I admit it,  I could do with losing some weight. It's amazing how weight can creep on slowly with a change of job, although now that I work from home, I should be taking more exercise as I'm not tied to a workplace.

So I have set myself some health and fitness goals. Firstly I am looking to lose a stone, to lose my big tummy and feel comfortable by the pool on holiday. I will talk about my dietary tips in another post next week.

Secondly I am aiming to walk for an hour a day at least 5 days a week. I find this achievable and mostly this is going well.  I am waiting for a FitBug Orb to arrive, that I won recently. This is a diet and fitness tracker that is worn like a watch. It measures your exercise, monitors your sleep, and links wirelessly to your mobile devices. It sounds like a super motivation tool which is something I really need at the moment.



I find little things can help keep you motivated with a health and fitness goal. Having some new kit, planning little (non fattening) treats and monitoring your progress can all help.

To help my motivation I was sent some trainers and a new sports top to review and try out by sportshoes.com.
The Ron Hill sports top is in a bright shade of pink, and is made of the softest material, which feels lovely on. The Vapourlite fabric helps draw moisture away from the skin and the fabric is breathable and quick drying. I noticed this one day when it was very warm and I was power walking. It wasn't long before the material dried again. UPF 50 provides protection from the suns rays which is always good, and the flatlock seams reduces irritation and add to the comfortable fit. A great feature of this top is the reflective material, perfect in all weather and light conditions, day or night. 
The Nike 4.0 V3 trainers are so lightweight and comfy. Designed as running shoes, I feel they are all purpose as I have been using them for walking. The material they use is very breathable and I love the fact that they have a minimalist/barefoot look, gone are the days when trainers used to be heavy and chunky.  The flexibility is brilliant for maintaining stability and gives you a smooth efficient stride apparently. The trainers provide great traction on lots of different surfaces like pavement, road, grass, and I also wore them for a walk along the beach.  

So I put my new kit to good use.  I am lucky to live by the sea, here are some photos of my daily walk. 


As you can appreciate it's not a hardship to do this walk on a sunny day. On a rainy day in Winter it is a different story. 

I was really impressed with these new additions to my exercise wardrobe and I am particularly in love with my Ron Hill top. The colour is just me, I love bright jewel colours, the softness of the material is super, and the fact that it is reflective is an added bonus - a great exercise top.

Walking is a suitable exercise for everyone. Do you enjoy walking? Do you have any health and fitness goals? What do you think of my new pieces of sports kit? Let me know.

*I have been sent these items to keep for an honest review

The Coed-Y-Mwstwr is one of those hidden country hotels that is set in its own beautiful grounds. Just outside the town of Bridgend in South Wales, it is a Welsh Tourist Board 4 star rated hotel. Traditional yet modern inside, think striped sofas, wooden bars and stylish print wallpaper, their flagship restaurant, Elliot's has 2 AA rosettes. 

So when I was invited to review the restaurant recently I was really looking forward to it. The drive to the hotel is through some lovely scenery and when we arrived I had a real sense of anticipation of what would be before us.



The menu for the set lunch had a great choice - you can have a two-course lunch for £12.95 and three courses for £15.95. Recently I have found that the fashion in more upmarket restaurants is for the menu to be heavily biased towards red meat and offal, Coed-Y-Mwster is refreshingly different. I was delighted to find on the menu chicken and duck, as well as a vegetarian risotto and a salmon dish, something for everyone really.



When I got there with my friend Rachel, we were shown to a lounge area to have a drink before our order was taken. Rachel ordered a glass of the house white,  which she said was light and fruity, and I ordered a coke. After the difficult decision on what to pick, our order was taken and we sat and enjoyed the surroundings.  I noticed you could order a selection of sandwiches and light food in the lounge area if you didn't want to sit in the dining room too so that's an alternative option for lunch.

It was a warm day and the side doors were open. As I am a little nosey I decided to have a peek outside and was pleasantly surprised to find a pretty garden area set up for informal dining.




It wasn't long before we were called through to the dining room. As we arrived we were the only people in there but noticed others arriving in the lounge and it filled up later. We had a lovely table by the window. 



Our waitress Verity was attentive without being intrusive.  

