Wednesday 17 December 2014

Protein hot chocolate treat!!

Sorry for the delay in getting this post up, this time of year is crazy as usual!!

I recently made my friend a protein hot chocolate, she wasn't aware protein hot choc existed, so it made how many other people are in the dark about this fabulous treat!

I have tried a few different brands and to date my favourite is this one from MyProtein.


Each serving of Protein Hot Chocolate has over 15g of protein sourced from a unique combination of Milk Protein Concentrate, PeptoPro® (Casein Hydrolysate) and Micellar Casein.

Each serving provides less than half a gram of fat and only 4g of sugar.

I am sure you don't need instructions to make hot chocolate, however, at this time of year I like to make my hot chocolate a little naughty, here's my recipe for protein Irish cream hot chocolate :)
I have added links to the ingredients I use.

One mug of milk per person
One heaped scoop of Chocolate powder per person
Irish Cream
Whipped cream
Marshmallows (optional)
Chocolate topping (optional)

Directions:
Gently heat your milk in a saucepan and add the protein powder
Stir until smooth
Pour in your Irish Cream (up to you how much you add!)
Give it a good stir
Pour into your cup

If desired add whipped cream, marshmallows and a crumbled flake on top :)

The great thing about this is you can add as little or as much as you like, so you can choose how naughty you are!!

MYPROTEIN also offer a Hot Mocha and a Hot Latte which are both delicious too :)

xXx

*this post is not sponsored in any way.

Tuesday 25 November 2014

New Year party dress

So, for the first time ever I am going to an official, organised New Year party.
The party has quite a snazzy theme so I decided a new dress was in order, in my usual Google trawl I came across the ericdress website, and was thoroughly impressed with what I saw.

It's not very often I go somewhere that warrants a full on evening gown so I plan to make the most of it. On the ericdress website there are sections for weddings, special occasions, general fashion, shoes and accessories. There are so many fabulous items on there it took me around 2 hours to feel I had viewed everything. I am still a little undecided on which dress to go for so I have forced myself to narrow it down to three options and hope you can help me decide?

The first dress is from the 'Cocktail Dresses' section of the website.







This is the Fancy Strapless Empire Mini/Short Little Black Evening/Cocktail/Prom Dress I adore the tuxedo styling on the front, it look amazing. It's not my usual style but that's what I am aiming for!

The next dress is from the 'Formal Evening Dresses' section of the website.





This is the Column Floor-Length V-Neck Evening Dress I love the winter wonderland feel of this dress and the back detailing is divine.

The third and final dress is from the 'Evening Dresses 2015' section.






This is the Beaded Ruched Short Cocktail Dress I like the understated designed of this dress which is set off by the beading to make it stand out. Perfect for the party season!!

All of these dresses are available in many different colours so you can pick and choose according to your theme or destination. The dresses can also be altered in some cases too. They are currently gearing up to their black Friday sale so now is the time to visit the website :)

The ericdress website receives excellent reviews, once I have decided on which dress to buy I will post again about the delivery experience and the actual dress when I receive it.

As I will be looking to buy some bridesmaid dresses in the near future, I may well be stopping of here in my search.

I look forward to hearing which dress you think I should go for :) Comments below please!!

xXx


Tuesday 18 November 2014

Rice Krispie Recovery

These little treats are perfect after a late gym session when you need your protein intake but don't want to eat anything too heavy:
 
 

Stuff you'll need:
 
1 ½ cups Rice Krispie cereal
1-2 tbsp. honey depending on how sweet you like things
2 tbsp. butter or margarine
2 scoops of your favourite protein powder.(PhD Diet whey is my favourite!)
½ cup oatmeal
½ tsp. vanilla extract
 
How to Make:
 
Preheat oven to 160 degress
Lightly coat your baking tray with 1 cal. spray.
Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl, then place into the baking tray.
Cook for 10-15 minutes or until the mixture is crisp.
 
 
Once you take them out you can drizzle them with some good quality dark chocolate should you wish (or any other topping that may take your fancy!) You can add nuts, chocolate chips or raisins to the mix when you fancy a change.
 
