Song Sunday - Defying Gravity

Defying Gravity

Original Broadway Soundtrack

(all rights to the producers of the original soundtrack)

I saw Wicked this week for the first time, and I loved it! It's possibly one of the best musicals I've ever watched. Brilliant acting and singers. Brilliant storyline. Such an amazing show. I had goosebumps as they sang this song! It was such a great way to end the first half of the show. So glad I had the chance to go and see it.

Sarah x

My First Kettlebells Experience

I've been a member of my current gym for almost a year now. Part of the reason I chose this gym over some of the others was because it offered a range of classes in with the monthly membership cost. Up until last week, guess how many I'd attended? Yep, none.

I don't know what it is but the thought of turning up and being the new girl in a class terrified me. I was worried I was going to turn up and not know what I was doing, make a massive mistake or look ridiculous. So I continued with my little cardio routine with the occasional weights thrown in, not really making any progress.

After a fairly unhealthy March, I decided that in April I would give myself 30 days to turn my fitness regime back around. I've been going for a run before work, signed up to a new dance class, bought myself some ankle weights and a foam roller, and I finally took the plunge and signed up to a Kettlebells class.

Credit to: Lucy Fry

A kettlebell is a cast iron/steel weight, shaped a bit like a cannon ball, that comes in a range of weights depending on how strong you are (I'm a weakling so could only manage a 4kg one), and can be used to perform a range of cardio, strength and flexibility exercises.

The class I signed up to was only 30 mins long, which I couldn't understand. All the other classes on the timetable are an hour long, why would this one only be 30 mins? Well, as I learnt on Friday, Kettlebells are an insane workout! There's no way I could have done more than 30 minutes. I'm actually surprised I managed that long.

Our instructor is ex-army and he pushed us through a range of different exercises. Some focused on legs, some backs, some arms and some abs. We did swing movements, push ups, squats, sit ups. 30 second reps of each, with a ten second break in between each rep. Then after 4 reps, we'd change to a different exercise.

I was really skeptical up until I got there. Having never used a kettlebell before, and not being a fan of weight lifting, I thought it was going to be a nightmare 30 minutes for me. But it wasn't I loved it.

I came out extremely sweaty (sorry, tmi!), tired, feeling like I wanted to throw up and aching all over. It was amazing! And even after rolling out my body, and stretching, I'm still feeling good aches two days later.

I think I may have found my new favourite form of exercise.

Sarah x

March in Pictures

1. Cupcake Treats

My lovely manager came back from her lunch break with a fresh made cupcake for me and the rest of our team. I had a lovely Vanilla and Orange flavour cake, which was delicious!

2. My New George Foreman

I don't know how I lived without my George Foreman. It's so quick and easy to cook meat and tastes lovely. It's also a lot more efficient than heating my entire oven to cook one chicken breast. Very pleased and impressed with my purchase.

3. Girls Night

My lovely friends from back home came to visit my new apparent this month. We had a lovely lasagne dinner, glasses of Prosecco and a brilliant catchup. It was so nice to see them, and I can't wait for to host my next dinner party.

4. Date Night

To celebrate two of Omar's friends' birthdays we headed out for a Date Night to Babucho, an Italian restaurant in town. We had a nice night of food and drinks, and catching up with friends.

5. My Grandma's Rings

I loved looking through my Grandma's jewellery, she had some lovely pieces. These four rings were my favourite and I've been passed down the two middle ones to look after and enjoy. Vintage at its best.

6. Babyliss Thermo Ceramic Rollers

I love curly hair, but it normally takes me forever to curl mine. After reading a few good reviews, I decided to treat myself to Babyliss Thermo Ceramic Rollers. They are simple to use and make curling my hair so much easier. Dedicated blog post on the way.

7. Breville Active Blend

With the weather getting warmer, there's nothing better than enjoying a nice cold drink and I love smoothies to help cool me down. I've been experimenting with frozen berries and ice cream. So tasty!

8. New Passport

I can finally leave the country! My old passport expired a few years ago and I haven't bothered getting it renewed as I wasn't going abroad anywhere. This year it's time for a holiday in the sun and a new passport. Can't wait to use it!

9. Goodbye Grandad

10 years and 1 day after my Grandma died, my Grandad sadly passed away. A brilliant man who loved us more than anything in the world. He will always be loved and missed. Thank you for being there for me for the past 23 years.

Sarah x