ME #1

1. I live in Holbrook, Derbyshire (with 47 sheep)
2. Ruth Hannah Smith (hence the RHS, incase you were wondering) 
3. 14th December 1993
4. I have been to five schools since turning 4 (16 years ago, cray-zee)
5. I don't eat lamb (not because of the sheep, because it tastes like plastic)
6. My favourite fruit is banana (with lashings, I mean a tablespoon of peanut butter)
7. I love to run (a lot, occasionally, sometimes, in lycra)
8. I am unbelievably organised (you should see my desk right now and my calendar) 
9. I will only drink bottled water when at Uni (theres just something in the water in Stockotn) 
10. My favourite film of all time is Love Actually (and The Holliday, and Notting Hill etc etc) 
11. I am an only child (not a lonely child as Sarah once thought it was, she's one of three) 
12. My aim in life is to achieve a Masters degree, just to get the same qualifications as my father 
13. My obsession for Clinique is frankly unwordable (which isn't even a word... see) 
14. I can't drink caffeine 
15. I don't drink milk, it makes me rather ill, but I will always partake in chocolate 
16. I can rap the words to "Make me proud" by Drake (Don't ask me sober though)
17. I always try and have breakfast in bed (a new thing, I wake up 20 minutes earlier to relax!)
18. I wear glasses to read (+0.5 - is it even worth it?)
19. I am the area champion in Derbyshire for the 800m 4 years running 
20. I have never broken a bone (apart from my nose, but that is not a bone) 
21. Myself, my mother, my grandmother and my great-grandmother all went to all-girls schools 
22. I have never smoked, or taken drugs, you will find me with a bottle of rose occasionally however
23. I have never had anything pierced, ever, anywhere, never will. 
24. My day always begins with solid porridge, keep it in the microwave for 5 minutes, with half the normal amount of milk. Bon Apetit! 
25. My favourite animals are cats, British Blues to be certain, although I love my rabbit Lady Gaga lots
26. I was in New York for my 15th birthday 
27. My biggest fear is illness 
28. My favourite holiday is to the west coast of France, Cognac, La Rochelle area 
29. My lucky number is 4 as it is the only number where the number of letters are the same as the number itself 
30. Are oranges orange because of orange or is orange orange because of oranges? 
31. I love scars, in fact don't get me started
32. Most used nicknames are Ruthie and Rufus (and now Rutilda from my supervisor at work)
33. I support Derby County, have done since I was born, with my dad taking me to the Baseball ground, then the opening of Pride Park
34. Harry Potter over Twilight all the way 
35. I can play the piano (a bit, when I feel like it)
36. My favourite composer is Beethoven, then probably Einaudi
37. My favourite actress EVER is Kiera Knightly, how is anyone that gorgeous? 
38. My favourite actor is Hugh Grant 
39. My favourite boys names are Elliott and George, maybe Morgan too 
40. I love the name Felicity for a girl 
41. I'm not superstitious as I never know what it means when you see a Black Cat and after all my Uncle Stevie Wonder said "superstition aint the way" 
42. I once cycled from London to Derby for Sport Relief and fell off and got bursitis in my shoulder, of which I still have the scars on my elbow from, nearly two years later. 
43. I often sleep talk 
44. As a 5 year old I always wanted a red Porsche boxter - I had one for my Barbie dolls
45. I have never owned a horse 
46. I have driven through Luxembourg in an hour
47. I would rather have fingers for toes than toes for fingers 
48. I am pretty amazing at risottos - ask me to make you one sometime
49. I laugh at everything, or I see the funny/happy side of everything. Every cloud!



I tan like there is no tomorrow

50. My greatest weakness is worrying. I worry about everything. Hence no.49! 



the fam



Ahh Stephenson College, DU



I'm a cat

The Week Edit #5

THIS WEEK IN PHOTOS:

A banana, blueberry, raspberry and apple and raspberry juice smoothie, the morning after the halfway dinner I was in need of some electrolytes and just a large amount of hydration, this was perfect!// I spent Tuesday morning in bed writing an assignment, which was so easy, you just wake up and start typing, I'd written 1000 words by 10am!// Ok, not my greatest picture but this was so fun, at Kit Kat Chit Chat on Thursday there was a police officer talking about excessive drinking and I got to try on his uniform (which he wasn't wearing at the time, obvs) and use his handcuffs on people, very exciting// Ahh the halfway dinner, here with Natalie at our table, myself in Stevo red!//


