Fundiddliumptious

My holiday in a word!

So much fun, sun and giggles. I can't tell you how nice it is to finally have a tan when I'm this close to the equator. Actually I can:

The epitome of grace!!

This is all the exercise I've done in a week - no joke. I did once climb to the third floor gym but decided that just climbing the stairs was enough i.e. totally knackering!

Instead I mostly consumed things like this:

Freshly made chips - made right in front of us

The Real Jersey Housewives set, NJ

Serendipity 3: Hot Fudge Sundae

3rd and 60th, NYC

Andy Warhol dined here

This was my only salad of the week - so bad, so so bad.

Spring Street Natural Restaurant in The Village, NYC didn't disappoint

YUMMMMMMMMMMMY

Wait I did do some sea kayaking but I mostly cruised. NEVER put me in a double kayak! Max is a hopeless rower and I had my paddle upside down most of the time!!

Max finding his sea legs on dry land

And shock horror I uncovered some scales:

Even the sparkle can't distract from the truth.

Current weight = unacceptable 12.0 stone

Walking in NYC and seeing all these amazingly dressed women reminded me that I can either eat whatever I want OR I can look amazing and dress like these girlies. I can't have it both ways. Yesterday I spotted my double chin reappearing and sitting on the plane home this morning for 5 hours I could feel my stomach creasing uncomfortably over itself and decided happily that enough is enough with the eating non-stop malarky. I am in a happy place mentally, I had a G.R.E.A.T holiday and I got my mojo back and then some BUT NOW IT'S TIME to get back on the paleo wagon (i.e. no carbs and no sugar) and stay disciplined until those 24lbs come off and more. It's time to prove I have what it takes to complete a half marathon, to get back to my slimmer self and to rock Crossfit til those abs magically appear.

To celebrate this decision (and to give me a much needed wardrobe option in light of my temporary excess(ive) weight gain) I remembered that fat doesn't have to mean ugly and so I splurged (all $25.00 - 60% off!!) on the most divinely comfortable summer dress EVER.  Think this but in a dress:

Right now I'm trying to decide if attempting Crossfit this afternoon - a gentle intro 4 x 400 meter runs and 30 sit ups in 100 degrees - is a wise thing to do on 4 hours sleep, horribly conjested lungs (I didn't lie when I said I'd done NO, NADA, ZERO exercise for a week - breathing is hard work) and seeing in triplicate or whether that adds to the fun/pain?

Check out my lobster tan!!

Thanks Miss M for the most fundiddliumptious holiday a girl could wish for  xx

'Are You Ready To Make a Move?'

This is my go to phrase I routinely say to gauge if the friend(s) I'm with are ready to leave the restaurant, museum, club, park, beach etc - wherever we so happen to be. My American friend was recently on a date and this phrase of mine had rubbed off on her so much so that she asked her dinner companion if he was ready to make a move - soooo much hilarity ensued... and this pretty much set the tone of my vacation. I haven't laughed so much in ages.

Taken by another young knight in shining armour I flagged down!

Some Holiday Postcard highlights:

• Philadelphia is not as cool as National Treasure makes out, although it does have some trendy areas but these are overshadowed by some scary black gang poor, poor areas. 


• NYC always blows my mind. I walked 80 blocks in just one afternoon - that's a lot of near death crossings! But I feel so safe in New York compared to Phili. Plus New Yorkers are not so jaded after all - I've had sooooooooo many comments, double glances and conversations regarding my sparkly monkey feet that my holiday buddy extraordinaire and I have the sketch monkey feet comedy routine down! FYI: Today's New York Times Sunday Style Section debuted Mui Mui's sparkly trainers, part of their fall collection. For once, I'm on trend!!!!!


• I feel like I'm in a episode of Dawson's Creek - staying lakeside surrounded by New England houses does that to me.


