LOVE IN A CONSOL BOTTLE

The act of willpower is a tremendous gift, one that I hold dear to my heart. When I truly put my mind to something, I feel unstoppable. Whether it’s losing weight, eating better, exercising, or achieving any goal I set out to accomplish, the key lies in the strength of my will. It's a powerful tool, one that has helped me navigate life’s challenges and shape my path in ways that often surprise even me. What’s fascinating to me is how willpower works in different facets of my life. Take my latest experiment with intermittent fasting, for example. This journey has been a unique one, yielding results in ways I didn’t quite expect. While I’ve noticed some positive changes, it’s also been a bit of a challenge, especially since my husband is concerned that I might not be eating enough. But I trust this process, knowing that the results will reveal themselves with time. After all, just like I’ve manifested things in the past, I believe this will be no different. When I reflect on my life,...

Well, Day 3 of intermittent fasting and let’s just say, I woke up a bit later than usual. It was one of those late nights, so I didn’t quite get the early start I hoped for. But no worries – I kicked off my morning with a cup of coffee and a glass of water to hydrate. Then, I had the leftover viennas from yesterday, paired with some of the mince from lunch – pretty tasty! But here’s the thing – after that, I had an intense craving for koeksisters. For those of you who don’t know, koeksisters are a beloved South African treat that combines sweet and crispy in the most perfect way. I knew exactly where to go – our local lady who makes the most delicious, less-sweet koeksisters. So, I grabbed half a dozen, and with some coffee in hand, I polished them off (I think there’s just one left in the bag now). Sometimes, you just need a little treat, right? For a snack later, I had some dates and dried apple pieces. And as I’m writing this, I’m looking forward to lunch, which is going to be a lov...

  . So, I decided to whip up some cream sweetcorn, bacon, and green onion muffins. Sounds delicious, right? The recipe called for sugar, and like a good little baker, I followed it to the letter. However, after starting intermittent fasting, I’ve noticed something funny: sugar doesn't taste the same anymore. In fact, it tastes downright terrible – way too sweet. So, back to the muffins. With the addition of sugar, I didn’t quite get what I expected. Imagine this: sweet bacon, sweet corn, and then a dash of sugar. It was like a flavor overload. My taste buds, now a bit more sensitive to sugar, sent me straight to candy land – only I wasn’t there for the fun. I felt like my sugar levels had spiked, and when the insulin in my body settled down, it hit me – this sugary concoction wasn’t necessary. What a strange little motor I’ve got going on in here! While the muffins weren't a total win for me, I decided to make the best of it. I handed them out to the lovely ladies and gentlem...

  As I dive deeper into the world of intermittent fasting, I can’t help but reflect on my journey especially today, which marks Day Two of this new eating pattern. While I had heard about the numerous benefits, no amount of research or advice could fully prepare me for the physical and mental changes I've experienced so far. Here’s a little breakdown of the side effects and the unexpected benefits that have popped up on my intermittent fasting journey so far. The Side Effects (The Not-So-Fun Stuff) 1. Dizziness If you’re someone who enjoys a steady stream of energy throughout the day, intermittent fasting might feel like a shock to the system at first. This morning, I woke up feeling lightheaded and a bit dizzy. The lack of food definitely made an impact, but I kept pushing through, hoping it would pass. And it did—partly, anyway. 2. Fatigue Around Evening One of the most noticeable side effects for me has been a surge of fatigue, especially when the evening rolls around. After h...

After countless attempts and a fair share of kitchen experiments, I can proudly say I’ve perfected the art of making roti. It’s all in the flour, oil, and that pinch of salt—plus warm water, of course. But here’s the secret to the fluffiness that will take your roti to the next level: a teaspoon of baking powder for every three cups of flour . This simple addition makes all the difference, creating a soft, moist wrap of goodness that’s absolutely irresistible. It’s not that I’m bragging—okay, maybe just a little—but paired with a rich, savory minced curry, you’ve got a winning combination that will have everyone coming back for more. Trust me, this secret will elevate your roti game!

