tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74483467856491471612023-07-19T07:05:54.600+01:00Slowly Mending MeThe diary of my journey from chronically ill person to fully functioning adult.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13341466190634304132noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7448346785649147161.post-51185254920845081432014-12-30T17:43:00.002+00:002014-12-30T17:43:56.175+00:002014: A year to be proud of<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Is it just me, or has this year just raced by? </b></div>
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It doesn't quite seem possible it's been whole year since I welcomed in 2014, stood under a canopy of umbrellas straining to see the London fireworks as they reflected brightly off the buildings surrounding Trafalgar Square. </div>
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And yet, here we are. It's December 30th and I've spent the best part of my day littering my bedroom floor with discarded dresses in a decidedly futile attempt to decide on an outfit for tomorrow night. Do I want to be comfortable or glamorous? Comfortably glamorous? I get back on you on that one.</div>
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Naturally, as the year draws to it's close, we cant help but look back. We ask ourselves not only where did those months go? But also how did they go? For me, it was pretty up and down. A roller-coaster of a year. But that's life with ME. There's been bad times, terribly bad times, but as I look back I can see there's been so so many good times. In fact, for the first time in a number of years, I can confidently say this year's been better than the rest. </div>
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While my year may be ending with ME once again in tow, it doesn't feel quite so bleak. I'm still unwell, and there's a chance I may still be unwell when I wave goodbye to 2015, but things are certainly on the up. My health may not have improved as much as I may have hoped, but I've got a better outlook now, I've got better coping mechanisms and I've got better control. </div>
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In the spirit of positivity I've taken a look back on some of my greatest achievements this year, some of which I'd have never thought possible. Seeing them written down, I couldn't be more proud of myself for how far I've come this year, how much progress I've made and how much stronger I am. Even if 2014 hasn't been your year, tucked away somewhere, maybe on a rainy afternoon in April or a warm summers evening in July, there will be something, however small, that you've achieved. You don't have to shout it from the rooftops with glee, you needn't even note it down, but think about it, just for a second; <i><b>what have you done this year to make you feel proud?</b></i></div>
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1. <b>Graduated.</b> Graduating is a fantastic achievement at the best of times. But to do it all with an incredibly poorly body and still get a 2:1 is something I'm pretty damn proud of. I'm not going to bang on about this too much as I've already done that <span style="color: #741b47;"><a href="http://slowlymendingme.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/graduating-and-growing-up.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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2. <b>Travelled to America for 3 weeks</b>. Though nothing, not even a particularly bad relapse, would have kept me from heading to America to be reunited with my boyfriend after three months, I'm incredibly grateful my body behaved itself when the time came. Though it was tough and I needed a lot of down time when I returned.<i> I managed it.</i> Three weeks of back-to-back sight seeing and a trip to NYC. If that doesn't show progress, I don't know what does! You can read all about it <span style="color: #741b47;"><a href="http://slowlymendingme.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/if-youre-ever-in-boston.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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3. <b>On the road again</b>. Though I passed my test over 2 years ago, I've had neither a car nor insurance in that time, so I've driven very little. I'm finally insured now on mama's car and though it's been stressful at times, I'm so glad I've got the freedom of driving now. I'm even getting a little better at parking.</div>
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4.<b> I worked</b>. Ok, it was an <a href="http://slowlymendingme.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/health-and-halloween.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #741b47;">internship</span></a>, but it was in a proper office doing proper things. A year ago I'd have never thought this possible, or at least it was simply a dream. Though only two days a week, the internship was tough and showed me I'm not ready for work just yet. <i>But I made it to the end</i>. I had a wonderful experience,meet some great people and even got a certificate.</div>
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5. <b>I got me a blog.</b> I'd thought about blogging for a long while but never had the guts to just go for it. In June this year I took the plunge and decided to give it a go. I'm not the best at blogging. I always forget to post, but next year I'm going to try to be better *news years resolution*. Anyways, it's still only a baby, but I'm proud of it. </div>
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Wishing you all the happiest new year!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13341466190634304132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7448346785649147161.post-4866218057590304182014-12-11T18:50:00.003+00:002014-12-11T18:50:57.327+00:00The Christmas Tag<div style="text-align: center;">
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Christmas is without a doubt my number one time of year. When I told you back in October that I love Halloween, I wasn't lying. But if I love Halloween, then <i>I super ultra a hundred times over love Christmas</i>. A bit excessive for a 22 year old? Maybe. But hey, what is life if you can't don your cheesiest Christmas jumper and behave like a six year old for a whole month of the year. </div>
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I've wanted to do a Christmassy post since it became socially acceptable (aka, December 1st). However my child-like levels of excitement just led to jumbled notes and nonsensical plans scribbled in the pages of my diary. Two weeks down the line and I've just come across the perfect solution to all my Christmas blog post related problems. The Christmas Tag. So here it is. Take a read and if you fancy it, give it a go. 'Tis the season after all!<br />
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1. What is your favourite Christmas film?</b></div>
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Elf. How can you argue with such profound logic as <i>The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear</i>?</div>
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The story of everyones favourite cotton-headed ninnymuggins has become something of a Christmas tradition in our household and never fails to get us all in the Christmas spirit.</div>
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<b>2. Have you ever had a White Christmas?</b></div>
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I think so. From what I can remember it actually snowed a few years ago. Although perhaps it had all melted by Christmas day.</div>
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3. Where do you usually spend your holiday?</b></div>
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At home. Every year. And I imagine I'll still come back when I've moved out.</div>
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4. What is your favourite Christmas song?</b></div>
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To be totally honest I love them all. But Merry Christmas Everybody by Slade holds a special place in my heart.</div>
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<b>5. Do you open any presents on Christmas Eve?</b></div>
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Normally, no. We do cards because they always get forgotten about once the wrapping paper starts flying. This year however we're having family-Christmas- jumper-to-church night on Christmas Eve- so we'll be opening those a day early. I take full credit for this awesomely lame idea.</div>
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6. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer?</b></div>
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Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen. Oh and Rudolph. </div>
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<b>7. What holiday traditions are you looking forward to most this year?</b></div>
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My boyfriend and I go to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park every year. It's busy, cold, overpriced and there's way too many children but in my opinion, you can't beat it. </div>
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8. Is your Christmas tree real or fake?</b></div>
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We're all pretty big into Christmas in my house. We actually have three trees downstairs and one in each of our rooms. As I said, <i>we like Christmas</i>. The main one in our front room is always real and it has the most wonderful smell.</div>
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<b>9. What is your all-time favourite holiday food/sweet treat?</b></div>
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Anything sweet. All the cake, the gingerbread, the boxes of chocolate, the chocolates on the tree, the mini pancakes from the Christmas market, the desserts on Christmas day... we could be here a while...</div>
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<b>10. Be honest: do you like giving gifts or receiving gifts better?</b></div>
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I'm genuinely not all that fussed about receiving presents and when I do, I'm always grateful. However I'm also terrible at choosing presents, even for family members I've known my whole life and my boyfriend of four years.So I'm gonna say both and neither.</div>
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<b>11. What is the best Christmas gift you’ve ever received?</b></div>
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My mum paid for my tickets to the S Club 7 reunion tour next year as part of this years present. That's gonna be pretty special.</div>
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<b>12. What would be your dream place to visit for the holiday season?</b></div>
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I don't really have one. I'm a home bird so I'd always rather be here, at my home in Essex. I'd quite like to see New York at Christmas time though. </div>
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<b>13. Are you a pro-present wrapper, or do you fail miserably?</b></div>
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I'm not bad. But then I'm not much of a perfectionist, so others may disagree. </div>
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<b>14. Most memorable Holiday moment?</b></div>
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My 78 year old grandmother does something wacky but hilarious every year. Whether it be breaking out her best moves or screeching along to some classic rock (back when guitar hero was the present of the year) or insulting the food- she never fails to amuse.</div>
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<b>15. What made you realise the truth about Santa?</b></div>
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To be honest, I don't know.Although to this day I have a rather vivid 'memory' of seeing Santa in my living room when I was younger and hearing his reindeer on the roof...</div>
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<b>16. Do you make New Years resolutions? Do you stick to them?</b></div>
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Generally no. I just hope that every year will be better than the last, health wise. This year will be no different. </div>
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<b>17. What makes the holidays special for you?</b></div>
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Spending time with my family and friends, playing games and eating so much food we could burst. It's corny, but it's true.</div>
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Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!</div>
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Alice</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13341466190634304132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7448346785649147161.post-15330361656204482652014-11-30T15:12:00.001+00:002014-11-30T15:12:43.778+00:00Baking Sundays: Triple Chocolate Brownie Cookies<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NhIM9K1eCSaeXIk6eOAPPZYGfDzROx5EguzHoBJ4DnrVdYH1hRgckgK_N1b7NQf0V2ry7cish_7O2IDTtUNBz2DRZ0LnmlnzXyP897cB8pXjKUlKloDSco9bNt8U1tuSTHLcHB8JCuWQ/s1600/IMG_2527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NhIM9K1eCSaeXIk6eOAPPZYGfDzROx5EguzHoBJ4DnrVdYH1hRgckgK_N1b7NQf0V2ry7cish_7O2IDTtUNBz2DRZ0LnmlnzXyP897cB8pXjKUlKloDSco9bNt8U1tuSTHLcHB8JCuWQ/s1600/IMG_2527.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The nights are getting colder, the clothes are getting cosier and there's Christmas music playing on the radio. There's no denying that Winter's arrived, and I for one am ready to embrace it in all its frosty glory. Is there anything better than cosying up by the fire, big jumper and fluffy socks on, watching your favourite Christmas movie with a hot chocolate and delicious freshly baked cookie? Well I can't provide you with a fire and you'll have to bring your own socks, but I can promise you that if you keep reading you'll discover an utterly delectable triple chocolate cookie recipe. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> I was going to call these my 'Better than Millie makes' cookies, because well, they are. However when my sister told me they were like brownies in cookie form, I though that described them perfectly. Cooked for just the right amount of time, these cookies are crunchy on the outside and gooey and chewy on the inside- just like any great cookie should be.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This recipe is a variation on a go-to milk chocolate cookie recipe I found a while back. I've playing around with it, trying out different combinations and flavours and this is the one I feel really needs to be shared. You can thank me later. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You simply cream together your butter and sugars, before adding the egg and vanilla and combining with the flour cocoa powder mix till you get a mould able dough. Though I've added milk and white chocolate chucks (hand cut for than more rustic feel), you can feel free to throw in whatever you like! Smarties, Rolos, toffee- add in a little bit of what you fancy. Cookie's are meant to be fun, so embrace your inner child.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The key to getting these cookies just right is all in the baking time. Too short a time and you'll end up with heated cookie dough on your hands (although lets be honest, that's delicious too), and too long in the oven and they'll be all crunch and no chew. I find 10 minutes to be just the right amount of time. They will continue to cook after you take them out- so don't be alarmed if they look a little soft. Follow my guidelines, but feel free to go out on a limb and take them out a bit earlier/latter- we've all got different tastes in cookies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Oh, and one last thing, do have some cookie dough before you put them in the oven, but try not to eat it all before it's cooked!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Triple Chocolate Brownie Cookies</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Makes 12</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">125g unsalted butter, softened</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">125g caster sugar</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">100g light brown sugar</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">175g self raising flour</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">50g cocoa powder </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1 egg</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1tsp vanilla extract</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">100g white chocolate chopped</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">100g milk chocolate chopped</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Preheat your oven to 170<span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">°</span><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">C/ 340</span><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">°</span><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">F/ Gas Mark 3 and grease and/or line a baking sheet.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until it takes on a light fluffy consistency. As you're using brown sugar, the mixture won't reach a pale colour.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Add the egg and vanilla and mix until fully combined.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">In a separate bowl, combine the flour and cocoa powder.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stirring until your mixture begins to stiffen and resemble a dough. Once the flour is fully combined add in your chocolate pieces and stir in until evenly distributed. