The Truth About Pregnancy

Ah pregnancy. The miracle of life! The joy of growing something created out of love!

When I found out I was pregnant in February I was in complete and utter shock. In fact, The Boy thought it was hilarious that I just stood in the kitchen crying and shaking.

Of course I was happy, of course I was grateful, and of course I thank God regularly for the blessing he has given our little family – especially when so many of my friends and colleagues have had such struggles with fertility.

But here’s the thing they don’t tell you. Pregnancy is HARD. Pregnancy is WEIRD. Pregnancy, quite frankly, sucks balls. The books LIE. The movies LIE. Let me enlighten you on my pregnancy....

Shame on you, JK Rowling

If there is one thing that could have brought me out of hibernation, it's JK Rowling's horrific news that she "regrets" pairing Ron and Hermione, and that Hermione should have married Harry.

When I read this on the train this morning, my fists actually balled up. I wanted to punch something, or someone, mainly her. Here's why:

A complete food turnaround

10 years ago, I worked at a lovely little place called The Natural Foodstore, sniggering in my head at all those spending extra money on organic food and vitamin supplements.

Today, as I sit at my desk with my gluten free organic porridge (made with rice milk) with cinnamon and a goji, acai, cacao powder thing on top I am wondering how on earth the tables turned so far around.

Firstly, I suppose, my intolerance to Gluten has caused a dramatic shift in my diet. Potentially brought on from years of indulging in sugary wheaty goodness, who knows. But now it's just not an option for me, and therefore many yummy things are off the menu.

Secondly, the health risks of eating badly are just too great.

5 Tips for your very own Roman Holiday

I’ve seen a lot of Europe over the past ten years, gallivanting around in order to see the “must-see” sites of the Continent.

Few of these cities have tempted me to go back for a second time. 3 trips to Paris and I seem to dislike it more on every visit. Most I feel I see enough of in the first visit to not need to go back. But there is one exception to this rule.

Rome. The Eternal City. I think, the most romantic city in the world. Where the pace of life is hectic and slow all at the same time, and you walk over thousands of years of history in every street, piazza and alleyway.

Here is my guide to this phenomenal city...

Get up early. 

Rome attracts a bazillion tourists every year, and they all want to see the Sistine Chapel, throw their coins in the Trevi Fountain and walk around the Colleseum. They come in bus loads, and walk around in groups of matching baseball caps, following flags on sticks like a flock of sheep. To maintain your sanity, and feel you have Rome to yourself. Get up early – I’m talking, be out the door of your hotel no later than 8am.

Here’s two pictures of the Trevi Fountain to demonstrate...

 

7.45 am

Mid Afternoon ish

Wear a hat

It can be very hot in Rome, with very little shade to protect you. Don’t turn into a lobster. Wear a hat. It also acts as a convenient fan. I'd recommend a wide brim, so you look fabulous and don't look like you are with that group of American's in matching baseball caps.

Book Ahead

You can pre-book your tickets to the Vatican online up to 6 weeks before, which means you can skip the winding queues (when we arrived there was a 2 hour wait) and go straight in! Hurrah! 

Look Around and Get Lost

Rome is a stunning city, and some of it's beauty isn't in the famous monuments. There are fountains, shrines, gorgeous buildings, antique vespa's, accordian players all around. We spent hours getting ourselves lost and discovering amazing looking restaurants, markets and churches.  

Drink Spritz

It's delicious, refreshing and cheap (well cheap-ish). And my new favourite drink. Everywhere sells it... and they are delicious. 

Writing Fail

A week or so ago I took myself off to an author event with Marie Claire and Cecelia Ahern - how to write a successful novel.

I was obviously filled with enthusiasm and inspiration for writing more, after hearing that Cecelia wrote PS I Love You at the age of 21 in just 3 months.

In fact I was so inspired that I wrote the above two lines the morning after the event, got distracted by work (damn you spreadsheets!) and have been sitting in my draft posts since.

I really, really, really must work on my discipline.