Oct
2019

Beautiful Mayo along the Wild Atlantic Way

Categories: Travel
Westport – the town that stole my heart

Mayo stole my heart.  This beautiful county was my home for three years.  I was welcomed by the wonderful warm people and enchanted by the magnificent surroundings.  I return to Mayo as often as I can.

The Wild Atlantic Way conjures up images of crashing surf over jagged rocks, rugged mountains and landscapes with changing hues. But, it’s so much more than that. It’s also about the culture of local music and literary festivals, museums and historical sites. And don’t forget those beautiful white sandy beaches in hidden away coves and the hospitality that comes with a good old fashioned Irish pub. You’ll find all these things anywhere along the Way, but none more so than in the western and north western counties of Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal.  I really need to extend my exploring up the coast.

Mayo is often described as being ‘hauntingly beautiful’. Perhaps it’s because you often have the windswept landscape all to yourself. Or maybe it’s that stories of the famine seem to resonate more loudly here. Either way, much like the rest of the west coast, the scenery is breath-taking and dotted with spectacular vistas.

As you travel from Letterfrack in Connemara on your way into Mayo you’ll pass along the southern shore of Ireland’s only true fjord, Killary Harbour. The fjord stretches 16km from the Atlantic to Aasleagh falls where Galway and Mayo meet. Along the way, stop off and take a boat cruise where the spectacular nature of the fjord can be truly appreciated.

Aashleagh Falls on the Wild Atlantic Way

After Aasleagh falls your destination is Mayo’s jewel in the crown, Clew Bay and the Georgian town of Westport. Most would take the N59 straight up to Westport. Instead, take the scenic route and while there’s no coast road to follow for quite some distance, the R335 will take you through the absolutely stunning DooLough pass. This valley is home to a famine memorial that is definitely worth the visit.

A worthwhile detour is to divert from the Louisburgh road and head to Silver Strand and the Lost Valley. The Lost Valley is a sheep farm run by 6 generations of the Bourke family. It also serves as a famine memorial where it’s possible to visit deserted communities not inhabited since the famine. The beach at Silver Strand adjacent to the farm is unspoilt, but, beware of bathing as the waters have been described as treacherous. Overlooking the farm and the beach is the magnificent Mweelrea mountain. It’s Connacht’s tallest peak at 814 metres.

Around Clew Bay

The road gets closer to the coast when you get to Clew Bay where there are rumoured to be 365 islands. One for every day of the year. There really aren’t that many, but why let facts get in the way of a traditional story. Why not stop along the way at the foot of Croagh Patrick. There’s no need to climb right up to the top, but a short walk up it’s base will give you spectacular views of the bay.

The most welcome respite on your road trip is the beautiful Georgian town of Westport, my home for a while, just a short distance from Croagh Patrick. The pubs and cafes provide excellent food and drink and there’s plenty of accommodation to suit all pockets.

Westport is strategically located so that it’s easy to base oneself there while exploring the south and northern coastlines of Mayo over a few days.

A short drive along the north shore of Clew Bay lies the delightful town of Newport. The town is a renowned angling centre and stands at the entrance to the Bangor Trail, which is now part of the Great Western Greenway, a 43.5km cycling and walking route from Westport to Achill Island.

Achill Island and North Mayo

You really should include a visit to Achill Island a place that epitomises the Wild Atlantic Way with its rugged landscape, steep cliffs, rolling mountains, sheltered beaches and deserted villages. There are loads of adventure activities like surfing, horse riding and hiking as the well as the famous hospitality of its pubs and restaurants. It’s no wonder that there are plenty of families who make Achill their annual holiday destination. To the North West of Achill sits the 11,000 hectares of the unspoilt and uninhabited Ballycroy National Park. It’s a massive area of bog and peat dominated by the Nephin Beg mountains and is also part of Mayo’s Dark Sky park, where on a clear night you can see over 4,500 stars in the sky.

