http://www.pennypincher.northwalesblogs.co.uk/ Join Samantha Castle as she tries to tighten the purse strings en Copyright 2009 Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:10:20 +0000 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss While entertaining four visitors Weekly News reporter Samantha Castle test drove a Nissan Qashqai supplied by Slaters Nissa, Abergele. SO what's in a name? Mustang, Diablo and Vanquish all sound full of power and mystery. Astra, Clio and Seed seem small and approachable, but what is a Qashqai? After some internet research I found the Qashqai were middle age, Turkic-speaking nomads from Iran. Despite its weird name and Japanese badge, the Nissan Qashqai is a British car. It was designed in Nissan's London studios, engineered at the company's workshops in Bedfordshire and built in Washington, Sunderland. Nissan has sold almost 300,000 of them to date along with its new cousin the Qashqai+2 with two extra seats, which I had test drove recently. For a large family the Qashqui+2 is a bargain, not only is it capacious inside with little storage compartments everywhere, including under the floor and with its vast panoramic sunroof, its like an observatory on wheels. The black, shiny, diesel model I was given for the weekend was only four months old and full of optional extras including metallic paint, rear-view camera and chrome trim. But don't worry there are only a few optional extras with this range, which I see as a positive. The range goes from £15,500 for the 1.6-liter petrol to £23,270 for the 2.0-liter auto diesel. For a diesel I was pleasantly surprised to find I was permanently in the fast lane and the drive was very quiet and smooth to manoeuvre with a grand sense of safety being that little bit higher up than other road users. The handling on county roads down the Conwy Valley was great and the heated seats were a godsend after a gruelling hike up Snowdon. I must admit I felt like I had lost an arm when I had to say good buy to that reversing camera, don't get me wrong I am a very competent driver (in a fiesta) but this was almost twice the size! And don't get me started on the six-speed gears, cruise control, air-con, six-CD auto-changer, Bluetooth and sat nav- I adore gadgets and gizmos like that, show-off that I am. The fuel consumption averaged 40mpg, but that's probably down to the long country drives I was doing- I would expect townies and Chelsea tractor types to not get much over 36mpg, but that's a matter of opinion. In a nutshell I liked it, comfortable and economical- it transported around five females and all their walking gear in style.]]> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PennyPincher/~3/I3-7xEITM8o/whats_in_a_name.html http://www.pennypincher.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2009/04/whats_in_a_name.html Abergele Slaters Nissan Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:10:20 +0000 http://www.pennypincher.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2009/04/whats_in_a_name.html AFTER experiencing a British military boot camp in the Brecon Beacons last October reporter I asks why should women have to travel out of North Wales to achieve the body of their dreams when we have all the facilities right here on our doorstep? Women in the region could soon have the opportunity of dropping a dress size after two prominent local businesses are looking at developing a North Wales weight-loss boot camp. Each week hundreds of women, including celebrities like singer Michelle Heaton and Jade Goody, travel as far as Devon and South Wales in a bid to lose weight and develop a new exercise and healthy eating regime. And after spending a week at the famed British military New You Boot Camp last year, I saw first hand how women of all ages and backgrounds were prepared to pay up to and over £1,000 each to be put through their paces military-style, but why travel out of North Wales for the experience when we have similar facilities right here on our door step. So last weekend I invited some of the girls I met at boot camp to North Wales to sample what our green and pleasant land has to offer. I teamed up with three local businesses- Slaters Nissan, Abergele, Tree Top Adventures, Betws-y-Coed and the Quay Hotel and Spa, Deganwy, to provide my guests with an action-packed, luxury weekend. The girls stayed at the Quay Hotel and Spa in Deganwy who supplied twin rooms at the five star location for £70 per night with 25% off spa treatments, which the girls took full advantage of soothing their aching limbs after each day of activity. The Hotel's Operations Director Tony Riley commented: "The Quay Hotel and Spa has made it a priority to establish itself as a fantastic venue in which to enjoy a number of outdoor pursuits, such as sailing, hiking, rock climbing, white water rafting, tree top walking etc. "We are perfectly positioned to develop a boot camp package." Local businessman Sean Taylor agrees saying there is a gap in the market for this kind of healthy holiday package. "I will definitely be looking into working with the Quay Hotel to develop a package for women who want to lose weight," said Sean. "At Tree Top Adventure its not just the rope walk, we do gouge walking, abseiling, hill walking, bush craft, anything goes. "There is definitely a gap in the market for this kind of holiday here- we have all the facilities to provide women with a pound busting experience." As well as taking the girls on a gruelling walk up Mount Snowdon they also enjoyed an afternoon grappling the Tree Top Adventure rope course in Betws-y-Coed and I ferried them around in the lap of luxury in a brand new seven seater Nissan Qashqai supplied by Slaters Nissan in Abergele. Mother