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Rolls your dough into walnut sized balls and place on your baking sheet. Ensure to leave space between them as they will 'grow' in the oven.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Place in the oven and bake for 10 minutes or for desired length of time.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">These cookies are delicious eaten cold or warmed up in the microwave for a few seconds to get that chocolate all nicely melted again.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6t9ZKkO_letiahfGx9j0W7yPEaRakpXd47yyG-WQ2zDmhnAMWL56bNxib0klZv8GAgIXyELdcL7oP-a8Dj1RYT4AuL2u7NFwPAVhKSuWv54L_pj-Xg3tj-UD4bkEyrMYTuRyw7GmNawYh/s1600/IMG_2528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6t9ZKkO_letiahfGx9j0W7yPEaRakpXd47yyG-WQ2zDmhnAMWL56bNxib0klZv8GAgIXyELdcL7oP-a8Dj1RYT4AuL2u7NFwPAVhKSuWv54L_pj-Xg3tj-UD4bkEyrMYTuRyw7GmNawYh/s1600/IMG_2528.JPG" height="400" width="323" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Enjoy!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">x</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13341466190634304132noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7448346785649147161.post-70851263630405082072014-11-21T17:00:00.000+00:002014-11-21T17:00:10.498+00:00The benefits of being a realist<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Listen up my darlings, I'd like to tell you story. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Do you watch Modern Family? If you're a regular reader of my blog, you'll know I'm a huge fan of the show. Recently, in true spoonie style, I've rewatched the whole show again. From the start of season 1 to the end of season 5, my bofriend and I have watched every episode in preparation for the new series. Through our manic and incessant watching we've come to a great, life changing realisation. We are Claire and Phil. I'm the naggy woman cringing at my partners jokes and he's the kinda guy who might bring an Alpaca home, <i>just because</i>. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Why am I telling you this adorable but seemingly irrelevant tale? Because just like Phil and Claire, Jamie's a dreamer and I'm a realist- or as he'd say, I'm a pessimist.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm not. A pessimist. But I will admit I am a realist. It's hard for me to look at things and see the positives if the negatives are so glaringly more likely. I'm not a risk taker and I'd be a terrible gambler. I'm just no good at betting on the little guy, the underdog, the slim chance. I'm not gonna tell you the glass is half empty, but I will be the one to point out that it's no more likely to be half full. And while I hope and pray that one day I will recover fully from this horrible illness, I can never lose sight of the fact that chances are getting slimmer with every passing year. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAx4RmAc2XS8nPFf57_57-E3Y_HzfXRwujkwQjuTG0vlma0QiNABYNvA1SlBSZYMp9OcMfF1QXamdb9WSofC7GUpdbkuF1O6VlKSbHis6-83gSF-Jr7PZ4wdBDsJV_Yuldh5Sr7u30CQH/s1600/realism+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAx4RmAc2XS8nPFf57_57-E3Y_HzfXRwujkwQjuTG0vlma0QiNABYNvA1SlBSZYMp9OcMfF1QXamdb9WSofC7GUpdbkuF1O6VlKSbHis6-83gSF-Jr7PZ4wdBDsJV_Yuldh5Sr7u30CQH/s1600/realism+2.jpg" height="400" width="288" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I know this may sound depressing, and like I'm not giving myself enough of a chance, but honestly that's not the case. Infact, thinking realistly rather than positively has been my best coping mechanism as of late. Sound crazy and counter productive? I know. But let me explain. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When you suffer from an illness as widely misunderstood as ME, you begin to notice that while people aren't prepred to begin to understand your illness they are exceptionally willing to give advice. Advice on something they know literally nothing about. One of the more common pieces of advice is that if I thought more positively I'd get better. Would you tell an amputee that if they had more positive thoughts their leg would grow back? No. No you wouldn't. So shutup. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Anyway, while positive thinking will not cure ME in any shape or form it does help many suffers avoid depression and get by day-to-day. I am in many ways one of these people. I focus on the little things that make my life great, I surround myself with people I love and I'm forever grateful that I manage a (sober) night out every once in a while. But I believe thinking too positively is a hindrance rather than a force for good- especially for a chronic realist like me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Last year I met with an ME specialist for the first time. In the letter he sent regarding our meeting he noted that my prognosis wasn't great. The only upside? I had no unrealistic expectations of my recovery. The main thing helping me get better was not an unwavering faith in the cause, but the understanding that I might not.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This goes against everything I'd previously been told. And to be honest I think it's helped more than everything in my recovery.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If I spend my days assuming that I will certainly one day fully recover, I'm constantly striving towards a potentially unachievable goal. Something both highly unsatisfying and demoralising. However if I accept I may never fully recover, the smaller milestones become unfathomable achievements. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">They say that when you lose something you have to go through a period of grieving for what you've lost before you can fully move on with your new life. By having a realist attitude towards my illness, that is what I believe I m doing. I have days where I grieve for the life I've lost. The career and Independence I'll probably never have. But in accepting I may never fully recover, I've also come to appreciate the future I would never otherwise have had. A future that may be slightly less conventional and societally acceptable-but an awesome one all the same.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNRQYGjtZZdFWw2rUX8XSjK7ANWhaBF7mpy9aDT6lQyEMkiskTOYvGSSyDikTYwaJZgbykpnYzq8pFL-16n7w1llnHKfPkP9yqlY9MzQ2e-CyDU02N2TVM_hvFwubnF08ZDitRz8UDvcM/s1600/realism+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNRQYGjtZZdFWw2rUX8XSjK7ANWhaBF7mpy9aDT6lQyEMkiskTOYvGSSyDikTYwaJZgbykpnYzq8pFL-16n7w1llnHKfPkP9yqlY9MzQ2e-CyDU02N2TVM_hvFwubnF08ZDitRz8UDvcM/s1600/realism+3.jpg" height="400" width="290" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm not saying you should follow my lead. If you've got the mental strength to fully believe you will recover then I envy you, I do, and I wish you the very best. But next time you're not feeling so positive- don't feel guilty. Embrace your inner realist and your new future- you may be surprised by the life you uncover.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm gonna leave you with my favourite Modern Family quote, just because it's beautiful.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjAWaHbw58qd2hBeEPCvJSephT59cflnllqOQeyMr3nGVYhCVdyXWL0henaWe97SR_SGO7NXQAdkhcNzzxIEoUy1cqD1xGgE7GEONijoTTqp7qvMtLhXSkATRKrO3XDW7xyZW6v4Hn7-I/s1600/realism+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjAWaHbw58qd2hBeEPCvJSephT59cflnllqOQeyMr3nGVYhCVdyXWL0henaWe97SR_SGO7NXQAdkhcNzzxIEoUy1cqD1xGgE7GEONijoTTqp7qvMtLhXSkATRKrO3XDW7xyZW6v4Hn7-I/s1600/realism+1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">x</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">*I'd like to note that I am not downplaying the importance and brilliance of positive thinking, or encouraging negative thinking, at all. I am simply sharing my own beliefs and experience of what works for me.</span></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13341466190634304132noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7448346785649147161.post-32566400801413851462014-11-04T20:27:00.000+00:002014-11-04T20:27:36.766+00:00Baking Sundays: Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pEgRKIr69NqqaHlqUBoVqe8j3GC4RPUcmBwYfH20mrnwoShPAuE2nE9ILEB3fKHpwiKId7BAtXL40-_MvB0C3Bdm1-EjlxS8FEte0aP5z9PuIech9aHhoNR0tcgUMlap62pzri5ooNtg/s1600/IMG_2427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pEgRKIr69NqqaHlqUBoVqe8j3GC4RPUcmBwYfH20mrnwoShPAuE2nE9ILEB3fKHpwiKId7BAtXL40-_MvB0C3Bdm1-EjlxS8FEte0aP5z9PuIech9aHhoNR0tcgUMlap62pzri5ooNtg/s1600/IMG_2427.JPG" height="320" title="Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oreos and chocolate cake. I challenge you to find a more perfect and utterly delicious pairing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I first read about chocolate Oreo cupcakes, I knew I had to give them a go. With a crunchy Oreo biscuit base, moist chocolaty cake and a creamy Oreo frosting- they sounded delicious. When Jamie and I first tried them, some time back at the beginning of last year, I was on a super strict gluten-free diet. And while I could easily make the cake gluten-free, the same couldn't be said for the Oreos. <i>So no cupcakes for me</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This time round however I'm definitely a lot more lax when it comes to avoiding gluten- I do it when I can, but sometimes (too often these days) I throw caution to the wind and tuck in to a lovely gluten- filled treat. Such is the crazy life I lead. Having said that, I did only manage to get hold of one cupcake before my family demolished them all. <i>Probably for the best.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been feeling pretty downright poorly lately. I've had a lot of problems with nausea and I often don't feel like eating. This to me is a completely new, unknown sensation. Even at my sickest, I've normally got a strong appetite and nice bar of chocolate to keep me going. So on Sunday, when I was feeling marginally better, with something of an appetite in tow, I decided it was about time I got baking. And so this super easy chocolate Oreo cupcake recipe was born.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrBi2WI1rmxmViQblI4STP3ie7k82Pb9bYcNnMJmtl_etg0emjVckBOr0cSyKuUteiPzcpn0wCNwl2fyOzNq_HkYaBJerhiMQReGiaiyULExZgW56sfAL5X1NpGvEkhgAkrIKgIhd9xm3/s1600/chocolate_oreo_collage.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrBi2WI1rmxmViQblI4STP3ie7k82Pb9bYcNnMJmtl_etg0emjVckBOr0cSyKuUteiPzcpn0wCNwl2fyOzNq_HkYaBJerhiMQReGiaiyULExZgW56sfAL5X1NpGvEkhgAkrIKgIhd9xm3/s1600/chocolate_oreo_collage.jpg" height="211" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I've made these cupcakes before, I've stuck to a recipe I found online. However this time, not feeling up to much complicated baking, I devised my own recipe- based on the simplest chocolate cake recipe I know. <a href="http://slowlymendingme.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/baking-sundays-death-by-chocolate.html" target="_blank">Unlike my Death by Chocolate cakes</a>, these ones are on the classic 6:3 ratio, making them super easy to make, from start to finish. They use only cocoa powder to give them their chocolaty taste and they only require items you're likely to already have stashed away somewhere.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Oreo-ness usually comes from both the hidden cookie at the bottom and the crushed up biscuits in the icing. This time however we also added some crushed Oreo's into the cake mixture itself. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure it added much and I'm not sure I'd do it again as it produced a cake slightly denser than I would've liked- but try it for yourselves! Perhaps do half with crushed Oreos and half without (you won't need to change anything else in the recipe) and see which you prefer.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVrZaPZzE6PiaZkfMby2jU1K-ISVUnKnG2wBnKrtt9s71ZcoY-_gqEPcS5kCsTt3GSkQivfEmjN_U-9n2XtH_ZN4-IRLvcCaavHSMQyYDHEl1DcIwrKA8RoASDOoEhKDfjrBn1jPHUqp4/s1600/chocolate_oreo_collage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVrZaPZzE6PiaZkfMby2jU1K-ISVUnKnG2wBnKrtt9s71ZcoY-_gqEPcS5kCsTt3GSkQivfEmjN_U-9n2XtH_ZN4-IRLvcCaavHSMQyYDHEl1DcIwrKA8RoASDOoEhKDfjrBn1jPHUqp4/s1600/chocolate_oreo_collage+2.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Makes 12</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cakes:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">85g Unsalted butter</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">85g Caster Sugar.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">85g Self- raising flour</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 Medium Eggs</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp Vanilla extract</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 tbsp Milk</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">16 Oreos (4 are to add directly to the cake mix)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Icing:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">100g Unsalted Butter</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">250g Icing sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">30 ml Cream</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Half a pack of crushed Oreos</span></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Preheat your oven to 180<span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">°</span><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">C/ 350</span><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">°</span><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">F/ Gas Mark 4 and line a cupcake tray with 12 cases.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chop your remaining Oreos into small pieces and set to one side.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a large bowl cream together the butter and sugar until it reaches a light, fluffy consistency and a paler colour.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Begin to add your eggs and flour to your butter and sugar mix. Beat in the eggs one at a time, with each egg accompanied by a spoonful of your pre-measured flour- this will help prevent curdling. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is followed by adding all the remaining flour in one go, folding it into the mixture (in a figure of eight). If you beat it too hard, the mixture will not rise as well.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once your mixture is fully combined, you can add in your liquid ingredients. Gently beat in the milk and vanilla until fully combined.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally gently stir in the Oreo pieces until fully combined.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Divide your mixture equally between the 12 cases, being careful not to over fill.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bake your cakes in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops bounce back and a skewer inserted comes out clean.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remove from the oven and tray, and place on a wire rack to cool.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the Icing:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Beat the butter in a large bowl until softened and smooth. Now add the icing sugar and continue to beat until light and creamy.</span><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"> From here you can add your cream, vanilla and crushed Oreos and continue beating until fully combined.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Feel free to add more icing sugar if the icing becomes too thin, or more cream if it is still to thick.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ice your cooled cupcakes in whatever manner you so desire and feel free to decorate with whatever you have to hand!</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoy!</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13341466190634304132noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7448346785649147161.post-24449276086233439832014-10-20T13:41:00.003+01:002014-10-22T17:00:04.970+01:00Health and Halloween <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">October is always one of my favourite months of the year. The nights get longer, the weather gets cooler and mumma starts adding dumplings to our dinner to fatten us up for the winter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's always a super busy month for me as its full of birthdays, <i>oh so many many birthdays</i>. Growing up, this meant sweets at school more or less everyday day; now it means lots of lovely meals out with friends and family, cocktails and wine. After a month full of baking cakes and writing cards for other people I get to celebrate my own birthday at the end of the month- I turn 22 on the 26th October, <i>put it on your diaries folks. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As well as all the autumn cuddles and birthday parties, October brings with it... Halloween. I freaking <b>love</b> Halloween. In less than 2 weeks, I will finally get the chance to wear the costume I've been planning for weeks, and I cannot wait. But before then, I'm gonna snuggle up with a nice hot chocolate and a toffee apple and force my boyfriend to watch Hocus Pocus. It's one of my favourite ever films, and as far as I'm concerned, it's just not Halloween without it. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKldPzRzmKXc5pAtwxi2zVKZgtXV-Vas_vXsBySeTe2iCGF5bfhnpfMu4bvT6BrHaXqBxg3AoW8FJZgmDUD2aUeSzm94Szk9QKa26MrIb9HAEmPdbvgdiVNPeZLei59OzC7A-_zGjZM92P/s1600/halloween+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKldPzRzmKXc5pAtwxi2zVKZgtXV-Vas_vXsBySeTe2iCGF5bfhnpfMu4bvT6BrHaXqBxg3AoW8FJZgmDUD2aUeSzm94Szk9QKa26MrIb9HAEmPdbvgdiVNPeZLei59OzC7A-_zGjZM92P/s1600/halloween+blog.jpg" height="212" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Halloweens past: l-r 2009, 2011, 2012</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's how my Octobers go, year after year. However this years been a little different. The birthdays and such have still been there, but it's been a bit of a roller-coaster month for me. You may have noticed, I haven't blogged a lot recently. I've been super busy and my health has been exceptionally unpredictable. After a few months of improved health, my symptoms have come back with full force- not everyday, but a lot of the days. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the main issues I've been facing is nausea. Until last year, nausea was not a symptom I'd ever experienced. Even on my most ill days, nothing could tear me away from my food. However for the last few weeks I've experienced a dramatic drop in my appetite, caused by almost constant nausea. It's really quite draining, and living off mainly toast is getting boring. On top of this I've had a few funny spells of overwhelming dizziness, faintness and pain... It's all such fun.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, call me crazy, but there's also something else taking up my time this month. Back before I travelled to America, with my health on track, I applied on a whim for a internship role with a charity. I got it. Not wanting to pass up this brilliant opportunity I agreed to work 10 hours a week at their London office as a Digital Editorial Intern. Don't get me wrong, I do love it. The atmosphere is relaxed, the people are lovely and I get to write and edit all day- pretty ideal for an English graduate. However, it's quickly becoming apparent that I've bitten off more than I can chew. While the internship is certainly my priority at the moment, it's becoming a bit of a struggle. I've got my fingers crossed I can pace myself and make it to the end (it finishes in December), however if I don't, at least I can say I tried!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So all in all it's been a bit of an up and down month for me so far. While I'm super proud of myself for getting and doing the internship, it does bring home that I'm perhaps not as well as I thought I was. This ME recovery malarkey really is a long and bumpy process!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13341466190634304132noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7448346785649147161.post-28938395911743188612014-10-04T17:41:00.000+01:002014-10-05T11:58:01.667+01:00If you're ever in Boston...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been back from America for no less than two weeks now and I haven't blogged once... I know, I'm a terrible blogger, but please do forgive me- I've been recovering. I was expecting three weeks of sight-seeing fun to wipe me out completely and have me wrapped up in my duvet catching-up on all my missed tv for the foreseeable future. However, (and I may be jumping the gun a little here), I'm not actually doing too badly.<i> No, really</i>. Yes I've had to take things slowly, and I have had the first inklings of a throat infection for the last week but I'm actually ok. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what have I been doing these last few weeks during my time across the pond? Well I've been exploring all that Boston has to offer, guided by my very own <i>almost</i> local, my boyfriend Jamie. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before my trip, I'd never been to America before. So naturally I spent the first few days in complete awe of their roadsigns, mailboxes and fire-hydrants, I was jumping with joy whenever I saw a 7eleven, a Wholefoods or a laudromat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Obviously I can't fill you in on all I've been doing the last three weeks, I'd bore you to death and you'd probably never read my little blog again. <i>And that's definitely not what I want</i>. So I figured I give you something of a highlights reel, step-away from mentioning my chronic illness and just give you a little snapshot of my time in Boston. So, just in case you ever head over there, here's a little list of some of my must do things in Boston and the surrounding area.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1. Have Breakfast at The Friendly Toast</b> (Cambridge)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86WIHVb6ATuEV5OIQQk5DM4I3RgnvNYmoKPmu2vOOw32Abi9NG6RBsho18ljb8Vp5i2cXnqYLYlVGW2ONqGzRlAYtJcUnCtdgs1Oao2aMkGg7pU3vdtyrWb1mgqo0xRmdIfD40I5aeT9O/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86WIHVb6ATuEV5OIQQk5DM4I3RgnvNYmoKPmu2vOOw32Abi9NG6RBsho18ljb8Vp5i2cXnqYLYlVGW2ONqGzRlAYtJcUnCtdgs1Oao2aMkGg7pU3vdtyrWb1mgqo0xRmdIfD40I5aeT9O/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jamie and our lovely pancakes</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first thing I wanted to do when I woke up on my first morning in America was eat some fluffy American pancakes, and The Friendly Toast's offering did not disappoint. If you're a regular reader of my blog or you follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/slowlymendingme" target="_blank">Instgram</a>, you'll know I try to eat gluten-free whenever I can- and at this lovely little cafe, you definitely can. Both myself and my boyfriend had their gluten-free pancakes and they were just as light, fluffy and delicious as you'd expect their gluten counterparts to be. <i>They were perfect. </i>So perfect in fact that I went back and had the same again. If however you're mad, and pancakes aren't your thing, they've got a large varied menu including delicious smoothies, omelettes and what I've heard is the best grilled cheese in town. The fabulous food paired with the brilliantly kitschy retro decor really does make this place a must visit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best for: Gluten Free Breakfast</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2. Celebrate at the Top of the Hub</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXy4ftksrAav37jFPSBwX1SqteOkVJ_duVYw_lq2pQbav8LkW2ucOXxAtC_75ZjDArpG3r51FCNHtzbG0JMkHZYnkVQFHdUrcG_quAc-_ySxMqyF3pOvciEsOpTuIZFrlUB4fxf9cpH6l/s1600/top+of+the+hub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXy4ftksrAav37jFPSBwX1SqteOkVJ_duVYw_lq2pQbav8LkW2ucOXxAtC_75ZjDArpG3r51FCNHtzbG0JMkHZYnkVQFHdUrcG_quAc-_ySxMqyF3pOvciEsOpTuIZFrlUB4fxf9cpH6l/s1600/top+of+the+hub.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While we were away, Jamie and I celebrated spending four years together. And what better way to do it than munching on some delicious food, fifty-two storeys above the Boston skyline. Being the organised human that he is, Jamie booked way in advance and we landed ourselves a much coveted window table. The view of the city stretching out before you and the river winding it's way through the glistening lights is just spectacular- as is the food. The experience however wouldn't have been the same without the attentive staff, who presented us with candle topped deserts once they were aware we were celebrating. I'm gonna be honest, it was pricey, but not so much so that it wasn't worth it. If you've got something to celebrate, then you may as well do it in style, right? Though do make sure you request a window table.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best for: Feeling special on you Birthday/ anniversary etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>3. Re-enact history at the Boston Tea Party Museum</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jamie and I are both pretty into history, so we're always up for visiting local museums; however I have to admit, I wasn't prepared to have such a good time at a museum dedicated to the throwing of tea off of some ships (I know, I know, it was much more than that). I won't ruin the surprise and tell you all that happens as you tour the museum, but I will say that there's costumes, feathers and a great deal of tea. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best For: A couple of hours of family fun</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>4. Stop for something sweet at Flour</b> (Cambridge)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With queues reaching the door at all times of day, this place is crazy popular- and for good reason. Their cakes, sweets and other bakes are just to die for. So good in fact that I don't have any photos of the lovely food as I was always too eager eat it. Stop in here after a day of Cambridge sight-seeing (perhaps you've wandered the halls of M.I.T) and grab a coconut macaroon (my recommendation) or a ginger molasses cookie (Jamie's) and I promise you won't regret it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best For: Sweet treats</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>5. Chill out along the Charles</b> </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">River</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I visited Boston in the balmy Summer months there was no better place to enjoy the sunny weather than along the Charles River Esplanade. Sit right on the waters edge, with a perfect view of the Cambridge skyline and just watch the world go by. It's also a popular running spot; so if unlike me you have the energy to exercise, grab those running shoes and join the hundreds of runners a day taking a jog along the river.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So there you have it, my time in Boston in a nutshell. Before going, Boston had never stood out to me as somewhere to visit. However it really is a beautiful city and if you're ever in the area, I really do recommend spending some time there... I know Jamie and I will certainly be going back.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13341466190634304132noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7448346785649147161.post-8244276988322975242014-08-20T14:47:00.001+01:002014-10-22T16:46:02.699+01:00How to Introduce Yoga to Your Life<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last week I posted about how the lack of exercise brought on by my condition has drastically affected my self-confidence (read the post <a href="http://slowlymendingme.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/exercise-body-confidence-and-me.html" target="_blank">here</a>). Now I'm here to tell you that it's not all doom and gloom. This week I want to share with you the silver lining to have come out of this situation- my discovery of yoga.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Yoga. You might have heard of it? Right now, it's kinda the fashionable cupcake
of the exercise world. In church halls and sports centres across the globe, men, women and children have been rolling out their multi-coloured yoga mats and contorting their bodies into 'down-ward dogs' and 'cobras'; tanned and toned celebrities have been posting carefully angled photos of their recently perfected poses on Instagram; and even my seventy-eight year old grandmother's at it. <b>Why? </b><i><b>Because it's bloody brilliant.</b> That's why</i>. Hailed for is reviving qualities and numerous benefits,
yoga has quite simply put my life back on track. Focussing on both the mind and
body, it’s not simply the physical benefits of yoga, such as an increase in
energy and a decrease in muscle tension that make yoga the perfect gentle
exercise for an ME sufferer- yoga can increase concentration and memory as well
as aiding sleep and decreasing depression too! <i>What’s not to love?</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've being yoga-ing for about eight months now. It was a key part of 2014's News Years resolution to finally start making some progress on the recovery front. While <span style="line-height: 107%;">I
cannot tell you the difference between different types of yoga (there's many- look it up!), I can attest to
its healing benefits. Over the years I’ve tried pacing, relaxing, various supplements and so forth, but I really I feel that it's yoga that has had the biggest impact on my ME riddled life.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I know, I'm kinda going in for the hard sell. I'm like a sales-woman, stopping at your door to offer you the latest miracle cure for all chronic illness.<i><b> If only right!?</b></i> Unfortunately that's not the case. <o:p></o:p>While it does have many benefits, yoga is certainly not the miracle cure. But
for people like me, with mostly moderate M.E, it can be a god send for helping us
get back on our feet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have I convinced you? Whether you suffer from chronic illness or not, yoga really could be just the thing your looking for; no matter what the problem may be. If health is on you side then get yourself out there! Find a local class, sign up and <i>actually go (</i>I know this is the part my mother struggles with). And if you're in the sick camp? Yoga needn't force it's way too aggressively into your paced out lifestyle- start out slow and steady, just like I did. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ready for my morning yoga</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">I don't attend any yoga classes- they'd be way too much for me too handle at the moment. So I do all my yoga in the the comfort of my own bedroom, on my specially purchased purple yoga mat, in my pajamas. Sound good? Follow my simple to steps to introducing yoga into your life and you could be happily downward dogging by tomorrow!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>1. Poses before bed</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're a complete yoga newbie and the thought of any exercise makes you nervous of a potential flare, then start off with the real basics. Gentle twists, forward bends, happy baby and reclined goddess can all be done without even having to leave your bed.<i> Ideal right? </i>They're all gentle stretching poses that require no real strength or exertion- perfect for us spoonies. It may feel like very little, but this way you can build yourself up at your own pace. When chronically ill, it's really better to be more of a turtle than a hare.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>Where to look?</b></i> I recommend a quick google search of some basic yoga poses than can be done from bed. Find the ones that suit you and go from there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>2. Relaxation Yoga</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once you've got that body used to moving a little, perhaps move on to some relaxation yoga sequences. Relaxation yoga does exactly what it says on the tin. The moves likely won't vary much from what you've been doing, but the sequences will likely have been formulated by professionals, resulting in optimum results. This is where you really wanna be getting up, out of bed and onto the floor. Don't have a yoga mat to hand? Just layer up a couple of towels and yoga away!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>Where to look?</b></i> I couldn't recommend the Yoga Studio app more. At £2.49 it really is worth every penny. This was the app that got me started on my yoga journey and their relaxation sequences are perfect for a bit of pre-bed yoga. </span></div>
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<u style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. A bit of variety</u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once you've got the hang of the gentle movement and you've (hopefully!) caught the yoga bug, then get yourself on Youtube. There are thousands of yoga videos out there, all aimed at different levels and all focussing on different areas of the body. That's part of the fun of at-home-yoga; you can learn a new lesson everyday, which a new instructor every time, if you so wish. There's so much to explore- so what are you waiting for!?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>Where to look?</b></i> As stated, there are so many videos and channels to chose from- but this can make choosing one a little confusing. Once your firmly on your yoga feet I recommend giving Erin Motz' <a href="http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcjgXQkHWH453km2BpJqYHzmkUkkjH5IB" target="_blank"><span style="color: #741b47;"><b>30 Day Yoga Challenge</b></span></a> a go. She's definitely my favourite internet yogi as her classes are fun, relaxed and all reasonably short. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So there you have it- my easy steps into yoga. While each of us cope and struggle with ME in different
ways, you may just find that yoga works for you, just as it has for me. Even if it
simply gets you stretching for five minutes a day, come on follow Spoonies- join