THIS WEEK'S POSTS:

NFL SUPER BOWL XLVIII//THE WOLF ON WALL STREET//NEKNOMINATION//THE LIBRARY//HALFWAY

THIS WEEK I'M LOVING: I really didn't feel like I could write another post about Clinique, It is literally my weakness, its Bonus Time in Debenhams, that is all I shall say on that matter. What else am I loving, the halfway dinner was really cute, follow by a trip to Durham with Natalie. I have finally grasped one of my assignments which I started on 20th December! it all makes sense! yayyy me. I haven't been for a run since monday, or the gym or anything, I know its crazy. I started to get to that point, you know on The Biggest Loser where they start putting on weight in muscle, thats me, I'm no longer fitting into my jeans because my quads are tree trunks, so I'm ditching the gym of a bit in favour of some toning but not bulking exercises, more about that on thursday! Strangely I'm enjoying not going to the gym, I've been walking to uni everyday as our chauffeur has been living it up in Rome! so that has been keeping me on track, until I go home and devour six chocolates a night, I'm not doing this right am I? anyway, I haven't turned into a whale just yet, so I guess I don't need to worry.

BLOG POST OF THE WEEK: I liked a while back 14 RESOURCES FOR FOODIES from OH THE LOVELY THINGS quite a while back, but managed to stumble across it again this week and I forgot its magic, there a lots of info graphs and pinterest worthy pictures. Everything from what goodness is in vegetables to which wine you should be drinking when, measures, oven temperatures, you name it, it is there, a  very handy resource. 

THIS WEEK: Ah seminar week, or should I say seminar day. Every other Monday is the bane of my life. Ok, we don't start till 11am but we don't finish till 6pm, and our lectures are only an hour long so you can imagine how many we have to go through in that time, as well as a presentation and a telephone interview, tomorrow could be a rather stressful day! Friday sees a Locomotion dinner and oh Valentine's day! I stopped being sceptical about this day last year when I actually thought if you are in a relationship it is just another day however its a day to celebrate your relationship, which I can't believe I'm saying this but Its quite cute! Anyway! I'll be going to a Great Gatsby themed dinner followed by a Bar Crawl organised by BeerSoc - yes that is right, Durham University has a BeerSoc. 

Have an incredible week!

RHS x

Fitness Thursday #3 How to run

I can imagine you are thinking one of serval things: 

1. There has been more than one Fitness Thursdays?! - yes my lambs, check my archive from August

2. I know how to run 

3. Of course Ruth is going to tell me about running... 

4. I don't want to run, I thought this post was going to have pictures of cake instead... wrong. 

So here we are, 9 days into the new year and I have only been on three runs, which is quite startling for a gazelle like myself. As I put on the running gear to head out into Antarctica to run this afternoon I realised there is far more to running than one step in front of the other with a slight moment when the soles of your trainers are not in contact with the ground and this occurs at a fast pace, no, there is so much more to it. 

Firstly you have the gear (but no idea?) running kit is expensive, but don't complain because it is the only sport where you don't require equipment (like a racket or a ball) to assist you - its all you baby! If you want kit that lasts, invest and it will last years. I received my mums gym wear a few months ago - which is still going strong! - if you're into 80's Reebok shorts that sit 10 inches above your tummy button and crop tops in the gym. If you have a pair of decent trainers (not moth eaten or 7 years old), shorts (although you might catch flu in this weather!) and a top you're good to go - oh and perhaps a hill or a long stretch of road! 

Secondly there is the music - you cannot run without music, well you can but it is so un motivating and also running to a beat makes you run so much faster - I have a fast and a slow playlist, with different bpms depending on how hard I want to work. If you're going for a long run (5k+) try slower music than if you're bossing out a 6 minute mile. 

Thirdly it is the motivation - I know sometimes I'd rather sit and eat cake whilst watching Come Dine With Me on 4seven than brave gail force winds but it is very worth it. The cold makes you're muscles tense more which tones them and as I found out today it makes you run so much faster! Get an app that speaks to you whilst you run - I use RunKeeper which seems to be the most popular one as it tells you every 5 minutes how far you have ran and at what pace (minutes/mile). The app also allows you to set music and chose a workout. I.e. if you want to set a new pace PB then the app will tell you how far off you are (sometimes slightly de-motivating). If you need more motivation, go to ELLE Running Club where they post lots of motivation for real runners! (not those skinny, photoshopped ones you find on Pinterest).

