All about chocolate

Recently I've struggled for ideas for blog posts. In honesty it's not because I don't have actual ideas, but more about what I actually want to write about. I've been reviewing books and films monthly and being enjoyed that, but have been struggling to come up with ideas as feel some post ideas might be too personal. I've considered writing songs to get you through a break-up, about my mother for mother's day or even more about my love for fundraising. I'm really unsure though. I've also felt a bit overwhelmed to respond to comments as I try to every time, but feel not everyone reads the replies... I was considering taking a big break but thought no - I feel if I take a substantial break I might not come back!

Anyway, this brings me to my idea for my next post. After recently the following post: 50 blog post ideas when you have writer's blog; it seemed fitting. That is why I'm discussing chocolate. It also seems fitting as I'm sort of eating chocolate as I write this...

To me, chocolate is like diamonds; it can be a girl's best friend although men love it too. Not trying to be sexist there! I feel it can be eaten during moments of sadness, happiness or even as a "F**k you" to the diet. My love with chocolate can be far too emotional. I have a tiring day, I will buy chocolate. I feel crappy, I will buy chocolate. I am due on my period, I will buy chocolate or sweets. Something great happens and I want to reward myself, I will buy chocolate.

I am not completely against eating chocolate. Who am I kidding? I love it! I don't however like the fat belly (all my weight seems to go there, to my thighs and to my hips). I also don't like the cravings and how irritable I get if I don't have it when crave it.

How about the facts of chocolate?

• Chocolate was used as money - it used to be considered worth more than gold!
• White chocolate isn't real chocolate because it uses cocoa butter, as opposed to cocpa which classifies it as chocolate. Mind blown!
• Europeans account for almost half the world's chocolate consumption
• One to put you off chocolate for a bit - on average, one chocolate bar contains 8 insect parts
• Cacao which chocolate is made from is quite good for you. It is a powerful antioxidant. Dark chocolate is seen as the most healthy as it has lots of antioxidants that help the cardiovascular system by reducing blood pressure
• Eating dark chocolate widens arteries and helps healthy blood flow to stop the build-up of plaque that block arteries
• Eating dark chocolate every day is said to reduce the risk of heart disease by 1/3
• It can help reduce the risk of diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity
• The world's largest chocolate bar weighed 5,792kg
• There are potato chips dipped in chocolate. Check out Lays wavy crisps!
• Don't give chocolate to cats or dogs as it can sicken or even kill them. That's why our dogs get their own chocolate buttons from the pet shop
• 100 pounds of chocolate is eaten every second in America
• Chocolate is more effective than codeine for coughs
• The smell can relax you because it increases theta brain waves
• Chocolate contains high doses of caffeine and sugar, and is viewed as largely to blame for ADHD in children
• Chocolate can cause headaches and this is why those who suffer from migraines shouldn't eat a lot of it

Credits: Telegraph, Facts about chocolate, Do something and Fact Slides

I feel I've learnt so much about chocolate from finding out these 16 facts and realise that it's not all bad. Eat chocolate and don't feel quite so guilty. Let me know what you think - did you know any of these?

Comfortable in my skin

I always find reading other blog posts about confidence and improving yourself hugely motivating. That's why I thought I'd try to share a few tips for boosting confidence. Although this list is not exhaustive, it does help me massively.

1. Wear things that suit you

Don't follow just trends. If you don't suit a certain colour, just don't wear it. Wear things you like and feel comfortable in. I have plenty of clothes but tend to stick to dresses or colours I love most. I also find dressing nicer, making effort with hair, makeup and nails helps when in stressful situations like a first day at a new job, an interview or meeting someone new.

2. Find hobbies that suit you

So many people keep up pastimes they feel they should like such as doing sports, gym or cinema, but the list is exhaustive. If you wish  to be more creative, the internet is a perfect place  to find something you might like. I want to do more creative things like scrapbooking, but also enjoy going to events like fundraisers, music gigs and seeing live comedian (although  don't do the last two as often as I'd like) and enjoy watching films (new and old), writing, reading and doing yoga.

3. Be healthy!

Walking my dogs is my perfect excuse to get active!

I can't stress this enough. If you struggle to walk basic distances due  to lack of fitness, you won't feel too great about  yourself. You are also what you eat! Being healthy can be a huge confidence boost. I've noticed a big difference from cutting portion sizes, trying not to feel guilty if tempted by chocolate or snacks and keeping up regular exercise that I actually like.

4. Taking care of your skin

For almost a year, I changed my skin routine and noticed a huge difference. I have very spot-prone skin that can pop with acne or spots when stressed. I need to be careful to avoid fizzy drinks and limit sugar (although difficult). I have found things along the way that help such as Liz Earle products as discussed in previous post here. I didn't want to scare readers in that post, but here is my skin transformation:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Granted my after picture has me with eye makeup and eyebrow pencil, it is without any skin makeup. It shows my spot-prone skin with just one spot and minimum scarring from spots. My skin feels much healthier and never could imagine it looking like this - naturally. Now I just need to find a cheap acne scarring treatment...