First up we were given bread for the table. The sunblush tomato focaccia was warm and flavourful and the seeded wholegrain plait was delicious, served with salted butter. Very good bread indeed.

With only a short wait our starters arrived. Rachel had the chicken liver parfait. This was served with tomato chutney and toasted ciabatta. The parfait was smooth and rich and the chutney sweet and piquant. They complimented each other well, the sharpness of the chutney cutting through the richness of the parfait. The ciabatta was a good sized portion and Rachel had plenty to accompany the parfait, don't you just hate it when you don't get enough bread with pate/parfait, well not in this case! My starter was the roasted cherry tomato salad with mozzarella and a balsamic reduction. The cherry tomatoes were full of flavour and the salad was very fresh, with cubes of mozzarella surrounding the dish. I think I would have preferred more mozzarella as it got a little lost in the dish however. I did enjoy this course, but after trying Rachel's pate, I preferred her choice as it was truly delicious.

Then we both had the same main course, roast corn fed chicken breast with garlic potatoes and a chasseur sauce.  This dish was well seasoned and very tasty, the chicken skin being crispy and the chicken moist. The sauce was rich and slightly sweet and was full of depth. One little comment, I would have preferred the garlic potatoes to be seasoned more as they almost got a little lost in the dish, especially with the rich sauce. The assorted vegetables which were served with the main course were al dente and were a good accompaniment.


The Details
Address: The Coed-Y-Mwstwr Hotel, Coychurch, Bridgend, CF35 6AF
Telephone: 01656 860621
Web: http://www.townandcountrycollective.co.uk/

The Millionaire Matchmaker - it's my guilty secret. If you have never seen "third generation matchmaker" Patti on ITV2 or Bravo matching the LA and New York millionaires then you haven't lived. She is no nonsense and to the point. "you look like a mess", "why are all the girls frumpty dumpty?", you get my drift. The insight into the dating scene of the rich and sometimes famous is fascinating. It can also make for great car crash TV.

Millionaire Matchmaker (Photo credit: freeloosedirt)

Beards - ok it may be a controversial one this. Since when has it been trendy to get a beard, not a little cute goatee but a full on beard? If it is well looked after and trimmed (like a hedge), it can look ok but young men with full on bushy beards - yuck! You can just imagine a fried egg or even a birds nest hiding in there. If they don't have a moustache to match it looks even worse, just my humble opinion....



Russell Kane. I am a big fan of stand up and I am lucky to have a theatre 5 minutes from where I live. A couple of years ago I went to the Edinburgh festival with my teenage son and we loved it. So when a few friends of mine decided to see Russell Kane the stand up comedian in the theatre down the road I was like the man from Del Monte... I said YES! I have actually seen him before at the same theatre before he became famous, in the basement, but now on the full stage playing to a packed crowded I couldn't help notice how more self assured and brilliant his act his. His material - witty, sharp, highly observed comedy was hilarious.  Definitely recommended.

What are your likes, loathes and loves this week?

*disclaimer all the thoughts and words are my own I was not told what to say! ;)

Have you ever been to the opera?  Years ago you may have thought that it was only for those who had 'highbrow' interests, whatever they are, and some may have thought it was elitist but today opera has become more accessible than ever.

A couple of years ago I was lucky enough to win a meal for Valentines day at the Millenium Centre in Cardiff. We were serenaded by singers from the Welsh National Opera. It made for a lovely and memorable meal, and since then the idea of going to the opera has appealed to me more than ever.

It can be exciting but perhaps a tiny bit nerve wracking going for the first time. You may be concerned about what to wear for example. Years ago the dress code used to be formal but today a simple smart dress code will suffice. Wear what you would wear out for a nice meal is my advice, the only time you would need to wear an evening gown would be at a world premier of a new opera.

The cost of the opera can be a concern for some, however many places may have last minute tickets at a discounted rate especially on the day. It's always worth asking. When you think of the price of some theatre tickets the opera doesn't seem so expensive after all.




If you are new to the opera, some of the 'lighter' ones are a good place to start. For example Carmen by Bizet. Carmen tells the story of the downfall of Don José, a naïve soldier who is seduced by the fiery Gypsy, Carmen. The plot is dramatic and is full of seduction desire and death. 