• Cape May is not quite as fabuloso as Cape Cod, but almost. Cape Cod will have my heart forever. Then again there's nothing like being rescued by a nine year old boy when two twenty something girls fail to put up a beach umbrella.  Really it was a tricky solo job for my compadre as I was laughing way, way too hard to be of any practical assistance. My compadre did commence by telling me that she had a beach job putting up umbrellas when she was a teen - which she kept for two whole days - I now understand why ;-) Fortunately our young shining knight in armour came equipped with his spade and soon set us to rights - and our beach neighbours breathing easy again!


• Beach caddies are the way to go - I've never seen this in the UK - but when I have a hubbie and kids, a beach caddy will me mine. 


• I have a whole new set of kinky tan lines and an impressively tan face - just thought you'd like to know!


• A la beach I finished THE most incredible book I've read this year. Y'all be getting this MUST-read book as presents for the next few months - just warning you now!! Plus this book has got me thinking about the next Mission!!!! (This book also inspired the photo above. I would never normally dare to climb onto official property ever. I'm a major scared dee cat like that but conquering fear starts with baby steps.)


• It rained for a whole day today. A whole day. This is the first time since I arrived in the U.S. when the sun hasn't shone. Felt nice to be reminded of alternate weather!


• I'm officially trading in my desire for my own place to live in London for a sea water hot tub which lights up and changes colour. AMAZING!!


• The Help is an incredible film. Go. See. It. Now.  Warning - you will be surrounded by 60-70 year olds if you see this film in New Jersey!!


• Jaws was based on the shark attacks off the Jersey Coast during one week in 1916 - exactly where I was in the sea on Saturday. Now. You. Tell. Me. OMG. Now I understand all the lifeguard stations every 40 meters. OMG.


• Nothing beats crazy golf by the sea. Even if I did lose an unspecified number of balls in the foliage and lake. Ooops. Amazingly I still won!!!! ;-))


• I have eaten way too much since I've been on holiday, although I'm not convinced today's seafood has agreed with me - double oops!! Fortunately my new favourite beach coverup - only $15 from Target hides a multitude of sins!


• Oprah Behind the Scenes is now my new favourite programme - such brilliant TV. Oprah is BRILLIANT just in real life. I am in awe of anyone who has that much energy despite being overweight. Anyone who carries a few extra pounds will know what I mean. Being overweight is tiring in and of itself.  I can't wait to see her Lifeclasses series when they commence in the fall. Number 1 reason to stay in the U.S.!!

So in answer to the question above - No, I am not quite ready to make a move but oh so fortunately I have three days of holidays left. Yaaaayyyyyyy!! xx

Let the summer holidays commence!!

Mappus Poppus - I've been studying

Well I was going to tell you all about my adventure at Dallas airport and the fact that it's a miracle that I made it onto the plane, but let's just say drama, drama, drama. Here's the VERY abridged version: Essentially a certain girl didn't realise she needed to know which terminal and gate her flight was leaving from before you get within a 20 mile radius of Dallas airport and entering the most confusing traffic flow system known to man. I am apparently the only dimwit on the planet who doesn't check stuff like this before getting to the airport - this is why I need a boyfriend, a handler OR a brain. Fortunately I was flying with the ONLY airline to fly from not one but three of the five terminals - A, C & D and I had I-kid-you-not 20 mins to park and get to the gate before my flight departed. Holy ****.  Terminal D was a no go as simply I missed that exit, A or C, A or C. I picked C just cos but after attempting to park in three of the garages to no avail. NOT A SINGLE SPACE ANYWHERE, I eventually had to abandon the car with a valet as my BP was 2300/60 and sprinted off to discover if I was anywhere near the right terminal and anywhere near my gate, yelling the window's open, you have my permission to hot wire it if you need you, I have a fliiiiiiiiiiiight, be back next weeekkkkk over my shoulder as I departed. As you do. Hope my poor baby survives ok next to the Mercs and Hummers.