me in a yoga revolution!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13341466190634304132noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7448346785649147161.post-59345499706625420762014-08-15T19:32:00.001+01:002014-10-22T16:46:30.798+01:00Exercise, Body Confidence and M.E<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hola! After a lovely week away in Spain with the family I'm now back in Blighty with blonder hair, browner skin and a fairly unpleasant travel hangover. Now I'm back on home soil I'm going to have to be taking extra good care of my body for the next two weeks to prep myself for my big American adventure at the end of August- I've got all my fingers and toes crossed that my body copes reasonably well with this, and if not, well I'll have a super carer to look after me in the shape of my boyfriend Jamie.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clockwise from top left: All freckly in the sun, beautiful Estepona harbour, colourful patterns at the Spanish market, sunning myself by the pool</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The lazy nature of my holiday and the pretty intense Spanish heat meant that I've spent most of the week lounging around in bikinis, which is what's led to the writing of this post. I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that we women are never more concious of our bodies than when in a bikini- it's like being in your underwear except you're on display for all the world to see. Now, while I'm fairly happy with my body most of time- I look in the mirror and take a '<i>yeah, you'll do</i>' kinda attitude, I'm not as body confident as I'd like to be, and there's one main reason for this; yep you've guessed it, it's my M.E.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before my health took a bit of a nose-dive, with my M.E getting progressively worse once I started university, I had always been pretty fit. While I was far from being a gym bunny and spent most of my school P.E lessons on the sidelines of netball matches having faked doctors notes, watching swimming galas from the edge of the pool having lied to poor unquestioning male P.E's teacher that 'It was that time of the month' yet again or hiding out in the locker rooms, I was doing plenty of exercise in the form of dance.<i><b> I love dancing.</b></i> It's in my bones. Even when I'm exhausted and in pain I'll muster up my last remnants of energy to get up on the dancefloor. I attended hours of ballet, jazz and tap lessons a week and always dreamt of a life on the stage. Because of this (and lucky genetics) I was always super thin and super toned. My legs didn't touch at the top, they didn't wobble when I walked and muffin tops and love handle were something of a mystery to me. I'd eat an entire chocolate cake for lunch (<i>ok, so my diet wasn't the best</i>) and never gain a pound. Looking back, I know I was too thin. I always craved womanly curves and I had even less boobs than I do these days, and lets just say I'm not exactly blessed in the chest area now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I was selecting uni's, their dance society was a big factor for me. Unfortunately, by the time I actually attended uni my health had deteriorated too far and I was unable to attend even one one-hour ballet class a week. Naturally my body paid the price and I put nearly a stone and lost all the body tone that I'd built up over a lifetime of dancing. Yes I've got the slightly more womanly shape I always wanted and my boobs aren't completely non existent- but I can't help but think that the body I see in the mirror isn't mine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As my body changed, so did my body confidence and it's taken me a long time to fully understand why. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>I don't believe you have to be thin to be beautiful</i></b>- I think that that's one almighty fallacy created by the media and celebrity culture in which we life, one which affects the confidence of women all around the world. But this has never been my problem. I don't envy the Victoria's Secret models and I rarely compare myself to others, I hold my head high and walk with confidence in my new bodycon dress. So why is it that when I look in the mirror I'm never satisfied with what I see? The fat on my hips, the wobble in my thighs and the pouch of my belly all serve as a constant reminder that I'm too ill to do the thing that I love the most. I'm too ill to dance. While I do my best to hid my tired skin with make up and wash my hair every other day to keep it bouncy and healthy looking, in my opinion my body gives away my secret. The secret that I'm ill. It reminds me everyday that I can't exercise when I want to, and that I'll likely never fulfil my dream of working as a dancer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Slowly but surely I'm gradually trying to come to terms with this- but it's very difficult. Exercise wasn't just a hobby, it was my life, my future- to have this taken away from you at such a young age is heartbreaking. I have down days where I exercise beyond my capabilities, push myself to far and end up with an awful flare, stuck in bed unable to do anything. I've now taken up yoga (post coming soon) as a form of gentle exercise, something I can do which makes me feel as though I'm achieving something without damaging my recovery. I love it. It's filled a gap in my life and has done so much for my mental well-being as well as my physical health.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wanted to write this post to show that M.E can be a truly devastating illness. It's not just the plethora of symptoms we have to deal with on a day-to-day basis we also have to cope with the immense changes it makes to our lives. It's not an illness to be scoffed at- it's destructive. It reroutes our futures, affects our relationships and alters the way we see ourselves and our lives. But just like many others, I'm determined not to let in take my life away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My hope is that one day I'll be able to fully accept my new slower pace of life, develop a new dream and new plan for the future, and embrace my body for what it is. I may not be super toned, I may not have a a wash board stomach or cellulite free thighs, but my body is strong. It's the body of a fighter; recovering, overcoming and challenging illness. While sometimes it may be rather dysfunctional and frustrating- it's a body to be proud of. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13341466190634304132noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7448346785649147161.post-61595337782641976562014-08-04T18:36:00.000+01:002014-08-04T18:36:07.969+01:00It's August...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time flies right? I know I'm not alone in saying <i>holy Christ how did we get to August?</i> But I for one am incredibly glad it's finally here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">July was a bit of a roller-coaster of a month for me- lifewise it's been great (I finally graduated!), but healthwise, not so much. While the first half of July was one of those <i>wow! Even I can hardly tell I'm ill </i>stages, the second half of July had me mostly in bed catching up with some old friends (the cast of gossip girl) and eating way too much cookie dough for my own good. So while it may have had some pretty momentous ups, I'm glad to see the back of July, not least because it means it's finally August!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why am I so excited it's August? Because I've been anticipating it's arrival for <i>such</i> a long time- since I booked my flights out to America way back in the early Spring in fact and even more so since the 21st May. On the 21st May my boyfriend flew out to Boston to spend the summer living it up in the American sun (oh, and working to complete his masters of course), and on the 28th August, after fourteen weeks apart I'll finally be flying out to join him. And now that August is here, well I'm <b>beyond excited</b>. It'll be my first time in America, and while I'll have to do the cross-Atlantic flight alone, when I arrive I'll have very own personal tour-guide- since he arrived I've had my boyfriend sourcing out the best pancakes in town. Because with only three weeks there, a girls gotta sample the very best! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's gonna be pretty tough on my body, I know that. I know the repercussions are probably gonna be huge come September 19th when I touch back down on British soil (boyfriend in tow this time). But yes, as the popular saying goes- <b>you only live once</b>. And while I may not have been blessed with the healthiest body, I'm not gonna let that stop me living my life, seeing the things I wanna see and sharing these amazing experiences with the person I love most in the world. Even if it does mean a month in bed afterwards.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until then? Well tomorrow I'm actually heading to the Costa del Sol for a last minute holiday with the family for a week of sun, sea, sand and simple relaxation. Last year my body shocked me by coping remarkably badly with the heat, but so far I've been coping pretty well in the glorious British sunshine we've been having of late. So I've got my fingers crossed that this year will be an improvement on last! And if not... well I've got an air-conditioned room.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Right now I'm off to do a little pre-holiday pampering with my lovely new Barry M nail polishes. Catch you in a weeks time!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13341466190634304132noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7448346785649147161.post-12257184146727845552014-07-31T18:53:00.001+01:002014-10-22T16:46:52.481+01:00What I'm Watching<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What with <a href="http://slowlymendingme.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/graduating-and-growing-up.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;"><i>my graduation</i></span></a>, the weekend in Brighton and all the catching-up with friends and family that comes with returning from uni, I've had a pretty busy time of it lately. There I was, plodding along, thinking my M.E was behaving itself incredibly well and coping with all I was throwing at it far better than I could have hoped. Then <b><i>bam</i></b>. Turns out it wasn't coping too well after all and the post external malaise has hit me pretty hard this week (if you're lucky enough to not know what this is, then check out my post on <a href="http://slowlymendingme.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/already-told-you-little-bit-about-me.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;"><i>the symptoms of M.E</i></span></a> here for a little heads up). If you're a fellow spoonie then you'll know just how gutting this can be. Though we're used it, every time the dreaded PEM hits it feels like a million steps back along the road to recovery. And to be honest with you, I'm really pretty bad at coping with it. Yes, I try to push through though I know I shouldn't, I cry though it just makes me more exhausted and I fret that I'll never ever feel any better... <i>so much for the positive attitude, eh. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But ultimately, eventually I give in. After a good talking to from my boyfriend or mummy I manage to get myself back on the positive bandwagon wagon and see each episode of PEM as a simple blimp along my long and bumpy journey. So what's a girl to do when she can hardly get out of bed? Why! Sign up for a Netflix account of course! So while I've been holed up in bed with some chocolate and a fan, I've spent my week catching up with some of my best loved shows. These are some of mine, what are some of yours?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">Image from: </span><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2); background-color: white; color: black; cursor: pointer; line-height: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none;"><a class="irc_hl irc_hol" data-href="http://www.teckler.com/en/pelomundo/QUOTES-MODERN-FAMILY-235170" data-ved="0CAQQjB0" href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=qmuiVk8wYpAknM&tbnid=Cd--ACHWktUF3M:&ved=0CAQQjB0&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.teckler.com%2Fen%2Fpelomundo%2FQUOTES-MODERN-FAMILY-235170&ei=13raU8-eAszFPP-4gNAF&bvm=bv.72185853,d.d2k&psig=AFQjCNE_Ca_Fw6ttngAeiYEsl6MvKGWUWg&ust=1406913617038925" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2); background-color: white; cursor: pointer; line-height: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none;">www.teckler.com</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I started watching this a while ago on my mum's recommendation, and within a week or two I'd completed the whole five series. It's. That. Good. It's just your typical American sitcom, focussed on a slightly less typical 'modern' family, but it's utterly brilliant. Filmed a mocumentary style, not only do we see the unfolding action but we also get to really know the characters through the interviews they do throughout. Everyone's got a favourite character- whether it's the secretly soft patriarch, the camp-but-manly uncle or the sharp and witty four year old. Personally, I'm a fan of Phil- how can you not love a character with his own 'phils-osophy'. Comedic and emotional it really is a must watch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, that is Simon Bird who plays Will in The Inbetweeners, and yes, he is playing essentially the same character, but don't let that for a second put you off giving this a watch. We're coming back over the pond for this somewhat classically British sitcom- think a clever, modern mixture of The Inbetweeners and The Royle Family. Focussed on the weekly Friday night dinners of a Jewish family, this show is guaranteed to have you laughing, more often than not at the socially awkward neighbour afraid of is own dog.</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pretty Little Liars</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Quite possibly the most infuriating series in the history of television. Nevertheless, I still watch every new episode as soon as it comes out. It can be a little creepy, a little weird and the characters make A LOT of bad decisions. But if you want something to rant about with your friends, there really is nothing better. </span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gossip Girl </span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been a GG fan since it hit our screens in 2007 (<i>2007!</i>) and I'll admit, I was left with a slight hole in my life when it ended in 2012. So now, in my current PEM state I'm watching it all over again, for one simple reason...Was there ever a better love story than that of Chuck and Blair? No. No there was not. This show will make you wish you were rich, beautiful and lived in New York's Upper East Side, and you'll love it. Get sucked into their elite world of parties, brunches and drama and be prepared to be a little shocked when Gossip Girls true identity is revealed. As an added bonus, the men are all gorgeous. I mean, like, <i>really</i>. After seven years I'm still undecided on my favourite... Nate's handsome looks, or Chuck's bad boy persona- it's a tricky one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Never have truer words been sung than 'I'll be there for youuuuu'. Yes I've seen every episode more than I can count, but it never gets old. I <i>know</i> I can count on Monica, Rachel, Ross, Chandler, Phoebe and Joey to cheer me up when I'm feeling down. </span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13341466190634304132noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7448346785649147161.post-41304602342674646932014-07-27T16:27:00.000+01:002014-10-22T16:47:17.148+01:00Baking Sundays: Death By Chocolate Cupcakes<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For a cake lover like myself, it really doesn't get much better than a classic beautifully fudgy, chocolately chocolate cake. Therefore finding that perfect chocolate cake recipe has been like finding the holy grail. I've searched high and low, in old cook books and new, magazines and phone apps and just about every corner of the internet for a flawless recipe that would produce a cake that'd be be, quite simply, delectable. But what's the secret to a faultless chocolate cake... cocoa powder or dark chocolate, sour cream or milk, muscovado sugar or caster? I've tried them all, but nothings been quite right. Nothing's been <i>wow!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That was until I stumbled across <a href="http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2013/04/08/triple-chocolate-layer-cake/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">this</span></a> recipe from Sally over at <a href="http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Sally's Baking Addiction</span></a>. Her chocolate cake was just what I'd been looking for- light, fluffy, moist and immensely chocolately- it was perfect. This has been my go to recipe for quite some time now.- it's one I love to bake up for special occasions and guests <i>always</i> love it. Follow the instructions and this cake is utterly flawless and exceptionally delicious- trust me, you shall never want for another chocolate cake recipe again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The perfect nature of this cake is created by a combination of key ingredients- miss them out and your cake simply will not be the same. The first of these is oil, used as the fat in this recipe instead of butter it creates an ultra moist texture. Please don't be afraid of putting oil in your cake-mix (although it can seem a little odd), it really is brilliant. Then second culprit when it comes to the cakes beautifully moist crumb is the buttermilk. This is essential and can sometimes be a bit tricky to get hold of. Pop over to Sally's <a href="http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2013/04/08/triple-chocolate-layer-cake/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">blog</span></a> and she's got a little detail on how to make your own, just in case your local Tesco's doesn't stock it. But seriously, don't leave it out. Lastly, this recipe's real secret weapon is coffee. <i>Yes you read that right</i>, coffee. If you're not a coffee lover like myself, you've no need to fret- the cake will not taste like coffee at all, the chocolatey flavour will simply be enhanced to dizzying new levels of fugdy perfection.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Top from left: Combined dry ingredients, Combined wet ingredients.<br />Bottom from left: runny batter, ready and waiting to go in the oven</span>.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're a regular reader of my blog, you'll know that for the benefit of my health I try my best to eat mostly gluten free- see my recipes for <a href="http://slowlymendingme.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/baking-sundays-delicious-chocolate.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">chocolate brownies</span></a> and <a href="http://slowlymendingme.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/baking-sundays-classic-vanilla-cupcakes.