Half a year gone, already!? 🤔

Well, that’s half of the year gone and im still no where near any of the goals I once planned before I had set off to Berlin to chime in ‘the big 2 0 1 6’the’this is my year, my time’ 2016.

Instead I am here, back on my laptop trying to gather what I ACTUALLY did with my time for the whole of 6 months?.

Maybe the cut in hours of my job made me unmotivated? or was it my busy schedule that I pursuaded myself in my head that I couldn’t possibly have time to keep up my blog I once happened to love (and sometimes obsess about).
My fitness challenge I set myself? On and off, not in the zone at times. One good week lead to 2 bad weeks!.

What was going on!? Where had my MoJo gone guys?!?!?..

By now I was starting to aggravate myself with my lazy arse, unmotivated self.

Life rule (take note)

* Planning doesn’t really go to plan.

I plan days to myself and they often get interupted or changed to please someone other than myself (by often, I mean always)
I plan daily, when I want to get things done by, my usual ‘to – do’ list, never ever on the time scale I want them to be done

I plan life goals, and they seem to take 4/6 months longer than originally planned! ( a year perhaps)

As they say ‘God laughs at those who make plans’ and he is certainly laughing at me!!..

This blog, unplanned!. It’s exactly 00:20am it’s boiling in my room and im wide awake. The 6th official day in to my 6 week holiday and my 2nd official day in to my fitness challenge.

I think i have found my MoJo guys! It’s back, well I hope…..

No no, IT’S BACK 
I just need to keep it up and give this blog more TLC. 
Apologies for the lack of love. I’m back..
And to you reading, Welcome back 💋

POSITIVE VIBES FOR 2016

We all do it.. but never stick to it..
Whether it’s the gym/losing weight, starting that project, changing careers, wanting that new home etc.. We start these ‘to do lists’ and ‘goals’ and get bored way too soon or stress ourselves out of the fun of it !..
I’m very guilty of this..
Here’s some postive vibes for my readers of 2015 to bring into the new year.

Run a Marathon!?

No, I’m not telling you all to go run a marathon..
As we all know running a marathon, or just having the motivation to put your trainers on is NOT as easy as it looks.
Everything takes time.
What im trying to say is, slow down, there are 12 months in a year, 365 days in fact!. Maybe your goals will take a year or two or even maybe three. Be patient and believe you can achieve.

Keep your head down guys, do your thing and enjoy it. Those goals won’t achieve themselves without a bit of hard work, sweat and tears! Yes, tears!.

Do what you love! Not what they love. It’s not stupid. It may feel stupid to you but its probably beacuse every other person and their dog aren’t doing it!

Scared?!?!

Of course you are!
So were all those other people who you aspire to be. Those people who you think are amazing. They all started somewhere!  Just remember that!
You are not human if fear and failure does not poke you in every direction of life. And that’s totally fine.
We live and learn as they say.
Just do it. That ‘thing’, that goal. Do it.

People will talk regardless. Some will like what you do, some won’t. YOU CAN’T PLEASE EVERYONE.
But those who stick and will stick with you through it all, keep them. Keep them close 💜

IT’S all about YOU!

Yes, you!!!!
The only person who can change the way you want to live or what you want out of life, not just 2016.
Invest time in yourself. Don’t worry what other people think.

It’s not silly to dream big. Take your time enjoy it and expect to fall sometimes.
It’s what makes us stronger!!.

Happy New Year to you all..
Now go and cross those goals, dreams and ‘impossibles’ off..

Till next year..

J x

Christmas shopping | Tips and Tricks | Ladies

 Going Christmas shopping ladies?!?!

I love christmas!! And every year I love to shop for christmas!! What woman doesn’t? ?.. Over these past years I’ve learnt a few lessons of what to do and not to do when braving the stores at this busy festive time!

Here are my top 5 things to remember.

Don’t be fooled by wearing heels!

Ladies, I know we all want to look the part when off chritmas shopping. Boots are always the ‘in’ thing around this time of the year but try not to wear more than 2 inch heels. Belive me, I’ve been there! After an hour im wishing to buy a new pair of flats/pumps just to endure the rest of the day!!..
I’ve been that girl that people look at and think ‘omg she can’t walk in those shoes’ yes I’ve been that girl!

