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Category: #HealthySelves

October’s Degustabox | QueenBeady

You know when it’s your birthday and you unwrap your presents in one of two ways, you’re either a person that’s frantically rips the paper off at mammoth speed to then move on to the next one or you are someone who peels things carefully, savouring each moment. I fall in to the latter category and when my subscription of degustabox lands on my doorstep at the end of the month I can’t wait to carefully to unveil what goodies are inside. October’s was a culinary dream & pretty much everything in the box made me shrill with delight.

Kent’s Kitchen Meal Kits RRP £2.50

Stop what you are doing. Put down your jar of fake curry now. This is what you need to be doing from now on. I say this so strongly because this is what I have just had for my tea. To say it was delicious would be an understatement. The wonderful meal kits from Kent’s Kitchen are an easy 1, 2, 3 step process. Fry your chicken or choice of meat and add the pots one by one and see your meal cooked within 20 minutes or so (don’t forget a tin of coconut milk for the Bengal Curry.) Simple yet so effective. Mr C & I have been leaning towards the curry’s that include a powder recently, it just seems to create so much more flavour and this one has to be one of our favourites that we have tried. Despite it being a Bengal curry it did taste very fragrant like a Thai Curry which is my favourite dish, this is probably why it is such a winner!

Brioche Pasquier Sliced Brioche Loaf RRP £1.69 & Brioche Pasquier Pan au Lait with Choc Chips RRP £1.60

To say I’m not a savoury fiend, would be a downright, total lie. But, when you add chocolate to some scrummy milk bread I cannot resist. Going all continental I have been enjoying a Pan au Lait every morning (& quite possibly every evening but shhhh!) because they are simply to die for. I’ve already had the pleasure to eat these two products in the past so it was only right to be thoroughly thrilled at the prospect of creating one of my signature dishes with Mr C, bread & butter pudding with the sliced brioche. I can’t wait to make it this weekend on a cosy, wintery Sunday afternoon.

Jelly Belly © RRP £2.50

I didn’t even get a look in with these when they arrived. They firmly entered Mr C’s mouth and were laid to rest in his stomach. I think it took him T-Minus ten seconds to eat all these so overall I would say that they went down a (sweet) treat!

Solo Marshmallow Creme RRP £1.99

As the biggest fan of ‘’Fluff’’ this made my eyes light up. I’d never tried the toasted marshmallow version so I was excited to get a spoon and dig right in. It was delicious but very rich which meant only 2 spoonfuls would be enough, anymore I’d be in a marshmallow coma with my head over the toilet. I think I’m going to create the delicious fudge recipe with it instead of spooning it like Nutella!

Blue Dragon Sweet Chilli Sauce RRP £1.39

I love, love, love sweet chilli sauce. Especially to dip Thai style vegetable rolls in! However, I’ve gladly sat and doused numerous crisps with the sauce at great measures. It is just too yummy to stop at one or two. Receiving two of these means I will be kept in ‘’Sweet Chilli Heaven’’ for some time.

Special K Cracker Crisps RRP £1.89

I’m on a diet so it disgusts me to think I’d happily sit and quaff on about 5 packets of crisps if I wanted to. So imagine my glee when I found the Special K Cracker Crisps in the box! At 60% less fat these little crisps make it feel less sinful. Although BBQ flavour isn’t exactly my favourite, they were actually really flavoursome which surprised me! At £1.89 it’s at the higher end of what I would want to pay for a family-size bag of crisps, if these were on offer I’d definitely think about getting them for a healthier alternative.

Bear Paws RRP 55p

I can’t say that I was a huge fan of these. Mr C gladly wolfed them down. I’d describe them to taste a little like those strawberry winders all the ‘’cool kids’’ would get in their pack ups at primary school. I never did like them. Whilst I praise the ‘’no added nonsense’’ strapline (which actually lives up to it’s premise – they are made of only apples, pears, strawberries & little sweet potato extract!), the fun aspect of the paw shaped fruit shape for kids is great too, sadly it just wasn’t for me!