Fourthly food! - I don't follow a strict diet at all and if you want to lose weight then I guess you could but this post is about running not dieting. I eat a lot of carbs, in fact it is all I have eaten so far today (porridge and a bagel) and I've lost two pounds over Christmas so eat carbs! (and cake!). I usually try not to eat up to two hours before I go for a run (depends what you're eating and how big), after I've had breakfast (of porridge and a banana, not a full english!) I wait about an hour and then begin to get ready. 

Find a friend! - personally, I find I run a lot easier and more comfortably on my own (especially if I'm just running a fast mile or an actual training session) however I do enjoy a group run (for a 5k etc), so find a friend if you want to start running, someone who is the same ability as you will want to achieve the same goals, someone with a higher ability will be able to motivate you. 

Stretch! - this was my biggest downfall a few years ago I never used to stretch and the next day (next 3 days) I'd be in agony (and injured for a month)/ I'll put my favourite post-run stretches on another post. 

Lastly, enjoy running! It burns more calories per hour than swimming (a 14 minute run burnt 164 calories for me earlier, however I do have the advantage of two hills in that time!) and it tones your abs like nobody's business, also people look at you when you're out for a run like you're a crazy lady (or man) because you're in lycra in -5 degrees whilst they get fat in a hat and wooly coat. Don't leave it till May when you suddenly decide you need to get fit for summer so start running now because it isn't a one-week miracle worker! It helps to relieves stress (and keep your heart health top notch) ! Asses your workout afterwards, it is great to to see how many calories you've burnt and how fast you went - trying to beat those PB's is so motivating!

Try this (edit according to your level of fitness - this is for a beginner) 

Month one: 

Once a week go for a 10-15 minute run at a slow pace (maybe a 10k pace - do not think Mo Farah! - a 10k pace is one that you could maintain for 10,000m (50-70 minutes) 

Month two:

Go for a run twice a week (15-20 minutes) at an 5k pace - a pace that you could keep up for 30 minutes. 

Month three:

go crazy and got for as many runs as you can in a week - vary it so you don't get bored! 

Am I mad? 

Nah, I just love to run. 

Plain and simply - one foot in front of the other fast, even jog, bound! select music that suits how fast you want to run and don't eat an hour before you run to avoid any niggling stitches (which you can't get rid of unless you stop AND WE CAN'T STOP, WE WON'T STOP! - thanks Miley), get some decent trainers or look forward to shin splints, pulled muscles and a torn achilles and finally enjoy it! God gave you legs so use them!

Run forest run (Quote from my father... and Forrest Gump) 

RHS x 

Merry little Christmas

  It was one of those Christmases where you say it was a "quiet one" - the close family and watching the King's Speech by 8pm, in bed by 10pm reading one of the books you were brought for Christmas. After an evening of too many Scrabble competitions, teaching Grandma how to play Boggle and still explaining the rules by the last round and teaching mother how to calibrate her new iPad. Obviously all of that was after a lavish meal of, of course, turkey and all the trimmings. The turkey was in the oven by 9:45am - I know. It was huge, we got it from a farmer who lives in the village and we said we wanted one to feed five, so he chose us one that would feed 12 "just in case" - we now have 3/4 of a turkey left and I've had a turkey sandwich every day since Boxing day. Soon we will be having turkey curry, a stir fry and then no doubt the bones will be used to make father's delicacy of turkey gelatine (mm-mmmm) and stock - used for Sunday roast to make the gravy ("jus"). Aside from sounding undoubtedly Southern there, we did partake in the classic hat wearing, joke telling, cracker pulling pre-dinner entertainment. Which, by the time 2pm came around we'd already had three bottles of champagne between five of us and we still had a bottle of white and three bottles of red to get through - it was quite a merry morning. We had my suggested healthy starter of salad. Yes, really, smoked salmon, prawns, avocado, pea shoots washed down with Chablis. We never usually have dessert but this time we took the plunge and opted for Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Christmas Pudding - it was delicious (it said it would feed eight, we scoffed the lot). We turned the lights off and poured over the 40 year old Hennessy XO and lit it, it was a glorious sight that went on for a good minute, blue flames and the smell of burning cognac with the taste of cranberries, pecans and spices, doused in madagascan vanilla cream - it was a great ending. 