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">vanilla cupcakes</span></a> here. While I'd made this recipe many times, I'd never made it gluten free and never as cupcakes- so this was a little bit of an experiment for me. I'm pleased (and relieved) to say though that they were an absolute success. In my experience, chocolate cake takes remarkably well to the transition from gluten filled to gluten free and these little beauties were no exception. I know I say this with everything I make, but you really <i>really <b>really</b></i><b> </b>cannot tell these cupcakes are gluten- free. So go ahead, whip up a batch and serve them to your gluten free and gluten eater friends alike, I promise you they'll go down a storm :)</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baked, Iced and Sprinkled</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Death By Chocolate Cupcakes </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Makes 16 Cupcakes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cakes:*</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">220g <a href="http://www.dovesfarm.co.uk/biscuits-and-cookies/gluten-free/gluten-free-plain-white-flour-1kg/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Doves Farm Gluten-Free Plain White Flour</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">350g Granulated Sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">95g Cocoa Powder</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1tsp Baking Powder</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2tsp Baking Soda</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">240ml Buttermilk</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">120ml Vegetable Oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Large Eggs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1tsp Vanilla Extract</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">240ml Freshly made strong coffee</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pinch of salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chocolate Buttercream</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">350g Icing Sugar</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">175g Unsalted Butter (room temperature)</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">60ml Double Cream</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">2 tsp Vanilla Extract</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">60g Cocoa Powder</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Preheat your oven to 180</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">°</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">C/ 350</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">°</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">F/ Gas Mark 4 and line a cupcake tray with 12 cases.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">In a medium bowl sift together all your dry ingredients- that your flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">In a seperate larger bowl whisk together the eggs, oil, buttermilk and vanilla until fully combined. You can now slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating together with a wooden spoon. Once all ingredients are combined, add the coffee. Your mixture will be very thin and runny. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Fill cupcake cases with batter (due to the mixtures runny nature I found it easiest to first transfer the mixture to a jug, and from there pour it into the cases- this way I had much better control) and place tray into the preheated oven. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Bake your cakes for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops bounce back and a skewer inserted comes out clean.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remove from the oven and tray, and place on a wire rack to cool.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the icing:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Beat the butter in a large bowl until softened and smooth. Now add the icing sugar and continue to beat until light and creamy.</span><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"> From here you can add your cream and vanilla. Now sift in the cocoa powder and beat until mixture is fully combined</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Feel free to add more icing sugar if the icing becomes too thin, or more cream if it is still to thick.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Ice your cooled cupcakes in whatever manner you so desire and feel free to decorate with whatever you have to hand!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*As mentioned this recipe comes from <a href="http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2013/04/08/triple-chocolate-layer-cake/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Sally's Baking Addiction</span></a>, I have simply adapted it to make it gluten-free. Therefore all credit for the recipe must go to her!</span></div>
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Though I do try to eat mostly healthily, I do believe that treating myself now and again can only do me good- and these cakes are certainly a treat! After all , in the wise words of the cast of Matilda <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>'s</i><span style="font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><i>ometimes you have to be a little bit naughty'</i>.</span></span></div>
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Enjoy!</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Alice</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">x</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13341466190634304132noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7448346785649147161.post-23096682586185144482014-07-23T13:12:00.002+01:002014-10-22T16:58:44.815+01:001 month 'blogiversary'<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So today marks the day of my one month blogiversary (<i>if that's how you'd spell this made up word</i>). My little corner of the internet has now been officially up and running for a month now, and I have to say, it's really becoming a part of my life. I know a month isn't too long in the grand scheme of things, but it's crazy to me to think that this time thirty days ago, my first post <a href="http://slowlymendingme.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/introducing-me.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">'Introducing Me'</span></a> hadn't even gone live yet!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since then I've shared with you my experience of<a href="http://slowlymendingme.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/the-diagnosis-dilemna.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #741b47;"> </span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">diagnosis</span></a>, my gratitude for my <a href="http://slowlymendingme.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/20-reasons-you-need-special-somebody.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">loved ones</span></a> and disclosed some of my favourite <a href="http://slowlymendingme.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/baking-sundays-classic-vanilla-cupcakes.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">recipes</span></a>, and I want to say a big thank-you to you for actually reading my rambling thoughts and bearing with me while I attempt to navigate the minefield that is blogging!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Along side my little blog I've also set up my first ever <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><a href="https://twitter.com/slowlymendingme" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Twitter account</span></a> </span>(<i>I know, <b>gasp!</b> Where have I been??</i>), to document the pointless and hopefully not so pointless thoughts I have on a day-to-day basis. And now, to mark my one month blogiversary I've decided to go two steps further and step up both and Instagram account and an account on Bloglovin'.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So if you'd like to keep updated on the thrilling life of a chronically ill graduate on her road to recovery, go ahead and follow me on any of these various platforms:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Twitter:</b> <a href="https://twitter.com/slowlymendingme" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">@slowlymendingme</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Instagram</b>: <a href="http://instagram.com/slowlymendingme" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">slowlymendingme</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">or...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12484043/?claim=q8sgmyfx3nk" style="text-align: start;">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alice</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">x</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13341466190634304132noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7448346785649147161.post-74618640222867863672014-07-22T16:18:00.000+01:002014-10-22T16:58:20.409+01:00Graduating and Growing Up<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the last three years I've been pushing my poor little spoonie body to its limits studying for my </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">English</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> degree. It's been hard, and I questioned many times whether I could really do it, but all the hard work has finally paid off and earlier this week I graduated... with a 2:1 nonetheless! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Those of you who've donned your gowns and mortar boards to wave goodbye to your university careers will know just how busy and stressful this day can be (<i>or is that just me and my unorganised family?</i>), and for those of you who haven't, it's a pretty jam packed and demanding day! And while I could barely move by the end of the day and the post-external malaise hit me like a ton of bricks, it was oh so worth it. Though I graduated along with my class of around five hundred people, I felt like a bit of a star for the day... there was photos, champagne, Pimms, more photos, cake, yet more photos and a delicious meal at what I can only imagine is the best burger joint in Britain- if you life near Nottingham and haven't paid <a href="http://www.anniesburgershack.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Annie's</span></a> a visit, then you simply have not lived. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But graduating was simply the beginning of my super busy week as this weekend saw my best friends and I pack our bags and head off down to Brighton to celebrate the baby of our group turning 21. Blessed with beautiful weather and only the occasional rather dramatic thunder storm, we spent our little break chilling on the beach and stuffing our faces with ice-cream and chips- it was absolutely ideal. While I was still suffering the aftermath of graduation and spent a lot of the weekend feeling more ill and in more pain than I'd care to admit to any of my perfectly healthy friends, I wouldn't have missed this for the world. You see I've been friends with these very special girls since I was eight years old- we've faced senior school together, became teenagers together, been there for every first kiss and first drink, holidayed together, fallen out and reconciled, and visited each other across the country during our time at university. When we were young we would imagine what it'd be be like to be grown-up, what jobs we'd be doing, the boyfriends we'd have and where we'd be living- and now we're here. We're all now officially adults at the grand old age of twenty-one, we've all graduated and we're all now facing the rest of our lives in the big wide world. It's terrifying. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having just received a good degree from 'the most employable university in the country' you'd think I'd be perhaps relishing my last bit of freedom, travelling the world before I start my graduate job in the big city. But I'm not- I'm at home attempting the greatest of challenges- recovering from M.E. On a bad day, I'll admit, this really gets me down. I wanna be getting out there, earning money like the rest of my peers, however I have to remind myself it's not all bad. While I may not have the career I thought I would by now, I have the boyfriend that as a young girl I always dreamt of, a wonderful family and thirteen years later my friends and I are stronger than ever. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This growing up business is pretty damn scary, but at the same time it's so exciting. I'm already a lot better than I was this time last year, so who know's what the future holds... with any luck a little more good health is coming my way!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here's to the next thirteen years girls!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alice</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13341466190634304132noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7448346785649147161.post-6895470307471077082014-07-15T18:13:00.000+01:002014-10-22T16:57:50.115+01:0010 words that have a different meaning when you're chronically ill<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXZEdwZDJC2MH65hpAo2ev8xzJmc-LbCzEsfMc4bMZMWkMI2i5L0MgQKKkG_AbG7TEEi0G_xWTDYaLMceJzBN-HUTRu-zM54QmXwm3p_cGK1pP16OdAB_zg4ehw7cmXJ8PX0496TxZKYG/s1600/10+words+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXZEdwZDJC2MH65hpAo2ev8xzJmc-LbCzEsfMc4bMZMWkMI2i5L0MgQKKkG_AbG7TEEi0G_xWTDYaLMceJzBN-HUTRu-zM54QmXwm3p_cGK1pP16OdAB_zg4ehw7cmXJ8PX0496TxZKYG/s1600/10+words+2.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you may or may not know, I'm an Essex girl. And while my home county may get a bit of stick for it's high proportion fake-tanned women (and men) and rather recognisable accent, I wouldn't wanna call anywhere else home. For this reason, articles like <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/lucyj5/words-that-have-a-totally-different-mea-bami" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">this one</span></a> unashamedly fill me with a little bit of joy- even if they aren't always 100% accurate. After a bit of a browse around the <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Buzzfeed</span></a> website, I discovered there was one of these lists for a variety of counties, countries and groups- Manchester, New England and students to name but a few. But was there one for us chronically ill spoonies? <i>No there was not</i>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the years I've lost count of the times a well meaning friend has informed me that they 'get tired too' or that a little exercise would do me good because it helped them when they were ill... </span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No, no, no, no, no. </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's difficult to explain to others that their tired is not my tired, their pain is not the same as my pain, and exercise for me is walking to the postbox, not spending hours at the gym. While I keep a calm exterior and politely nod in agreement, all I really want to do is throw a childish tantrum and scream IT. IS. NOT. THE. SAME (but being a mature twenty-one year old adult, I do not do this).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know my illness is hard for those around me to fully understand and luckily for me, following my diagnosis many of my fiends took it upon themselves to find out as much about M.E as they could. But if you're still wondering just how different life can be or just what the hell I'm talking about a lot of the time, here's a little taster...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I give you:</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">10 Words That Have a Different Meaning When You're Chronically Ill</span></u><br />