I could probably have flown a private jet here and back for the amount it's going to cost me to retrieve the car and God only knows where I collect it from etc, etc, etc. Actually thinking about it, it might be cheaper/easier to just buy a new car. Major crapola! But I'll worry about that some other time as I somehow picked the right terminal, was only a 100 gates away from mine, got through security despite a three mile queue and basically being cavity searched and onto the plane with 20 seconds to spare to then spend three hours recovering next to the most nervous bride to be ever to fly commercial (another story, another time). BUT as a reward tonight I am sleeping in my new royal navy and pink tiger $15 Target PJs in a princess bed - no joke it's like 10 feet off the ground in the most incredible lakeside Villa, complete with not one but TWO yachts out front - insane, completely unexpected (I have the most amazing secret millionaire friends ;-)) but LOVING it  and tomorrow I am off to NYC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*crazy happy happy dance*

I cannot freaking wait - especially as everyone I speak to keeps giving me more and more food places to try. Umm guys I REALLY need to lose weight but if you insist I will breakfast at Mille Feuille - how often do I swing by NYC!? Anyway this afternoon I walked 50 blocks in Philadelphia in refreshing 80 degree heat so I've been building up an appetite in preparation for tomorrow.

Who doesn't L.O.V.E the holidays!? xx

Ooooh, nearly forgot, was such a busy bee yesterday I never got around to posting Tuesday's 10km run profile. It was tough. I was slow. It was a different route through the forest and down by a mahousive river. My toes are blistered, I am losing a toenail ;-( and my knees now feel 70 years old. The thing I most love running with this group is that I have pressure to ensure that my fellow runner Paul maintains his last place on every Club Run for the last three years so I can't be a SUPERslow coach (thank god I have killer finish line sprint - saved me on Tuesday!!)

Wet and Wild

Not waving but drowning?! 

Gotta love GSCE English Lit

I am very nearly half way through my epic vacation. {What this lady of leisure lifestyle isn't forever! NOOOOOOOOOooooo.....} To celebrate/ commiserate I've decided that it is time to get Wet and Wild  actually Wetter and Wilder H2O Part II. Can you even imagine? I am way too uptight! Last time I was at a water park - I lost my bikini bottoms on an epic open air slide (I was 18 years old, clearly a bit thinner then and celebrating end of school exams forever with friends on holiday in Spain) and I had to climb all the way back up the 100 meter slide with all the male attendants, the queue, EVERYONE watching whilst I scrambled to retrieve my bikini bottoms. Not remotely embarrassing! (I can only thank god this was before camera phones existed ;-)) But this is the sole reason I had to come half way across the globe for a vacay!! Hahahahahahahaha. Well regardless of no longer fitting the carefree wet and wild teen self any longer, my ticket is booked and I am off to the Pizza Hut Park of Texas on Saturday for FUN, FUN, FUN - Wetter and Wilder Texan style.

It was either that or a trip to FW Zoo ;-))

This mid vacation celebration is being funded courtesy of the lovely UK pay check I received last week.  I've been pondering at what point should I remind my employers that I'm not off sick, I am actually out of the country and have been for the past two months and will be for another two months so they probably shouldn't be paying me anything??? I don't know whether to be psyched at the good fortune, nervous that I'm passively committing fraud and this is just a ruse to get me fired from my job whilst I am out of the country or upset that no-one has noticed I've not been at my desk for the past eight weeks. I don't slack THAT MUCH ;-) Clearly there is only one possible answer: My contract must include a retainer fee payment clause that I somehow previously overlooked??

WAHOOO!!

Regardless, come Saturday I won't be thinking anything except a) that slip and slide is minnnnnneeeee (fortunately I don't currently own any bikini bottoms) and b) do they sell pizza at the Pizza Hut Park of Texas? xx

Is that the pretty Justine.....?

This was how a phone call I received this morning commenced. It had me stumped for a few seconds as I knew the call was from a mechanic from whom I was waiting to hear about the damage on the car I'd dropped off a couple hours previously and with it, the sorry verdict on my wallet :-)) (For the record, I didn't crash fortunately, the car I'm using just keeps losing power and I'm worried it's just gonna flat out die at a really inconvenient time/place - like in the middle of the Interstate at rush hour). 