 I then retired to the drawing room - HA - the spare bedroom to play Christmas carols on the old Joanna and then it was time to watch the Queen's Speech - which we watched on Demand as 1) we forgot to record it because 2) we forgot it was on because 3) it wasn't the best speech in the world. Something about a man with a cast on - not sure what the wider metaphor was about but lo and behold Kate and Walter were mentioned with their new born Ronald and their first Noel. Yawn, I did actually yawn, who cares if it was Ronald's first Christmas! It was my 21st and Liz didn't mention me, or anyone else for that matter. Ronald stole the show and he's only five months old. 

 I don't know how others start their Christmas morning but we open presents first, after I've woken everyone in the house up with a hot drink - its not the same as being five and running into your parent's room screaming - you have to be a little more mature at 20 (apparently). I was working Christmas Eve and got home at about 12:30. I got myself a night cap (rosé) and heard a "Ruthie!" from the living room (It was dad, he doesn't sleep and he always calls me Ruthie, mum calls me Rufus - please don't call me either unless I really really like you). I went into the living room to find the old man wrapping presents! I thought, well this has blown Santa out the window hasn't it! He asked if I could put ribbons on a few presents because I'm "the best". So I helped him, to find out in the morning I'd actually put a ribbon on MY OWN PRESENT, the cheek! We then watched a bit of TV about some people having their own Christmas lights turn on at their own house - I know, lets kill the polar bears and let our grandchildren deal with climate change whilst we use 10 times the amount of electricity we use in one year in one month. 

 That aside, we went into the living room (everyone with their hot drinks me with my orange juice and a banana - start the day right!) to open our presents. It was a different year this year, my parents had inherited some money, so whereas the last few years it has been satsumas and nail files, this year it was mangos and a full nail set! So mother got her new iPad and dad got one of those electric golf trollies (he's getting on) I got a Nike+Fuelband - get one, you will want to exercise ALL THE TIME. No really, I've been to the gym twice and had a run once since Christmas day! - See. Nike have kind of invented their own metric system of "Fuel" points which in turn leads to steps and calories etc. Everyone needs to asses their food intake after a Roses chocolates, Foxes biscuits and Thorntons excessive indulgence, however it is the season to be merry (and bright - just whack on some more Touche Eclait on those dark circles!) so I'll let you off if you've put on half a stone because I'm right behind you! Lets all just drink a ridiculous amount and eat till we feel extremely ill and cannot move until out stomachs settle and we have another mince pie. 

 I hope you all had a very enjoyable Christmas, I hope you all were on Santa's nice list and I wish you a very happy New Year,

with love

RHS x 

Happiness

Since my last post, I have returned from Uni, turned 20, been to bars in Derby that I have never ventured in before (and probably won't again until I take out a loan), had my nails painted, put up my first ever real Christmas tree, had a dinner party with close family friends and drank rather a large quantity of French red. 

20th Birthday drinks! 

And over the past two days I have been unbelievably happy, I thought I was before Saturday (which I was) but something that I saw on Saturday made me realise how happy I actually am (and you all will be as well!... or at least I hope - if not let me know and I'll whack out some warm fuzzies... ). 

So I woke up on Saturday morning, my 20th birthday, to be greeted by my parents with a Yves Saint Laurent gift and a Ted Baker gift bag, who doesn't love material items?! Then my mum handed me a voucher to get my nails done in my favourite spa in Derby. I was just going for a simple manicure when Mrs Lillian Bettencourt (look her up) walked in. Or should I saw Ms. She began ordering around the six-month pregnant manager of the Spa with all of these dates she wanted "beautifying" as she had a "ridiculous amount" of Christmas Parties that she simply must look fantastic at darling. She booked two pedicures in one week (how they are fitting her in, I do not know - unless it comes to monetary terms - the senior manager is on maternity leave and there are two junior therapists and the manager - who's pregnant). She also booked in four spray tans between now and New Years Eve, two facials between now and NYE and other things that I can't even pronounce or were just too extreme to contemplate. All this happened whilst she was checking her emails on her gold iPhone 5S and shaking her wrists whilst she showed off her rose gold Marc Jacobs watch and Links of London bracelet - which nobody asked to see. She then threw down her Prada and began taking off her boots to have a pedicure - which involved a serious amount of cling film, foil and what looked like soaked muslin. This was a serious pedicure for a women who's feet looked like they'd been pampered an hour previous. 