of two, Michele Curtis travelled from Suffolk for the reunion. She lost 5lbs at boot camp. "It was great seeing the girls again and to see everyone's kept up their fitness and healthy eating regimes since October," she said. "I've loved it in North Wales, the rope walk was a real challenge but also a lot of fun and I don't think I would have ever contemplated walking up Snowdon before boot camp. It doesn't just change you physically but mentally too, for the better." Businesswoman and mother of three Helen MacAndrews is from Berkshire. She said the hotel's spa was a godsend. "Thank goodness for the spa to help ease our aching limbs. "It has been a great weekend, North Wales has so much to offer. Although my arms are now a few inches longer after the rope walk," said Helen, 48. Sam Stanger, 31 from London has travelled all over the world. "I lost a whooping 7lbs at boot camp, I think these holidays are a great idea for women trying to lose weight." ]]> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PennyPincher/~3/EmydbVTsRPo/getting_fit_the_north_wales_wa.html http://www.pennypincher.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2009/03/getting_fit_the_north_wales_wa.html Quay Hotel and Spa Slaters Nissan Tree Top Adventure Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:07:42 +0000 http://www.pennypincher.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2009/03/getting_fit_the_north_wales_wa.html staying in is the new going out, I still managed to blow my budget on doing just that! January can be depressing enough what with going back to work, the cold, wet weather and not to mention this blooming credit crunch (I hate calling it that but hey it's happening) I had a couple of bills that I put off paying until this month so I guess that's what broke the bank for me, normally I would just take it easy and ride the poverty storm but this month I have two birthdays and Valentines day to shell out for. I refuse to ignore my beautiful mum's birthday even if she would rather forget about it, as this is the women who has bailed me out financially on a couple of occasions and I owe her everything because not only did she help me out but she made me see the error of my ways. Yes I am still in debt but at least I'm more aware of it and trying my dammed hardest to pay off my debts slowly but surely. She of all people knows the intricate details of my money worries and will probably say she doesn't want anything for her birthday so I am sure she won't mind that her birthday present was bought in Debenhams blue cross sale. But prehaps just this once I will have to forgo the commercially forced celebrations of Valentines day and be original and think of a homemade way to celebrate my love for *loml. I am sure my other half won't complain at some old fashioned home entertainment instead of an overpriced meal in a crowded restaurant! Well I hope so because that's all he's getting this year. ]]> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PennyPincher/~3/4PkxjW90NRE/ive_over_dosed_on_spending_aga.html http://www.pennypincher.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2009/01/ive_over_dosed_on_spending_aga.html Tue, 20 Jan 2009 23:29:42 +0000 http://www.pennypincher.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2009/01/ive_over_dosed_on_spending_aga.html ONE in three parents will be more likely to take their kids out of school in this year to save money on the family holiday compared to previous years according to a new survey. 2008 has been a challenging year in travel and with the current economic climate Brits are embracing online media more than ever in a quest to seek cost effective, reputable holiday opportunities. A poll of 1,250 adults by webTV travel site, Holiday '09 has revealed that six out of ten people don't trust traditional holiday brochures anymore. Over half of the people polled said they would be looking for advice on how to save money and get the best deal on their holiday this year. For nine out of ten consumers this research will be done online. Encouragingly, a getaway is very much on the cards for the majority of respondents with a beach holiday taking poll position. Over a quarter of those surveyed revealed that UK city breaks are in their plans for 2009 while a fifth of respondents are planning something more long haul. One in ten of us are planning a camping trip for 09. Ceriann Mullins, Editor of Holiday '09 said: "It's clear that following recent events in the industry and the global economy that customers want reassurance from travel companies placing openness, transparency and interactivity higher up their decision making process." http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PennyPincher/~3/T6AFDfcx6WY/the_lengths_people_will_go_to.html http://www.pennypincher.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2009/01/the_lengths_people_will_go_to.html Holiday '09 Thu, 15 Jan 2009 21:01:17 +0000 http://www.pennypincher.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2009/01/the_lengths_people_will_go_to.html WITH the credit crunch continuing to bite, would-be models are turning to alternative ways of making money by renting out their eyelids as advertising space. I kid you not! feelunique.com, the online beauty boutique, is offering people the chance to earn 10p per wink in return for displaying the company's logo on their eyelid space. Amy Rebours of feelunique.com said: "We all take notice when we're being winked at so what better way to advertise a beauty company than on people's eyelids. It's a genuine marketing first, which encourages people to spread a feel-good winking moment and earn some much-needed extra income in the process. So far, it's been brilliantly received with people fancying a different kind of flutter and registering to be feelunique.com winkers." People who sign up to star in the campaign will have the feelunique.com logo temporarily transferred onto their right or left eyelid and will be paid on a Pay Per Wink (PPW) basis - up to a total of £100 per model. Visit www.feelunique.com for more information on how to take part, become a winker and make money from fluttering your eyelids. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PennyPincher/~3/6dFre5NHSPc/money_in_a_wink.html http://www.pennypincher.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2009/01/money_in_a_wink.html www.feelunique.com Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:52:33 +0000 http://www.pennypincher.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2009/01/money_in_a_wink.html As well as a large double bedroom with crisp Egyptian cotton sheets and deluxe bathroom, overlooking Conwy Marina we also had the added luxury of our own dining room and sitting room with French windows leading onto a long balcony over looking Conwy Castle. Our suite was situated across the hotels serene courtyard, which on finer days looked like a peaceful place for quiet contemplation. However, during our stay it was blowing a gale with torrential rain showers- if only I'd know beforehand that the reception can provide you with a brolly on such occasions! Anyway, as guests we had complimentary use of the hotels fitness suite and swimming pool, which I have to admit, did look absolutely beautiful and very inviting after a long day in the office, but unfortunately myself and *loml got so carried away just enjoying our hotel suite and the sumptuous Christmas menu that we forgot all about the Spa- maybe next time. Although I did notice the Spa has got some amazing winter offers on right now including a winter warmer pamper and polish package which includes five treatments, complimentary drinks and full use of the other leisure facilities, all for just £60 (that's a massive saving of £60 off the normal price!) They are also offering tailor-made Spa packages where you can choose either three or five treatments for £49 or £79, valid until March 31. But my favourite Spa package, which I want to book for myself and my sister to enjoy sometime soon, is their amazing two for one offer which includes a nourishing body wrap, light lunch, use of the swimming pool, whirl pool, steam and sauna rooms all for £80 for two. We really enjoyed our stay at the Deganwy Quay Hotel and Spa, and came away feeling pleasantly stuffed like a Christmas day turkey after what can only be described as one of the tastiest Christmas lunches I've ever tasted (sorry mum!) Before we left we were treated to the hotels festive Christmas lunch which consists of four yummy course, including coffee and mince pies- all for just £19.95pp. An ideal location and price for a work Christmas meal or party. If you are dreaming of a white Christmas without all the hassle why not spend it at the Quay Hotel? Spend this Christmas in North Wales and enjoy the Quay Hotel and Spar's three night house party from just £345pp. The hotels Christmas break package is based on two people sharing a classic twin or double room and includes all your meals and snacks. For further information and details of special offers, visit www.quayhotel.com or call:01492 564100. ]]> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PennyPincher/~3/BdKyw3Jsduo/deganwy_quay_hotel_and_spa_has.html http://www.pennypincher.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/12/deganwy_quay_hotel_and_spa_has.html www.quayhotel.com Tue, 16 Dec 2008 20:24:18 +0000 http://www.pennypincher.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/12/deganwy_quay_hotel_and_spa_has.html DURING this past month I have woken up nearly every morning feeling very sorry for myself. Its mainly due to the state of my finances, although you would of thought I was on top of my money worries after a year of penny pinching but thanks to the dreaded credit crunch, economic downturn or recession- whatever you want to call it, I am no better off for all my scrimping and saving over the past 12 months. As you are all probably painfully aware everyone is feeling the pinch right now- what with Christmas just round the corner, the raising cost of living and it not being reflected in our wage packets. But you have to feel sorry for all those people, and there are thousands of them, who works for a company that has just announced its either in administration, has already closed or going through a restructuring programme resulting in redundancies. It's happening everywhere, it's like a cancer crippling not only the local economy and national economy too with almost everyone knowing someone who has been effected by it. So feel sorry for me too because I am one of those people directly effected. As you may or may not be aware Trinity Mirror, my own employer, publicly announced on Thursday that a total of 59 journalists' jobs and a further 19 non-editorial roles are set to go in North Wales, Liverpool and the North-West as a result of a "major restructure". No job is safe anymore, not even my own. Everything seemed to come to a head for me on Monday when I accidentally went over my £700 overdraft limit by £4, I rushed out to the Halifax on my lunch brake and withdrew the last £20 out of my savings account and paid it straight into my depleted current account. But alas, I was still informed today, by a smug letter that floated onto my doormat, that I will be charged 35 extortionate English pounds for my error. And I've still got two weeks until pay day and at least three Christmas parties to attend. Luckily I already have all my Christmas presents as I tend to purchase things in the January sale and store items away in the back of my wardrobe- along with the shoes I've allegedly had for years! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PennyPincher/~3/Xja4a1IZ4nU/groundhog_day-_only_worse.html http://www.pennypincher.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/12/groundhog_day-_only_worse.html Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:35:25 +0000 http://www.pennypincher.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/12/groundhog_day-_only_worse.html Earlier this month I spent a week at the New You Boot Camp in the Brecon Beacons in an effort to both get fitter and lose weight. I wrote a daily blog on the intensive exercise regime I endured while there and this is my concluding report... I ARRIVED at the New You Boot Camp full of anticipation and fear of the unknown after accepting an invitation to attend the military style camp with the promise I could drop a dress size in a week. I couldn't resist! How hard could it be? I found myself at an impressive country mansion set back from the main track. The draughty stately home set amongst field after field of patchwork farmland and the distant mountains of the Brecon Beacons was to be my home for the next week and 20 other like-minded women aged between 20's to 60's were to be my companions. I had been given just two days notice to prepare for my boot camp adventure so had no time to detox prior to my trip. With a kit list as long as my arm including waterproofs, head torch, reflective jacket, four track suites and a million pairs of socks, sports bras and knickers I rushed out and frantically started shopping buying a pair of £5 trainers from Tesco, two new sports bras, 10 pairs of sports socks and a track suit from Asda, as up until two days ago I didn't even own one. I spent over £100 on sports clothes and medical supplies including Imodium, Senocot, paracetamol, Ibuprofen, plasters and compeed- and this is me penny pinching!? But I was wide eyed and willing to do anything to drop a dress size in a week (like New You Boot Camp's catch line) - well almost anything. After all it's got to work as these women and all those before them, are paying anything from £950 to £1,600 for the Boot Camp experience and they are all after the same goal- to lose weigh and I was getting to try it for free, it was fail-safe. I spent a fantastic and sometimes horrendous week of highs and lows facing my fears, pushing my body to its physical limits, experiencing every emotion from pain to ecstasy, I made some great new friendships that I am sure will last and tried lots of new activities including some I hope to never try again! I came away with nutritional and dietary advice and a great exercise programme and a feeling of great achievement emotionally, mentally and physically. However I left New You Boot Camp a week later feeling tired, empty, aching, emotional, institutionalised and still the same dame dress size (12) but with bigger calves. Even though I was told I was 4lbs lighter and 6.5inches smaller at the end of the week after losing fat from my bum and my waist I didn't really feel it. My abdominals had made a slight reappearance but it was not a significant loss, and not compared to the other girls on the course who lost anything from 5lbs to 16lbs! My only regret is that I didn't push myself harder during my week at boot camp, that's the only reasonable explanation I can find- I went from being completely inactive, from eating at my desk and in front of the television to eating a balanced low carb, low sugar, low calorie diet and to doing 12 hours of exercise a day. My problem was that I spent the whole week being scared of pushing myself passed my pain threshold for fear of throwing-up or falling over or worse - both! But I participated in every activity they told me to do, yes I had a moan and felt resistance- especially to all the running but I took part in every single activity for 12 hours a day to the best of my ability. Perhaps for someone like me- who was a gym bunny throughout my teens and early twenties and who then let it all hang out in my late twenties and early thirties, who lives for carbs and loves red wine- needs more than a week intensive boot camp and detox to make any significant changes to my body and appearance. So I will persevere with the exercise programme and try my best to stick to the GI eating plan. New You Boot Camp is giving all Weekly News readers a £100 discount on any boot camps in 2008 and there are still places available throughout November and December. Log on to www.newyoubootcamp.com to book, and say you saw the offer in the North Wales Weekly News. Check out my online gallery of pictures from New You Boot camp- http://www.northwalesweeklynews.co.uk/videos-pictures/]]> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PennyPincher/~3/e0unAfUFqXQ/fill_your_boots.html http://www.pennypincher.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/10/fill_your_boots.html newyoubootcamp.com Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:42:40 +0000 http://www.pennypincher.