joffrey. Little weasel Joffrey. Oh man, never have i wanted to punch someone so much. I hope he gets his comeuppance. The characters are quite and I've noticed the cast is like a who's who of Scottish actors. Some probably relatively unknown outside of our borders. Still the stories and characters intertwine in some way. I'm glad they don't shy away from killing off main characters too. Oh and heads up, if you're at all squeamish it may not be the best viewing for you.

I'm currently on season 2, episode 7. (I would have been further on but my broadband has been going really S L O W L Y in the evenings and so my viewing has been cut short). With there only being 10 episodes per season do think that seasons 1 and 2 were so close in time they could've run 2 straight after 1. Maybe they did. I'm new to all this remember.

Anyway, I'm really enjoying something I never thought I would. Brilliant.

Game of Thrones, Sky Atlantic. Go.

Angela x

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For now is my future

Things happen in life that make you take a step back and wonder. It could be a little thing. It could be a 'slap in the face' thing, but they happen.

I sometimes wonder how my life will pan out, what the future holds for me. Is my future now? Is this it? Should I give it all up and go help people more in need than me? Is my future just around the corner and i just need to open my eyes to it?

Be open to anything. Take more risks. Be less afraid. Be more bold (HA!)? These are all questions (or mantras that I wish myself to grasp with great gusto) or thoughts that run through my head each and every day.

I had another birthday a few weeks ago. Funny that eh. It's only been a year since my last one. Birthdays make you think, especially as those years seem to be passing all too quickly the older you get.

So I sit, and wander, and wonder, and think. I'm always thinking, me. Probably over thinking. I often muse that I'd been born less of a thinker and more of a do-er. But then that wouldn't be me really, would it? Or would it?

Somethings got to change though. Soon. Now. In my future. In my present. Now. For now is my future. Let's take it...

Angela x

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Teeth Brace: Month 1

It's been just over one month since I had my brace fitted. It's gone quickly, just another 23 months to go. It won't be long going in, will it?

On the day i had my brace fitted I was nervous and excited and apprehensive all in one. I had the day off work and met my sister and two nephews in town. They went to McDonalds. I didn't eat or drink. I didn't want to but also i wasn't allowed to for a few hours. Time to let the brace settle. It felt weird having this contraption in my mouth. I spoke with an impediment. It would take some getting used to. The boys weren't phased by my new metal mouth. That's lucky because I think Ryan may need one when he's a bit older and i want him to know that it's fine to wear a brace, if his really cool auntie can wear one then anyone can ;)

Anyway, I waited for this tooth ache to come along. I was sure it would hit me when I was midway through that evenings episode of Emmerdale Farm. It never arrived. Emmerdale was good though. It was strange. The only thing I was feeling was slightly uncomfortable but not through pain, through the fact that there is this thing attached to my teeth. More of an awareness of something being there, rather than anything painful.

For days I ate soup. Lentil soup. Vegetable soup. Broth. Chicken. Moroccan chicken. Spiced chicken. Chicken. I highly recommend the Covent Garden Coup Co Lentil soup. Spicy, thick and really tasty. A hug in a bowl.

Everything was going smoothly as far as I was concerned. Then I went to spin class. I was in the middle of a tricky hill section and needed a drink so went to take a sig from my bottle and OUCH. I have a Camelbak bottle with a bite valve on it. You need to bite the rubber valve to open it and suck the water out. Biting was a problem. You see with me eating mushy Weetabix for breakfast and my soups for lunch and dinner, I hadn't bitten anything for days. Until now, and ouch! I realised that my teeth were very sensitive to bite down on anything. It wasn't until seven days later I was able to bite using my canine teeth. Definitely not the front teeth, and only biting into something relatively soft.

Once I'd mastered that biting and chewing technique I was fine for a few more days. As the weeks have passed my teeth have become less sensitive. I've had no real aches in my gums. There are certain teeth that are more sensitive on different days. It started on the right hand side and has slowly moved around to my left hand side. I think that must be the teeth moving process in full effect though.

What i have been getting is sores on the insides of my cheeks. Again only on certain days, and mostly on the right had side cheek. There's a wire sticking out on the back tooth so i think i'll get her to trim that when I have my next orthodontic appointment.

I'm obsessed with my teeth brushing routine now. It takes a good 10 minutes so if i'm going anywhere i have to allow for that time to brush my teeth. I started with my small headed toothbrush and brush the teeth above the brace, angling the brush downwards to get behind the metal. I then brush below the metal and brackets. All the while using small circular motions. The back teeth are a bit more tricky. I already have an overcrowded mouth, now with the metal brace it means i have to really angel the brush to get in there. Next i brush the backs of my teeth. I can be pretty hard here as there's no metal, just a bit of sensitivity. I then take my little wire Tandex tapered brush, put a small amount of toothpaste on it and brush between each bracket behind the wires using an up and down motion. Just making sure to get between the teeth. I spend a few minutes on this. Finally i brush my bottom teeth as I normally would using my electric toothbrush. I can't use the electric toothbrush on the brace just incase it damages it. After all that i'm done. It sounds a bit of a palaver but I just want to make sure my teeth are clean. They may not be the whitest teeth but i want to keep them clean as the metal of the brace can make them look dark.