A short distance from the park is Mayo’s Gaeltacht of the Mullet Peninsula and the Barony of Erris. Belmullet is an ideal town from which to explore the peninsula’s cliffs and wild landscape. There is a plethora of water and adventure sports available.

As you drive away from the Belmullet along Mayo’s north coast, you can see the coast and beaches of Donegal miles in the distance. Stop in the picturesque seaside village of Killala famous for it’s role in the 1798 rebellion. Killala is packed full of tourist amenities and its skyline is dominated by a 12th Century Round Tower.

Ballina is Mayo’s largest town and is more or less the last stop before you enter County Sligo. Sitting on the River Moy, Ballina is considered an excellent Salmon fishery and its famous Ridge Pool in the heart of the town is a ‘salmon angers paradise’. In July, the population swells as the town hosts the annual Ballina Salmon festival with a week-long feast of free entertainment.

Travelling to Mayo is enchanting.  Pack the car and head out and I promise you might fall in love with the beautiful county and it’s people.  However as I have learned it is best to be prepared.

Before you hit the road make sure you are covered with Liberty Insurance Ireland. All our our car insurance policies come with 24/7 breakdown assistance with Home Start as standard and it won’t affect your no claims bonus. Get your car insurance quote online now.

This is a sponsored post, however as you know I never post about anything I don’t believe in.  It is a pleasure to feature the beauty of Mayo on my blog, and to remind people how important it is to be prepared.

Thanks for reading

 

Kerry xx

Thank you to Connemara Wild Escapes for the wonderful photos.

 

 

 

 


Aug
2019

In Praise of the Afternoon Nap

Categories: Health, lifestyle, Mindset

I love an afternoon nap!  When I wake up, I feel refreshed and ready to take on the rest of the day and evening.

I am not alone.  Winston Churchill also loved to nap.  He believed you get twice as much done if you nap!  “Nature has not intended mankind to work from eight in the morning until midnight without that refreshment of blessed oblivion which, even if it only lasts twenty minutes, is sufficient to renew all the vital forces… Don’t think you will be doing less work because you sleep during the day. That’s a foolish notion held by people who have no imaginations. You will be able to accomplish more. You get two days in one — well, at least one and a half,” he said.

I have always loved a Sunday afternoon nap.  There is something quite indulgent about snuggling up with a book and then allowing yourself to close your eyes and head to dreamland in the middle of the afternoon.

I also have great memories of that nap at the end of nursery school or kindergarten.  Bliss.

To nap or not to nap?

I have recently being experiencing a flare.  My pain levels are off the charts and this makes me grumpy.  To be honest I have also had a niggling feeling that the depression that I have kept at bay for many years is creeping back.  The weather isn’t helping – in Ireland has been dull, grey and rainy for months.  I really don’t like taking antidepressants (although I would never rule them out). What I could do to help myself?

I sat with my journal and tried to figure out how to get though this rough patch. The first thing I realised is that I must be absolutely diligent with my exercise.  Exercise gives you endorphins – happy hormones so this was an easy fix. It is easy when you are not feeling great to skip, but that is the last thing I needed.  You can read about my wonderful trampoline routine here.

The second thing I realised is that an afternoon nap might help.  It was around 5 pm that I was feeling completely overwhelmed by pain and low mood.  I wondered if a nap might help.

An afternoon nap definitely helps

After a few days of my new routine, exercise first thing, eating as well as possible and my nap I started to feel a bit better.  The late afternoon dips were gone and I felt more able to cope.

There seems to be some evidence to back this up.  According to WebMD Napping isn’t just for babies. Studies show that an afternoon nap is great for adults, too. There’s no need to feel lazy for indulging in daytime sleep. A short nap in the mid-afternoon can boost memory, improve job performance, lift your mood, make you more alert, and ease stress.