Recently I used PhD diet whey in chocolate orange flavour and drizzled the top in melted Terry's chocolate orange - they were DIVINE!!!!!!!!
 
 
 
Enjoy your no fuss, protein packed sweet treats!
 
xXx

Tuesday 11 November 2014

Everything Ebay

I am still obsessed with eBay, I am not sure this will ever end.........

I was at a hen do last weekend and really fancied something new to wear but didn't really have the cash for a shopping spree. Quite by accident I spotted this dress on eBay and had to have it! It was brand new without tags and I snagged it for 99p!! I know can you believe it!

 
 
Of course, once I had the dress I had to find some shoes to match!! And guess what, I got these beauties for 99p too. So that's a full outfit postage included for £6.78!!! I could hardly believe it.


 

I painted my nails to match (Barry M Gelly of course!), popped on some gold dangly earrings and I was ready to go! I received so many nice comment about my outfit, it just shows you don't need to spend a fortune to feel good. I like a splurge as much as the next girl but I love a bargain more!


 
The finished result :)


I think with all the pressure these days to look amazing and spend a fortune to get there it's nice to look and feel good having been thrifty :)

xXx

Monday 10 November 2014

Diet Protein Vanilla Choc-chip Pancakes

You may have read my previous post with a recipe for protein muffins and I promised I would share some more of my protein packed recipes soon.

This is a great breakfast recipe but is also good for an any-time snack too.

 
 
 


Ingredients:
2 scoops PhD Diet Whey vanilla protein powder
2 scoops almond meal
4 egg whites
1/2 cup of water
3 tsp Sugar or Stevia if you are being good
1/4 cup of choc-chips (any kind you like)

Instructions:
Mix all ingredients together until batter is formed, it will be quite thick!!
Pour batter onto heated nonstick pan to form pancakes (I spray with 1cal fry light first)
Flip pancakes after the bottom bubbles, and remove promptly when each side is cooked.
I find pancakes work better if the pan isn't too hot that the burn practically right away, you may need to do a couple of test ones with varying temperatures to begin with :)

This will makes around 6 pancakes





If you try them, let me know what you think?

I will share some more protein powder recipe's soon :)

xXx

Monday 3 November 2014

Changes with Chalk Paint!

We had a bookcase in the house that we've had for a number of years now and after decorating it didn't match anymore. I really didn't want to throw it away so I decided to give it a make over.

The rest of the room has a grey/lilac theme so it really looks 'part of the furniture' now!!

I decided painting the whole case grey may look too dark and oppressive so for the main frame I used Rust-oleum chalky finish furniture paint in Antique White, for the shelves I used Rust-oleum chalky finish furniture paint in Anthracite Grey. I have backed the rear of the case using B&Q Holden Paste The Paper Calligraphy Heather & Silver Wallpaper.

It took some time and patience to achieve the finished result, I took the shelves out of the casing and painted them separately, this finished result was achieved by using 2 coats of grey and 3 coats of white. I recommend using a smaller roller to apply the paint, you can get these in Poundland with 4 rollers. I used a wallpaper cutting tool to ensure a smooth edge.



I absolutely love the Rust-oleum range of chalk furniture paints, The paint can be used directly onto wood (bare or painted), brick, stone, plaster or any suitably primed rigid surface (metal, plastic etc).
You can also create a distressed look by applying two coats in contrasting colours then sanding or scouring when dry.

I have recently discovered that this paint is available in Boyes for £12 making it much cheaper than any other stores.

This is the current range of fab colours:


If you need any tips please just ask :) I'd love to see your similar project too!  xXx

Friday 31 October 2014

Little floral dress

I have a wedding coming up at the end of the month, it's a while since I've been to a wedding so I really want to look and feel my best.

As I mentioned in a previous post I snapped up this fab Miss Selfridge dress for just £8, it's a little different to my usual style so I  looking forward to wearing it!

Arms, legs and back will be on show so I will be sure not to slack in my training.
(I intend to do a separate post about my training regime in the near future)
















I am currently in full on training mode so hopefully by the end of November I'll be ready to rock this little number!

So now I just need to decide what is going to go with it.......