Think comfort before anything! Not slippers persay but a nice pair of flat or small heeled boots will do the trick !!. There’s nothing worse than your feet in agony when all you want to do is get your shopping done and actually enjoy it.

Remember : Comfort first!!
 
Keep a bottle of water in your bag!

Always a good idea to keep hydrated. Shopping can get hot and sweaty, rushing around trying to get it all done, especially when you’re are waiting in that humongous que! (This applies to the shoes rule too!) It’s thirsty work this shopping malarkey! Save yourself waiting in the ‘drink que’ and spending around £3 for a bottle of water!!.

Just be prepared and bring your own, (FOR FREE).

Write a list before hand!!

I find writing a list so useful! !.. I never used to write a list and used to have bags full of rubbish just to make it look like I spent a huge amount, and I usually did, but it was bits and bobs that the people receiving them didn’t really want or need.

Ask, get an idea of what they want first before outrageously spending on un necessary things.
Write a list and DONT LOSE IT!..
It’ll cut the time spent in shops. Get them want they ACTUALLY want and need.
(Doesn’t apply to children, they need and want every toy in the toy shop haha).

Sensible Clothing

Like I said above, shopping can get hot and sweaty! Try avoid carrying that big bulky coat around. If you know you are shopping in doors ( shopping mall, shopping centre) their heaters will be on I assure you. Plus the heat from other sweaty shoppers will warm you up! Lol.

Layers are always good, thin layers plus a nice warm scarf should do the trick for those stores out on the high street where you have to fight the elements.
Pack an umbrella and a hat just in case!

This British weather can be undecive at the best of times.

Just buy it!!!!!

If you feel you need to buy it there and then..
BUY IT THERE AND THEN!!!
Many of times I have stood questioning  whether I should buy an item at the time or wait if it goes down in price, the chances are , it probably will go down in price but the colour/size/style you particularly wanted will be sold out!! DONT let it happen to you!.. you will be kicking yourself.
BUY IT!!!..

Hope this helps you ladies!! Take one or all five tips when out shopping and enjoy..
Happy shopping

J x

Gift Guide | Scented Gifts for her

You can never go wrong with a beautiful scented gift this Christmas.  From a Yankee Candle to a customised Jo Malone cologne, what better way to say Merry Christmas than an extra special scent to last all year (or maybe even two).
Here are my top 5 scented gifts for her, tried and tested just for you.

Coco Chanel Madmoiselle

A beautiful delicate yet dominant scent. A scent to make that special lady smell and feel a million dollars. A little goes a long way with this luxurious, dreamy fragrance.
 
If you’ve smelt the Chanel range ( I usually wander off into boots to test them all out myself, I know I’m not the only one 😉 ) then you’ll know that it’s usually a strong, musky scent ( sometimes unbearable for most) This and maybe two others are the only ones I enjoy wearing! 

A floral heart with a pop of rose extract, touch of  jasmine along with a fruity scents and combination of vanilla and white musk, this is definitely dedicated to courageous, brave and modern women.

Jo Malone

Jo Malone is a special kind of scent. One that you can really call your own.
With an array of smells to delve your nose into these Colognes definitely stand out from the rest.

I would recommend going into the Jo Malone store to sniff out the ones that’s best suited for you as most of these are an acquired smell.
Not everyone will like the scent you have or choosen but that’s the joy of Jo Malone.

You can add scents and mix scents together to get your signature scent. I thoroughly enjoyed my Jo Malone experience, it makes you feel that little bit special ( everyone deserve that once in a while).
Just another thing, the packaging is to die for..

Wood sage and sea salt was my favourite Cologne!

Yankee Candles

Ohhh I do love a good Yankee Candle!. My friend bought me the Vanilla Cupcake one for christmas last year and it’s still going strong. I am absolutely in love with it!.
I light it around 3/4 times a week after a challenging day in work, helps me unwind!.
My fav chill night – Clean, fresh bed sheets, fresh out of the shower (not a big fan of the bath) and feel good film to end the day with yankee candle burning.. Bliss!
The smell stays and lasts for a good while.