 This morning, the air was thick with fog, adding a sense of calm to the start of my day. As I embarked on my first breakfast after kicking off my intermittent fasting journey, I couldn't help but feel a little excitement about how my body would react to the meal. It’s been a fascinating process so far, and I thought I’d share my experience with you—complete with photos of what I had for breakfast! So here’s what I made for myself this morning: a hearty breakfast of fried egg, sausages, ham , and a slice of low GI bread . On the side, I dished up some delicious orange passion fruit yogurt , which I paired with a cup of green tea and water. I also made sure to stay hydrated, as water is key while I adjust to this fasting routine. Simple yet satisfying: A fried egg, sausages, ham, and low GI bread alongside orange passion fruit yogurt, green tea, and water. I must be honest: while I'm at home and have a little extra time in the morning, it’s easier to prepare a nutritious br...

I have absolutely amazed myself. Last night, I tried the 16:8 intermittent fasting technique for the very first time, and I’m still sitting in the middle of the fasting window as I write this, with about 30 minutes to go before I break my fast. It’s been an interesting experience, and as a diabetic, I wanted to see how my body would respond, how I would feel, and if I needed to make any adjustments along the way. Let me be honest—I haven’t been following my diabetic diet as strictly as I should have. Yes, I know, I’ve slipped up, but this fasting experience has led me back to that place of self-reflection, pushing me to look at my health and habits from a fresh perspective. One thing I knew for sure was that I needed a shift. Not just a shift in diet but in mindset. I wanted to clear my mind of the constant stress about finding a job and figuring out how to pay my bills. I needed to focus on something more positive, so I shifted my energy and believed that everything was taken care of....

 Samp! Such a tradition and a pleasure to cook this. I have been taught to soak for at least 8 hours, and then cook but found that adding meat tenderizer shortens the process by half. I have found that in a pressure cooker, it is just 40 minutes of your time, and here is SA we have found that we have got the quick cook 30 minutes samp that takes up almost nothing of your day to cook. You can guess what I choose. I chose the 30-minute samp and have been for a few years.  Sadly in Ireland, we have a South African shop that has an 8-hour affair, so precooking would be a gesture, for those who love samp.  Samp is a traditional South African dish made from dried hominy corn (maize kernels that have been treated with an alkali, usually lye, to remove the hull). The corn is typically split, resulting in large, tender kernels that cook up into a soft, starchy dish. I have fallen in love with Samp and Beans since a child, we used to call it cowboys and crooks!  I make it a ...

  When it comes to scones, there's something magical about the soft, flaky texture paired with a cup of tea. If you’ve ever struggled to get that perfect balance of fluffiness and flakiness in your scone dough, I have a recipe that might just change your baking game forever. And yes, it involves the genius method of folding and freezing – an absolute lifesaver for when you want fresh scones without all the time and effort on the day. This particular scone dough has become one of my favorites to make, and it's not only easy but also offers the joy of fresh scones just a few days later. Here’s how it goes: Ingredients: 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons of baking powder About 2 teaspoons of sugar (I used a sweetener instead) 250g of butter (room temperature) 1 egg (beaten) Iced cold water (for the dough) Directions: Incorporate the Butter : Start by combining the dry ingredients – the flour, baking powder, and sugar – in a bowl. Then, cut in t...

I’ve always existed in a bubble—one that felt safe, surrounded by all the magical things I could imagine: unicorns, rainbows, and even rainbow farts (I know, it sounds silly, but it was my happy place). But over time, something has started to shift within me, and I didn’t realize it until recently. Something has felt off, and now I’m not just sad, but I’m filled with anxiety and uncertainty. It feels like I’m trying to fix something I’m not even sure I can fix. As I reflect on my experiences at my last two jobs, I’ve realized a startling truth: I have been surrounded by broken people. I fought to maintain my sense of self because I knew, deep down, that I wasn’t broken. But the more I worked with them, the more I saw that many of my colleagues were struggling—physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Some were battling physical impairments, others couldn’t see through one eye, and I watched as some would beg for money despite dressing for success. I also witnessed coworkers coming to wo...

 Caramel cinammon popcorn I was craving this. So I made it.  Stick of butter and half a cup of sugar melt it down. Keep it low, I burnt my caramel a bit. Then butter a baking pan and add the popped popcorn and the caramel on top. Mixed through and back on 180 for about 5 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle icing sugar and cinammon after.  Yummy delish!