Dr. Sara Mednick, a psychologist at the University of California, Riverside and author of Take a Nap! Change Your Life has some interesting thoughts.  In an article on www.time.com she is quotes as saying that naps are good for most people.  Mednick says. her research shows a nap—defined as daytime sleeping that lasts between 15 and 90 minutes—can improve brain functions ranging from memory to focus and creativity. “For some people, naps are as restorative as a whole night of sleep,” she adds. More research shows a quick nap can lower stress and recharge your willpower. And napping has also been linked to lower rates of cardiovascular disease and inflammation.

It looks like my instincts to take an afternoon nap are good.  My research did show however that if you are very sleepy and feel like you need to sleep all the time, there could be an underlying cause.  If in doubt please consult your doctor.

For me though I am off upstairs for a little shut-eye.

Thanks for reading and sharing my journey.

Kerry x


Aug
2019

Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome – IBS and me!

Categories: Health, Reviews

Sometimes I feel like IBS is the soundtrack to my life.  It is always there in one form or another, and I am always hunting for a way to turn the volume down.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of those things that nobody seems to have a definitive solution for and it is exacerbated by long-term illnesses like fibromyalgia and diabetes.  Medication that you take to solve one thing seems to make it worse, so it is a constant juggling act.  For me this is the hard truth when it comes to painkillers and anti-inflammatories I need to take for arthritis.

Warning:  This is a post with a bit TMI (too much information) but I hope it will help my fellow irritable bowel syndrome sufferers.

It isn’t all doom and gloom though

A few things have helped me to deal with IBS.  The first one is simply accepting that it isn’t going anywhere.  It isn’t ever going to go away and I simply have to deal with it.  Anyone who suffers will know what I mean when I say that sometimes I simply don’t want to go out because of it.  Sometimes I am literally curled up in a ball with tummy cramps.  Don’t even start the constipation and diarrhoea.

I have however found some products and techniques that do help, and they help so much that I really wanted to write about them.

doTERRA ZenGest Oil

This little bottle of magical goodness has actually changed my life.  To give you an idea of how much, imagine this scenario.  I always have a little rollerball of Zengest diluted with fractionated coconut oil around me.  I roll it on my tummy and then massage it in a clockwise direction.  This is literally the most soothing thing ever.  The cramps simply dissolve.  It is also great for constipation.

On the odd occasion I lose it.  It rolls under the bed, or the sofa (I actually have two on the go). You have never seen my so energised trying to find it.  I literally go to pieces because I know that it is my little lifesaver in a bottle.

doTERRA Zengest has a unique blend (sometimes called the tummy tamer blend) and contains the calming properties of Ginger, Fennel, Coriander, Peppermint, Tarragon, Anise, and Caraway. ZenGest can be diffused for its liquorice aroma, applied topically to the abdomen, or taken internally.

doTERRA Peppermint Oil

Another little roller bottle (I dilute the pure oil to use as a massage oil) that I have at my side all the time.  I often layer the two together for the ultimate relief.  Peppermint oil has been a favourite of mine for many years and I have used it for a number of different purposes from calming anxiety, clearing my breath, a simple pick me up and more.  My son, as a child called it magic oil.  It is also mighty for tummy troubles, and can be added to a cup of hot water for an instant peppermint tea – and we all know that is perfect for bloating and that full feeling.  (Note:  not all oils can be taken internally, but this one is OK) .

Peppermint oil has the added bonus of clearing your airways and freshening your breath.

Prune Juice

Yes, although I am super grateful for the difference the doTERRA products are making in my life, another new addition that is helping is old-fashioned prune juice.  A small glass every day is helping to keep me regular and that in itself gives me the confidence to manage my IBS life better.

doTERRA Lemon in lots of water

Hydration is vital – especially when you are taking as many medications as I am.  I try to drink up to 2 litres of water a day.  On the advice of my friends Mike and Sinead at West2Wellness, I started adding a few drops of lemon oil to my water jug.  Not only does it taste delicious, but it is a great internal cleanser.

Last but not least ….

doTERRA Terrazyme

This is a supplement created by doTERRA containing digestive enzymes as well as other goodies.  It supports healthy digestion and metabolic processes.  I pop a pill or two especially when eating a full meal.  It is a little like sending in the solution before the problem.  I am pretty sure this is helping my weight too.

