My Couch to 5K Experience

Three weeks ago I completed my final run of Coach to 5K. I could not be prouder, or more shook.

To give you a bit of background - I've literally never been a runner. Even when I was small. And let's not even go into the absolute tragedy I'd be if I had to run for the train in the morning. At the beginning of lockdown I made an extremely optimistic running playlist and tried to run around the block but didn't even make it that far. 

Couch to 5K is something I've heard people talking about for years. It's like when more than one person recommends a TV show - you know you'll like it. So one day I decided to just try it.

What's Couch to 5K?

For those of you who don't know, the Couch to 5K app is a running programme which takes you from couch potato to being able to run 5K in 30 minutes, 3 times a week. It takes 9 weeks. 

Autumn iPlayer Recommendations Part 2

Hello friends and welcome back to my new fave kind of post which pretty much consists of me gushing about the TV I've been bingeing lately. 

If you haven't already, check out my previous posts 4 Must-Watch iPlayer Recommendations Autumn 2020 and 5 TV Shows You Should Watch on BBC iPlayer.

By the way, it has dawned on me - now I'm 3 posts deep in iPlayer recommendations - that you may be getting concerned that I don't know other channels or streaming services exist. To be honest, I just really like the fact there's no adverts and it's free. No shame in my game.

The Bridge

From the show's premise, this is the last thing I'd expect to be obsessed with. It's a subtitled police drama based between Sweden and Denmark. When a body is found on the bridge, one half in Sweden and one half in Denmark, two police officers, Saga and Martin, have to work together to figure out why.

4 Must-Watch iPlayer Recommendations Autumn 2020

Looking for some thrilling dramas to sink you're teeth into this autumn? Look no further. 

Since my previous post, 5 TV Shows You Should Watch on BBC iPlayer, I've been searching for even more great content. And let me tell you, I've found it. So much so that this is actually going to be a 2 part post. Expect another 4 incredible recommendations next week. I'm mixing it up a bit too so whether you're looking for dozens of episodes to keep you going or just a one-off fix, I've got you covered.

I've worked my way through the good, the bad and - let's face it - the awful, to find the absolute gems on BBC iPlayer. I'm talking truly mindblowing tele you can't turn off. Because as the evenings draw in and restrictions tighten again, one thing I really look forward to is sitting down to an episode of my current fave programme every night with some tasty treats. 

Also, since iPlayer is free, I find more people tend to be watching the same thing at the same time. That means even more enjoyment because you can talk about it and gasp at the same parts.

I May Destroy You

Without a word of exaggeration, this is the best TV show of 2020. 

Millennial writer Arabella pulls an all nighter to finish a creative project she's working on. She breaks to get something to eat and meet friends. Then blank. She comes to, back at her desk writing, with no idea what just happened. The series follows Arabella as she pieces together the horror of sexual assault, and how she begins to deal with it. 

The show deals with issues of consent from multiple angles. Angles I hadn't even thought of, let alone understood before. 

It also depicts our hustling, swiping, validation seeking, woke, hedonistic generation and it's vulnerable underbelly. And it's not just the issue of sexual assault which is explored, but the fine line we all tread in maintaining our mental health and relationships.

Autumn is in the air

Usually when this time of year rolls around I'm just 

not ready 

to say goodbye to summer. 

I'm a summer baby and love nothing more than long days and light nights. This hasn't been a 'usually' kind of year though.

Even though it seems like we've been in Julember for months, I also feel like spring and summer have had their time. I've been out walks (and now runs!) almost every day since April, so for the first time ever I've noticed nature and the transition through the seasons. Now the leaves and pine cones are starting to fall and I couldn't be more excited.

The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod | Book Review

I am absolutely not a morning person. I never have been. I'm pretty much a demon until 11am. I know that the early bird catches the worm and all that and because I start work at 8am I do need to rise early out of necessity. Honestly though, I'd rather not.