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Life is full of chapters, and right now, I’m on the hunt for the next one. As I’ve been reflecting on what’s ahead, I couldn’t help but let music be the soundtrack to my journey. It’s funny how songs can perfectly capture the emotions and energy we feel at any given moment. These are the sane song titles that have been guiding me along the way—each one representing a different part of this wild ride I’m on. 1. Give Me Everything – Pitbull There’s something about this upbeat anthem that speaks to the "go big or go home" attitude I’m embracing right now. I’m in the mood to take on everything the next chapter has to offer, without holding back. Whether it’s career goals, personal growth, or new experiences, I’m ready to grab it all, just like Pitbull says: "Give me everything tonight." It’s time to go all in. 2. Because of You – Ne-Yo This one hits me deep, reminding me of all the things that have shaped me into who I am today. "Because of you" reflects o...

So, here’s a fun little baking accident that turned into something delicious. I was aiming for croissants, but somehow ended up making what I’m calling Conie Rolls, and let me tell you, they were beyond delicious. Filled with apple cinnamon pieces, these little rolls became a serious treat—and now there’s only one left! The process took some effort, but the end result was totally worth it. I wanted to create that crispy, flaky texture we all know and love in croissants, and I figured out a neat trick along the way. Here’s how it went down: The Dough: I started by making a simple yeast dough, just the usual recipe I’ve used for years. After letting it rise as per the normal procedure, I moved on to the exciting part. The Butter Magic: Now, here’s where things got interesting. I added cold butter to the rolled-out dough and then popped it into the freezer for 20 minutes. I repeated this process three times, kneading the dough in between each freeze. Every time, I returned the dough to th...

Sometimes, you just need something quick, easy, and sweet to satisfy that craving. No fancy ingredients or complicated steps—just pure, simple goodness. And that’s exactly what I’m about to share with you! Here’s the thing: you can make something delicious with just three ingredients or less. Yep, you heard me right. The magic trio is peanut butter , coconut , and icing sugar . It’s as easy as it sounds, and trust me, you won’t need a whole bunch of measuring or ratios to get it right. You can add the best chocolate chips, dry cherries, and cranberries. Here’s what you do: Peanut butter – the star of the show. You can’t go wrong with this creamy goodness. Coconut – I used shredded coconut for that perfect texture and tropical flair. Icing sugar – just a touch to add sweetness without overdoing it. The less, the better! There’s no exact ratio, but I’d say use more peanut butter and less icing sugar . Start by mixing the peanut butter and coconut together, and then gradually...

As the days grow shorter and the air gets a little cooler, we can feel the change of seasons creeping in. Autumn is definitely here, and with it, comes that familiar sniffle in the nose – you know, that “seasonal change” kind of cold that just hangs around. So, what better way to combat it than with something warm, comforting, and packed with flavor? I was out and about at my local grocer when I picked up some minestrone soup . Well, let's just say it wasn’t quite what I expected – it was a little lackluster. So, naturally, I put on my chef hat and decided to work some magic. After all, what are those culinary skills for if not for moments like this? Now, let’s talk about croutons for a moment. Did you know that croutons actually have their origins in France ? The term "crouton" comes from the French word "croûte," meaning "crust" or "bread." The idea of toasting bread to make croutons has been around for centuries, adding that perfect crunc...

Homemade Fish Cakes with Pilchards and Gravy I’m excited to share this simple yet absolutely delicious recipe I came up with for homemade fish cakes. It’s a blend of comfort and flavor, and it’s a dish that’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Here’s how to make these easy pilchard fish cakes, complete with a rich, flavorful gravy! Ingredients: • 1 can of pilchards (strained from juice) • 2 potatoes (boiled and mashed) • 1 tsp baking powder • A dash of milk • 1 fresh chili (diced) • Half an onion (grated) • 1 egg • Breadcrumbs (to make a semi-stiff batter) • Oil (for shallow frying) • Rice (for serving, optional) For the Gravy: • Reserved juice from the pilchards (strained) • Additional seasoning (optional) Method: • Prepare the potatoes : Start by boiling the two potatoes until they’re soft. Once boiled, mash them well, adding the 1 tsp of baking powder and a dash of milk for extra fluffiness and smoothness. • Mix in the pilchards : Take the pilchards, strai...

Today has been a bit of a rollercoaster, filled with everything from self-care to reflection, as I try to make sense of the quiet moments in between. I ended the day with an Epsom salts bath to ease the headache that had been pounding at my temples. It didn’t fix everything, but it was certainly a small act of self-kindness that gave me a bit of relief. With the ache in my head subsiding, I moved on to making homemade fish cakes for dinner, a comforting meal that always brings me a sense of warmth and satisfaction. Yesterday was a big day, too—I had an interview. It was informal, and I’m still waiting to hear back about the outcome. It’s one of those moments where I’m unsure if I said the right things or even what I didn’t say. All I know is they said “yes,” but I still have to wait. In some ways, I’m trying not to get my hopes up too high, but the uncertainty lingers. I guess, at this point, it’s all about patience. There’s so much running through my mind lately, and it’s not always e...