I always think long and hard before writing about any products on my blog.  I need to know that they work for me and be sure that the information is worth sharing.  I have been on a huge health journey over the past year (more about that soon).  I have made doTERRA oils and supplements a part of this journey for the last few months and I can honestly say that these little bottles of goodness have quietened the IBS soundtrack.

I get my products (which are conveniently delivered to my door) from Mike and Sinead at West2Wellness.  They have their own health stories which continue to inspire me.

If you are suffering with Irritable bowel syndrome and want to chat about it or get any advice, please feel free to message me or get directly in touch with West2Wellness.

Thank you for reading my IBS story.

Kerry x

 

Kerry xx


Jul
2019

Messages for my Inner Child

Categories: lifestyle, Mindset

I was going through some old photos, and was struck by a few things.  Firstly, that I essentially haven’t changed that much.  I am older for sure, but the ‘me’ that was there at 7 is still there today.

My journey from seven to 55 has been exactly that a journey – lots of ups and downs, twists and turns and even if I could – I can’t change anything.  What I can do is remember that the essentially positive seven-year-old is still inside and by remembering my inner child I can keep myself young and positive.  I started to think of messages to my inner child.

My messages to my inner child are:

  • Keep creative.  Remember the joy of bits and pieces and how they all go together to create something special.  Choose whatever colour crayon you want and colour with abandon.
  • Don’t listen to the critics.  There is always someone who feels that they know better and are happy to correct you.  Don’t let anyone dampen your enthusiasm.
  • Everything in moderation.  In our house we were given a small package of sweets on a Friday night, and a comic on a Thursday.  We looked forward to this with a huge amount of expectation, and enjoyed it with delight.  A taste of sweetness is enough you don’t need the super-size bags.
  • Friendship is important.  As a child I loved spending time with my friends.  Sleepovers, after school visits and the exciting weekends.  As I got older it was discos and shopping, but the constant was friendship.  As an adult we get busy, too busy.
  • Enjoy play.  We forget the abandon of doing something for no particular purpose.  Running along the beach with my dress tucked into my knickers!  The sunshine filtering down and adding to my freckles.  I still want to do this (and I’ll tell you a secret I still do).
  • Accept who you are.  I never quite loved my freckles (I do now though).  At seven year’s old I had never heard of obesity, body image or cellulite.  I was just me.  I am still me.
  • Embrace dressing up.  I loved dressing up, shoes, hats, loads of accessories and a good bit of sparkle.  I even had a wig in my dressing up box.  It is nice to remember how it feels when we make a bit of an effort and even nicer when we receive a compliment.
  • Live for today.  At seven, we do not think of the future, we live for the day, and perhaps plan for a treat or an outing.  It is not that I advocate never planning for the future, but today is all we have promised.
  • Be prepared.  Now, don’t laugh!  When I was little I always kept a handbag, and in it a spare pair of knickers (pants).  In those days our underwear was held up by elastic and those elastics were known to snap.  Little acts of preparation go a long way.

What message would you give to your inner child.  She is still there, no matter what your age.  By remembering little me, I hope to give that childish joy alive forever.

Thank you for reading.

Kerry x


Jul
2019

Finding my fashion and beauty secrets!

Categories: Beauty, Fabulous women, Fashion, Uncategorized

I have always loved fashion, but as I am getting older and my shape is changing, I find that sometimes I struggle to know exactly what is right for me.  What is going to make me feel great!

I was delighted to be approached by Andrea Pflaumer – best selling author, to be part of a new online video series.

Shopping for the real you!

Andrea Pflaumer is hosting an amazing series where 20+ experts, including myself, are sharing wonderful tips on fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and wellness.

It’s called Shopping for the Real You: Expert Edition and it starts on 12 July.

It’s really easy to get involved.  Simply subscribe by clicking on the link below and the video interviews will be delivered directly to your inbox!