I'm just finishing an online course called The Science of Well-Being by Yale University. It sounds obvious, but one of the most essential factors in people's happiness levels, studies have shown time and time again, is sleep. While I may falter in some of the other contributory factors like exercise, meditation and gratitude, sleep is something I can't not prioritise. When people say to me 'I only got 4 hours sleep last night' I'm like 'HUH?! How are you still functioning?!' I'd literally collapse. So, whether its been before exams, stressful times at work or after a night out, I always get the amount of sleep I need. I think that's why, until now, I've classified mornings as time which would be better spent unconscious.

Therefore, even though I've heard The Miracle Morning recommended time and time again over the years alongside books I have loved, I prematurely judged it as 'not my thing'. However, when my cousin dropped her copy at my house in the middle of a pandemic saying it had changed her life, I kind of had to take notice. And I'm super glad I did.

What is The Miracle Morning?

The book begins with testimonies about how The Miracle Morning has transformed people's lives. From losing 25 pounds to quitting smoking to attaining top grades to finding true love to improving relationships to having more energy to accomplishing long term goals to having every day 'feel like Christmas' - this book can purportedly help you do anything.

The Existence of Amy* by Lana Grace Riva | Book Review

Trigger warning - this book contains depictions of OCD, depression and suicidal thought patterns.

This is a no spoiler book review.

Hello you lovely folk and happy Saturday! I hope you're having a swell weekend. As I mentioned in my last book review, for a few months now I have been really struggling to get into a book. Only a tiny fraction are cutting it. I've currently got three books on the go and they're all very mediocre. So, I was delighted to read 'The Existence of Amy'* by Lana Grace Riva last weekend because it gripped me straight away and I finished it within a few hours.

What's the story?

From the outside you'd be forgiven for thinking Amy was normal (whatever 'normal' actually means...). She has a great job in digital marketing, brilliant work friends and a nice house. However, we are privy to Amy's perspective, and from the inside her life is a constant struggle. The title pretty much sums it up: she's just existing, not living.

Amy's whole existence is dictated by her OCD (and subsequent anxiety and overthinking) and bouts of depression. She fights with herself to keep up appearances and continue the charade of a normal life but its exhausting.

The Sunday Post #19

Good evening one and all. I come to you live from the heart of hayfever hell, with a face that feels like it's going to fall off and probably a tree equivalent of used hankies (ew). It's not all bad though, as I'm working my way through some Cadbury's Heroes and it's still lovely and light outside. Have you all been basking in the beautiful weather this week?

What Have I Been Doing This Week?

Doing the 7 Day Thigh Challenge

This week I completed Blogilates 7 Day Thigh Challenge. I couldn't believe how difficult the simple-looking exercises were and I was so proud of myself for following through. A couple of months ago I would have given up after Day 1. While I haven't transformed into Miss Stick-Insect Legs, I was pleasantly surprised with how quickly I improved over the week. What absolutely killed on Monday and Tuesday was totally doable by Friday. It just goes to show - 20 minutes a day can make a huge difference.

The Sunday Post #18

Happy Sunday folks! I've had a lovely evening consisting of Line of Duty, an online book club chat, a Harry Potter quiz and Neapolitan ice cream. Not too shabby at all. I took the above photo today when I went a bit on a candle rampage. Does it feel inception looking at it?

The Week

I finished the SEO work I've been doing piecemeal for weeks on Julz Obsessions. None of my photos had alt text so going through 300 posts and adding it was pretty laborious. I did love re-meeting old me as I went back in time though.

This week I wrote my first article for Quite Literary, a new online magazine called 'Books to Read in Your Early Twenties'. Give it a read and let me know what you think. Writing is exactly what I want to be doing more of in the months and years to come so I feel like this is the first step of a fabulous journey. 