I've made up a little toiletry bag (see below) that I carry with me so i have two of everything, small headed toothbrush, little Tandex tapered brush, mini toothpaste (sensodyne pronamel & Colgate Total, floss, silicone brace wax and a mirror. I've used the brace wax a couple of times, mostly on that piece of wire sticking out the back tooth. It covers any sharp edges and helps prevent sores on the insides of my cheeks or the underside of my lips.

Floozie toiletry bag, bought in Debenhams sale for £2.80!

My next orthodontist appointment is 11 April where I think they'll take this wire out and put a new one in and tighten it. At least I think that's what happens.

I keep checking in the mirror to see if i can see a difference yet but with me only being one month into a 24 month treatment i doubt i'll see anything just now. However, I can definitely feel that something's happening.

Anyway, i'll update again next month.

Angela x

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Relisted: 35 in 35th

I thought I'd check back my 35 things in my 35th year list post and see if I've actually accomplished or am on my way to ticking things off the list. In case you don't know what I'm talking about you can go check the post out HERE.

It's a pretty decent list. Some may find it so-so, with things such as number 23 get an international check in on Foursquare or number 32 step outside of my comfort zone but I like this list. It's not exhaustive, i may even add to it during the year. But first of all I thought I'd ask for some help in completing and ticking off those little numbers that sit there in that list, teasing me like the non-existent storyline in Homeland! Okay, it's not non-existent but it's just taken a full series to get anywhere and what was Clare Danes' 'manic' episode all about last night?! Anyway, I digress, back to the list...

I'm going to deconstruct the items numbered on the list. For example, let's begin with number 1 a road trip north, south, east and west. This of course doesn't have to happen in one day. That would be some road trip! I am thinking of a drive north up the A82 toward Glencoe. I love that drive. I love the ever changing scenery. I love that you can't get a phone signal on some parts and I love that there are plenty of awesome picture taking opportunities. Here are some previous vistas I've captured. Noice.

bidean nam bian, Glencoe

A82

The road trip south was a tricky thought but a lovely friend visited a place at the weekend. It's just south of the border and she had a great time and took some amazing pictures. It looked like a magical adventure wonderland and not a neon light or loud music in sight! It's a National Trust site and includes a house, some woodland, lakes and little bits of magicalness. I believe there's a coffee shop too and no doubt a gift shop. I think it would take about 2 hours drive to get there so not too far at all. I'm not going to tell you that exact place yet, you'll just have to come along and see... :)

So... does anyone fancy a road trip north or south? :)

Angela x

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Happy New Year: 2012

Happy New Year. 2012. So much is going to be happening in the world this year. The Olympics for one. I can remember when it was announced that the Olympics were to be held in London, back then 2012 seemed so far away. And now it's not. It's here.

Time has flown. I'm still pretty much in the same place as I was back the when that announcement was made (2007?) if I'm honest. But i didn't have the hunger and vitality that I have now, she says as she sits on the bed in the fading light still in her jammies at nearly three o'clock in the afternoon.

I don't know why I think this year will be different. I'm no fortune teller or future see-er(?). But it's that feeling. You know the one I'm sure. Perhaps it's the company you keep or the people you surround yourself with. Sometimes you just gotta clear everything or everyone out that is not on the same mindset as you or who, frankly, never contact you EVER, and you gotta let the good times roll. 

Fuck. Is this me being optimistic about the forthcoming year? I nearly fell off the bed there. Talking of which. I read a post the other night by Whatleydude (i think it was actually from a few months ago). I was about not being able to sleep because of distractions in the bedroom. No. Not like that! TV, sitting on the bed to watch tv, to read a book, to just hang out, when actually your bedroom should be your sanctuary. A place where you can find sanctuary and sleep. I suppose i should get off this bed and sit on the chair to type out a blog post, shouldn't I? 

My bedroom is my sanctuary. It's where I have all my stuff. Still living at home with mum and dad means this is the place where I do come to find solace and seek peace when the house is bustling (like it has been for the past two days). Only now have people left again after new years visits. So you see, when I sit here on my bed, typing away at this blog post, I am relaxed. I could go to sleep [although I have a rule that I never sleep during the day. I just can't anyway. Think of all the things you're missing out on when you're sleeping during the day. Shudder].

But back to my point. The room does need a tidy. There's still Christmas bags lying around with presents I'm going to regift as they'll be useless to me. Plus, it's time to get myself in order for 2012. Starting with a clear out. Clothes I don't wear or are too big fr me now, stuff I don't need but yet somehow it manages to edge it's way into my sanctuary. Is time. It's 2012. It's all systems go.

Angela x

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No Words Wednesday

Saturday evening sunset, raindrops

There's not...

Happy Halloween

The Duo of Wonderful Nephews

Self

Another amazing sunset

Spinning Self

Saturday morning mist

Loch calmness

Mirror

Bridge

Angela xx