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. 'Exhausted'</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Common meaning:</b> Really tired after a long and/or stressful day (e.g. at work of the gym), but it's ok, have an early night and you should be fine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Our meaning:</b> Unbelievably fatigued with no logical explanation. Sleep will not help and you'll likely wake unrefreshed.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. 'Pain'</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Common meaning:</b> Discomfort of varying levels often resulting from injury.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Our Meaning: </b>Discomfort of varying levels in places you never knew it was possible to feel pain. Once again there is no logical explanation.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>3. Medication</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Common meaning:</b> The tablets or liquid prescribed by your doctor to treat illness. You likely take them everyday for a week during which your life is made a living nightmare because you cannot consume alcohol.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Our meaning:</b> The tablets, liquid or injections we take everyday, week after to week to make life more bearable. We don't know how long we'll be on them for or how much worse life would be without them.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Spoons</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Common Meaning:</b> An item of cutlery. For example a soup spoon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Our meaning:</b> A unit of energy. For example 'I'm sorry, I can't make dinner tonight, I'm out of spoons.' See <a href="http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/wpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/BYDLS-TheSpoonTheory.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: #741b47;">Spoon Theory</span></a></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. Spoonie</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Common meaning: </b>It's not a word...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Our meaning:</b> Somebody suffering from chronic illness and therefore somebody whose life revolves around the use of 'spoons'.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. Pacing</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Common meaning</b>: Developing something at a measured rate. For example pacing oneself when consuming alcohol.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Our meaning: </b>Developing something at a measured rate. For example, our ability to walk a set distance, read for a set length of time or socialise with friends.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7. Exercise</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Common meaning: </b>A means of increasing fitness by engaging in physical activity. For example, attending the gym, running or playing sport. Exercise will also often help in curing minor illnesses. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Our meaning:</b> Getting out of bed. Or for those of us fortunate enough to be less severely affected, some gentle stretching and/or ten minutes of yoga will count as strenuous exercise. Intense exercise will not make us better in the long run... <i>Don't even suggest it.</i></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8. Doctors Surgery</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Common Meaning:</b> The place you frequent a few times a year- when you're struck down with the flu or you need holiday jabs, for example.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Our meaning:</b> Second home. The place where everyone knows your name, your condition and your prescription. You likely frequent this place far more than could be considered normal.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9. Common Cold/ Flu</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Common Meaning:</b> The infection that knocks you out for a few days. You feel awful but know by the end of the week you'll be up and running again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Our Meaning:</b> The infection that knocks you out indefinitely. It's likely to cause regression and your progression will take a major step back. Unfortunately it is often unavoidable due to a weakened immune system.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10. M.E</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Common meaning:</b> Pronoun used to refer to oneself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Our Meaning:</b><i><span style="color: #741b47;"><b> <a href="http://slowlymendingme.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/already-told-you-little-bit-about-me.html" target="_blank">Myalgic Encephalomyelitis</a>.</b></span></i> The chronic illness causing extreme fatigue and a variety of other symptoms.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While the last one is particularly relevant to my condition, I feel the others apply to all of us living with chronic illness. I'm sure this list is only the beginning of words that have a different meaning when you're chronically ill. So if you think of any others, do let me know!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alice</span></div>
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<i><u>Related Posts</u></i></div>
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<a href="http://slowlymendingme.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/20-reasons-you-need-special-somebody.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #741b47;">20 Reasons You Need a Special Somebody</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://slowlymendingme.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/already-told-you-little-bit-about-me.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #741b47;">A bit about M.E</span></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13341466190634304132noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7448346785649147161.post-44994900217397308392014-07-12T21:19:00.004+01:002014-10-22T16:57:19.674+01:00The Nonsense of Sensitivity<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you've read my previous post <a href="http://slowlymendingme.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/the-diagnosis-dilemna.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">about my diagnosis</span></a>, you'll know that it was a pretty long and bumpy road. For this reason, by the time the medical professionals had recognised I really was truly ill with M.E, I was already pretty familiar with the multitude of <a href="http://slowlymendingme.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/already-told-you-little-bit-about-me.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">symptoms</span></a> it entails. I'd had the fatigue, the pain and the susceptibility to infection, but what I wasn't prepared for was the increased sensitivity I would experience as my condition worsened. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't mean sensitivity of the emotional kind- I didn't suddenly start </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">blubbering</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> at soppy films or </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">weeping</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> at tales of reunited families (I'm not much of crier you see); I mean sensitivity to all manner of external stimuli. I'm not gonna lie to you, <i>it kinda sucks</i>. It really is one of the symptoms I hate the most, because it stops me from doing many of the things I love to do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This sensitivity comes in a variety of guises, and while its most likely to hit when I'm feeling my worst, it also likes to make a surprise appearance every now and then, much to my dismay. To give you a better idea of what I'm talking about, here's a few examples of the ways this most unexpected of symptoms affects me in my everyday life:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1. Light Sensitivity: </b>Ok, so perhaps this one's fairly predictable. Just as a bad headache can cause the eyes to hurt and wish for darkness, so can M.E. I have my phone and laptop screens permanently set at the lowest brightness and for days when life is just too much, I've got an eye-mask to blackout any intrusive specks of light. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2. Pain sensitivity:</b> Because as if it's not bad enough that your achey and painy inside your body, you have to be extra sensitive to external pain too. Even the merest pinch or scratch can be ten times more painful when I'm having a bad day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>3. Noise Sensitivity:</b> I thought I'd been lucky enough to escape this one, that was until the relentless drilling, hammering and crashing of the next-door neighbours extension began last week. The constant noise is completely and utterly draining me. It's a nightmare.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>4. Heat Sensitivity</b>: While yes, I've always your typical Brit abroad lobster when it comes to my Summer holidays, I've always loved the sun. Baking for hours and hours in the Mediterranean sun with a good book and a pool nearby was always my idea of holiday heaven. Then, the unthinkable happened, an M.E flare up last year made me ultra sensitive to heat- just in time for my summer holidays. Unfortunately it would appear I'm now a sweaty betty, destined for life in the shade.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>5. Alcohol Sensitivity:</b> I've just completed three years at uni, so as you can imagine, this one's really not ideal. When my occupational therapist asked how my hangovers were, I though she was just being curious. However she proceeded to enlighten me on the not-so-joyous effects of alcohol for an M.E patient like myself. Apparently, it's very common within our little population for hangovers not to consist of you typical headache and queasiness, but of a horrid, heavy toxic feeling in the stomach. Like our body's really just can't. They just can't do it. My hangover-free days are more than over. I am in no way exaggerating when I say that on the rare occasion I do drink, even a glass or two of wine, I feel like death has befallen me. It's really that bad.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mastering the art of a sober night out</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjI9GB0tedqeiEFc_n5hNhgL2CvSv2cPTm0FADTjJdpFHDqpy8FUXSKulOMIhwQlnLe0bgn_kgR6pdvAz0XpObmXKTh7qddUKeHAvUeuiJ3SS3sBpOYoizeqWLhYklG2FXjJdIDCQ2UMn/s1600/sensitivity+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjI9GB0tedqeiEFc_n5hNhgL2CvSv2cPTm0FADTjJdpFHDqpy8FUXSKulOMIhwQlnLe0bgn_kgR6pdvAz0XpObmXKTh7qddUKeHAvUeuiJ3SS3sBpOYoizeqWLhYklG2FXjJdIDCQ2UMn/s1600/sensitivity+2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Us chronic illness sufferers are just like snowflakes- we're all affected in different ways. These are just the ways sensory sensitivity affects me, and you may be very similar or entirely different, you may have even escaped sensitivity altogether! However you're affected, these little things can be baffling and essentially, life changing. But as always, I'm trying to find the positives in all this nonsense- at least I'm not the girl on the floor with her knickers on display by the end of the night, I'll leave that to my non alcohol sensitive friends.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alice</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13341466190634304132noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7448346785649147161.post-22463567636659258712014-07-09T18:02:00.000+01:002014-10-22T16:56:49.463+01:00The Diagnosis Dilemna<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being told I had M.E was simultaneously one of the best and worst days of my life. I know that may seem like an odd way to describe the diagnosis of a chronic illness, <i>but bare with me</i>, there's method in my madness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Way way back in the summer of 2008, when Michael Jackson was still alive, England were beginning early preparations for the Olympics and One Direction were but mere school boys, a young girl shared a bottle of water with her slightly ill friend, thinking nothing of it. That girl was me, and my friend had glandular fever. And while she recovered in a matter of weeks, I've never had a fully well day since. I contracted a bout of glandular fever and never fully recovered- while glandular fever stopped showing up on my blood tests, its affects never truly left me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over my GCSE's an A levels I became the girl that was always ill- I don't think I ever attended a full week of school from that point onwards... my body simply couldn't do it. I was so exhausted I couldn't get out of bed and I was struck down by infection after infection, week after week. And the worse part? <b>Apparently I wasn't ill.</b> But I knew differently, I knew something was wrong. Despite my doctors insistence otherwise, I knew that this wasn't 'normal' and that I wasn't tired just because 'teenagers need more sleep' (s<i>eriously I can't tell you how many times I heard this</i>). However, not being a trained medical professional myself, I was just as baffled as they were- I didn't know what it could possibly be.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then a friend of mine was diagnosed with mild chronic fatigue syndrome and urged me to look it up. I must have spent hours searching through pages and pages of internet information on the symptoms and causes of CFS/ME and it left no doubt in my mind... this was what I had- now I just had to get my doctor on board, which as it turns out, is far easier said than done.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I mentioned ME to my doctor, she brushed it off and sent me for what felt like my millionth blood test. I felt absolutely lost. I wasn't getting any better, if anything the stress of my A levels was making me worse, and nobody could tell me what was wrong.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After struggling through my first year of uni I contracted yet another bad infection and found myself back in the doctors office that I was all too familiar with. Sitting there, propped up by the desk, feeling faint and confused, I described to her how the fatigue <i>really</i> felt- <i>like my physical body and my energy where entirely separate entities, and just like you may imagine the soul rising from the body, it was like my energy had just upped and left. I was completely drained</i>. At this she took notice, it was like everything I'd been telling her for the past few years had finally clicked and she refereed me to a neurologist straight away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had to have more blood tests and various scans to eliminate other illnesses but eventually they reached the conclusion I'd known all along. Why was this a good day, you might ask? Because I've never felt more relieved in my life. If I didn't cry, I sure felt like it- not out of sadness but out of happiness, bizarrely. To have been right all along, to have a diagnosis and to have had people believe me that I was really was ill, was an incredible feeling- after four years of suffering, <b>I finally had an answer.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Getting a diagnosis didn't make me any better, but it also didn't make me any worse. It just meant that finally I had an explanation. I could tell people I suffered from ME when they questioned why I wasn't well enough to do something, or called me lazy. While I officially had an illness, I also now had something to recover from. And while the prognosis may not be entirely positive, I'm determined that I'm at least gonna get some way to reaching my goals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having the ME diagnosis has meant I've had the opportunity to see an amazing occupational therapist, a dietician and a specialist neurologist- all of which I would not have had without it. I received help from the university for both my studying and exams and I've gained a lot more acceptance from those around me. Generally, my life's been a lot better, despite being officially ill. So if you think you may be suffering from something similar, my advice to you is to trust your instincts- you know you better than anyone else. And though the process may be lengthy and tiresome, a proper diagnosis really can work wonders for both your mental state and the opportunities available to you. So don't give-up, let somebody you love help and support you through it (this is <i>sooo </i>important- see my post on it <a href="http://slowlymendingme.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/20-reasons-you-need-special-somebody.html" target="_blank">here</a>), and get the recognition you deserve.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good Luck,</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13341466190634304132noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7448346785649147161.post-50328536535104248542014-07-06T22:23:00.000+01:002014-10-22T16:56:21.421+01:00Baking Sundays: Delicious Chocolate Brownies<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since I returned from uni, my sister's been incessantly requesting that I make her a batch of brownies (she'd do it herself but they'd only burn). Today I caved in and <i>boy</i> I do not regret it! I mean look at them in all their gooey glory... they're delicious. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiuxj4xwnAJUvp9ivdmekuhivj8Jun8PDWgDE9PvDjLN0YIm7CD_Th_Q2tHZfEZj_U_wdh9rUEw-FbVxtNAKbgSmgER7rqbJUNjcP4pB5GysiOh-xnpZ3TIF61lA946aGD3uCHoQ_oqq7/s1600/IMG_1343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiuxj4xwnAJUvp9ivdmekuhivj8Jun8PDWgDE9PvDjLN0YIm7CD_Th_Q2tHZfEZj_U_wdh9rUEw-FbVxtNAKbgSmgER7rqbJUNjcP4pB5GysiOh-xnpZ3TIF61lA946aGD3uCHoQ_oqq7/s1600/IMG_1343.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I love a good brownie, and I'm not gonna lie to you, these are not exactly guilt free. They aren't secretly sugar free, I didn't find an alternative to fat and they're obviously stuffed full of chocolate, but don't we all deserve a naughty treat once in while? </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj77vpjNESDI6tKR-A9F05iWl08RV3RpDUXXbdIK0dmcPnZcuh8cd2CDQiMk9_lr2SeLVABCLvCbFwH53D7xXm6tLNgYB8p-d6QFRG_yV_C-8sV6q9P67MoYX0FewECIOv0twYd7hyjL0R/s1600/brownies+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj77vpjNESDI6tKR-A9F05iWl08RV3RpDUXXbdIK0dmcPnZcuh8cd2CDQiMk9_lr2SeLVABCLvCbFwH53D7xXm6tLNgYB8p-d6QFRG_yV_C-8sV6q9P67MoYX0FewECIOv0twYd7hyjL0R/s1600/brownies+collage.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clockwise from top left: Ingredients all ready to go, frothy whisked eggs and sugar, finished brownie mix, end result</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They're super quick and easy to make and trust me, oh so satisfying. Just melt a little butter and chocolate, whisk up some eggs and sugar, and mix it all together with a touch of flour and cocoa powder and <i>voila!</i> your brownies are ready to bake, filling your house with that lovely brownie smell. And as if this wasn't bad enough for me already, I went and over indulged, making this gorgeous <a href="http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/homemade-salted-caramel-recipe/" target="_blank">salted caramel sauce</a> to pour alllll over the top. I recommend it- it's seriously good.