It looks like we're finally going to start coming out of lockdown. Is it just me or has everyone else lost all sense of time? It's as if we've been like this for 2 years, but also 2 minutes. While I'm very much looking forward to doing things like going to my fave restaurants, seeing my friends and family, going to the pub and shopping when we can, I also think I'll emerge on the other side changed. It's like the reset button has been pushed on my life and I can see clearly what's important, what I want, what I should be doing more of and less of. 

The Sunday Post #17

I've been going through old posts fixing some technical aspects (lack of alt text, broken links etc) and very happily stumbled upon an old series I wrote in 2013 called 'The Sunday Post'. Each week on a Sunday evening I'd write a short blog post about what was going on in my life that week and what I'd been enjoying. Honestly, for the most part it was me gushing about One Direction and calling into the online abyss for friends who shared my Pretty Little Liars obsession. But I have completely loved reading these back. They're such a vivid reminder of a very specific time in my life where I was completely immersed in Higher exams and, as cheesy as it may sound, I was finding myself and my voice. Incidentally, reading through the number of posts I managed to produce back then, I'm in awe at how I managed to find any time for studying at all. I'd just got my first proper part time job in Wetherspoons and my favourite song was Avicii Wake Me Up. I ended up working in spoons for 3 years (maybe one day I'll write a book about the fun and games that went on in there). Funny enough, I've been listening to Best of Avicii on Spotify the whole lockdown. I guess we don't change that much even though our circumstances might.

So, I thought I'd dive back in - 7 years later - and write The Sunday Post #17. Even if no one reads it, I absolutely love looking back and catching a glimpse of myself in time.

'The Husband's Secret' by Liane Moriarty | Book Review

This is a no spoiler book review

The Husband's Secret has been on my to-be-read pile for well over a year after I got it at a jumble sale 3 for £1 (bargain!). 

For such a book-loving gal who usually roars through novels alongside working full time, since we've went into lockdown and I've had so much free time, I've been finding it so difficult to get into a book. I don't know if it's because right now our brains are constantly distracted by the enormous threat of a pandemic. Anyway, while other folk have been using this time to whittle down their TBR pile, mine has been slogging along almost untouched. 

Have you been feeling the same difficulty in settling into reading lately?

I'm a big believer in 'feeling' what to read next. I need to be in the mood for a particular genre or type of book. For every few fiction books I read, I'll throw in a non fiction between to change things up. The diversity is the beauty of reading: having such variety to choose from means I never get bored.

Let's leave all the hard hitting science and canonical literature for later. My brain just can't deal. Right now? I need something light with a great story which hooks me in immediately. 

Cue The Husband's Secret.

Great Home Workouts For People Who Hate Exercise

I've always been a fully fledged member of the lazy gals club. My base instinct is to sloth. Give me a phone, a TV or a book and I'll beat records for time spent sitting.

You can therefore imagine my sheer incredulity upon discovering that lockdown has made me somewhat of a fitness fan. I know right?! 

Hear me out.

Book Wishlist 2020

Having a large To Be Read (TBR) pile seems to be a common trait among book lovers. I'm totally overcome with excitement whenever I enter a book shop or, as is more often the case, a charity shop or jumble sale. I simply buy books faster than I can read them and this has been the case for years.

As a result, I currently have about 15 books I haven't read yet. In an effort to reduce the pile and save money, I'm not buying any more books until my TBR pile has reduced considerably. While we're in lockdown, I'm trying to read as much as I can. However, I'm finding it more difficult than usual to concentrate on a book. Once I'm 100 pages in I'm fine but getting to that point takes days. Anyone else feeling like this?

5 TV Shows You Should Watch on BBC iPlayer

I've never been a big one for Netflix because 1) it costs and 2) I literally can't be trusted not to binge 12 hours of shows every day. BBC iPlayer have really upped their game in the last couple of years and it's a great free alternative to Amazon Prime, NOW TV and Netflix. With classic series from Miranda and Two Pints of Lager to Doctor Who available, there's endless hours of entertainment. While I am making a conscious effort not to spend the entire lockdown glued to the TV, it's something I will do for an hour or two a day, perhaps even while doing something else like crocheting or journalling.