There’s something uniquely tranquil about the early hours of a Sunday morning—especially when it's pouring rain. The world outside is silent, save for the rhythm of raindrops on windows, a soothing soundtrack that sets the stage for reflection, creativity, or simply the act of being. At 4 AM, I find myself wrapped in a blanket of calm, with a cigarette in hand and thoughts flowing freely. The cigarette, an odd companion to the peacefulness of the morning, feels like a reminder of past moments, the kind of moments that emerge when the world is still asleep. A blog post begins to form in my mind, as words drift with the wind outside, seeking their place on the screen. It’s as though the rain is the one coaxing them out of me. If only my wifi coffee pot timer were functional right now, I think, as the desire for the perfect cup of coffee dances in my head. The thought of it, brewing just as my fingers tap the keys, fills me with longing. But alas, no coffee pot timer to join me in t...

 So, the other day I had an overwhelming craving for something sweet, but with the budget needing to stretch longer than the original plan, I knew I had to get creative. After much thought (and restraint), I decided to go for something homemade: Coffee Toffees . Being the self-proclaimed home chef that I am, I pulled on my kitchen skills and got to work. These toffees are hardish in texture, with a subtle touch of coconut, and the rich, delectable coffee flavor that’s perfect for any coffee lover. Now, a quick disclaimer—this is not a treat for everyone, especially if you're keeping an eye on sugar. I used about a cup of sugar , and for those of us in the diabetic community (yep, including me), it’s a hard pass. But sometimes, we just have those cravings, and when it's that time of the month , you bet the cravings are real. You know, the ones that pull at your soul and make you want to dive headfirst into something indulgent. Well, these coffee toffees perfectly ...

While I was initially excited to start this job, I’ve found that the work environment is not as expected. The lack of communication, undesirable hours, and disorganization have made it challenging to feel motivated or supported. It has highlighted what companies should avoid when onboarding new staff: • Lack of Clear Communication : When there's no clear guidance or feedback from leadership, it creates confusion. Employees should feel informed and understand what's expected of them from the start. • Overwhelming with Information : Being bombarded with too much information at once is counterproductive. Onboarding should be broken down into digestible pieces, so new hires can learn without feeling overwhelmed. • Skipping the Introduction to Company Culture : If no effort is made to introduce new hires to the company's values and culture, they may struggle to integrate with the team. Understanding the culture is as important as learning the job itself. • Inconsistent Train...

When I think back to my days in the church, there’s one thing that always sticks with me – the hymn that played during the offering. It was a simple message: "Give, and it will come back to you." Each Sunday as the collection plates were passed, this hymn would fill the air, a gentle reminder of the cycle of generosity. Little did I know that years later, this tune would echo in my mind at the most unexpected moment – as I drifted into my afternoon nap. It wasn’t just the hymn that was on my mind, though. It was the strange turn of events that had just unfolded in my life. You see, I had started a new job, one that involved night shifts. I had high hopes, a fresh sense of purpose, and energy to burn. But to my surprise, the job ended before I even had the chance to truly settle in. And here’s the kicker – despite my enthusiasm and drive, the company didn’t know what to do with me. In just three short weeks, I found myself walking away from the job. On one hand, it felt like a...

Who’s to say that life plans out the way you expected it to? It’s already March, and well, I haven’t had the chance to check in with myself for a while. Working the night shift has its challenges, and now I find myself wide awake at this hour. Why? Because my doggie, ever the enthusiastic companion, wouldn’t let me sleep, and now, despite my heavy eyelids, I have this rush of energy. Maybe it’s the sleep deprivation, but here I am, reflecting. Yes, I landed myself in another job after all the plans I had. It’s funny how life throws curveballs, and sometimes fear nudges you into a more subdued path. The reality is that there are bills to pay, and sometimes you do what you have to do to make it work. While I had dreams of things being different, the bills remain, and you can't escape those. I guess I do have a plan of action, but right now, my routine feels like clockwork. Monday to Friday looks something like this: wake up, cook, clean, do laundry, work out, eat, work, sleep. It’s a...