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So give them a go, you won't regret it ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">100g Dark chocolate</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">185g Unsalted butter (cut into squares)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">85g <a href="http://www.dovesfarm.co.uk/flour-and-ingredients/gluten-free-plain-white-flour-1kg/" target="_blank">Doves Farm plain flour</a> (feel free to use normal wheat flour)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 eggs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">100g Soft light brown sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few drops of vanilla extract</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Preheat your oven to <span style="font-size: small; line-height: normal;">180</span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">°</span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">C/ 350</span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">°</span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">F/ Gas Mark 4 and line a brownie pan (you could also use a square cake tin, or I use a baking tray with slightly steeper sides).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Break your chocolate into small pieces and melt along with your butter, either in short bursts in the microwave or in a bowl on top of a saucepan of hot water. </span><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Once both the chocolate and butter have melted, remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">In a larger bowl whisk together your eggs and both sugars until they form a frothy, almost mousse-like mixture (I recommend using an electric whisk unless you've got very strong arms!). The mixture will have increased in size and will be paler in colour. To this, mix in your melted chocolate and butter until fully combined and add a few drops of vanilla. Finally sift in both the flour and cocoa powder and gentle fold in- careful you don't over mix it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pour you mixture into your prepared tin and place in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on your brownies as you don't want them to overcook- everyone knows a gooey brownie is the best kind! Unlike when baking a cake, a skewer inserted should not come out clean.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once removed from the oven, leave the brownies to cool in the tin before removing and cutting into as many pieces as you like. I know it's tempting, but don't cut into them too early or you'll just end up with one big gooey mess!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Serve either warm or cold with whatever accompaniments you like.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoy!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13341466190634304132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7448346785649147161.post-34061767697118248682014-07-04T19:33:00.000+01:002014-10-22T16:55:38.825+01:0020 Reasons You need a Special Somebody When You're Chronically Ill<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Earlier this week <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://elitedaily.com/women/20-ways-enjoy-single-20s/614274/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">this</span></a> </i>made it's way onto my Facebook newsfeed. While it's mainly encouraging young women to enjoy their time alone and not depend on a man, it's also the most recent in along line of articles to have got my blood boiling due to their anti-relationship stance. Not unlike the<i> <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/vanessa-elizabeth/23-things-to-do-instead-of-getting-engaged_b_4523117.html" target="_blank">'<span style="color: black;">23 Things to</span> <span style="color: black;">Do Instead of Getting Engaged When You're 23'</span> </a></i> article which lists 23 ridiculous things you cannot do when in a relationship (but totally can, <i>obviously)</i>, 20 reasons are cited for staying single in your 20's. I'm sorry but I can do all but three of these from the comfort of my relationship.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was tempted I'll admit, to make this into a long ranty post and a direct rebuttal of all these things I supposedly cannot do. However that'd be whiny, annoying and pretty lame. So instead I've decided to create my own list. Not a list of the things I can still do with a boyfriend, or reasons why having a boyfriend in your twenty's is actually pretty great, but a list of the reasons it's great to have someone special by your side when you're chronically ill. This someone special doesn't have to be a boyfriend or a girlfriend, just someone your can truly count on through all the good and bad. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So this post goes out to not only my amazing boyfriend, but also my mother who's been there from the very beginning, the best friend who recorded all those lectures I couldn't go to, my daddy-who's finally come to terms with the whole thing, and all my closest friends and family who've put up with me over the last six years!</span><br />
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<img alt="Harvey. I just want to thank you for being there for me when I needed you the most. I want to thankyou for understanding me and helping me through everything. I love you unconditionally and appreciate you being there for me. It means so much xxx" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/09/dc/22/09dc2284e994b94d20f654050161179b.jpg" height="320" width="221" /><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So regardless of whether your coupled up in your twenty's or happily flying solo, I'm sure you can appreciate how great it is to know that no matter how ill your feeling, you aren't going it alone. And this is my little list of why that's the best feeling to have of all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><b>20 Reasons You need a Special Somebody When You're Chronically Ill.</b></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1.</b> <b>Supporter</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When suffering from an illness that unbelievably, not everyone believes exists, it's so important to have the support of those you love. To have someone who doesn't question the fact that you've been bed-bound for a whole week or suggest that 'it's all in your head' means such a lot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2. Comforter, and not of the physical kind</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This support that our loved ones give gives us the chance to stress less and recover more. It's like a fluffy cozy blanket that always available to snuggle up in. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>3. Massager- for when you're all painy and achy</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Admittedly this one does always fall to my boyfriend. Whether I've got an achy back, legs, arms or hands he's always there to help release some muscle tension :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>4. Snack runner</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My sugar levels are rather unpredictable and not unlike my diabetic friend, when I can feel them getting low, I needs me some food. Trouble is, I often can't move during these times... that's where my special someone comes in. Always on hand to grab me a biscuit or two when I need them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes I've relied on my elderly grandad to get me places because I couldn't hack public transport. Cheers Grandad :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because although we may try our best to be positive, even the best of us get a bit weepy at times. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is usually mum. She's been there for every doctors appointment and every hospital appointment along the way and I can't thank her enough. There's no way I'd be able to remember all that's been said on my own.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During the countless tests and blood tests that just become part and parcel of being ill. I'm a huge neddlephobe and massive crier, so it's good to not have to go through that embarrassment alone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>9. A fellow binge watcher</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lets be honest, we have a lot of time on our hands. I like fill this time by watching numerous American tv shows... I not kidding, I watch <b>a lot</b>. But mostly, <i>Modern Family</i> takes up a lot of my day... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This doesn't apply to me as I'm one of those rare Brits that doesn't drink tea. However, my boyfriend has made me many a hot chocolate over the past four years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>11. Hot water bottle filler</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a vital role to be taken on by that somebody special in your life. If you're anything like me, your confused body may have once or twice caused you to spill boiling hot water on yourself. It's painful and annoying. Therefore when I'm feeling achy and sore, it's great to have mum on hand to do it for me :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who doesn't love a good cuddle? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because you obviously can't move from the sofa to get it yourself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>14. Counsellor </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes, just sometimes, it all gets a little bit too much and you just need someone to talk to, or at. Someone who will just listen and not judge your silly outburst.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>15. Positive Thinker</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From day one, my boyfriend's outlook towards this whole M.E malarkey has been entirely positive and I'll admit, sometimes this is incredibly annoying. However it does mean he is always there to pick me up when I'm feeling down, always there to give me a boost and always there to encourage me to see the better side of things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I'm out and about, naturally standing often becomes too much- this is where my boyfriend comes in. He's a post to lean on and he holds me up when my legs want to give way but the ground's too wet to sit on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My mother has, and while I live at home likely always will, brushed and tied my hair back when I'm feeling too ill or too weak to do it myself. Not exactly like having your hair done by a stylist, but about as close as it gets when you can't leave the house.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Speaks for itself really. Because sitting at the dinner table can be just too difficult.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>19. Company Giver</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Admittedly, this is aimed mostly at my dogs. Max and Bella never leave my side when I'm ill and often insist on cuddling up with me on the sofas they aren't allowed on. It's both adorable and annoying- Bella's a fully grown slobbery boxer who's far to big for the sofa, but she means well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>20. Inspiration</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When your bed bound and feeling your worst it can be easy for those depressive thoughts to creep in, clouding our view of how good life can be. Our family, friends and loved ones remind us daily that no matter how ill we are, or how little we may be able to get out, we're still living a great life. Because how can one person be so lucky to have so many great people around them?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So there you have it, my reasons it's great to have someone you can rely on, especially when you're chronically ill. Whether you've got one person, or many people in mind, I'm sure you can agree with me they we owe so much much to these people... we couldn't manage it without you.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13341466190634304132noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7448346785649147161.post-21297422162198340862014-07-01T20:43:00.000+01:002014-10-22T16:54:45.044+01:00Health Update: July<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy July Everybody! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We're now officially over half way through the year, the longest day has been and gone, and next Christmas is now closer than last Christmas... Crazy right!?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While this blog is here to note most of my daily goings on, from baking to chilling in bed with with a hot water bottle and a good Efron classic on my laptop, its main purpose is to chart my life with, and hopefully my recovery from M.E. Therefore I figured it was about time I actually got round to writing about the current state of my health, which with any luck, will start to improve over the next few months/ year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wind back to last Summer and I was probably at my lowest. I was suffering from severe symptoms, mainly fatigue and pain, more or less every single day. I was barely sleeping and to coincide conveniently with the best and hottest British Summer I can remember, my body decided that it simply did not like heat, not one little bit. I was spending <b>a lot </b>of my time in bed and the thought of having to make it through another year of uni filled me with dread.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whizzing back to the present, and Summer 2014 sees me feeling <i>soo</i> much better. While my health is by no means great, it is, touch wood, certainly improving. June was a pretty roller-coaster month, with my body having to contend with deadlines, exams, my graduation ball and leaving university as well as all those other exhausting day-to-day activities. Obviously my poor sick little body couldn't cope with all this and there was days when then post-external malaise was simply terrible. But on the whole, I came out the other end.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Busy June:<br />Graduation Ball, Celebratory trip to Bakewell and 'we've finished exams!' drinks.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we enter July, I'm in a much better place- physically and mentally. Having finished uni for good <i>*gasp*,</i> and having finally fully committed to being a full-time sick person, my body is under the least stress in years, which is so far giving me a much needed boost. However, despite taking various mediations to aid my sleep, I still have sleeping issues and I still wake unrefreshed. And although I'm experiencing less aches and pains daily, I still experience extreme fatigue after a simple lunch date with friends. This time last year, everyday was a bad day, but now I'm getting an impressive 2-3 good days for every bad one. And while these good days may not be 'good' by a well persons standards, they're something to celebrate for me. For example, over Easter I had a whole week of good days, <b style="font-style: italic;">a whole week</b>- I actually nearly cried out of happiness (or maybe I did... bad memory).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So as we enter the seventh month of the year, I hope this new month sees you all well. For all you spoonie's out there, I hope this month's full of many <i>many</i> good days, and that you manage to make it out into the (promised) sun, even if only for a few minutes. And if like me, you're living for the little positives in life, just remember, M.E. can't stop the beautiful smell of blazing barbecue drifting in through your window... so you've always got that :)</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13341466190634304132noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7448346785649147161.post-33911369158996580282014-06-29T15:04:00.000+01:002014-10-22T16:53:41.095+01:00Baking Sundays: Classic Vanilla Cupcakes (GF)<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Gluten-free and perfectly pretty</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sitting opposite my dietitian during our first consultation she uttered the words no cake lover wants to hear -'Your health would benefit from a gluten free diet'. Great. As if it couldn't get any worse, M.E had now stolen away my favourite guilty pleasure. In that moment I was sure my life long relationship/ obsession with cake was over.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Boy was I wrong. </i>Now I'm gonna be honest with you, I wasn't strong enough to be completely gluten free (I wasn't ready to give French baguettes and Dominos pizzas, basically); but I do try my best to eat gluten free about 80-90% of the time. But one thing I have been determined to do is find a gluten free cupcake recipe that works for me, so that I can enjoy my guilty pleasure slightly less guiltily.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've tried many recipes from around the internet but have settled on a slight adaptation of my tried and tested vanilla cupcake recipe. If you're somewhat of an experienced eater in the gluten free field, you'll be aware there nothing ever really <i>really</i> tastes like the real thing. However these little lovelies are about as close as it gets- my ultra picky family demolished them without even questioning whether they were 'normal' or not... which is a good sign, trust me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I'm baking I usually work in ounces, basing my recipes around the classic 6:3 ratio (6oz of butter, sugar and flour to 3 eggs) that mumma taught me as a little girl. However, for the sake of not being terribly old-fashioned, you'll see I've converted the ingredients list across to grams- it's just as easy to follow and fits in slightly better with the modern world!