Enhance Drinks RRP £2.49

I’m a water fiend & I will drink pints of it a day. I’m also weaning myself off diet coke which has been a task but I’m getting there. I’ve been trying to think of ways to spice up what drinks I have and this has been the perfect answer! I love orange and passion fruit so it’s reminiscent of a J20. At just 1 calorie per drink it means I can have a couple of fruity drinks a day and not feel guilty about it!

What I haven’t tried yet…

Get Buzzing Bars RRP £1.30

I love the aspect of nuts and oats. I love anything like this. I don’t know why I haven’t delved in with this yet but the combination is perfect for me & I have no doubt that I will be dying for more after I’ve tried it. Whilst some may feel the price bracket is a little steep for 1 bar I have seen something similar in our local shop retail at nearly £2! So to me, this is quite the bargain.

Dr Oetker Extra Dark Chocolate RRP £2.49 & Dr Oetker Fine Dark Cocoa Powder RRP £1.89

This coming weekend I’m ready to get my bake on. These babies will feature heavily in the making too. I’m hoping to make my famous chocolate pecan pie. One of Mr C & I’s favourite puddings! Absolutely shockingly bad in the calorie stakes but oh-so finger licking good in the taste stakes. Once I’ve made it I will gladly share the recipe with you all.

So, to round up another fabulous degustabox would be to say that it was fabulous! As I’m not a beauty addict but a huge food lover this is the perfect subscription box for me. With it coming up to Christmas it would also be a great idea to buy a subscription for a loved one too. To help you on your way I have a discount code QCICX which will save you £3!

I’d love to hear from you if you sign up!

Rebecca xxx

C/O degustabox for review purposes. All views are explicitly mine I am not influenced by any other factor.

November 18, 2014
Cotton Traders Day Trip Decider: Skiing at Xscape, Castleford | QueenBeady

I was lucky enough to be asked to take part in Cotton Traders Day Trip Decider. This handy online tool is the creation of high street retailer Cotton Traders. They have carefully selected hundreds of ‘’Days Out’’ ideas for families & couples alike through a nifty little questionnaire which ultimately decides a fabulous day out for everyone!

After inputting a few details such as location, if we wanted the day out to be active or relaxing, indoors or outdoors we were given probably what I think is one of the most fantastic ideas in our region…

Yes, indoor skiing at Xscapes SnoZone! When this came up I was practically jumping for joy as Mr C & I have always wanted to try skiing but never had the guts to do it. So armed with an opportunity we were not going to miss out on this.

After a relatively easy checking in process and adorning ourselves in some very sexy waterproof outerwear we set to getting our ski’s and boots. Note to self; Ski boots are very uncomfortable we were ready to go on the afternoon of the 25th October and experience some sheer extreme sport fun!

As we were all beginners we were on the nursery slopes all being pushed through our paces towards completing Level 1 of Skiing. As a complete novice no matter how many times someone tells you how much your muscles are going to hurt the next day you do not believe them, but trust me, after sidestepping up & down the slopes about 15 times I promise that you will feel the burn for days after (yes, I am wincing in pain right now as I write this!) but in the name of fun it was all fabulous. Our lovely instructor, Liam taught us how to control our speed and stop as this is the first thing you need to master if you are going to go skiing properly! It took me a couple of times to really get it but it eventually the penny started to drop and on my last run I had (just about) mastered it.

I know what question is on everyone’s lips. How many times did you fall over? And the answer is 3 spectacular, face planting times! I occasionally resembled a scene out of Bambi where my legs were skirting around the snow so bad that I gave in and went head first, arse up and looked ready for action all in the space of t-minus 2 seconds. So lady like of me? In all honesty there is nothing demure about skiing, well not if you are me that is. The husband had it down like a pro the first time down the slopes so at least one of us was good!