My first thought was that people are always extra nice to soften the blow when the news that follows isn't great right?! My second thought was that this was just some classic Southern charm. Anyways when I did acknowledge that I was pretty little she and the mechanic then followed up his opening with something else in a similar vein, it finally dawned on me that he was flirting with me. My third thought: OMG people never flirt with me. Clearly those five pull ups this morning where I actually got my chin above the bar {B.I.G. dealio} are paying off :-))

Returning to the garage and after 5 minutes convincing said mechanic that I reallllllly, really didn't need a drink or anything else, we got down to discussing the car. Not much went in except re: mechanical vs electrical and something about fuel pump, coils and plugs but I did gather that the fault with the car is as yet undiagnosed and that the car needs to spend a full day at the garage and that when I drop the car off the mechanic can then drop me off whereever I need to be. My fourth thought: Hmmmm are you sure you couldn't fix the car right now today and do we need to play this game and are you a serial killer in disguise???

I am real sceptical when it comes to matters of the heart stuff. Too sceptical most definitely. That and people never flirt with me. I did catch someone checking out my a$$ the other week - AWKWARD and a little hilarious as it was so unsubtle and I then had to spend the evening with him, but other than that I am a completely flirt free zone. As ridiculous as this sounds, my personal experience of love is that for me it's a bit like Stockholm's - I can make myself fall in love with any single man IF I absolutely had to. Not a great trait. So that part of my brain is consciously switched off. I don't flirt and I don't date. But every now and again something or rather someone slips through - like perusing an online profile of a total stranger, from dozens that I've read, who made me genuinely smile, wonder and my heart skip a beat, or like spending a party, channelling my teen self, and ensuring I had a direct view of a certain guy who has so many qualities that make him an incredible catch.

Niiiiiiiice rooftop pool and partay venue. We don't get pools like these in London apartment blocks! IF only!!

There's a reason everyone at today's birthday bash resembled like an extra from Baywatch: Paleo party fare is crudities, grilled meat and fruit. That and the attendees were all hard core Crossfitters. Honestly, I have never heard so much chat about squats and how much people can jerk etc. 5 straight hours of squat talk - no kidding! Fortunately the Birthday Cakes made an appearance later on - SWEEEEET!!

I don't pretend that as a person I am actually anything special. Tonight I was the only person at a pool party who didn't have perfect washboard abs (So not slightly mortifying ;-) Where's the obesity epidemic when you need it?!) I know I have good and bad qualities and I hope some of the good outweighs the bad - just like everyone else. And although it would be great to be someone else sometimes, I am more than ok with just being me.

Here in the US, I have the added bonus of a British accent which really does have it's bonuses: Today I was waived a $200 mechanic's investigation fee cos of my accent, well that and the car is clearly ^&@%! ;-))  Sometimes though it's nice just imagining 'what if' now and again. Until I figure out how to make the real thing work, I have decided to fall in love with a brilliant little snow cone maker - just $10 from Target.  Alcoholic and even non-alcoholic snow cones are a great second love for singletons - particularly for those moments when you are feeling a little self conscious that you don't have an even remotely a bikini bod. Afterall, ice has zero kcals.

Everyone should invest in one of these babies - the margarita mix is optional ;-))

Snow Cone heaven

WAHOOOOOO!! xx

Independence Day

Independence Day started with a Crossfit session - actually a Leanfit session:  Just as I'm trying to get to grips with Crossfit, the Crossfit gym launch two additional programmes: Leanfit and Runfit. My mind boggles trying to decide which programme to go with. {Gym Chief read my mind - we are NOT allowed to cherrypick what we fancy doing depending on the day, our mood and what workout coordinates best with my footware de jour etc}. I want to be lean - ergo Leanfit, I also want to keep on the running  - ergo Runfit but I want to get sufficiently buff to shock my metabolism - ergo Crossfit. Head swivel ensues.