I’m sure the lady in your life deserves a candle lit, chilled night too!..

Lovely sweet smell! Beware – you may want to buy a few real cup cakes.

Soap and Glory

I absolutely love Soap and Glory products!! So affordable and the products do what they say on ‘the tin’.
The aromas from all the products last all day long and make you feel, (well, make me feel) so fresh and clean! 
The Righteous Butter pictured above is one I use nearly every day as my daily morning and night time routine!! The lotion is luxuriously thick and makes your skin shine and smell amazing.

There are a huge range of products that cater to all areas of the body. I love the packaging on all the products. So simple but work so well!! ..
Boots UK always do great Christmas deals on these products with sweet christmas decor packaging. Check the store or websites!

Grab yours soon guys!!.

J x

The Lazy Girl Breakfast

If you’re anything like me then having time for breakfast is the first last thing I think of in the morning..

Pick out outfit – check ✔
Dry and straighten hair – check ✔
Makeup routine – check ✔

All of a sudden, an hour has gone and im rushing out of the house thinking ‘I should have grabbed a banana or a quick cup of tea!!!’

I knew how important having breakfast was and I still couldn’t seem to find time to have it.
Richard always stresses how important it is so I’ve timed quick breakfast dishes that even the busiest person can do in just under 7 minutes.

Boiling the kettle?

If you are boiling the kettle for a cup of tea why not use the rest of the water and make a poached egg.
While the egg is poaching get your bread in the toaster!  By the time your egg is done ill guarantee that the toast will be popping out ready to be buttered!.
Both healthy and filling.
Time : 7 minutes

Microwave Mad?

Boring porridge.
Porridge is proven to lower cholesterol, prevent heart disease and boost serotonin. It is so cheap to buy these days. Oats are oats, so buying the value packets are no different to brand names.
Adding fresh fruit adds to this dish so much!
I used to hate porridge, so boring and cardboard-like tasting. Adding fruit, to me, makes it edible!.
This is my go – to breakfast when I’m in a rush!
You can add ANY kind of friut to this and add as many different friut as you like!
So easy guys!
Time : 3 minutes

Whizzing it up

One of my favourites!
Smoothies are not doubt on trend!
Packed full of Vitimins and goodness. It’s definitely a ‘pick me up’ when you’re getting ready to face a full working day.
As long as you have all the ingredients and the blender (of course) you are well away.
There are an abundance of smoothie recipes online. Find the one you love and get started! !

Time: 4 minutes

So there you have it, 3/4 quick and simple breakfast dishes/smoothies.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day so make sure you have something that will energise your body and get you ready for the day ahead.

J x

Real Talk | Time for babies?!

So, here I am, a 26 year old with a face of a 16 year old sitting in front of my computer wondering how the heck I am meant to write this blog and not intend for it to sound pathetic or weird to those of you reading it. How do I make it relatable or even readable?

Where would I start?

Where do I start????….

Ok, here goes.

Two months ago visiting a friend and her new born baby was the first time I had ever felt broody for more than 5 minutes. I had had this feeling at various stages when visiting friends and their babies, but as soon as I got back in the car the feeling subsided and I was on to the next thought (most probably food).

I visited again and the same feeling creped in. What was going on in my head? I can’t look after myself never mind think of having a bloody baby!?

Surrounded by two beautiful babies and friends that would talk about baby things, which I often joined in with, having seen my niece growing up, the same ‘talk’ I had once heard or had with my sister. Not once did I ever feel left out by it but the same part of my brain that made me feel broody popped up again, ‘this should be you’, ‘you should be a mummy too’, ‘c’mon, you’re 26 for God sake’

Aaaaahhhhh… shut up.

Shaking my head and the thoughts that obstructed my normal trail of thought, I quickly said my goodbyes and off I went.

Working and gym life kept me occupied, cross one thing off my list and on to another, the normal Joy Ebio routine that may seem boring to one, but made me feel accomplished every week. (Weird or what?)