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/10/fill_your_boots.html Breakfast- Scrambles eggs and bacon Even though it was our last (half) day at boot camp there was no respite as we were all up as usual at 5.30am for our normal route march in the morning's darkness. I have to admit that raising with the larks had become second nature by the end of my week at boot camp but I believe this was only because we dropped straight into bed as soon as we were dismissed each night at around 8.30 to 9.30pm, otherwise the early mornings would truly be a killer. Anyway, we all made the effort for one last time as we marched along the country lanes for a couple of miles, we then jogged or speed walked back to the house by which time daylight was cracking. The rest of the morning before breakfast was spent boxing in pairs taking it in turn to either hold the pads or to hit with a combination of jabs, hooks and upper-cuts. Staff Nesbit and Penn had obviously decided we weren't going to be let off with an easy morning as the Rocky soundtrack was belting out and the two new instructors also made an appearance to see what we were made of, I knew then it was going to be a tough session before weigh in. So the next hour was spent going along a long line of pads giving it our all and boxing as much and as hard as possible. I could only wear one boxing glove as I couldn't make a fist with my left hand after my waterfall death-plunge yesterday but I gave it a good go- my right arm was really aching afterwards. I was one of the first people to be weighed in before breakfast along with Michelle and sister's Sue and Julie. To say I was a little disappointed with my weight loss would be an understatement as after all the exercise- approx12 hours a day, that I had participated in during the past week and the complete change of diet- no dairy, wheat, sugar, alcohol, etc I expected a big difference not a measly loss of just 4lbs! I had gone from being a complete couch potato, eating my lunch at my desk, sitting on my bum not leaving my office chair for eight hours a day and being completely inactive at home relaxing and watching television and eating my pasta or potato based evening meal in front of the box to the total opposite and only lost 4lbs. After all the running I had been made to do I really had hoped for a more inspiring weight loss. But I did lose 6.5inches from my body including 2inches off my bum and 2inches off my waist which is a good result, however after more and more of the girls got weighed I realised how insignificant my weight loss was, one girl (who didn't look like she had any weight to loose) lost 9lbs and just as many inches, another (who like me did no exercise before New You Boot Camp) lost an incredible 16lbs and 15inches. According to one of the ladies who had been at boot camp before if you carry on with the exercise and healthy eating regime after boot camp you usually lose more weight the next week. Now I'm not convinced it was merely a case of me not trying hard enough with the exercise because being active for 12 hours a day instead of none is a massive difference to me and my body. But what I do know is that had I forked out over £1,000 for the 'drop a dress size' experience I would have been even more disappointed with my results. However for the next three weeks leading up to my holiday in November I shall preserver with the GI diet and the exercise plan. Part of the boot camp experience is the aftercare- you are sent away with nutritional information, advice and recipes and a realistic exercise programme to continue with at home. So I will carry on being as good and disciplined as possible, apart from a couple of big nights out, keep in touch with the other girls and compare notes on our experience- so watch this space! <]]> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PennyPincher/~3/yBfRoGDmmvM/day_seven_dday_the_weigh_in.html http://www.pennypincher.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/10/day_seven_dday_the_weigh_in.html New You Boot Camp Sun, 19 Oct 2008 11:24:35 +0000 http://www.pennypincher.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/10/day_seven_dday_the_weigh_in.html After badly bruising and cutting my left hand, right elbow and bruising my left thigh and bum cheek while gorge walking I was glad to get back to the house to rest my weary limbs. We were treated to a hearty evening meal of Thai green chicken curry with noodles which everyone woofed down gratefully and later in the evening once we were all showered and spruced up we were invited back to the communal dining table for our last evening together as a group. We were greeted with a glass of champagne and the welcomed heat from the massive dining room fire place in full flame. As we took our seats at the candle lit table we were given goody bags, for making it to the end of the week, by the camp's adoptive 'mum' Kate and then our two instructors for the week Staff Nesbit and Staff Penn proceeded to praise our efforts and handed out individual completion certificates to each of us charting our ups and downs throughout our time at boot camp. Staff Nesbit presented me with my certificate and congratulated me for my efforts and for not moaning about each activity we had to tackle. Me not moaning- surely he had got the wrong person!? Anyone who knows me knows that I like to have a moan about anything challenging, but I am very grateful for my certificate and am also glad I am one of those who actually completed the course. Out of 21 girls five left the course before the end of the week for various reasons from giving up to being ill and I wasn't one of drop-outs (for a change). It was a lovely evening if not a tad emotional as we all reminisced about our personal journeys and the hardships and physical struggles we had all encounter to get to this stage. But tomorrow was just another day activity-wise at boot camp despite it being the last so we all headed off to bed before 11pm in preparation for our last 5.30am start. ]]> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PennyPincher/~3/4ARou-4NzIY/day_sixcontinued.html http://www.pennypincher.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/10/day_sixcontinued.html newyoubootcamp.com Mon, 13 Oct 2008 18:06:21 +0000 http://www.pennypincher.