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The simple, easy to follow recipe uses the traditional creaming recipe followed by the gradual of addition of eggs and flour until the ingredients are added and fully combined. I'm not a lover of eggs, and sometimes I feel I can taste the egg in a cake a little more than I'd like too- for this reason I only use 2 whole eggs and replace the third egg with a couple of egg whites, which has the added bonus of creating a lighter colour while allowing me to give a little boost to the rising of the cake. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Following this you'll then add in your milk, vanilla and my trusty secret ingredient- yoghurt. Gluten-free flours suck up the moisture a lot more than normal wheat-flours, so adding a bit of yoghurt helps to replace some of this lost liquid, preventing a crumbly, dry end result.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, if your mixture looks a bit like this...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="font-style: italic;">don't panic! </b>Gluten-free batters can look a little different from those we're used to, and this can be one of those rather unfortunate, unattractive differences! Using ingredients all at room temperature will help prevent this, but sometimes these things just cannot be helped! Don't over mix it, and add a touch more flour if you're concerned- <b><i>but it will be fine</i></b>! On a similar note, if you decide to give it a taste/ lick the bowl once you're finished (which I do recommend), then don't be put off by that odd, grainy, floury taste- once they're beautifully baked it'll have completely disappeared!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life's far too short not to lick the bowl</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fluffy, light and with no signature gluten-free graininess, these cupcakes are definitely worthy of being your go-to recipe.</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'You wouldn't believe they're gluten-free' Classic Vanilla Cupcakes</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Makes 12 Cupcakes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Cakes:</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">150g Unsalted Butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">150g Caster Sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">150g <a href="http://www.dovesfarm.co.uk/biscuits-and-cookies/gluten-free/gluten-free-plain-white-flour-1kg/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Doves Farm Gluten-Free Plain White Flour</span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Whole Eggs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Egg Whites </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 <span style="background-color: white;">tsp Vanilla Extract</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 tbsp Milk (I used almond, but feel free to use anything you like)</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 tbsp Yoghurt (Again, I used Greek yoghurt, but you can use plain natural yoghurt too)</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Vanilla Buttercream Icing:</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">350g Icing Sugar</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">175g Butter (room temperature)</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">60ml Double Cream</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 tsp Vanilla Extract</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Preheat your oven to 180</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">°</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">C/ 350</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">°</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">F/ Gas Mark 4 and line a cupcake tray with 12 cases.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a large bowl cream together the butter and sugar until it reaches a light, fluffy consistency and a paler colour.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a separate small bowl, lightly whisk your egg whites until they have a frothy texture. Now you can begin to add your eggs and flour to your butter and sugar mix. Beat in the eggs one at a time, with each egg accompanied by a spoonful of your pre-measured flour- this will help prevent curdling. Next, add your whisked egg whites to the mixture and gently fold in. This is followed by adding all the remaining flour in one go, continuing not to beat the mixture, but to fold it (in a figure of eight).</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once your mixture is fully combined, you can add in your liquid ingredients- this is where curdling may occur. Gently beat in the milk, yoghurt and vanilla until fully combined.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Divide your mixture equally between the 12 cases, being careful not to over fill.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bake your cakes in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops bounce back and a skewer inserted comes out clean.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remove from the oven and tray, and place on a wire rack to cool.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the icing:</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Beat the butter in a large bowl until softened and smooth. Now add the icing sugar and continue to beat until light and creamy.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"> From here you can add your cream and vanilla and continue beating until fully combined.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Feel free to add more icing sugar if the icing becomes too thin, or more cream if it is still to thick.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ice your cooled cupcakes in whatever manner you so desire and feel free to decorate with whatever you have to hand!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoy!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alice x</span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13341466190634304132noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7448346785649147161.post-90653755166286139612014-06-26T13:53:00.001+01:002014-10-22T16:53:11.315+01:00A bit about M.E.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I've already told you a little bit about <a href="http://slowlymendingme.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/introducing-me.html" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">me</span></i></a>, but now I think it'd be useful if I introduce you a little more to the illness that's prompted the writing of this blog- M.E.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">M.E, or to use its rather long and hard to pronounce full name, Myalgic <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">encephalomyelitis, is to be honest, a bit of a minefield. The vast multitude of symptoms and lack of a definite cause make it both hard to diagnose and hard to understand.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Back in my pre-diagnosis days, I scoured the internet in a desperate attempt to self diagnose the illness that I believed was staring my doctors right in the face. The problem was, with so many varying symptoms, there was so much to rule out- anaemia, Lyme disease and thyroid problems to name but a few. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I knew that for number of years I'd been a lot more tired than could be considered normal, but what I didn't know was that so many of other, seemingly irrelevant problems I had day-to-day all had the one underlying cause, M.E.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Therefore, believe me, I know how confusing it can be. Before I could even begin to get those around me to understand this 'new' mystery illness I was suffering from, I had to fully comprehend it myself. So now, with a fair few years of M.E know-how behind me and a number of the symptoms experienced at one time or another, it's my turn to help you. Whether you're looking for a bit of information or simply just reassurance that you aren't alone, hopefully I can be of some use :) So here it is,<span style="color: #a64d79;"><b> my short but unfortunately not so sweet guide to the gloriously unique illness that is M.E!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>So, M.E. Isn't that the one where you're tired all the time?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes. Yes it is. But it's so much more than that. As implied by the name (myalgic = muscle pain, </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">encephalomyelitis = inflammation of the brain and spinal cord), M.E lets it's presence be known not only physically, but mentally and emotionally too. The illness can be very debilitating and is often classified as mild, moderate and severe- with severe suffers potentially becoming entirely bed-bound. Despite the controversy, it is not an illness to be sniffed at.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><i>And the cause?</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">To be honest with you, the short answer is that nobody really properly knows. You can't eat more strawberries or cut out the red wine to make sure you don't get it. If it happens, well, it happens, and often to those fit and healthy people you'd never expect to be struck down. In my case, it was brought on by a particularly bad bout of glandular fever- quite often viral infection is the cause. However there is evidence to suggest that genetics or traumatic life events may play a role. The good news? Young people do have a relatively good chance of recovery, at least to some level. The bad? As depressing a thought as it may be, each and every one of us sufferers at some point has had to come to terms with the possibility that we may never fully recover, at least not to our pre M.E. selves. <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Sucks, right?</i></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><i>What about the symptoms?</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Gosh. There's a lot. Far too many in fact to me to cover them all, it'd be remarkably boring and you'd probably wander off and never come back. So I'll cover the ones that have affected me most and those that seemingly came out of the blue:</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><b>Fatigue:</b> <i>You mean tiredness?</i> No. I mean 'How on earth did my body get this heavy?! I will never be able to move again' kinda exhaustion. The kind of fatigue whereby you begin to question whether all your body's energy reserves one day grouped together and decided to leave you. Never to return. Am I being dramatic? Possibly, but it exactly how it feels. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><b>Aches and Pains:</b> Another one of the most common symptoms. These aches and pains can occur throughout the body in varying degrees. For me it's mainly in my limbs and joints- the aching in my hands can be too bad at times to even grasp a pen.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><b>Concentration and 'brain fog': </b>Oh brain fog, my old friend. I've lost count of the amount of times I simply cannot for the life of me find the right words to express my thoughts, or forget mid sentence what I'm trying to say. And while I have the memory of an eighty year old, I have the concentration span of a four year old. But you've gotta see the bright side right? At least it amuses my friends.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Insomnia: </b><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Last night was yet another night of interrupted, difficult sleep, which left me feeling as I woke as though I hadn't slept a wink. Though we spend many of our days tired beyond belief, many M.E sufferers also suffer from sleep problems and wake feeling unrefreshed. A vicious circle is thus created whereby this insomnia becomes both a symptom and a cause of this ever more complicated illness.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><b>Sensitivity: </b>Sensitivity to life, it does at times seem. Pain sensitivty, light sensitivity, heat sensitivity, food intolerances, alcohol sensitivity... you name it, at some point or another we've probably experienced it. This has been one of the most surprising and affecting symptoms that I personally have experienced- so much so that I'm going to eventually get round to a whole post on it.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Nausea: </b><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Now I'm gonna be honest with you, despite having had M.E for around 6 years, I had no idea this was a symptom until last Christmas. Having never experienced it before, when I began feeling particularly queasy in the new year, naturally my mind skipped to one conclusion... I must be pregnant. I wasn't, I was just experiencing a new side of my lovely illness. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><b>Pyschological:</b> No, M.E is not depression, it is not all in my head and I will not feel better if I just think positively. However M.E can be a rather isolating illness and as such mental illness such as depression and anxiety often come hand-in-hand with M.E.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, my list of symptoms here is by absolutely no means comprehensive, there's so many more I haven't even touched on and others that are worthy of whole posts of their own. But for now, I think this will just about do. If you do want a more thorough explanation though the <a href="http://www.meassociation.org.uk/about/the-symptoms-and-diagnosis-of-mecfs/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Me Association</span></a> has a great page, as does <a href="http://www.actionforme.org.uk/get-informed/about-me/Symptoms/range-of-symptoms/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Action For M.E.</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is currently no cure for M.E, or even a definite proven treatment. However many are given which aim to give sufferers a slightly better time of it! Pacing, relaxation and meditation aim to elicit lifestyle changes which in turn lead to a reduction in symptoms, while medication is often given to help with those pesky aches and pains.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So there you have it, my little guide to the ever complicated illness that is M.E. If you do have any more questions or want to share you experience then please do let me know! But for now, I shan't bore you with the details any longer... onwards and upwards to happier things!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alice x</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13341466190634304132noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7448346785649147161.post-79516307714864898482014-06-23T16:49:00.003+01:002014-10-22T16:52:26.511+01:00Introducing Me...<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So hello! Welcome to my first ever post of my first ever blog <b><i style="color: #93c47d;">Slowly Mending Me.</i> </b>Whether you're a full-time sufferer, an optimistic recoverer or purely an external observer to our little M.E world, I extend to you the warmest welcome. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">From L-R: My boyfriend and I at is his graduation, my lovely doggies, cake- because I love to bake, my family on holiday last year.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I myself fall somewhere between full-time sufferer and optimistic recoverer. Having recently made it to the end of my three year university course I can now proudly say that I am officially an unemployed graduate. <i>Woo!</i> Rather than fill me with despair and worry, this is in fact the biggest relief. Having struggled through university carrying the heavy load that is M.E along for the duration, having an empty future laid out ahead of me gives me the much needed break my body desperately craved. So now, here I am- rested, relaxed and ready to embark on the long journey to recovery.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've packed my bags, meticulously pealed blue tac off the walls and headed back down from the Midlands to Essex for the very last time. For the first time in three years I'm now properly living back home. With all the home cooked meals and mummy-care that that entails, I'm finally in an environment in which I can just be ill and hopefully, as time goes on, get better and better.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've had M.E for such a long time now that I don't even know what it's like to not be ill. Little was I to know that sharing a drink with my glandular fever riddled friend at the age of 14 would change my life in such an indescribable way. Over the years I missed a significant amount of school, have had to sit home while my friends go out, and, most heart-breakingly, I had to give up dancing- M.E robbing me of my dream of dancing professionally. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, I am determined not to let M.E get the better of me. In fact, as this quote I happened to stumble across while browsing through pinterest suggests, I intend to look at the stars. And by stars, I mean the positives to come out of this experience, the little steps I shall be blogging about on my road to recovery. If it wasn't for M.E I'd have never started yoga (and I LOVE yoga), I'd never ventured into gluten free baking, eaten vegetables or considered reteaching myself the German I've forgotten since I left school- though I probably would binge-watch a lot less American tv from the comfort of my bed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every cloud's got it's silver lining, and after years of struggling and feeling defeated by this illness, there's now a far more positive relationship between me and M.E.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, that's me. Me and my M.E.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Welcome to my blog :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alice x</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13341466190634304132noreply@blogger.com4