5. Improve

I think everyday is a learning curve. It's nice to take time to learn and improve yourself. For example, at the moment I've started volunteering at a local charity to improve skills for better  employment. I'm also continuing my battle to pass my driving, which will increase my independence and open more  job opportunities

6. Take time for you

I try to dedicate Sunday to pampering. This means no makeup, exfoliating face, painting nails and anything else I want to do to ease stress.

7. Positivity

Surround yourself with positive people, positive things and take positive steps. I'm not saying you'll be positive 100% of the time, but good to try. It will definitely make you feel better.

8. Make yourself proud

Setting goals really helps me. I set lots of goals every year that you'll notice from reading my new  year posts. I like to feel I've achieved something.

I hope you like your tips. If there is anything else you do that helps with your confidence, I'd love to hear it. Being an anxious person I always look to improve my  confidence as it helps makes me happier.

The power of positivity

The last few weeks I've not felt too positive. I was going to ignore it as thought it might make for a boring post, but then I thought no. Lots of people have bad days or crappy times, so instead I thought I'd focus on what helps me.

Be warned there are some cheesy things to help combat negativity, so I try to get these out the way first.

People

It is about those around you. Surrounding yourself with friends, family and maybe even your partner (if you're not single like me) can make a huge difference to lifting your spirits. You want to be around the people who motivate, inspire and encourage you. I've realised the difference it makes; you will feel negative, when people don't value you, put you down and are generally negative about their own lives.

Self-Care

If you had told me two or three years ago that I'd recommend self-care I wouldn't believe you. It sounds like a hippy term, but can make a huge difference. For example, I dedicate Sundays to pamper myself. No makeup, doing very little and pampering. I usually paint nails and/or toes, exfoliate my face, put a body scrub on, put on my hair treatment and get in the shower! It's lovely and so relaxing. I think it's important to take time for you because it's so easy to forget these things. It's also important as part of self-care to do things you enjoy like meeting friends, treating yourself to something or generally keeping up your hobbies. When you're stressed you don't often wish to but it makes one hell of a difference!

Exercise

So many of us say we don't have the time, but now I've put the effort into losing weight (gradually) I firmly believe that is not an excuse. You make time! People you see at gyms, exercise classes or just out running often have full-time jobs,  kids and busy schedules. I believe you just can't be bothered! To be honest, most of the time I can't. However think some people need to see what works for them - fitting in 15 minutes a day to do aerobics can make a difference or even walking instead of using the car! I can not stress the difference walking can make. About a year ago, I made so many excuses not to walk. I never relied on transport but just wouldn't go on walks longer than 10 or 15 minutes. I felt out of breath and blamed it on long-term sinitus, but recently realised it was my weight. I am a 24 year old woman who was less fit than my mum and haven't even had kids! Now I feel so much better. The air on your face makes your skin feel fresher and you can feel it in your legs. Who doesn't want to aim for 10,000 steps a day? Now I dedicate about 30 minutes a day to walking the dogs or walking to and from work. I also try to do yoga at least once a week. It calms and relaxes me as well as helping me with balance and giving exercise benefits.

Diet

If you're like me, you might groan to read that. If you eat chocolate everyday and stuff your face, it might taste amazing and make you happy, but the benefits are short-term. You feel bloated and rubbish for not picking fruit or something healthier instead. I know I do. Why does unhealthy food taste nicer? Well it doesn't always. There is healthy food that is nice. I often stock up on yoghurts to snack on and have a banana in between breakfast and lunch. I also believe it's all about portions. Eat as much as you want or need, and if you're full - stop eating. I've lost weight just doing that! I do think you should never cut out bad foods - just restrict it and only have once craving it.

Be social!

It's amazing the difference just being around people can make. I was previously living in the Isle of Wight, where I had no friends and did very little. It's hard to be happy with circumstances like that. I'm not sure whether I'd describe myself more of an extrovert or introvert, but I am definitely more sociable despite often being shy on first meeting. This is why I notice the difference of skyping friends (when it doesn't break up) or attending events e.g. going to cinema, attending a party or planning trips away. It really boost my mood!

Now onto two positivity books that I've been filling out that I think you'd love to hear about:

1. The Positivity Kit: Instant Happiness on every page by Lisa Currie
- Bought here at Urban Outfitters, £12.99.

I bought this when I was at Glasgow last and have filled out a fair few pages. Here are my favourite pages from the book:

Some I haven't filled, but love ideas behind them. I especially like how it gets you to list achievements big or small above.

As you can tell it's fun to fill out, and gives you varied activities. I like how it gives you the opportunity to doodle, list positive things and aspire to more.

I liked the idea of cutting things out however ugly my mascot might be...

2. The 52 lists project: A year of journaling inspiration by Moorea Seal
This is a fab present bought by one of my friends for my birthday.

It is split into sections of seasons, so thought I'd show you what I've done for winter:

For winter, it includes 13 lists for you to complete,which include:
- List your goals and dreams for this year

I could list what is included, but it's mostly in new year post.