But still that silly niggling in the back of my mind crept back in and everywhere I looked, be it on the street, on Facebook, Instagram everyone was either pregnant or just had a new born baby! Talk about feeling left out. Oh and to throw something different into the mix, members of the family (love you to death by the way) saying, ‘OOOO your turn next’ didn’t help either.

Am I missing out? Really? Am I being too slow with life? Gosh, I even know people my age with two children never mind one.

Was I being selfish in wanting to go on holidays and just having to worry not to pack too many bikinis? Or to spend my evenings sweating out my weekend consumption of food in a box fit/fitness class?

Was I, Am I the only woman passed the age of 25 who’s not ready, and is actually quite frightened of the fact that passed this age having a baby was ‘expected’ of you.  Also, I look at all my friends with children literally like superwomen, because I don’t know about you but I NEED all 8 hours of my sleep, thank you very much.

Then, one night I sat in bed and literally cried myself to sleep, (pathetic I know). I had convinced myself that I was missing out, stuck in a rut with life. I started, not so much hating my life but seeing it in a different light to what I once saw it before. I kept repeating ridiculous things in my head, ‘you’re 26 Joy what have you got to show for it? , ‘all the girls have grown up, you?’ Thanks brain!

How have I let myself get into this blubbering mess, feeling sorry for myself?! Yuck. (I know what you’re thinking, Man Up! I know, I know).

It didn’t end there guys, ohhhh no. I started looking prams up online, the cost of having baby furniture, bottles, etc… This was obviously the next stage in my life. Everyone around me was at this stage. It explained the reasons why these thoughts and questions have been popping up. It was so clear, it’s getting me ready, right?? Right?

WRONG!

How so very wrong.

Baby furniture, Prams? For goodness sake.

I clicked off google search, put the phone down and made myself a cup of tea (the best answer to a lot of my questions). I had forgotten to think about what I wanted in my life. I had been so engrossed in the lives of other people around me and what society expected of women my age that I had got rid of the positive thoughts that made me happy before and sadly replaced them with what I thought I should be doing/thinking.

I’ve just got engaged people!! Why am I rushing into a false sense of happiness for myself?

At the last sip of my tea I had realised that it is good to be selfish. I am at a different stage in my life to my friends and what I want in my life certainly doesn’t mean it applies to anyone else and vice versa. Spending time with my new Fiancé, getting our first house together, cherishing moments with family and friends (who have children or not) is my priority in life at this moment in time.

Once you start comparing your life to others around you, is when you start to lose a little confidence in your own aspirations and goals.

It took me a few weeks and a lot of tea to start realising that my life before was totally fine.

At some point in your life, certain things, people, situations will make you question what you do and why you do it. Don’t let that be the case, always remember: Be you, do your own thing and work hard on your own life goals.

If that means having a little cry in the process, so be it. Get it out of your system!

No one is perfect, life is certainly not perfect. Trust your own judgement and follow you own journey.

J x

Pretty Muddy Run

Last weekend was amazing! Still sticking to my ‘get fit’ challenge I was well up for signing up for this brilliant cause.
I wouldn’t have seen myself doing anything like this before I started my classes. It has surely given me a little more confidence in myself and the ability to challenge myself more.

Being friends from high school (secondary school) and now being in our late 20’s, its harder than ever to get together and do something other than go for food!.. lol.
Fitting time around all our busy schedules was/is tough. This run has given us the opportunity to get back together, laugh, reminice, and I have even got the girls to join my daily fitness classes with me!

It was such a great atmosphere being surrounded by women, men, boys and girls, their families and supporters on this day. You could feel the support as soon as you stepped into the field.
A sea of pink and mud! Amazing.

I don’t know many cancer patients  (which im glad to say).. but for all you men, women, boys, girls who have past, suffered, survived, fought.
This post goes to YOU and your family.