A big thank you to Liam as he was always so encouraging, despite me shouting expletives for the whole 90 minutes I was there and completely doubting my ability! He was always at the bottom ready to cheer you on and give you constructive criticism.

So, did we pass Level 1 I hear you ask? YES! I’m pleased to say we did & we’re going to be booking our next lesson shortly to master the art of turning on the slopes in Level 2. So keep your fingers, toes and anything else you can that I pass the next one too.

Thanks to Cotton Traders we have now done something that we thought we would never do & it has given us a brilliant opportunity for not only a day out but what is hopefully going to be our newest hobby!

Why not try the Cotton Traders Day Trip Decider for yourself and see what fun & exciting idea you get!

Rebecca xxx

October 28, 2014
#ILoveMyselfBecause | QueenBeady
‘’Troll’’

trōl/

verb

gerund or present participle: trolling
1. informal
  make a deliberately offensive or provocative online posting with the aim of upsetting someone or eliciting an angry response from them.
  
  “if people are obviously trolling then I’ll delete your posts and do my best to ban you”
If you Google the word ‘’Trolling’’ that is the definition. Yes, it’s nothing new in this modern society but today I had my first ‘’unwanted’’ comment. I suppose I have been quite naive to not think that it would ever happen but it has, and it slapped me round the face like a wet fish. Hard. It wasn’t a particularly awful comment, but it really hurt when I read the words first time round, but then I thought why not make it in to something positive? Hence the hashtagged title #ILoveMyselfBecause.

I recently posted a styled outfit and wore something that I wouldn’t normally wear but felt confident enough in it to share with you how I had styled it. I state in most posts that I am a curvy girl and I don’t shy away from that, I choose to embrace that God has given me boobs, hips & a butt. Okay, so it’s not a Kimmy K butt but it still is a big one! Apparently, the ‘’troller’’ could not understand why everyone who had commented thought it looked nice and that in actual fact, it was rather unflattering. Interesting?

The only person I allow to criticise my own weight and body shape is myself. No-one else, not even my husband. I am what I am. I accept it. I don’t need to be told I look awful because quite frankly it doesn’t make an ounce of difference what anyone thinks, especially when it is someone sat on the other side of a computer who I haven’t met before. I will dress how I wish to dress this curvaceous figure despite what you think.

So this is really an open letter to anyone who wants to openly shame someone over the internet and try to make them feel worthless. I’m the kind of girl that won’t let this bother me, but, sadly a large proportion of girls would have read that comment and probably cried themself to sleep that night or even worse, harmed themselves because of the hurtful words you and other trolls say. I’m standing up for those who don’t feel that they have a voice.

In my little mind I have an idea to start a little mini campaign aptly named #ILoveMyselfBecause where we can celebrate our achievements and the things we genuinely love about myself. I’d love to see/read any blog posts that are inspired by the hashtag. In fact I will be incorporating this in to my next #HappySelves chat because I think it is important to give ourselves some self-love sometimes.

So listen up ‘’troll’’ #ILoveMyselfBecause of my curvy figure and that I’m not scared to try different styles and fashions along the way. I’m going to have fun with what God gave me. I will never be straight up & down, would I change myself? No. You’re damn right I wouldn’t!

I’d love to read your posts and hopefully if we get enough I would like to do a link share to all the lovely things we love about ourselves!

Rebecca xxx
October 20, 2014
My First Degustabox | QueenBeady

When DegustaBox asked me if I would like to try their September Edition I was very quick to reply with a resounding YES! Those who know me, will know that I love food. Probably a bit too much than I (or my waistline) would like. But, all the same food is the source of energy that keeps our body moving & mind ticking so why not enjoy the scientific side of things with culinary delights.

Those who don’t know DegustaBox is a monthly subscription box that costs only £12.99 a month and you will be bestowed with roughly 9 to 14 products to get your taste buds tingling & I have to say I was not disappointed with the wide range of September treats that dropped on to my doorstep.