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/10/day_sixcontinued.html Breakfast: Boiled eggs Lunch: Peppered mackerel salad Evening Meal: Thai chicken curry with noodles This morning we marched in the opposite direction to our usual route and after a few miles ended up at the big hill we walked up on our first evening at boot camp many, many days ago. We were then split into our usual teams of yellow and green (my group) together and red and blue (the faster and fitter group) together. We then had to go up and down the hill several times- first speed walking three times, then going up backwards walking three times, then side steps three times and so on until the instructors thought we had done enough, it was backbreaking stuff and extremely tough on the old legs. Back at the house we had an outdoor abdominal workout and arms session, then after breakfast we all took part in a timed proper military Speed Agility Quality (SAQ) course devised and lovingly laid out by Staff Nesbit. There were nine different stations on the SAQ course either based round a huge log, sets of cones, a rope ladder or several smaller logs. After a quick run through by Nesbit to show us how we should travel through each station (e.g. jumping, sprinting, knee lifts, sidesteps etc) we separated into nine smaller groups of three and began our three minutes of pain tackling whichever SAQ station we were on. We had to go round all nine stations twice and were all absolutely exhausted by the end of it, but when Nesbit told us we had got a quicker time second time round the course it raised a few satisfied smiles throughout the group. After lunch we prepared for our last field trip of gorge walking and abseiling. It was already a very cold and wet day so we packed a change of warm clothes and donned our swim suites and walking boots and set off to meet our guides for the afternoon from Life Changing Activities (.com). Once at the site, within the Brecon Beacons, we got into the wet-proof gear they had provided for us, helmets and harnesses, we did look silly but we all looked the same so it was quite funny. We then split into our two teams and we set off up this gushing ice-cold river. Everyone was helping each other with outreached hands and words of encouragement as we took our first tentative steps into the torrential downpour of icy river. There were some nervous tears and a lot of sharp intakes of breath as we all stepped in but before we knew it we were negotiating the slimy stones and rocks hesitantly making our way up the river. Despite the cold and wet I was quite enjoying the gorge walk as I couldn't believe I was actually walking up a mountain river in October, its madness. That was until I slipped and plunged in the water, twice, but both times I landed on my bum so it didn't hurt as there is still plenty of padding in that area, mores the pity. Michelle, who I was partnered with (and always am because we make each other laugh even when we're crying), did really well as she's not a swimmer and some of the sections of river were at bust height. The tour guides who had organised our afternoon of water torture were really encouraging throughout the walk and full of local knowledge to help take our minds of the thought of drowning. We then negotiated two smaller waterfalls using climbing ropes and a lot of muscle from aqua man Nesbit before we reached our final destination- the 17 foot waterfall. We were then given the option of either abseiling down it or go back to the warm coach and get changed- well all week I've opted for the easy option so I went for it and put myself forward being the stupid, stupid girl that I am. I absolutely hated every moment of my abseil as I basically fell down the waterfall bumping off every part of the rock face as it was so slimy and the water so fierce that for a virgin abseiler like myself it was near impossible to get a foot hold, it was a horrendous experience and I felt like I was drowning for most of it especially when I was upside down under the flowing water at one point. My only saving grace came when I hit the bottom, I could hear Staff Nesbit shouting my name so I focused on that and crawled on my knees towards him, by this point I was in shock with my left hand bruised and bleeding and finding it hard to catch my breath. I practically ran back down the hill towards the coach to keep warm and to get as far away as possible from the waterfall. At the coach I got changed into my warm clothes mooning the sheep and not caring who saw my bruised bum as I changed and once onboard I was given half an apple as a snack. Half!? I think I'll stick to admiring waterfalls from afar in future rather than trying to climb up, down or in them- never ever again. ]]> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PennyPincher/~3/X1Unmi-yZSw/day_six_what_doesnt_kill_you_c.html http://www.pennypincher.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/10/day_six_what_doesnt_kill_you_c.html lifechangingactivities.com Sat, 11 Oct 2008 23:05:10 +0000 http://www.pennypincher.