She then talked about her "breakfasts" with Mr x (not her husband, not sure whether it was her partner or not - sounded more like a business thing) - who does "breakfast"?! And then how she had started having botox in her nose... yes, not her forehead or crows feet (of which she had none because clearly she has had botox there)... she said it only bled for 20 minutes and she felt like she had a new nose... 

Whilst I waited for my nails to dry I was just staring in adoration at this woman who had clearly a ridiculous amount of money to spend on these kind of treatments and she looked incredible - her hair was perfect her make up was incredible, she wore Prada and a cute Joules knit. But there was no way she was happy. I could  see it in her eyes, especially when she looked at me like I was a piece of dust that had scraped her pedicure. It was like she was superior but actually she knew that everyone knew she was deep down trying to cover something up. I don't know what, thats obvs a bit deep for a spa, but it was interesting to see. I wonder how her pedicure held up and how her parties went. 

The pregnant woman was happy, she's wanted a baby for a really long time and now she's finally eight weeks away from the bundle of joy (errrr) entering the world. However she said she has been unbelievably sick since the first month of being pregnant, but she said it is so worth it. If you can be sick four times a day for five months and still be extremely optimistic and excited that is definitely pure happiness. 

Today, I am reasonably happy, I woke up with a pile of dishes to wash and champagne flutes to not break as well as having just compiling all of my assignments that are due in. I have six. Yes six. That have all been given to us in the space of four days. They range from 1,500 words to 4,500 words. The silver lining is that they are not due in till 10th March, some not till 2nd May! #winning. Still that is going to be a long Christmas of planning. BUT who cares... its Christmas! - that is very exciting news! 

It is interesting things that make up happy, usually the material, tangible things are only a temporary cure, I'm happy when people find mistakes in my blog posts because I can't be bothered to check them. At least you know they are written by me and not some robot I have employed! 

I hope you have a fantastic Christmas and a very happy New Year

RHS x 

The most wonderful time of the year

Nigella's taking cocaine, Ryan Giggs has turned 40 (insert love or hatred for him here), Christmas trees are going up, lights are being turned on, Christmas songs are being played in stores, Movember is nearly, NEARLY over (cannot come quick enough!), my Christmas jumper has made its first appearance and yes, I have downloaded my Christmas album onto my iPod - however, I haven't yet listened to them (much). In my house the Christmas decorations go up around the 16th December, after my birthday, of course and we usually just have a modest tree and a nativity scene, however at Uni, as we are only here for two weeks of December, decorations have been up for nearly a week. Essays are due in, there are nights out to be had, naked calendar launches to be squinted at, birthdays to celebrate, secret Santa's, one too many glasses of mulled wine and an unhealthy amount of mince pies to be consumed. As well as about four traditional Christmas meals to be had before actual Christmas day. My mother rang me the other day to say she had ordered our turkey from a colleague who's husband owns a farm, she has called it Ethel and Ethel shall be £40. Forty pounds?! We'll have three... 

It is essentially time to start buying presents. I have already bought my flat mates' presents, they are hiding under my desk, away from prying eyes, awaiting to be wrapped. Talking of wrapping paper, B&M has the best deal: 12 metres for £1 - incredible, however, if you want a variety of wrapping paper, Card Factory are doing 3x3metre rolls for £1 - take your pick! B&M also do a box of four wrapping paper rolls with lots of bows and ribbons for £4.99 - I've done my research. I'm so sad. Its procrastination at its best. Boots also has Maximuscle Progain on offer HALF PRICE (£25) - so tempting. 

Two weeks now till it is the end of term (and my birthday woop) and although I went home last weekend there is always something nice about home (and the fresh air, free from ill Stockton-ers, someone in the shopping centre today just sneezed and didn't cover his mouth as I walked past. What is this country). There is always Ben and Jerry's in my favourite flavour - Blondie Brownie and food is on tap with a quick text to Dad asking him to pick up goats cheese, pâte and a small amount of caviar (only joking! we don't eat pâte that much). I have the house to myself in the day and it is so quiet. No one having far too much fun in the room above mine, no locals getting arrested outside, a clean kitchen and bathroom and not having to worry about how much electricity is being used. Bliss. 