In this series, you will learn:

  • Dos and don’ts of fashion
  • How to boost your self-esteem
  • Beauty and health tips
  • How to achieve a healthy lifestyle
  • Saying yes to yourself
  • Identifying and choosing healthy relationships
  • Keeping your mind active and clear

You will also learn my beauty secret!  The one product that I absolutely cannot live without.

Join in with these fabulous ladies.  I will be watching all the videos hoping to get lots of inspiration.   Join me by clicking HERE

I am proud to be me

I am 55 now and every wrinkle that I have and every lump and bump I have earned.  I am delighted to be authentically me and encourage everyone to be themselves.  In my opinion that is the thing that makes women truly beautiful – Just be authentically you.

Thank you for reading and for listening – I will be sure to let you know when my interview is published!

Kerry x


Jun
2019

Escaping to the Wild Atlantic Way

Categories: Reviews, Travel

When I think about travel, I tend to think about aeroplanes and the need for a passport.  Sometimes we forget that we have some glorious opportunities on our own doorstep.  Why not consider a little staycation closer to home?

A reason to celebrate

It isn’t that I need a reason to go on an adventure, but when the Merriman Hotel in Kinvara invited me to try a midweek break, I thought it would be an excellent way to celebrate our June birthdays.

So, we packed a little bag and headed off to Kinvara which is a beautiful fishing village on the Wild Atlantic Way.  A little over an hour from home Kinvara is also the gateway to the beautiful Burren in County Clare.

There are pros and cons about the Irish Summer.  The pros are that the landscape is truly picturesque, and the expression ‘50 shades of green’ is truly in bloom.  The con is that for this lush landscape to bloom we have  a lot of rain!  I am used to rain by now, and a good coat with a hood means that I am ready to go – regardless of the weather.

The Merriman Hotel in beautiful Kinvara

The Merriman Hotel, the largest thatch roof structure in Ireland and has a cosy traditional feel, inviting you in and encouraging you to stay.  As we were on a mini break I wanted to pack as much as I could into the day.

After checking in, we headed off for a walk through the town, stopping to browse in some interesting and quirky shops.  We landed up at Sair a coffee shop gallery for a delicious cappuccino and a naughty slice of pecan nut pie.  Despite being June, the weather was crisp and after the walk I had built up an appetite for dinner.  We returned to our comfy room, and then to settle in before thinking about an evening meal.

More Delicious Food

We decided to stay at the Merriman that evening and dine at the Thatch Bar.  One of the great things about a mini break is that you can relax, enjoy a drink and know that you only have to wander upstairs to bed and that nobody has to drive home.

I cannot recommend the food at the Thatch Bar at the Merriman enough.  It was lip smackingly delicious.  I chose traditional fish, chips and mushy peas.  The batter was crisp and delicious and the fish so fresh!  The portion was huge, but that was ok because himself landed up having both his sticky spare ribs and some of my fish.  As it was a birthday celebration we indulged in dessert.   Apple crumble for him and a delicious Eton Mess for me!

Day Two in Kinvara

After a great night’s sleep and a few cups of tea in bed we came down to breakfast, which was served buffet style with a large choice of fruits, cereals and pastries plus of course a traditional full Irish breakfast.  Once again excellent food, of course washed down with a few more cups of tea.

I am not used to a full breakfast, so we decided to go for a walk before heading off.  The grey skies were threatening, but we donned our coats and took a refreshing walk down to the harbour where the views across the water were simply stunning.

Visit Kinvara on a Thursday night – there is a good reason …

If you are booking a mid-week mini break at The Merriman Hotel, I would advise booking a Thursday.  The reason is that on a Friday there is really the most fabulous Farmers Market which takes place on a Friday morning from 10 am.  You will find a huge range of delicious food items (to eat there or to take home), local crafts and a great choice of fresh fruit and vegetables.

As we were rather full of our delicious breakfast I did a little shopping for home.  I bought a sharp local cheese with a hint of chilli, some very indulgent cinnamon and spice buns, and a ciabatta, which is was yummy toasted.