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/10/day_six_what_doesnt_kill_you_c.html Breakfast: Eggs, again Lunch: Butternut squash soup and a rice cake Evening Meal: Celery soup and Bolognaise made with shredded courgettes instead of pasta and quorn mince. Woke up to another nice crisp morning indicating that it was going to be a lovely fine day again, went on our usual morning walk then back for more boxing and relay running in teams. Staff Nesbitt was very moody this time and not taking any slacking, even though it was only 6am, within one hour he handed out loads of punishments including- extra running, press-ups, squats for anything and everything, moving not moving, folding our arms, talking- anything! But I took it in my stride. After breakfast we went on our 'epic' walk, which I have been personally dreading. I would call it more of a hike myself as we were heading to the Brecon Beacons and once off the bus the harsh reality hit that we were actually expected to hike up Black Mountain. For eight hours of my life I huffed and puffed, moaned, groaned, almost cried, wanted my mum but by half way through I found myself encouraging others and actually enjoying myself and really appreciating the view and the outstanding beauty of the place. Half way up the mountain we were given the choice by our tour guide Sandra from Drover Holidays that we could either take the easy route along the middle of the mountain or carry on up to the top, well life is hard enough and I always try to take the easy option that's how I am programmed but other people wanted to tackle the top so as a group we had to soldier on, I felt a little annoyed that I actually didn't have a choice at the end of the day but then again if they had never given me a choice of an easy option and told me the only way was up I would have excepted it. After a lot of wheezing and moral support from the girls in my group, especially Michelle, and motivational words of wisdom from Staff Nesbitt when I was feeling weak- I mad it. Once onto one of the three ridges we stopped for a snack of hot butternut squash and ginger soup with a rice cake, which was well deserved and much needed. We then hiked down the other side and had a break and a pleasant surprise as Staff Nesbit cracked open the chocolate (we are allowed a little dark 80% choc now and again on the GI apparently) Despite the pain and the mental turmoil I made the whole journey up and down and I feel thoroughly exhilarated for doing it, and not for anyone else but purely for myself (and to burn calories!). Back home and we had a really lovely tea which almost tasted 'normal' but there was no rest for the wicked as we were back to the exercise with a full-on session of abs and arms. Everyone looked like zombies, I was just going through the motions as I was so tired but as always we all got through it and flopped into bed around 9pm, tired but with a slight smug feeling. ]]> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PennyPincher/~3/VaWc_jfyJHQ/day_five_another_day_another_m.html http://www.pennypincher.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/10/day_five_another_day_another_m.html www.droveholidays.co.uk Thu, 09 Oct 2008 22:47:18 +0000 http://www.pennypincher.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/10/day_five_another_day_another_m.html Breakfast: Eggs Lunch: Roasted Sweet Potato, tuna and salad Evening meal: Prawn Stir-fry Up as usual at 5.30am for our morning wake-up route march, but this time thanks to a lot of stretching last night before bed and first thing this morning, I managed to keep up with the rest of the group- so I must be improving, either that or the rest of the girls are getting slower with fatigue! However on the way back to the house we had to do jogs and sprints so it wasn't a quite walk in the park after all, and all before breakfast. After breakfast we stayed inside and did an aerobics workout, I have fond memories of countless sessions in the gym doing legs, bums and tums and fat burning classes so it was well worth working up a sweat for. We also did another session of arm exercises again was slightly more bearable now that my fitness levels are improving. The instructors made us work for our lunch by asking us, in groups, to devise three 20 minute circuit training classes- one indoors and two outdoors (in the driving rain). We decided on an abdominal workout for the first, times relay racers and physical leg exercises for the second and an arm workout using logs (not my ideal choice of pain) and then we could eat a very well deserved lunch. We were then taken out for the rest of the afternoon by the Drover Holidays tour guides on a mountain biking trail around a local reservoir. It wasn't as easy as it sounds though, as always with boot camp out bike ride consisted of a lot of hills, which taught us all how to use the gears correctly and gave us thighs the size of Geoff Capes. But what goes up must come down and we went down those hills extremely fast, so fast that every time we reached the bottom we fell about laughing at each others faces splattered in mud we were all completely covered in it by the end of the afternoon and despite the bitterly cold driving wind and rain (and numb bums) we all really enjoyed the afternoon. After our evening meal we were allowed a little bit of a rest period in the form of a team quiz. We had to answer correctly a number of general knowledge and music questions within our Field Gun Crew teams- and guess what? My team, Air Fleet Arm only went and won- again. Amazing! Flopped into bed around 8.30pm. ]]> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PennyPincher/~3/rXy45IFvqrU/day_four_pedal_to_the_metal_1.html http://www.pennypincher.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/10/day_four_pedal_to_the_metal_1.html www.doverholidays.co.uk Wed, 08 Oct 2008 21:48:25 +0000 http://www.pennypincher.