I almost can't believe how fast this year has gone (yawnnn), yesterday I was at work for NYE, then I was in an exam hall, then I was in Marbella and now I am writing Christmas cards and finding the best wrapping paper deals - I'm actually an old lady, after all, my name is Ruth (expectation: Ruth sits quietly by the fire and knits, reality: Ruth sits by the fire (at home, obvs) and reads E.M.Forster... completely different people). 

The gym will also be packed after Christmas and the "post-Christmas lunch" workouts will go up with challenges including "run for four hours just to burn off one mince pie" - basically meaning I feel claustrophobic in the gym. Just don't eat too much! Last year was hilarious when I got a training schedule from Athletics for over the Christmas holidays which said "a steady 30 minute run on Christmas day is essential" - Sorry, what? Do we think Jesus would approve of missing his birthday for a training session, definitely not, I'll miss the jelly and ice cream. ha. 

I'm not saying M**** C********* before the 1st December, therefore, 

Much Love! 

RHS x 

Confessions of a Marriott Waitress

I've not had my letter inviting me to a tea party to celebrate my Marriott anniversary yet, its a new manager so I'll let her off, but its my third year working for Marriott. I'm incredible I know. 

It was only a month after my last GCSE and I became a waitress. I cried on my first shift. Haha, no really I did. I can't fully remember why but a chef probably shouted at me and I probably got an order wrong. I say probably because these things happen often "No Madame, you definitely ordered a medium steak, it says so on the cheque..."

So in three years I have witnessed the great to the down right crazy, oh and several restaurant managers. Each new one with bigger and bolder goals than the last, unfortunately most would find it difficult to organise a hug in a brothel. However, the current one seems to be doing the best out of the several hundred I have seen. 

So, the guests, wow we get some oddballs - I've been asked to make a red wine spritzer, thats red wine with lemonade, so basically high treason and accountable for death. I had to ask twice whether he wanted me to actually mix the two, he did... sacrilege. 

I've spilt red wine over a man's shirt - he refused to help me hand out the drinks to a large table, downright rude, so I had to offer him our free dry cleaning service, which he refused but throughout the night continued to say "careful, she's back!" every time I served the table.

I've served Swiss guests and told them extremely confidently that the Sea Bream is a river fish and they completely fell for it, so did I till I realised what I had said 3 hours later... Not my finest hour. 

The list is massive on all things I've witnessed, done wrong or assisted in doing wrong. I've ripped up a sign that said "Linconshire sausages", its "LincoLnshire sausages", I've now thrown away approximately five free lap dancing tickets that keep appearing in the bar (whoever keeps putting them there, stop, I had an angry mummy slam one on the bar after her three year old daughter asked why a naked lady was on the front of the ticket) - this really has confused me because the ticket says that last entries are at 3:30am, the bar closes at 4am and then the place closes at 5:30am... what happens in that hour and a half... or do I not want to know? I still have one in my bag for evidence, if anyone wants it... 

I've seen a string of associates (thats other waiters and waitresses in Marriott speak) enter and leave, some just moving departments for very unknown reasons, some for very known reasons.

Ofcourse, ever since I was 18 and started working behind the bar I have have some very interesting comments come my way from guests. Before I was 18 I wasn't allowed to serve large groups of male golfers on my own (no girl wanted to!), they're a rare breed aren't they. I've been asked several times what nationality I am; "British", I reply, "Don't lie", I've recieved back on two occasions - erm, rude, not lying. I've heard a fellow waitress of a similar skin colour be asked if her uncle is Robert Mugabe - to which she laughed, I'd have thrown a steak knife. Anyway, a few weeks ago it was a very quiet Monday evening to which I was informed I had to keep the bar open late because a few residents were returning and expected me to serve them. I knew who it was, I served them a month before and I didn't return home till 4:30am. This one male was very interested in the cellars of the place, so I said if they ordered champagne they can see them - I thought that was fair, so they ordered. Anyway, we returned from the cellar (a few others came) and a very seedy man said "was it through her back doors?" - doors, plural?!- ew. Then as I was innocently restocking the fridges I heard: "I bet you wouldn't mind waking up next to her" - to which I replied "last orders". 

I can definitely see there being a #2 to this story... 