There's nothing better than stumbling upon a brilliant new TV show, so I've rounded up my top 5 must-watch list.

Recommendations on BBC iPlayer for 2020

The Nest

The final episode of this 5-part series aired just last week, so I partly envy those of you who can now go on and watch the whole lot rather than waiting a week for the next instalment.

The Nest follows the story of a rich couple, Dan and Emily, who are desperate to have a child. They find an unlikely surrogate in Kaya, a troubled young girl who has just left the care system and is determined to make a success of her life. The series unravels the mystery of why Kaya was in care and how Dan managed to go from scheme boy to owning half of Glasgow. That's the other fantastic part of this show. It's set in Glasgow. I absolutely loved the beautiful aerial shots of my city, the Merchant City sets and the incredible lochside mansion house.

Gripping, emotional, unbelievable.

The Capture

I watched The Capture when it dropped last year and I don't think it got anywhere near the amount of praise and hype it deserved. I therefore take any opportunity to convince anyone to watch it.

Shaun Emery, a British soldier, has his murder conviction overturned at retrial because his brilliant barrister proves the evidence which convicted him was faulty. He is released and, after a night of celebration, his barrister Hannah is caught on CCTV being brutally attacked and kidnapped... by Shaun. But he doesn't remember it like that. Meanwhile, ambitious Detective Rachel Carey starts with the Homicide and Serious Crimes Unit and is determined to prove herself.

The six part thriller follows Shaun as he becomes entangled in the multi-layer nets of police, secret service and other actors. Shaun, Rachel and we, the audience, search for the truth about what happened to Hannah, and what is at stake by her disappearance.

Wonderful, addictive, brutal.

'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen

This is a no spoiler book review (except the mug in the photo)

Way back in 2014 in The Reading Tag, I said the next book I had my sights set on was Pride and Prejudice. When I wrote that, I was just about to start university studying English Literature. Fast forward nearly six years, I have the degree and a whole lot of other classics under my belt, but still no Jane Austen.

Why?

My Top 5 Podcast Recommendations

During this weird and wild time where we're all on lockdown, if you're blessed enough to be safe and well and finding yourself at a loose end, you'll be looking for some great content to pass (and make the most of) the time. 

Whether it's Youtube videos, blog posts or articles, I'm always on the lookout for something new and inspiring to become obsessed with. Podcasts are no different. Over the last year I've listened to these on the commute, before I go to sleep, as I do housework and as I walk to the gym. Now, they're my go-to for my daily walk. 

I thought I'd share my all-time favourite podcasts in case you're looking for a fabulous new listen. There's an eclectic mix of educational, entertaining, spiritual and just plain fascinating. 

The High Low
The High Low provides my weekly injection of culture, pop culture, news, intellectual happenings and general silliness. I happily stumbled upon it after reading the brilliant 'Everything I Know About Love' by Dolly Alderton and stalking looking for more of her work online. She co-hosts the show with Pandora Sykes, a journalist who has written for ELLE and The Sunday Times.

The High Low balances a light-hearted take on current affairs with a multi-faceted examination of every angle, interpretation and consequence. I'm a critical thinker, and the style of this podcast is the very definition of 'Yes, but...' that is right up my street. Their manner of speaking about the world is so refreshingly self aware and socially aware. 

It's also hilarious.

Self-care Sats

I've always been a bit sceptical about the term 'self-care' as when it first became a thing when I was in uni it always seemed a bit self-indulgent and well, shallow. 'Feeling blue? Paint your nails and put on a face mask.' I got where people were coming from but thought the whole thing was a bit naff.

However, fast-forward a couple of years where I'm now working a hectic job Monday to Friday, self-care is essential. I've got a much better insight into the need to recharge and come back to yourself. If nothing else, when you have limited free time you realise the need to make the most of it.

With the motivation of a new year wearing off, and Valentine's Day just around the corner, there's no better time to regroup, celebrate yourself and spread the love to everyone around you - family, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends...