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/10/day_four_pedal_to_the_metal_1.html Breakfast: Seed and nut cereal with rice milk Lunch: Chicken with Quinoa (healthy alternative to rice apparently) Evening Meal: Haddock and vegetables Woke up at the crack of dawn and as usual we went on our routine warm-up walk (route march). On the way back this time we did relay work, which consisted of power walking, jogging and running along the country lanes, which so far has always been in the rain, but it's not so bad as we come straight back to the house for breakfast. I think the instructors Nesbit and Penn are taking it a bit easier on us today; perhaps they can see how tired and stiff we all are and how hard we've been working! We started off the next hourly session inside in the warm and dry with another abdominal workout and another boxing session which was really fun as we did it to the Rocky soundtrack- very inspirational and very enjoyable. While I have been here I have been getting to know the other ladies in the group a little bit more day-by-day and they all seem to have similar reasons for signing up for Boot Camp, mainly because they want to get fit and start an exercise plan and also to hopefully loose a bit of weight too. Interestingly most of them had read about the camp in either a newspaper or magazine article, and a few had been recommended by friends- so it seems this extreme form of detox and fitness is a very popular alternative to the health spa. We had another session with the nutritionist, Diane Green for the next hour, she talked more in depth this time explaining the concept of the GI diet. I'm still confused I'm sure GI stands for GI Jane, anyway I then managed to wangle my way out of the outdoor circuit training which was our next task as I was seeing Diane by myself for a one-to-one. She just advised me to cut back on pasta and wine (not my precious wine- I can't live without my daily glass of Shiraz) she also gave me some handouts on skin problems. I still had to join the out door session but luckily only for the last half, which is a good job as they were using logs as weights but I did complete all the running tasks- which is absolutely unbelievable for me. Back outside but this time it was for a competition which helped to encouraged team building amongst the group. Basically we were put into three teams and the one I was in was called Fleet Air Arm and in these teams we had to re-enact the Royal Military Cannon Run, except our cannons were made out of wooden logs and massive barrels. Our team really geared ourselves up for the racing, putting war paint (mud) on our faces and chanting. After running with our cannon over a 200 meter distance three times and re-building it three times along the way my team was declared the fastest and the overall winners. We were given a little wooden trophy for our efforts- it felt good to be part of the winning team as that barrel was really heavy to run with I can tell you. After another relay running session outside, which I again completed we had our evening meal. The evening was taken up with some outside rugby practice a bit more dame running and then finally stretches before we flopped into bed at 9.30pm. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PennyPincher/~3/is64t1cgwGM/day_three_things_can_only_get.html http://www.pennypincher.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/10/day_three_things_can_only_get.html New You Boot Camp Tue, 07 Oct 2008 21:18:57 +0000 http://www.pennypincher.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/10/day_three_things_can_only_get.html Breakfast: Eggs Lunch: Mushroom Quiche and Salad Evening Meal: Pea & Mint Soup followed by Chicken You've probably heard of restless leg syndrome, well last night I was suffering from heavy legs, so much so that every time I turned over I woke myself up as I tried to drag my stiff and weary body into a different position, everything is stiff from the bust down so I didn't get much sleep! I woke up very moody today. After roll call we went down the road on a route march, the further we marched the further I fell behind as my little legs just couldn't stretch into stride without causing me to huff and puff and grunt in pain but I managed it to the bitter end. After breakfast we went inside the house out of the cold crisp October morning air, to do a boxercise class and then leg circuit training. Then we had a talk with the nutritionist Diane Green, who advised us all to follow a GI diet which includes butter- I can't believe she said butter. After that we were worked like mad by the instructors during an outdoor military style circuit which included log jumping, dancing like David Brent (The Office) rope ladders and sprinting. It is such a long day that by the time you get to lunch you want to go back to bed, anyway after a yummy lunch we went for a four hour hill walk with some very helpful and interesting guides (from Drover holidays) who took us up a local hill called Physicians Well then over a ridge and back down the other side, Although it was very tough going on my already tired legs I made the effort and gave it my all and actually enjoyed it and felt a slight sense of achievement by the end of it. Once we got back to the house we did some more stretching which is really helping my legs feel slightly more like a 32 year-olds rather than a 92 year-olds, in fact I was quite disappointed to see that they still wobble like jelly when I walk even though they feel like lead. In the evening after our well earned evening meal we were sat down by the instructors and female staff member Kate to have a little chat about our feelings and how the whole experience was going for us, which was nice. I didn't say much just that I felt tired but I did feel a slight improvement in my fitness levels, which is also nice. Off to bed now to have another sleepless night. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PennyPincher/~3/cIRlwUmMBsI/day_two_stiff_as_a_board.html http://www.pennypincher.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/10/day_two_stiff_as_a_board.html Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:44:18 +0000 http://www.pennypincher.northwalesblogs.co.uk/2008/10/day_two_stiff_as_a_board.html