Onwards on the Wild Atlantic Way

Kinvara is a great stopping off place for visiting the Burren and County Clare.  It is only another short drive to amazing beaches such as Flaggy Shore, and Fanore Beach (my personal favourite), and the iconic Cliffs of Moher.

I am really blessed to live so close to this area, and I will definitely be back on a sunny day.  Stopping first at the Merriman Hotel for their famous Sunday carvery lunch and then making my way down the Wild Atlantic Way.

 

Thank you for reading about my adventures.

Kerry xx

 

p.s  Thank you to The Merriman Hotel for having us to stay.

 

 

 

 


May
2019

All Set for Summer in Sunshine Yellow

Categories: Fashion

I love summer fashion.  However, I am a pain to shop with because I am not great at making up my mind. I think everything through, over and over again until I am sure that I absolutely love what I am purchasing.  When I do make a purchase though it always makes me smile!

The seasonal change-over

I have written before about how I change my wardrobe over from winter to summer fashion  (although this is not always strictly necessary in Ireland).  Adding a few key fashion pieces every season updates my wardrobe and makes me feel like everything is new, when in fact I am great at recycling and shopping my closet.  In many cases those key pieces are accessories.

Yellow Sunshine for summer fashion

A few of you who have known me a long time will know that I used to have a shop.  It was a little art and craft store and it was called An Siopa Bui – literally translated this is The Yellow Shop.  I chose the name because yellow makes me happy.  It makes me think of sunshine and it lifts my mood.

Imagine my excitement when I had a look at the Hotter Shoes spring summer range.  Bright citrus yellow – I was in my element.  I chose these fabulous citrus yellow Livvy pump with funky polka dot punch outs,  and of course the matching Lydia handbag.  It is a perfect size and the contrasting strap is a great length for a cross body bag.

My go to Summer outfit

If you see me on a sunny day this is probably what I will be wearing!  I have paired my yellow accessories with my new summer dress.  Navy is such a fresh alternative to black and this dress, rather than being polka-dotted is dotted with tiny white anchors adding to the summer feel.  The style really suits my curvy body shape and I feel so comfortable wearing it – especially accessorised with yellow.

Summer Sunglasses

When I was getting ready to go out on our adventure I popped on my specs.  A little secret here:  I am very short-sighted so I treated myself to these fab designer specs a few years ago.  The optician changed the lenses to my prescription.  Now I can look trendy and see where I am going.

Outfit details:
Dress:  Queenspark, South Africa (holiday purchase)
Shoes: Livvy in Citrus Yellow from Hotter (gifted) (available in other colours too)
Bag: Lydia in Citrus Yellow from Hottter (gifted) (available in other colours too)
Sunglasses:  Eye World Opticians, Westport

Thank you for reading and for sharing my joy for summer and yellow in particular.

Kerry x

This is a sponsored post


May
2019

Melanoma Awareness – Love your skin – it is the only one you have

Categories: Health, lifestyle


I grew up in South Africa and was a real water baby.  As a child I spent hours running around  in my swimsuit, in and out of the water and baking myself under the hot sun.  I even fell asleep in the sun during the Christmas holidays and burned my bum so bad that I couldn’t sit!

That was many years ago and the word melanoma wasn’t one I had ever heard.  It wasn’t until I got a funny patch on my collar bone a few years ago that I really started to consider the cost.   Thankfully the patch was removed and it was ok, it was however a real wake-up call.

Perfect timing – Melanoma Awareness

As a blogger I receive press releases on a regular basis.  I glance and them and if they are relevant to my blog I will follow up.  A few weeks ago we had just returned home after visiting a melanoma clinic for a check-up.  All was good, but we were firmly reminded that we needed to wear Factor 30 if not Factor 50 at all times – not just on holidays and in the sunny weather.

Ping! An email arrived reminding me that May is Melanoma Awareness Month. Uriage a brand I love was calling on the public to adopt safe behaviour in the sun when abroad as well as in Ireland. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland with over 1,000 new cases diagnosed year, and on average 159 people dying annually. Cases of melanoma have almost trebled in the last 20 years.