Be good

RHS x

How To: save money the easy way

I wasn't going to write this post because I thought everything I was planning on writing in it everyone will have already heard of, but then a friend told me she hadn't heard of half of my ideas or ways that I save money. So the post was back on!

As a student I am always looking for easy ways to save money (and make money!). I have also included some codes for you to get FREE STUFF!

Yes. FREE. 

1. Save The Student

This is a great website full of loads of information on how to save money, budget and where to get student finance. It also gives you lots of ways to save money in store and online. They currently have a deal for you to get a FREE SUBWAY and a drink. Sign up to their newsletter and they handpick deals to send to you via a weekly email full of lots of offers they have found. I recently signed up to receive a FREE ELEMIS lip balm (other offers have included free chocolate, money off codes) 

2. Student Beans

This is my favourite student website because it has the most offers online and they are constantly being updated as they are found and it also gives you ways for you to earn money through product testing and answering surveys. Their current offers include FREE PEPSI MAX, FREE CADBURYS CRISPELLO and a THREE NIGHTS GLAMPING offer. This website also sends out a weekly newspaper. They also have Twitter for you to keep up to date that way too.


 

3. Save small change. 

Here is my piggy bank. I call him fat pig - why? - because I'm a waitress and instead of spending the tips i receive on chocolate when I leave work I save it all. I recently counted it all (find money bags at your local Post Office) and had £265 from just over a year! - That paid for a return flight to spain and nearly £100 spending money! - Even if you don't receive any tips, saving pennies and 5ps when your purse is getting a little on the heavy side will soon add up to a good amount! (even if it adds up to £10 over two months, thats several drinks on a night out!) 






4. Graze

I get Graze boxes. They send you a box of four snack pots straight to your door as often as you wish (from nuts to brownies!) I have received seven now and have only paid for three (and I got money off them!).
Use this code to get you a FREE GRAZE BOX: V5MLD3GD (this will require you to enter your bank details)
Use this code to get you a FREE GRAZE BOX: QNYZL63 (this will require you to have another email address and another bank account) 
If you do this all the right way (requires a bit of skill) when they send you your box you will receive a leaflet with a free box code in - use this again! - or give it to your friends and you will receieve £1 off your next box. 
REMEMBER: to cancel your boxes if you don't want to pay for them - this is good because they usually offer you a cheap box or another one free! - Thanks, Graze. 
Start here

5. Don't knock Aldi

I had friends who definitely turned their noses up when I said I was going to have a look round Aldi - They were green with envy when I returned! I got a lot of chicken (freeze!) for cheaper than you would in a supermarket and its all British AND free range! (unlike the basics chicken). They do free range eggs for half the price than in supermarkets. They're fruit and veg lasts a lot longer and is a lot cheaper. They also do different branded 'Pringles' and dips which are a lot cheaper than the original brands. There is a fresh bakery, fresh meat, smoked salmon!, milk, cheese, tea (ETC).

And if you must shop in supermarkets, shop later on - the amount you can get when things have been reduced is amazing! - M&S are very good at this (bread for 25p! - freeze in batches).

6. Don't have all your eggs in one basket 

Admitted, this isn't the EASIEST way to save money, but its a VERY easy way to save money, it just requires time. By this I mean don't just have ONE bank account, look around for different current accounts and savings accounts, ISA's and bonds - even if they only offer a tiny amount of interest - its better than having it lying in a bank with no interest! - empty your piggy bank and start an instant access savings account! 
The Money Advice Service is a very good way to compare banks and offers!

7. The obvious

These are the very obvious ways to save money but people often overlook the

m! - get an NUS card (if you're a student, they also do them for people who work for the NHS) and ask if you can use it EVERYWHERE - even at Takeaways. Get a Lovefilm account (I have managed to get three months free using different bank accounts - ask your parents kindly if you can use their card details but MAKE SURE YOU CANCEL IT!). Then, when you're done playing the Lovefilm system get several months free of Netflix! Student Beans currently has an offer where they give you £20 Topshop/Topman vouchers when a new customer signs up to Lovefilm. Get a railcard! - this will save you a lot. A LOT. some student bank accounts give away free railcards and NUS cards (I got a free NUS card from Lloyds TSB student account!) 


Happy saving!

RHS x 

Easy like Sunday morning

Ahh bacon sarnies (sandwiches darling), football, beef bourginon, red wine and a Jane Austen novel.

