Knitting lessons.

I had a beginners knitting lesson a couple of Monday's ago and a few of you have asked me about it so I  wanted to mention it in more detail. It was a 4 hour lesson for "absolute beginners" and at the end of it you could take away 1 set of needles and 2 balls of wool in a lovely cloth bag. I arrived feeling rather nervous but I soon felt more comfortable after a cup of tea and meeting the other people on the course.

There were 5 of us altogether and we were soon on our way; we learnt how to cast on, how to do a knit stitch and a purl stitch. I was surprised to see that 3 of the other students had all knitted before and were much quicker than me and another girl of a similar age to me. I had expected everyone to be complete beginners so it was a bit of a surprise and panicked me a little bit. 

My fellow beginner and I were quite far behind on the first task which was to knit 10 rows. We changed colours and knitted another 10 rows to produce a square coaster (I managed to add extra rows by accident - not sure how! oops) and then we casted off and voila! Our first piece was created.

This is where it went downhill a little bit for me. I felt like we needed more practice at casting on and the basics because by the time I had finished my coaster I had forgotten how to cast on and I had to ask again at the end of the class.

We moved on to increasing and decreasing stitches to create some bunting and I found it so difficult. I was a little bit slower than everyone else on the first task and the teacher moved on to the next stage leaving me behind and needing to catch up. I felt like I was back at school! Eventually I made it out alive with my bunting and my coaster, and still feeling like a complete beginner. Jonathan now proudly displays the coaster on his desk at work and the bunting will never see the light of day again.

Overall it was a good experience but I would have changed the following:-

- the teacher should have worked to absolute beginner level instead of keeping to the pace of the more experienced knitters because the course is advertised for "absolute beginners".

- there should have been more time spent practising the basics and then finishing off with a few fancier moves.

I have really caught the knitting bug after a bit of help from my Mum and a really good knitting book, and I'll keep practising. Practice makes perfect!

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Guest post: 5 good things (by Fern)

5 good things by Fern:

1) My friends. In times of trouble, which have been plentyful recently, they really show through and show how supportive they can be. I don't know what I'd do without them, they make me so happy :) I suppose the sayings true that even if you can't see the sun, it's always shining somewhere...

 2) Watching The Mighty Boosh. I have watched all three series recently, as I've been ill. I can't get enough of it, defintely the best comedy I've ever seen, but it seems to be like Marmite - you either love it or hate it.

3) Blogging. I love blogging, even though I don't do it as regularly as I'd like to, I really enjoy reading other peoples blogs and commenting and all that good stuff, it's like having a little diary that gets shared with everyone else - this is a good example of that infact!

4) Reading. I love to read, I'm currently delving into the harry potter series and have nearly finished all the books! I'm kind of sad about it because I am really really enjoying them. I wish I had read them all sooner! Next, I think I'm going to read 'The Life of Pi' which is a book about a tiger being trapped on a one-man boat with a boy! Haha!

 5) Lastly, the weather finally seems to be getting nicer and the birds are chirruping outside my window! I love February, mainly because my birthday is coming up!

All photos taken by Fern

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Guest post: 5 good things (by Pfefi)

5 good things by Pfefi:

1) Employment nirvana!  It's fun!  It's Goldilocks style "just right for me"; not too techy and not too fuzzy, but still surrounded by both brilliant and friendly people.

2) Got my 3 Zoya polishes in the mail this week and they're soooooo sparkly!!!  I got Charla, Happi, and Crystal.

3) Found an all-kinds-of-awesome new apartment with my darling and it is pet friendly! But we can't decide between all the super cute puppies!

4) Guilty pleasure this week: playing Pokemon on GBA.  Am mega addicted.  Named my Mudkip "Phelps" :D  Holla if you get it.  :P

5) Am sipping an iced mocha latte with half soy, half rice milk and is delish.

 Source

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Jillian Michaels, I love you.

I've tried many a home workout in my time but none as effective and enjoyable as 30 Day Shred and Banish Fat Boost Metabolism by Jillian Michaels. Love her or loathe her, she sure does a good workout dvd!

I first came across 30 Day Shred last year and I got stuck in, until I stalled on level 2. I have dipped in and out of it ever since using levels 1 and 2 as a workout between jogging. Last month I purchased Banish Fat Boost Metabolism which has now taken over as my favourite form of exercise. It is TOUGH. It hurts. It makes me feel like I'm going to throw up. But I LOVE it! (I realise how twisted that sounds). I like it because it makes me feel strong, and I have to really push hard. I like being able to see and feel results, and I look forward to improving on each move.

The thing I like about working out at home is that you don't have to shell out for gym membership, or buy expensive equipment. You just need your body and some willpower. 30 Day Shred just requires some weights - I picked up this set last year and they've done me proud ever since. The handy carry case means you can take them out and about with you - I spend weekends at my boyfriend's house and do my workout while he is at ice hockey or sometimes while he just sits and observes the spectacle that it is :)

Banish Fat Boost Metabolism requires no weights - just a mat to support your knees if you are working out on a hard floor. It is a circuit-style workout so you can pick the sections you want to do (e.g. kick boxing, cardio or the plank exercises) or be a bad ass like me and do the whole workout from start to finish. If the moves weren't tough enough already each set is repeated so if there's a move you particularly hate or struggle with, it comes around again. I've got my eye on 6 week Six Pack for a new challenge!

In the words of Jillian, "this is not your Mother's workout"

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Guest post: 5 good things (by Lorna)

5 good things by Lorna:

1) I went home (from uni) for a few days last week, and had a great time catching up with my mum, nan and dogs. It was great having my meals cooked for me, and being able to relax in a bath every night :-)

2) My boyfriend comes back to uni today, after staying with his parents for the past week. I'm going to the train station to meet him, and am really looking forward to seeing him again.

3) I've done 15 days of the 30 Day Shred so far, without missing any, and have already got a lot stronger, with more stamina.

4) I've been experimenting with healthy new recipes, and having a great time doing so.

5) My dad comes home next week, after being away for four months (he's in the merchant navy).

 

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