Exercise is a great outlet

It has been a while since I have since I have blogged.  Sometimes things get put on the back burner whilst you concentrate on other areas.

What is important though is having an outlet, pursuing something that makes you happy.  Exercise is a great outlet, blows off steam, it improves your mood and boosts your energy to cope with everyday life.

Don't you find too when exercising you sleep better too?  I know I do.

What you decide to do is up to you, whether it is housework, walking the dog, pounding the pavements or going to the gym working up to 30 minutes of consistent exercise each day is a great way to reap the rewards.

My dog Peaches is waiting beside my shoes as we speak, off to walk we go…..

The Balance Pole

What is your motivation to run or exercise?  Sometimes our intended plans go our the window and it is hard to get back on track.    I have learn't recently that we do need to have "me time" too which sometimes gets put on the back burner when you are putting your families needs first.

"But what about your needs? Do you have a balance pole?" someone asked me the other day.  Well a balance pole is this imaginary pole that adds balance to everyday life.  Imagine walking along a pole or tightrope, with the chaos and stress of work or family dramas weighing you down and you are swaying on the verge of loosing your balance almost falling off.   Now imagine doing a class of yoga or going for a running,  feeling alive and energised, thereby pulling you back up making you stronger mentally and physically to help you continue on your journey along the pole.

Write a list of things you enjoy doing, that make you feel good and healthy and strong,  ready to cope with everyday chaos.  Start making them happen, make the time to do them.  Allocate time, write in your  diary or calendar and "just do it".  Whether is is going to yoga, walking the dog,  going for a run, gardening, cooking, catching up with friends etc, taking time out for you is incredibly important.   You are no good to anyone if you are not healthy mentally and physically when the going gets tough.   I found this quote as well and this very much applies. Laughter is indeed the best medicine.

A well-developed sense of humor is the pole that adds balance to your steps as you walk the tightrope of life.

William Arthur Ward

Hot cross buns and easter eggs

Whether you are getting away to see family and friends or taking the family camping, Easter is a fabulous time to spend quality time with your loved ones.

Don't feel guilty eating hot cross buns and easter eggs over Easter. Enjoy and saviour the moment.   Everything in moderation, a treat is not a bad thing.

You can always grab a bit of exercise throughout the long weekend.  Go for a walk or run, climb a hill,  play footy with the kids., run up the stairs, stretch and drink plenty of water.

A little indulgence does no one any harm,  so, enjoy and be happy.

Pursue your dream and get to write about your exercise and fitness travels

I always think it is great if you can follow your dreams, do something that makes you happy or even just try something new!  Last year my New Years resolution was to write. I came across WeekendNotes which I had already subscribed to online. WeekendNotes is an online site where writers can write about fun and interesting things to do.   I applied by submitting a short story and to my surprise WeekendNotes accepted my application. 

Over the last 9 months I have been writing about places I have been to, events coming up, even cafes, restaurants and markets that I  enjoyed and thought others would too. I've included the first article I wrote:  Shark Park River Bend Country Bush Camping plus a couple of others: Blackboard Coffee Roasters, and Camping @ Ferry Reserve, Brunswick Heads, Gold Coast.

It has become a great hobby and you do get paid for it, which can be a nice bonus.  WeekendNotes have sites all over the world, it may be an opportunity for you to write about places you have been to on your travels, explored and enjoyed. Think of the great places to run, eat and exercise!  The editors are there to help you and hey if I can do it I am sure you can too and you never know,  it may lead to a whole new writing adventure, a stepping stone to a new career even!

Click on this link select your city and start writing, I look forward to seeing your articles.

Happy writing.

Angela x

Go to food

I have not been very motivated the last week.  A result I guess of work, late nights and a cold that I cannot shake.  Motivation to get out and run or even walk has gone out the window so to speak. Sometimes I think you do need some time at home and there is nothing wrong with staying in bed, watching movies and just hibernating a bit to recover.   I  have continued to drag myself out of bed to stretch and as much as I struggled with them, I did do some planks, sit-ups, lunges and squats.  Hopefully by tomorrow I will feel more of an inclination to get out of bed and go for a much needed walk.  That is my plan for tomorrow.

At least I haven't been reaching out for biscuits, chocolate or ice-cream. My go to food lately has been yoghurt.  I keep a pot in the fridge at all times, goes perfectly with oats in the morning or just as a snack. Nothing better than grabbing a spoon or two before running out the door.

My fruit and vege stall down the road has the perfect yoghurt, almost too yummy - George's Authentic Greek Yoghurt, favourite flavour -  passionfruit!

What is your go to food?

One step in front of the other

Run, Eat Chocolate Mousse, Run - Happy Valentine's Day

I couldn't resist sharing this recipe for Valentine's Day.   The plan is run Saturday morning, eat chocolate mousse Saturday night and up Sunday for another walk run.

This chocolate mousse recipe is super easy to make and yes, guys you can make it for your special loved one!

• 300g quality dark chocolate roughly chopped
• 3 eggs
• 1/4 cup caster sugar
• 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder
• 300ml thickened cream plus extra whipped cream to serve
• Grated chocolate to serve

Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of gently simmering water  Stir chocolate until melted. Remove bowl from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Place eggs and sugar in a large bowl and beat with electric beaters for  approximately 5 minutes, or until mixture is pale, thick and doubled in volume. With spatula fold in cooled chocolate and cocoa powder until combined.

In a separate bowl, whip cream until thickened (be careful not to over-beat). Use a large metal spoon to carefully fold the cream into the chocolate mixture, keeping the mixture as light as possible. Spoon into 6 serving glasses and chill in fridge for at least 1 hour. Remove from fridge 15 minutes before serving,  top with extra whipped cream (optional - you may not need extra cream as this recipe is super rich) and grated chocolate to serve. Happy Valentine's Day everyone xx