UV rays come in two forms – UVA and UVB. UVA rays make up over 90% of the sun’s rays. They have a longer wavelength than UVB, allowing them to reach deeper within the skin. They pass through cloud, glass and water. These rays are responsible for Ageing of the skin and play a significant role in the development of skin cancer. UVB rays do not penetrate skin so deeply: they cause the skin to Burn, cause eye damage and also play a role in the development of skin cancers.

Uriage has gifted me this wonderful spray which is going to make keeping safe and protected so much easier. (It is available from many pharmacies and online)

Uriage Thermal Water Mist SPF 30 has the highest concentration of minerals and trace elements (52x richer than other Thermal Water available) and is proven to be soothing and fortifying for the skin. Its high mineral content and rich compositions makes it exceptional water with therapeutic properties. An anti-pollution shield associated to UV filter for an UVA/UVB protection

Be Melanoma Aware and know what to look for

With my few brushes with skin issues I have learnt a few things.

  1. Don’t panic.  However if you have any questions or concerns get medical advice.
  2. Know what to look for. A quick google with show you images of good moles and bad moles.  Many people have completely harmless ones, but it’s a great idea to keep an eye on them.
  3. Watch for changes – in many cases moles might be on a back or unseen. I take photos to compare (which I have found is exactly what the melanoma clinic does too).
  4. Finally, prevention is always a better option. Use the right sunscreen, and cover up!

After talking about sun, I feel I might need a bit of time with a cup of tea and a search for my next sun holiday.

Thanks for reading and please take care!

Kerry x

 

 


May
2019

Fat people can exercise and enjoy it!

Categories: Health, lifestyle, Mindset, shopping

 

Yes, I am fat.  I have struggled with my weight my whole life.  Knowing what I know now, I wish that I had figured out how happy keeping moving makes me years ago.

A few weeks ago someone asked me what exercise I did.  I answered that I jumped on my mini trampoline.  You could actually see the images in her mind as she tried to visualise me on a trampoline.  It is not that I jump up and try touch the ceiling – what I do could probably be defined as jogging in one place.  With the huge benefit of less pressure on my arthritic joints. (I previously wrote about the benefits of rebounding (trampoline jumping) here.)

My biggest fear

I am afraid of loosing my mobility.  In fact, I have lost some already and have issues with balance and pain when walking.  I use a stick for any distance, or in areas where I am unfamiliar.  At first, I was embarrassed, and ashamed that I needed a stick to walk.  In Manchester with my son and I asked him – do you mind that I need a stick to walk?  His answer (he is very straightforward):  ‘At least when you walk with Stan (the stick) you walk faster.’  To be honest at least when I walk with a stick I get out and do it!

Anchoring habits

I knew I had to get moving and at the same time I knew that I needed to incorporate exercise into  my daily routine in a way that I would enjoy it and that it would become a habit.  When I get up in the morning, my first thought is tea, and then breakfast as I have a number of medications to take that need food.  The next thing I would do is write my journal.

In order to incorporate exercise effectively I decided to anchor my trampoline sessions to these two activities.  It is no fun jumping on a full stomach, so first thing in the morning I come downstairs and straight onto the trampoline.  Sometimes I jump to breakfast TV and other times set up a YouTube concert to inspire me.  By doing this first, I get it done and am rewarded with breakfast and some quiet time with my journal afterwards.

What to wear to exercise?

For many years I used the excuse of not having workout gear.  Thankfully times have changed and there is a great range of exercise gear at companies like Oxendales in all sizes.  The truth is that you don’t need special clothes to jump at home.  Just be comfortable and wear a good bra!

Footwear is another matter.  It is really important to look after your feet – especially as you get older and most exercise requires good supportive and comfortable footwear.  I am delighted with these blue grey shoes gifted to me by Hotter.  I could walk for miles in them, and the extra bonus is that they look great with jeans or jeggings.  They  haven’t been off my feet since they arrived.