- List your favourite characters from books, movies,  etc.
- List the happiest moments of your life so far
- List the soundtrack of your life right now
- List what you would like your life to look like in ten years
- List the ways you love to have fun

More ways to relax...

- List all the people who brighten up your day

Granted some are animals...

- List your favourite quotes
- List the things you treasure most
- List the things you should ignore
- List the ways you can rejuvenate your space
- List your best qualities

I asked people, and listed ones. It really boosted my confidence!

- List the things that always cheer you up

I'm thinking of including more posts from the 52 lists project as complete spring, summer and autumn. Would you enjoy filling out books like this? What helps keep you positive? I'd love to hear it!

Goal progress in January

I thought it might fun to include how I'm getting on with my goals. When I've read the progress of others in fitness or other goals, I find it highly motivating. Let me know what you think as I might do them quarterly rather than monthly.

1. Passing my driving test

The progress is there. I have already paid for 10 hours, and done 6 hours of driving lessons. I am making great progress. I've noticed more confidence leaving the roundabout and knowing when to go, which is my ultimate fear. I really hope to keep progressing. It is great since it's the first time even been driven around Ipswich. However also noticed new instructors have different priorities and notice new things you're bad at.

2. Go abroad

I really hope to do this, but this is not a priority just yet. I think I may visit a friend who lives in Norway now, but then again it is more costly to visit than to get there. Seen flights for under £100 return but know it is expensive to buy and do things!

3. See at least 3 gigs this year

I've looked a little, but not seen much I fancy. I'm booked to see comedian, Jon Richardson in September and had hoped to see Ed Sheeran. Unfortunately I couldn't get tickets, but hopeful I will think of other performers to see.

4. Start yoga again

I've looked into local classes, but am nervous to start any alone. I have also tried looking at few youtube videos. For anyone else wanting to try yoga, I noticed a fab post published by Saccharine-soul. I've actually tested a few of the routines suggested here. Although I'm not a beginner, I'm not confident enough to move onto intermediate or more advanced.

5. Do a charity challenge

I've enquired about doing the Great Wall of China in aid of the British Red Cross. I love how you will help rebuild it too. However I know the work it took to fundraise for climbing Kilimanjaro and had the resources there: supportive work colleagues, uni support, friends to attend events, and just don't  have that locally.

I'm also considering trying an abseil again. I've seen an abseil for the local hospital which sounds so fun. Anyone who knows me will know how gutted I was to have let down a favourite charity, when I couldn't take on the 160ft abseil off forth rail bridge. This was despite doing a 10,000 ft skydive, a bungee jump and climbing Kilimanjaro in the past. I feel doing this will really boost my confidence again. It will also be something fantastic to really look forward to. I fear I may have an anxiety attack again, but doesn't feature my ultimate fear of bridges.

6. Pursue creative hobbies

I've gone to both a jewellery making and scrapbooking classes. From this, I'm unsure I will try this again as the necklace broke to pieces and didn't make it to feature in this post. I've done scrapbooking before and learnt some new techniques, and would love to go again.

I'm proud that I actually stitched the gold circle...

I still want to learn to make bracelets, but going to look at Youtube to learn that one!

7. Lose weight

I'm really happy with my progress in this. I've had compliments from family members on the look of my skin and how much healthier I look, which is obviously a huge confidence boost. Most of all, I love the boost to my energy and how much happier this has had me.

This has only been from small steps - walking at least 30 minutes a day, drinking lots of water (admittedly I did this well already), adjusting my attitude to portion sizes and actually eating more fruit/veg. Instead of thinking, "oh, I've got a few more of these I might as well finish", I just stop eating when I'm full. Instead of cutting out sweets or chocolate, I eat what I fancy and then don't crave it as much. I've even started craving things like crisps or cheese, which is so unlike me! 

8. See more films from my list

If you like my facebook page, you will have seen that I received lots of DVDs and watched them. Please refer to the review on the films I watched here. This month, I've seen 12 off my list and 13 in all. I hope I can beat this in February as I've watched more DVDs than my usual Netflix.

9. See friends more

There are no plans yet, but this is important to me with many friends living in Scotland. With the closest friend being about 400 miles away, it is essential and especially with friends getting married, having babies and getting promotions, not seeing them as often can feel like missing out.

10. Walk dogs more

I have been walking the dogs on almost every day off, and actively making the effort to spend more time with them.Cuddles are the best!

11. Do more in spare time

This one is still very much in progress. At the moment, my spare time consists of walking dogs, writing for this blog, promoting the blog, reading and anything that might come up. That doesn't sound hugely exciting, but definitely been feeling more positive.

12. Keep writing

I've not looked into alternative ways to write outside of this blog, but definitely want to. I'm really not sure where to begin on that one!

13. Read more

Already I feel like I'm making great progress on this. Most times I read no more than 4 or 5 books in a year. This month alone, I've already read 6 books. Please refer to this post about the books I've read here. I'm looking forward to reading more as part of the Popsugar challenge as discussed here.

How has your January been going? Any tips for me to continue to tick off my goals this year?