'Everything I Never Told You' by Celeste Ng

This is a no spoiler book review

In October I got a fanta-bulous book haul from a local annual jumble sale, including Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng. In jumble sale situations there's not much you can do except judge a book by its cover unless you spot one you have wanted to read for a while. In the case of Everything I Never Told You, I read the blurb, thought it sounded a bit like Riverdale (dead body of teenager found in lake in small American town, whodunit vibes) and would therefore be a decent read. Besides, you can't go wrong at 3 for £1.

What I thought would be a semi-good book completely surpassed my expectations. Not only was it a fantastic story, well thought out and well written, it was also complex in its handling of various themes. Also, it avoided the over-dramatic, thriller/ whodunit angle in favour of a much more sophisticated yet simple explanation.

Everything I Never Told You is about an underrepresented mixed race family (Chinese American) in an underrepresented setting - small town America in the 60s and 70s. I'm saying underrepresented because I personally have never encountered this genre of identity story, which either says a lot about my own limited reading perimeters, the school/ university curriculum, or both.

'You Are A Badass' by Jen Sincero Book Review

I always feel a bit deflated after Christmas. It's my favourite time of year and I build up to it from October, so it all seems to go by in a flash and come Boxing Day normality slaps me in the face like a big dry turkey. 

I'm never quite sure what to do with myself in the days between Christmas and New Year and I'm definitely not someone who gets hyped up about Hogmanay (what's the big deal?) BUT there is something extremely inspiring and energising about the first of January. I always reflect back on what I've done in the previous year and plan out what I want the coming year to have in store.

It seems like the stars aligned because I stumbled upon the perfect new year book. I had wanted to read 'You Are a Badass' by Jen Sincero for a while but I didn't want to pay full price from Waterstones because I'm trying to restrict my spending so you can imagine my delight when I found a copy in a charity shop for £1.50.

You Are a Badass has the subtitle 'How to stop doubting your greatness and start living an awesome life'. While there is a tiny part of me that felt a bit cringe reading this i.e. with people on the train looking over and thinking 'Woah she must think a lot of herself reading a book like that'... I also can't help but think its exactly what our generation of over-thinking, self-conscious social media addicts need - a bit of positive affirmation. And let's face it, besides everything else it's a pretty attention grabbing title.

Liz Earle Skincare Review, Routine and My Top Tips

The background

Throughout my late teens and into my twenties, the condition of my skin was a source of constant frustration for me. I had mild acne when I was about 16 then pretty frequent break outs and scarring. As you'll know if you've been following me for a while, I've tried pretty much everything over the years to clear it up - Soap & Glory, La Roche Posay, Sudocream, Simple, Clinique... the list goes on. I wouldn't say I was on the confidence lowering or extreme end of the bad skin scale. Because I discovered blogging and makeup tutorials around this time, I did a pretty good job of covering it up over the years. Also, I came round to the belief that it wasn't so much external factors (skincare, makeup) which affected my skin but internal (hormones, diet, stress etc). 

Fast forward to about a year ago, my skin was alright but I'd still get breakouts on a weekly basis. My friend who had been working at Liz Earle at the time told me while I was moaning that I should give it a go as it had transformed her skin. A lot of my other friends piped up at the same time saying its what they used and loved it.

To be honest, I was a bit sceptical.

I had tried Liz Earle when it first became a thing years ago when I was young. I can't remember exactly when, but to give some perspective, it was when it was all the rage among my mum's friends and she let me try hers. It stung my eyes. Because of this I then swerved the blogger blow up of 2012ish when everyone seemed to be raving about it. I just wrote the whole range off as overpriced and overhyped. Also, I didn't really understand the whole cloth thing. I mean, wasn't that really unhygienic?

So what happened?

I reasoned that if everyone was raving about it maybe it was worth another go. 

Basically, since I bought my first cleanse & polish in November 2018, I haven't looked back.