Since the Crossfit session was something with very heavy weights and leather fingerless gloves that I can't even pretend I had a clue as to what was going on; I did the alternative Leanfit sess which was comprised of moves that I had heard of before - SCORE ;-)) It doesn't mean I can any of these moves with finesse - ring pulls are my new arch enemy, that and wall balls (concussion is a very real concern of mine) oh and I can't forget box jumps. Apparently taking box jumps 'one at a time' is the right way to go; I'm just not sure the required 30 sec internal pep talk between each jump is also standard practise ;-))

This did originally say 2 rounds then Crossfit Chief had a bout of evil holiday cheer and altered this to 3 rounds.

31 mins and 08 seconds later I was finally stretching out and chatting to the girls {they were still doing weird stuff with very heavy weights and leather fingerless gloves}. The post workout debrief is my favourite part of EVERY workout. No contest ;-)) Well that and opening the door to the air-conditioned house where I'm staying and then climbing into the shower and turning the water as cold as it goes to return my body temperature to something resembling normal. BLISS.

So leanfitted out, I got on with the real business of celebrating this all-American holiday in an all-American way - cue a visit to the Fort Worth Stockyards ok ok Billy Bobs - but I toured the Stockyards since I was there ;-)) Looksie:

This is basically Texan's Icon - that and the Lonestar, cowboy anything and some unconventional forms of transport as you'll discover....

People really do dress like this here - my cowboy hat and I were in great company today

And bullfighting is a real past-time here. Except it's called rodeo.  

FYI: I was not checking out all the cowboys signing up to participate in the rodeo, I was merely fulfilling my duties as a good tourist ;-))

Road rage takes on a whole new meaning!

I think I'll stick to more conventional forms of transport though

There's a form to escorting cattle apparently

Wait - that face...so familiar, it reminds me of something.... Ah ha now I remember..

Today is my little sister's Birthday and I've forgotten to send her present

Now that's a red rag to a bull ;-))

After my close encounter with a few too many bulls (I loved that the police circling nearby were on bicycles - not quite sure how they were planning to assist if a bull went awry?!), I headed over to Billy Bob's - one of the biggest country music clubs in North Texas since they were hosting a Willy Nelson 4th July picnic. FYI: I have never seen so much drunken line dancing happening in a fountain at 3pm in the afternoon (or for that matter so many tattoos and very, VERY short denim shorts). But then again I have no idea how people can consume beer in 100 degree heat and not completely die of dehydration. After three hours, I knew I was at risk of heat stroke when I agreed to pay $8 for a bottle of water and had a river of sweat running down my legs - it was so gross I almost climbed into the fountain aswell. ALMOST. But heeding the warning, I headed back to the car to check it also hadn't completely overheated or worst spontaneously combusted and headed home for a reprieve.......before......

A classic Fourth July Firework show at the Country Club:

So classy - like stepping into a Ralph Lauren ad especially after an afternoon at Billy Bob's ;-))

Fred and Terri: My very kind hosts who let me crash their family evening

What Fred doesn't know about American Road Trips isn't worth knowing. Thanks to Fred I now have way too many road trips that I want to do and too little time so I'm trying to convince Fred to write a book - it would be AMAZING (he has some great stories) and I could road trip vicariously!! Terri is also a Crossfitter and we have identical pink monkey shoes! So this lady can do no wrong. Plus I appreciate that you've only just met Terri BUT I just have to share that 16 years ago this incredible lady carried a baby to term for her sister. Totally incredible right? By comparison I couldn't even get my sister's Birthday present posted on time - eek. Just give me sixteen years!! Plus it was so cool to actually meet her sister, her sister's kids and the rest of the clan. 

Plus the fireworks were something else.... 

Happy Birthday Little Sis - I had so much fun celebrating your special day!! 

Happy 4th July xx

There are Salads and then some!!

Sorry I have been a bit slow catching you up with my recent travels (understand: suffering a little with the post holiday blues. That and I can't find a way to stop laughing long enough at some unfortunate snaps to blog about them). But as I have also been wanting to write an EXCITING post on SALADS (a wannabe bikini body's mainstay) since fooooooooooooorever I thought I'd knock them both out of the ballpark in one swoop. Well at least attempt to!

Understand what I am about to reveal is VERY privileged information - YES I am about to reveal the secret identity of THE BEST SALAD you will ever consume.