I am still a bit obsessed with Barry M Gelly nail polish and think this shade which I bought a little while ago will go perfectly:





 My black River Island blazer will be the perfect cover up, along with these amazing New Look Heels which I have just ordered online!!


 

Now I've just go to decide on make up and jewellery, have you any recommendations?

xXx


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Wednesday 29 October 2014

Whey hey!!

I am a big fan of protein shakes after my workout to re-fuel without filling up too much.
I have tried many varieties over the years but I think I have now found a firm favourite from a company called PhD.

This is the PhD 'premium promise':
PhD Nutrition deliver innovative and inspirational sports nutrition products that not only taste great, but deliver serious results. Whether you are a world class athlete, or just beginning in the gym, PhD believe that your requirements are just as important as each others. Internationally recognized for absolute quality and innovation, PhD Nutrition work with a number of selected brand ambassadors and sports teams, chosen for their ideals, ethics and ambition to promote quality PhD sports nutrition.

The product I have fallen in love with is called Diet Whey


I chose the strawberry delight flavour to start with and have stuck with this as it is so delicious, I do plan to try the other flavours in future.
I tend to use this shake after a workout and I mix one scoop with 1% fat milk as I prefer this to water. Having said that this is one of the few shakes I've had with water that is drinkable. I often add a banana, some strawberries or some frozen fruit to the mix too.

I have noticed a huge difference since I started using this product, especially in my arms, shoulders, back and abs. I find that a once scoop shake keeps me feeling full for a good few hours.
I use a stick blender when making my shake to make sure I achieve the best consistency possible.



This product contains 34g of protein per 50g which is the highest I have found in a diet whey. Is also the lowest calorie formula I have come across too.


PhD suggest that Diet Whey is ideal for
  • Men and women following a weight management nutritional plan.
  • Slimmers and gym goers looking to lose body fat and control calorie intake.
  • Anyone seeking a high protein dietary supplement.
  • Anyone looking to replace a meal with a high protein, low sugar shake.
  •  

    So, what's in there??

    Whey Protein: Derived from milk and high in amino acids such as Cysteine and Glutamine, Whey Protein Concentrate is typically comprised of various protein fractions (such as Beta Lactoglobulin) that are being regularly researched and studied for their potential benefits to Health and well being.

    Soya Protein: Isolated from the Soy Bean, Soya Protein Isolate is extremely high in protein when in raw format (up to 90%), low fat, low carbohydrate and becoming a staple and better understood form of high quality protein for health and weight control. Soybeans also contain biologically active or metabolic proteins, such as enzymes, trypsin inhibitors, hemagglutinins, and cysteine proteases very similar to papain.

    Milk Protein: Typically high in the important Branched Chain Amino Acids
     
    Diet Whey also contains other added ingredients such as:

    CLA (Conjugated linoleic acid): CLA is a Linoleic fatty acid found traditionally in dairy and fish and has long been used in weight management formulas as an addition, or stand-alone ingredient.

    L-Carnitine: In living cells, Carnitine is required for the transport of fatty acids from the cytosol into the mitochondria during the breakdown of lipids (fats) for the generation of metabolic energy.

    Green Tea Extract: Green tea extract is a herbal derivative from green tea leaves. Green tea extract contains Catechins or Green Tea Catechins, which have been used by health conscious individuals for many years for it’s potential antioxidant effect.

    Flaxseed: Flax seeds contain high levels of dietary fibre as well as lignans, an abundance of micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids. Studies have shown that flax seeds may lower cholesterol levels.
     
    I really can't recommend this product enough, having tried pretty much every diet shake on the market I can safely say this is the best yet. PhD offer sample sizes too which is great as it means you don't end up stuck with 2kg of something you won't use. Try it, you wont regret it!
     
    Another great thing about this product is you can cook with it and it adds an amazing flavour!
     