And for first time in ages - no work at 6pm - a real day of rest ahh. 

So I've edited my blog a bit - seeing as I have joined so many new sites - Tumblr, Svpply (American, but I am getting addicted to it - find things (anything, I mainly find products) you want and have (just to make people jealous)) and Delicious (which is my least favourite but still an easy way to find blogs you actually want to read).

Tumblr is by far my most favourite, latest join - I love how you can design your own page and post anything you want! - get it!.. and add me. 

I'm slightly consumed by quotes at the minute and they're my favourite things to post on Tumblr, I am now no longer afraid to admit that I love A.A.Milne quotes (basically what Winnie the pooh - and friends said): 

"Think it over, think it under" - Winnie the Pooh. 

"If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one. So I will never have to live a day without you" - Piglet. 

ahh - that was nice wasn't it. 

So Im currently sat in my living room whilst mum conducts some Pilates moves (found on MY iPad), dad files his nails (yep) and I watch the Derby match (we're winning 1-0 to Blackburn)

Its raining, its warm, the beef is cooking and I've already practised my violin for an hour and played the piano for half an hour and been and bought all of my bedding for year 2 - King Size quilts - YES. 

(mum wouldn't let me buy a sign that says "no boys allowed" for my bedroom) - sigh. 

I'm several chapters into Pride and Prejudice and I have to say I highly recommend it! - I think its free on iBooks - it would make a good summer read if you don't regularly get a shot of English culture - ok, the novel is more of a triple JD that takes several hours to drink then a down in one shot of Sambuca - but trust me - its good! 

Talking of drinks - Do people use sundays as a day to get over hangovers before work starts again on Monday - perhaps. 

Definitely the best part of Sundays is family time - even if you don't talk to each other, presence in itself is satisfying enough. 

"Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in our hearts" - A.A.Milne

Happy sunday

RHS x

5:2

5:2? 

5:2? 

5 cookies for every 2 doughnuts?

Butternut squash risotto = 240 calories! 

5 pairs of shoes for every 2 new dresses?
5 nights out for every 2 nights staying in and drinking anyway?

er, not quite, its the 5:2 diet! yes, diet. (when friends read this I will probably get told off - sorry!)

Its this new craze thats everywhere! (apparently) and basically you starve yourself for 2 days of only 500 calories (ahh, 5:2 I hear you say)

Created by Dr. Micheal Mosely (of course, a man - http://thefastdiet.co.uk) the idea is that fasting helps you burn more fat by giving your body time to get rid of the rubbish it doesn't need. yeah. whatever. 

Now, for a runner this sounded a bit mental, seeing as when I train (good joke, Ruth), when I attempt to train (by looking like I know what I'm doing in the gym) I consume around 2300 calories a day. 

So, like the mad head I am, I gave it ago. Well. I have never felt so sh1t, if you will excuse my terrible Russian. 

I decided to do 1 day a week (5:1, far more sensible). I was working the night before and finished work at 3am, and from 12am I made sure I stopped eating, so I went to bed without my usual 2 biscuits after work and woke up at 11am. 

I had porridge with soya milk for breakfast = 144 calories, ok. 

I didn't have lunch, as I was up so late. I was at work at 6pm that evening so I thought between 11am and 6pm I could easily only have 500 calories, 



Around 4pm I had chicken satay skewers with spinach = 290 calories
  (recipe: http://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/dieting/recipes/52-bikini-panic-diet-recipes-1967236)

Then I had an Activia yogurt = 68 calories 

Total = 502, oops. 

As you can see, its hard! 

So I got to work and by 10pm I felt like a hairy Neanderthal, who had woken up with severe period pain - nice. I felt awful and got home at 12:30am and weighed myself. 

My friend, tucking into a late night takeaway! -
why not!

I HAD LOST A POUND. not joking, I wouldn't lie to you. 

the idea is that you eat 500 calories for 2 days a week and "normally" for the remaining 5 (i.e. 2000 calories a day) and that you workout for 30 minutes for 3 of the 5 days. 

Its worth it, apparently you lose up to 2lbs a week in the first week then a lb a week after that.

Is starving ourselves the way forward to looking good or losing weight? 
That sounds like a bad case of "Im Dior, I need size -6 models not 0, Chanel has them!" 

know what I mean?

stay healthy and happy!

RHS x