I will duel anyone who thinks otherwise ;-)


First of all you must appreciate that that salads and I are:

Or until I get into a bikini, whichever comes first ;-))

Next you must understand that even the absolute 'Can't Cook, Won't Cook' type that I am, my homemade salads set the bar fairly high:

This was yesterday's salad a la casa de Justine: 

spinach, strawberries, almonds, grilled lemon chicken with drizzled mustard dressing

Today's salad was yesterday's leftover steamed salmon (SOOOO RIDICULOUSLY TASTY), spinach, avocado, strawberries, cherry tomatoes with drizzled balsamic dressing. Basically I'd been looking forward to lunch since I woke up!! Always a great sign.

Plus pack lunch salads CAN be equally great - these were my daily office staple over the last year or so since I started this mission - back in the day when I had a 9-5 office job. (You all hate me right now I can feel it ;-)) Don't worry I'll be right back with you in office hell all too soon!)

Again spinach but here with peppers, tomatoes, parma ham and balsamic dressing

Adding some fresh buffalo mozzarella to this is OTT good. Perfect if you are having a rubbish day!

SCRUMPIOUS SALAD STAPLES:

1. Just do spinach - it actually has some nutrient content compared to limpy old lettuce


2. Avocados don't taste great in the UK so I tend to avoid them - but they do make a brilliant salad staple and Stateside or anywhere the sun actually shines avocados are yummilicious .


3. Get creative - berries and fruit work really well in salads - chopped nectarines, strawberries and blueberries are all delicious and personal faves of mine


4. Dressings MAKE a salad but it doesn't need to be complicated - just some olive oil and balsamic dressing works a treat. Plus a little dressing goes a long way.


5. Personally I always add protein to a salad as it helps to fill me up: Try to avoid fake reconstituted meat products if you can avoid it. Best of all just throw in some leftovers to your salad. On the rare event that I do cook, I try to cook more than I need, so I can put the leftover cooked meat or fish in the following day's salad. If you're vegetarian or strict paleo then add in some nuts to the combo.


6. Go seasonal: I am SOOOOOOO guilty of eating the same salad combos week in and out so challenge yourself to mirror the seasons and mix your salads up as often as you can by using fresh produce.

You're taste buds will thank you ;-))

In all honesty I would never dare to lecture anyone on how to cook or what to eat but the 2376 salads I've eaten in recent times makes me feel like I can broach this subject with you all.

But onto the BEST SALAD you'll EVER taste. Actually I only discovered it this weekend. It was so good that I went back two days later to make sure. Honestly it was a revelation. If I end up on Death Row (not sure for what - decapitating someone with a lettuce for using lettuce in their salad rather than spinach maybe ;-)) I want this to be the last thing I ever taste.  So incredible. If anyone doesn't believe that fresh food can taste not just better, but sublimely better than your favourite junk food - I urge you to just try this:

Ensalada de Espinacas, courtesy of Manuels

Congress and 3rd, Austin, TX

It was UNBELIEVABLY GOOD

Manuels are actually famed for their Mexican fare but as I like to limit myself to one Mexican meal a day max as I'm not a big fan of rice and black beans - I opted for this. For once I didn't have order envy!!

For those that can't travel 6000 miles to Austin but would like your palate to experience a taste of heaven, here's the menu description. Best to call your new best Mexican friend and get them to help you assemble the following ingredients: 

Baby Spinach Leaves, Tomato, Red Onion, Avocado, Chili Ancho Strips & Queso Asadero and garnish with  Toasted Sesame Seeds and a Garlic and Cilantro Lime Vinagrette. Serve on it's own or with a side of grilled Chicken, Fish or Shrimp. 

Then prepare to just die of happiness!!

Last but not least on the salad front I wanted to share one of the most unusual, but surprisingly yummy, salads I've ever come across - which coincidentally I also had this past weekend:

A No Nonsense Salad courtesy of Beavers in Houston, TX

YES that is a complete half of a lettuce on my plate!!