    Strawberry and choc chip oatmeal protein muffins
    Serving Size: 6
     
    Ingredients:
     
    1 cup oats
    1/4 cup chocolate chips
    1/2 tsp baking soda
    1/8 tsp all spice
    1/8 tsp nutmeg
    2 tsp cinnamon
    6-8 fresh strawberries
    2 scoops strawberry delight PhD Diet Whey
    1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
     
    Directions:
     
    Mix all dry ingredients together in a large bowl
    Blend strawberries into the yogurt and add to the dry ingredients
    Mix well
    Spray muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray and add mixture
    Add a slice of strawberry for decoration
    Bake for 25-30 mins at 200 degrees
    Enjoy!!
     

    Jo
    xXx



    *I am buying Diet Whey myself and this post is not sponsored in any way.

     

    Tuesday 28 October 2014

    Spectacular Sunderland

    Sunderland is a city which lies at the heart of the City of Sunderland metropolitan borough, a part of Tyne and Wear, in North East England. It is situated at the mouth of the River Wear.

    When I was growing up, my parents took me to the Sunderland Illuminations every year, the illuminations stopped in the 1990's much to many a small child's dismay (me included!)

    The illuminations made a comeback in 2013 but unfortunately I didn't get to visit, so when I heard they were back for 2014 with an Alice in Wonderland theme, I couldn't wait to go.
    My best friend and I visited last Saturday and had a wonderful time.

    You can find more information on the illuminations here
    Sunderland Illuminations return - Have fab memories of this as a child. Hope over the years it can grow and make a good come back!
    Before our visit to the illuminations (we had to wait until it was dark) we decided to have a look around Sunderland as neither of us had been for some time. We started with a bit of shopping in The Bridges shopping centre which has improved dramatically since the last time I was there and has a really good range of shops now including the following:
     
     
    There is also a large Debenhams to where I managed to snap up this fabulous dress reduced from £39.00 to £8.00 in the Miss Selfridge concession. Perfect for the wedding I will be attending soon.
     
     


     

    As well as the above there are many independent and speciality shops, cafes, bars, the Empire theatre, the Sunderland museum and winter gardens and a cinema complex in Sunderland, all within easy walking distance of the centre of town.
     
    Sunderland Empire theatre
    The Empire Theatre, Sunderland
    Sunderland Museum. The Winter Gardens. by CWhatPhotos, via FlickrInside the Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens
     
    We had dinner in a fabulous restaurant called Louie Louie which is an all you can eat buffet. We had never heard of it before but had a 2 for 1 voucher from the local paper and decided to give it a whirl, and boy were we glad we did!
     
    I believe this place has recently been re-branded from Mr. Hau's to Louie Louie, and it had received some critical reviews in the past. We were welcomed in quickly and seated in a quiet spot, the restaurant itself is very spacious and the décor is good. The selection of foods was excellent, predominantly Chinese but also Indian, Japanese and English. There is also an are where you are able to chose from fresh ingredients and watch the chefs cook something for you. All of the food I tried was tasty, I am a vegetarian and managed to find more than enough choice. Some of the food has been out perhaps a little longer than is desirable e.g. the naan breads but we did eat at 5pm which is the change over time between lunch and dinner. The desert section was excellent with fresh fruit, cakes, Eaton mess, an ice cream bar and a chocolate fountain. With regards to drinks we were very surprised to find out that soft drinks were included in the price as were tea and coffee which is very unusual.  I would certainly visit again.
     
    You can find out more about Sunderland here. If you are planning a visit to Sunderland or the North East, I am more than happy to advise you :)
     
    xXx
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Friday 24 October 2014

    Durham Dreams.......

    County Durham is my home town, and I love it here. Have you ever been? If not why not?
    Arrange a visit pronto!
    Durham has something for everyone. Here are some of the best bits in pictures:

    Durham Cathedral, County Durham, England
    Sunset in Durham England behind the Cathedral

    Durham Cathedral,  ca. 11th - 13th C
    Durham Castle, England
    Durham, County Durham, England.
    The impressive Durham Cathedral, seen from the river Wear.
    Durham City Centre

    Lord Londonderry, Market Place, Durham

    Durham, River Wear, England. Travel
    Durham, England
    River Wear- Durham, England
    Durham University, England

    Galilee Chapel, Durham Cathedral, UK dates from Anglo Saxon times
    Cloisters at Durham Cathedral
    Durham castle