I will definitely be running again next year for such a great cause.
I would recommend this run to all you ladies who are thinking of raising money/ doing it as a fitness step/ getting together with friends anything really. I took great pleasure from the full experience and I now have a memory with my friends that I will remember forever.
Here’s the Youtube link to our video from the day. We couldn’t film a lot but I filmed what I could 🙂
https://youtu.be/T4pUymmut9A

Enjoy x

Travel | Mallorca/Majorca

Total holiday blues coming home from this beautiful Balearic Island that is Majorca/Mallorca.
The sea, the sand, the food, the people! I could go on.
Spain is a destination that has been loved by us Brits for a long long time, and for the whole week I fell in love too!
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not your Caribbean holiday or Dubai getaway but with a 2 hour plane journey you can’t ask for anything more.

The Hotel
Our hotel nestled just over an hour from Palma airport boasts chic, modern and comfy hues that spoke throughout the hotel.
From the reception desk, to the rooms, right down to the pool, our hotel did not disappoint.
Newly refurbished back in 2012 you could see they had paid attention to the smaller details, making sure the hotel lived up to the 4 star rating it truly deserved.
The rooms gave a modern edge with crisp white sheets and a cooling hint of yellow and grey shades. Minimal. Fresh.

(Bedroom picture taken from website)

We paid extra on top of the holiday for a room with a sea view and it didn’t disappoint! Just look at that view! Yes please!!
Waking up to that every morning was just blissful.

The staff at the Hotel were friendly and very helpful, just what you need!

The food
Its hard coming back home to no buffet breakfast and no buffet evening meal :?:)

There was no faulting the food here in this hotel. Tasty, varied, however could have added more dishes to the hot plate area. There was a grill that had meat and fish to be cooked fresh in front of you and they didn’t hold back on proportion size! scrumptious..

As we booked half board, our lunch times often saw us wondering the beach front strip for food.
You don’t really have to walk far to find places to eat and reasonably priced too!
3 days out of 7 we stayed in the Hotel poolside for lunch. Beautiful food yet again and prices are more than reasonable. Fresh. Filling.

Their A La Carte restaurant was superb. Excellent choices and dishes from start to finish excelled.

What to do
How nice it is to relax poolside with a cocktail in hand and a soft breeze coming in from the charming beach just a few foot steps away.

Beach walks, scenic bike rides, parasailing are among the things that can occupy your days here.
There are plenty of water sports to do, again at reasonable prices.

Thomson will also give you great excursion trips but at  a pricier deal. You could do these at a lower price if you are confident enough to find places on the local buses. (Bus stops located 3/4 minute walk from hotel)
 Thomson had put on a bike ride for an afternoon which we signed up for!
So glad we did. It was a chance to meet new people, couples and enjoy new company and new conversations.

This bike ride took us passed Cala Millor, through the beautiful Cala Bona to a picturesque view to capture it all.

Later that day we headed out on our own with a couple of others and took a 4 mile passed the pretty Sa Coma and  to a gorgeous cave.

Night time
We are never too fussed on the entertainment that Thompson hold.
This year, this time around they did a tremendous job!
It catered to all ages. An 80 ‘s night, a resident DJ one night, a soul band (which got even Richard up dancing).

We did go to a few bars in the evenings after the entertainment had stopped.
We DON’T recommend a club called ‘Lollipop’. That’s a no go!
But you’ll find plenty on the beach front and don’t forget to venture behind the front too!!

I would definitely recommend this hotel and holiday to couples in their late 20’s and over. This hotel however,  is only a couples hotel so no children im afraid.
But there were plenty near by that were family hotels.
If you are thinking of a inexpensive week or two away, to a not so far destination, this is it!

(Protur Playa Hotel, Cala Millor, Mallorca)

Revisiting my January challenge!

When I looked at the picture to the left, I had to double take!
‘Is that really me?’ I thought, ‘do I really look like that?’.

I set myself a challenge this year, to be more active. I had also previously blogged about it back in January.

To be totally honest the gym lasted a good two months and I totally got bored of it. I felt a minor change to my fitness. I didnt challenge myself enough, if I’d had enough in the gym I could and would drive back home! (How’s that for motivation) 😕

I got so annoyed with myself and ended up venting my fustrations to my fiancé.

He (as always) got me back on track and started suggesting other ways of getting active/fit.
His friend, along with others had opened up a new fitness class just minutes away from home and he suggested I try it. So I did!