For a non-lettuce fan this lettuce was DELICIOUS

Just looking at this makes me wish Beavers was my local

Also on the sustinence front I made two other yummy discoveries last weekend - all thanks to my friend MariaMaria:

• Jamba Juice - Basically a smoothie bar. Peach Passion is my fave. Understand I sampled a few ;-)). In a land where junk food is rife - it's comforting to walk into a store and know that they only use natural ingredients in their produce. 100% guaranteed. Plus in Austin they are situated right next door to Starbucks so the decision to go healthy was EASY PEASY for once!

• Amy's. It's an ice cream parlour BUT with a difference. The queue is out the door and round the block long cos they only do special ice creams. They understand COMBOS and they appreciate showmanship. Prepare to see you ice cream tossed 7 foot in the air!!!

Check this out:

I was so sad to discover that my flight back to Dallas was delayed, until I discovered there was an Amy's opposite my gate.  That was a happy if slightly sugar high hour!!

Have I made you hungry? Well then my work here is done! xx

Break in Intermission

........ mostly due to these delicious babies:

laughing too much and hiccuping.

Frozen Margaritas are the BEST when:

 - the temp is 98 degrees

- sweat is running down your back 

- AND you're not drinking alone!!!!!!

As my friends will know I am basically teetotal: 

I probably don't exceed -5 units a year?!

Insane but true I'd rather swap alcocalories for chocalories.

I can consume a LOT of chocolate before I feel sick. 

The same is not true of tequila!

Well this weekend the tables have turned

I've been making up for years of missed drunken debauchery 

and having a COMPLETE blast here in Austin 

(now one of my fave places on the planet - I'm already planning an immediate return trip!!)

While I take a couple more days to detox 

(the Hilton is as good a place as any!) 

and attempt to become less of a light weight/ public nuisance ;-)),

I promise to reveal the FULL uncut highlights of my latest never-been-done before exploits on Tuesday

Pinky swear there are also some good photographic gems!

It appears my skill as a photographer is directly proportional to the amount of alcohol I've consumed!

Now have I said how much I lurve you alllllll?

OK off to lie down stat! No lie the room is spinning. xx 

Best Workout EVER

Best exercise known to man:  RELAX......

Wednesday evening AJ and I were due to go for a c.6km continuous jog after work, though from our levels of enthusiasm whilst we were discussing the options after Tuesday night's 5km interval learn to run session - you'd have thought we were planning to run naked, except for massive lead boots, with savage dogs chasing at our heels. However as I have received and 'ignored' too many email reminders of training runs from my ASICS training plan of late, I was determined to do something and moreover to make a good effort of it. I even took the atypical step (for me) of skipping the Wednesday morning training session in order to reserve all my energy and all my limited enthusiasm for the 6km jog post-work.

However the gods or rather, the Extremely Benevolent Goddess that is AJ (she's called AWESOME JO for a reason!!), intervened and swapped the proposed run session for a massage at the aptly named spa Relax - HALLELUJAH!!

To say it was completely ahhh-mazing is a gross understatement. I've forgotten how brilliant massages are. I only got a fit of the giggles once - which according to the masseuse was caused by the amount of pressure required to tackle all the tension in my back. My tickle threshold in itself confirms that I so would NEVER have made it through a hardcore sports massage. And on leaving I was so chilled, my legs felt brilliantly rejuvinated and crucially de-knotted and I was actually 7 inches taller than when I arrived -  HALLELUJAH!! - Either that or my masseuse shrunk A LOT during the hour. All I wanted to do afterwards was get home still wrapped in my cozy coocoon of relaxation and snuggle into bed.

And that's exactly what I did. BLISS. 

Thanks a squillion AJ for the newest favourite workout everrrrrr. xx

p.s. The lengths people go to NOT to run with me - shocking ;-)) - more likely I suspect AJ had a very HOT date last night and so felt compelled to distract me - hmmmmm ;-)) ?!

This was me during and after

This sculpture was made completely out of shaped rows of cardboard 

Pretty ahh-mazing too.