Another great opera for those new to the this form of entertainment is the Barber of Seville by Rossini. This light hearted opera has a sense of fun and playfulness. It is also shorter than most, at only two acts. It tells the story of Count Almaviva and Rosina and how their path to marriage is plagued with difficulties due to Rosina's guardian, Bartolo's interference.

Cosi Fan Tutte is another great opera and one of Mozart's comic masterpieces. Two men are persuaded by a friend to test the virtue of their fiancees by disguising themselves and attempting to seduce the others girlfriend.  Love, and lust entangle the couples in a game of deceit, when the deceit is unmasked, can they really go back to their lives before? 




The English National Opera currently have a production of Cosi Fan Tutte that looks interesting. You can find out about it here - Cosi Fan Tutte ENO production. The English National Opera have a world class reputation for highly original and theatrical shows. They are also committed to creating new audiences by making their shows accessible and affordable to everyone. Perfect for newcomers to the opera scene. They are also proud to provide opportunities  for British conductors, directors, designers and singers, supporting local talent wherever possible.  

Have you ever been to the opera? Would you consider going if you have not? Does Cosi Fan Tutte or one of the other operas I have mentioned appeal? 

* This is a sponsored post

Patchwork Pate started their business in the early 80's in Llangollen. With only a few pounds in her purse, mum Margaret set up her business after her divorce, making homemade pate and selling it to local pubs as a way to provide for her family.

As their reputation for delicious pate traditionally made grew, the company has grown too. Even today everything is still hand-made in small batches, without artificial colouring, additives or preservatives, to Margaret’s original recipes. The traditional taste is still important to the company 30 years on even though they now have over 30 staff working for them.



I love to support British businesses so I was delighted when I had the chance to review one of their hampers. 


When the hamper arrived I loved the presentation in a wooden crate, and a gold bow, it added a nice touch. The Quiet Night In hamper is priced around £16. You can actually choose what flavour pate, crackers and cider or beer you have in the hamper. I think this is a fabulous idea as you can adapt the hamper for each individual person, and it makes a great hamper at a very reasonable price.

The hamper consisted of
Mediterranen chicken liver pate with sundried tomato and onion
Apricot and orange chutney with Wychcraft Ale
Spelt Oat fingers with ginger
and
Rosie's medium cider

The Mediterranean pate had a lovely richness and depth of flavour with an authentic Mediterranean taste. This soft spreading pate would be perfect on crackers with a few grapes on the side to cut through the richness. The ginger spelt oat crackers has a crumbliness and sweetness with a hint of ginger that was not overpowering. A little sweet with pate, I think these crackers could be dunked like a biscuit and would be great with a cup of tea. The apricot and orange chutney was fresh tasting and tangy with a tiny bit of heat from the black pepper. A beautiful tasting fruity chutney, the sweetness would go well with many pates. The cider was sweet but still packed a punch, refreshing and nice to have in an ice cold glass on a hot day.

Recently I was asked to try out Millionaire Genie with the online bingo site 888 Ladies.

I know a few ladies who like a spot of bingo. My mum used to go and play it in her local bingo hall, when I was young. I still remember the thrill I had when she had a decent win. We had a nice Christmas that year I can tell you!

I have yet to register with a gaming site online, and after a recent trip to Vegas, where I enjoyed the blackjack and roulette I thought, why not.

Millionaire Genie is a game with an Arabian nights theme. I was given £5 credit to play the game and you can bet from 1p up to 25p a game. They say there is a chance to win more than £450,000 with the game too. That would be a nice win, I should say.

I have never been on a cruise, and to be honest I don't know why, considering I just love to travel. So I have been thinking about the benefits of a cruise.



To me, the chance to visit lots of destinations on one holiday would be highly appealing and very easy. I'd love a Mediterranean cruise. The thought of being in Crete one day, Turkey the next and then Italy the day after sounds very exciting. All those different cultures, places to see and new foods would make for a fabulous break.

For those that are social butterflies, you also get the chance to meet new people, especially with the organised activities that are on offer. There is also spa facilities, pools and even the chance to play golf on board ship. I don't think you will be bored!

It can be very convenient and organised to be a part of a cruise. Activities, excursions and meals are arranged, which is great for those that don't like the planning aspect of a holiday.