My first class was nerve racking, only because I didn’t know anyone apart from my fiancés friend, but I just had that picture in my head.
I soon got into my zone and pushed through till the end of the class.

Pheeww !

It was hard, but really enjoyable! I left feeling really good and thinking, everyone was there for a reason and some probably the same reason as my own.

Two classes a week lead to three, then four and some days saw me doing two classes in one day!!
No word of a lie, I felt like a new person.  Along with healthy (ish) eating I set myself a little goal ready for my holiday.
My goal:
To not look like what I did in that first picture! LOL.

These pictures are NOT transformation pictures.. as you can see not a huge change has been made physically but mentally I feel so so much better!
I have never felt or looked healthier than I have today.
Some of you may think that it’s not the biggest of changes and that I have always been ‘tiny’, but believe you me, there is definitely a difference between ‘looking tiny’ and ‘being fit’.
Personally, how you feel on the inside definitely effects how you look on the outside.

A lot of sweat and determination has got me this far. Not the prettiest of sights trust me! Lol. I can definitely say that I will feel more comfortable on holiday this year than previous years!

Everyone, male or female have their insecurities and this was one of mine.
It’s a strange one I know as I am not exactly 25 stone but feeling good about yourself is very important. Doing what makes YOU feel good should be your priority.
I
am still very motivated about keeping this ‘being active’ challenge up and very excited to see what the other half of this year will bring!  I will blog my progress in 4/5 months time to keep you updated. Hopefully I’ll stick at it 😰:)..

A huge huge thank you to the trainers at Inspire Fitness for helping me get my confidence back and to my amazing fiancé who motivates and inspires me to be the best that I can be, always!

Travel | London

Another amazing trip had in London!
What an amazing city filled with a mountain of things to do. (Not enough time to see all in a weekend trip).

This time around we managed to fit in a trip to the Harry Potter studios, a quick educated filled visit to the Imperial War Museum, a venture through Portobello market, a night walk through Carnaby Street, a shopping trip in Fortum and Mason and the men also manged to watch a rugby match..

What I love about this city is the amazing architecture of the buildings and all its hidden history behind them, the hustle and bustle of the streets and the endless places to visit.

Hotel
Our hotel was situated on the outskirts of Hyde park, a 5 minute walk away from the tube station, but not in and amongst all the hustle and bustle of the city.
The rooms were nice and the decor was lovely, however due to the age of the building the running of hot water for the shower/bath took forever!  (Not good when you’re in a hurry!). I also found the rooms were hot/sweaty and we had to leave the air con on for the duration of our stay.
Breakfast was served in a buffet form, however specific dishes could be available on request ( additional charge). This breakfast was lovely and the breakfast staff were more than happy.

Food
Like in any big city there are an abundance of places to eat..
Every coner brings you to different smells of dishes from all continents of the world.
You can be sure, what ever you are craving, London will deliver..

Being a busy city you can find restuarants being fully booked most weekends so I would research and book if you can! It’ll save you time walking around finding a restaurant with seats.
Get your googling on the go and search for restuarants near to where you are and be sure to read the comments too!

We booked both restuarants for both nights and both were very very busy by the end of the night so it was very lucky we booked!!
The restaurant that I would recommend is Côte a French Brassiere

http://cote-restaurants.co.uk/Cote_Restaurant_St_Martin%27s_Lane.html

There are many Côte restuarant locations around London, so like I said, get researching!

Our trips to London often see us at Harrods  ( to see how the other half live), but this visit we manage to see Fortum and Mason.
Beautiful store, not as big as Harrods but if you fancy something different why not visit?

Harry Potter
Harry Potter fan?!
The Harry Potter studios was amazing and a must see!!
What a brilliant experience and well  worth the money.
I will keep this part short and simple..
If you are a fan, GO!
If not, DONT
Here some sneaky pics I took..

The Imperial War Museum is free of charge and a nice trip to full either a morning or afternoon.
There are, however, other specific historical events which sometimes have an additional charge.
I personally found it very interesting.

There’s is so much to do and see in London.
So if you are thinking of visiting, my advice would be:
Research
Book in advance
Get your Oyster cards loaded
And Enjoyyyyyyy! !!