My fab footwear are called Flow Shoes and are lightweight, flexible and trendy.  They come in three colours – Sky Blue (my choice), black and pebble grey.

Check out their range online at www.hotter.com.  They have a wide range of sizes and widths and a superb delivery service.

Although this is a sponsored post and the shoes were gifted to me, the story is my own.  I hope to share more episodes of my health and fitness journey with you here.

Thanks for reading – I am off to jump!  Yes, fat people can exercise.

Kerry xx


May
2019

Unplugged in Mabalingwe

Categories: Mindset, Travel


It is ok to be unplugged!  To leave behind responsibilities and that fine but strong thread that ties us to the online world.  It isn’t easy though.

The lure of the African bush

When we started planning our trip to South Africa, I just knew I wanted time in the bush.  Time to get back to my roots and feel ‘African’.  It is hard to describe the assault to the senses that sunset in the bush is – it’s the smell of the soil and the aroma of smoke as the fires crackle for night-time braais (BBQs).  The gentle sun on my skin, and the sparkle that the sun creates as it touches the leaves in the trees and kisses the water.  It is the taste of a cold beer, or glass of wine and the company of good friends.  And, It is even the laugh as you look behind you and find a family of warthogs wanted to join in.

Dreams do come true and we had our bush experience at beautiful Mabalingwe, a nature reserve in the Swartberg Mountains in Limpopo Province in South Africa.

Letting go

We shopped, we packed and set off on our journey.  It is funny that the first thing we seem to do when we get anywhere is to check our phones.  And when we got settled in to our gorgeous cottage, we had nothing.  No signal at all!   Between us we tried all sorts of positions and combinations but to be honest no matter what we tried it didn’t work.  Standing on my tip toes with my head angled towards I don’t know what, I managed to send a message that we had arrived safely.  We relaxed, we ate good food, we chatted and laughed and yes, had that glass of wine or two.

Mabalingwe is an amazing place, with the opportunity to go on self-drive safari.  We got up early in the morning and headed out at a slow pace, rambling along taking in all the sights, sounds and smells that epitomise the African bush.  Lucky for us, we saw some amazing sights including my two favourite animals, zebra’s and giraffes.

Unplugged and without transport!

I told myself I was fine, not being connected.  After a couple of days of no internet access I felt quite smug. I could do this.  That was until I finished my book on my kindle and realised I didn’t have a way of downloading a new one.

On Monday I needed to confirm that the hire car I had booked would be delivered.  Now my stress levels started rising.  I couldn’t make a clear phone call as the signal kept dropping.  I couldn’t access my emails and to be honest I didn’t feel good knowing that I was so out of touch.

Eventually I asked the hotel reception for assistance and some hours later the car turned up.  Sometimes we need a reminder of how things were done before mobile phones arrived.

To celebrate the arrival of the car, we visited Vultures View – the amazing pub that is literally in the sky and offers great service, good food and views begging to be posted on Instagram.  And, we discovered, the best WiFi!

I downloaded a book, or two, checked my mail and social media accounts and realised that truthfully, I hadn’t missed much.

Choosing to be unplugged

For the balance of the week, I chose to be unplugged (almost 24/7).  It was quite freeing to know that scrolling through my phone was pointless.  Instead I read lots of books and took time to simply do nothing.

I also, treated myself to a couple of treatments at the Mbali Spa.  Self-care is a bit like being unplugged – you know you need to do it, but in the hustle of daily life it gets forgotten.  I made my choice and simply relaxed. My first treatment was a geranium and pine sugar scrub.  I felt so good after it that I booked a facial for the next day.

I must admit that every couple of days we visited the pub and ‘checked-in’.  We even got caught in the most amazing and scary thunderstorm one day, when even the higher powers unplugged the electricity.

Perhaps I need the thought of our beautiful time in the bush to remind me to stop scrolling and unplug.

Thank you for sharing my adventures.

Kerry x

 

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