I’m normally one for saving the best till last however in this case I must tell you about my favourite product that came in this lovely package.

Elizabeth Shaw’s Dark Chocolate Mints RRP £2.50

I’m a sucker for mint chocolate; so much so, I could smell what was in the box before I even opened it. These were without a doubt always going to be my favourite item. Hands down. They are the perfect mix of a slim piece of chocolate with small crunchy pieces of mint sporadically placed throughout. I not ashamed to say that Mr C & I wolfed down on these within a matter of minutes because they were just so moreish! As soon as I find these (and if you find them before me please tell me where!) I will be buying quite a few packets.

Crabbie’s Non Alcoholic RRP £1.20 | Crabbie’s Alcoholic Fruits RRP £1.50

Of course, alcoholic beverages are always going to go down a treat in our household. This new range from Crabbie’s is a welcome edition! I loved the Zesty Lemon flavour because it was just so refreshing and not overly sweet, which is what I like in my chosen ‘’sauces’’. We also had the delight of the non-alcoholic version too however, this had a hint of ginger in which was a little too strong for me but Mr C loved it & finished the whole bottle for me. I was pleasantly surprised at the cost of these drinks and expected it to be a lot more. I’ll definitely be trying the Black Cherry & Raspberry and Rhubarb alcoholic versions too.

Righteous Dressings RRP £2.19 for 3 pots or £2.49 a bottle

On my first diagnosis of these little pots of 100% natural dressing, I was drawn in the Mild English Blue Cheese & Cider dressing purely because I am an absolute cheese fiend. I stuck my tongue out in a ‘’yacky’’ sort of expression at the prospect of the Raspberry & Basil dressing. Five seconds later the tables turned and it was the complete opposite. I was surprised to find myself dipping in to the latter and eventually polishing it all off, I’m not quite sure who decided that Raspberry & Basil would go together but I commend them on their spontaneity as they have created a beautiful dressing!

Burt’s Lentil Waves RRP 69p per bag

Like I am with cheese, crisps are my ultimate vice. Don’t ever doubt that I could sit and devour a whole 24 multi pack crisps because I could. Don’t dare me. You can imagine my delight when these were included in the package too. We first tried the Thai Sweet Chilli (naturally as this is one of my favourite flavours!) and was not disappointed at all. Thai is a very fragrant taste that not everyone is acquired too, however, these crisps were warming and had deep flavours. A resounding NOM NOM all round. The Lightly Salted were actually quite tasty despite the lack of flavourings here. Funnily enough I did think they tasted mildly of prawn crackers! We are yet to try the Sour Cream & Chive but I’m sure they will go down a storm with Mr C as this is one of his chosen favourite flavours of crisps!

Jordan’s Simply Granola RRP £2.69

Now, I am not the worlds biggest Granola or Cereal fan so I sat this one out. Sorry. I let Mr C sample this one as his eyes shone with glee when he saw this came too. Sadly, I just can’t stomach eating anything first thing in the morning and specifically nothing sweet. Can you see the running theme here, I’m a total savoury whore. So, every morning (because I am such a good wife, I might add) I took a bowl of granola and a cup of tea up to my husband who devoured a bowl full every day for a week. Since this, he has now been buying granola every week. Well done Jordan’s you were certainly a hit with my husband!

Bahlsen Pick Up! RRP £1.69

As soon as I saw the Black n’ White packet I genuinely thought I was in for an Oreo experience. I wasn’t. They were tasty nevertheless, just not Oreos? These biscuits are like little sandwiches with what is essentially a block of chocolate in the middle. Nothing ground breaking here but Mr C has something new for his packed lunch!