It can be quite cost-effective considering food is normally included and some or all of the activities, although you do have to budget for optional excursions and tips.

So I asked some friends what they thought of cruising, here are some of their replies.

The other day I was contacted by the lovely Oorla from Oorla Jewellery. She heard of my love of jewellery and also of supporting small businesses and she wondered if I would be so kind and review a necklace of hers on my blog. Of course I was delighted to be asked!


a Rafflecopter giveaway Win competitions at ThePrizeFinder.com

Every woman has one in her wardrobe, you know that dress that you've had for years, the one you can't live without. It's the one that gives you that spring in your step, the one that gives you the killer curves, the one you were wearing when you met your partner, the one you got engaged in that brings back the good memories...the throwback dress.

It's that dress you come back to time and time again.  The little black dress or the flattering fit and flare dress, the cute retro tea dress that has come back into fashion or the wrap around dress that pulls in your waist.

My dress is the little black dress from Coast.  It's that dress that hugs your curves, and you get out for all the occasions, think weddings, anniversaries and romantic meals. It shows a little bit of cleavage but it is still conservative enough for family get togethers. 

I think in this day and age we are always on the look out for quality items at reasonable prices. I don't know anyone that can splash the cash anymore on furniture and furnishings, yet we all still want the best that money can buy. 

Web-blinds in the sister online site of Hilary Blinds, a name you may have heard of, and a name you can trust. They particularly focus on value for money without scrimping on the quality and are proud of the fact that they offer a 12 month guarantee on all their items.

Their online site is clearly laid out with easy to read text, and is easy to navigate. 



As you can see from the website, they have brilliant offers, and free delivery on all orders over £99.

Web-blinds sent me a blind to review for my son's bedroom. We had a Velux window installed a couple of years ago, but have yet to buy a blind to fit, so this was a great opportunity.

Velux blinds can be really expensive, and although you can buy these at the Web-Blinds store they also offer a cheaper alternative with Velux compatible blinds with over 100 fabric options. The prices on these compatible blinds were very good so I ordered one, and was keen to see the quality of the blind when it arrived.




When the blind arrived I was pleased with the fabric. I ordered a blackout blind in blue to fit in with my son's bedroom and the material was nice and thick. One thing I would say is that it did not come with any instructions. My husband had to use Mr Google to find out how to install it. Once the information was found it was up and installed in only fifteen minutes. I like the blind, and once it is pulled down it blocks out the light in my son's bedroom. It does have a tiny gap at the top of the blind, and bottom but this could be due to the way my husband installed it.






Would I use Web-Blinds again? I would as I think the prices were good, the quality was excellent and the choice was varied. I think it's important to pay attention to the installation process and then you really can't go wrong.

* I was sent the blind to keep for an honest review

We all like saving money don't we? Have you ever used Top Cashback? Top Cashback is a site that pays you to shop.


It's easy to sign up and make money back from your purchases.

1. Register with Top Cashback.
2. Browse the great deals.
3. When you are ready to place your order, click on the Top Cashback special link.
4. Place your order.
5. Wait for your commission to be paid!

Victoria Plum is asking the nation this question and if you take their quiz you can be entered into a competition too.



When I first moved into my flat, we had limited money, everything was painted in neutral colours except our bedroom which was dark red and white with a feature wall and a four poster. Think romantic and slightly gothic. Recently we have become tired with this, maybe it's my age, so have resorted to white walls, with clean lines and a touch of floral.

I like traditional wood, but also modern clean lines, I am not a fan of chintz but I like the odd floral print, so I was even more interested in finding out what category I would be in in the Victoria Plum quiz.




Well apparently I am quirky cool, and I would certainly love to live in an airy loft or warehouse apartment :) They have got that point spot on. I am not sure about the vintage gold mirror though, if they said vintage silver mirror maybe!

My bathroom should reflect my original nature apparently and a cool contemporary style would certainly suit me. I found the quiz interesting as I am genuinely looking to have a new bathroom fitted this year.If you fancy checking out the Victoria Plum challenge let me know what the quiz says about you. I would love to know!




* This post is an entry for #GreatBritishHome Challenge sponsored by Victoria Plum, a source of quality bathrooms for every type of home. Take its “What’s Your Celebrity Home Style?” quiz to discover what your home says about you.”