Little Miracles Organic Energy RRP £1.59

Anything like this gives me the heebie-jeebies because I am sadly, just not in to that healthy living vibe so I was ready to pass on these. However, ever the curious part of my decided that I would crack them open and have a try and I was most definitely surprised. The Green Tea one was delicious. I think the interesting fruits in this one is what swung it for me. Sadly, the Lemongrass Tea had ginger in it so it wasn’t a winner for me. With only 90 calories in each bottle and boasting free from artificial colours, (yes, the green tea did look like wee!) flavours & sweeteners you know that you are getting a delicious yet essentially cleansing drink. For your nearest stockist head to Little Miracles.

Sadly, we just haven’t had time to try two of the products but we both can’t wait to try them.

Nestle Carnation Cooking Crème RRP £1.65

La Viejas Fabrica Seville Orange Marmalade RRP £1.59

If I come up with any delicious recipes I will be sure to share them with you.

Also, if you fancy trying a DegustaBox head over to their website and enter this special code 4784613 where you will receive a special QueenBeady discount of £3! You can also like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

Mr C & I are definitely going to be signing up to this monthly subscription box, because let’s face it, who doesn’t like food?

Rebecca xxx

This post was C/O DegustaBox and all opinions expressed are my own.

October 10, 2014
Am I having a Quarter Life Crisis? | QueenBeady

I think I had a mini mid-twenties crisis on my blogging hiatus. I’m 25 next month, no biggie? A whole quarter of a century and halfway to fifty. You can probably hear the sound of me hitting my head against the laptop whilst you read this. In fact there is a whole wikipedia post on the matter!

Whilst I took my hiatus, I thought at the time it was a perfect opportunity to relax and not have to worry about scheduling posts and how many hits the page had. It was going to be a time to just not have to think about anything, really. Looking back on that period I realised whilst it was good for my blogging soul, that month I tortured myself with other things to replace the blogging void in my life.

Rightmove. I love looking at houses at the best of times, but this website consumed me for a whole month. Ever find yourself lusting after a house? Yeah, me too. But, instead of just looking at them on the website I decided I was going to to book two viewings, luckily, my current Husband & I (I say ‘’current’’ as I swear he wanted to kill/divorce me after receiving email after email of suggested homes we should go view!) was saved as one had just been taken off the market. We went to view the house, it was ok, I obviously went in to it with my head over heart but it was a good job the other half was there to keep me in real world & thankfully we didn’t end up with a mortgage the size of the whole universe.

My mind had been plagued with thoughts of babies. God help me?! I was obsessed with the fact we needed a bigger house for the eventualities that a brood might bring, because our little two up/two down would not cope with this. What?! I mean, Mr C & I know we don’t want to hear the tiny sound of pitter patters anytime soon, but for some reason I could not stop thinking about it. I even had a little weep when he told me that ‘’it wouldn’t be anytime soon.’’ I really had hit rock bottom.

You’re all probably groaning at my apparent meltdown because really, 25 is no age at all. I’ve bought a house, I’m married and I have a really good job that I enjoy. In fact most of you will think that I have done too much, too soon. Whilst you’re all probably right, I would not change it for the world.

I have some wonderful things in my life, that I am so grateful for! I’ve come to the conclusion that I can’t switch off and blogging is a tool that helps me keep focussed even if it is just typing a few random words every now & then. I also need to remember to live in the now and stop thinking about if’s and but’s of the future. What will be, will be. Que cera, cera!

25 is an exciting age where you can enjoy so much and live in the now!

Of course, my post ends happily because I feel like I have had an epiphany, I have so much to look forward to and I am just enjoying my little space on the world wide web too. So, if anyone else had a mid-twenties crisis in the run up to the (big) TWO FIVE, I would love to hear from you and how you dealt with it or are you going through it now? In which case, let me know so we can soldier on through this together!

If you need a little pick me up, please join me as a regular host of the #HappySelves chat over on twitter, every first Monday of the month (starting 3rd November 2014) it’s a lovely chat where we all share good vibes and I would love you to join me on this one as it will mark a week of me turning 25, I might need you

Rebecca xxx

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September 19, 2014