Beating the blues

I've decided I've found the way to beat January blues.

We all know what it’s like you have a big build up to Christmas, time off, presents, food and drink. Within 5 minutes it’s over and then bam you’re into a new year. It’s cold, it’s dark, you’re back to work and you’re skint. Happy days.

A few years back I decided to try Dry January and in turn ‘become more cultured’. The no drinking was tough and I found I just became a bit of a hermit and didn’t socialise for most of the month. I did however discover I liked ballet, am not a fan of the opera and like exhibitions/galleries depending on what they are.

Like everyone else I was feeling a bit down about the winter and having to go back to work – especially after having simply been eating, drinking and watching films over the Christmas break and totally messing up my sleeping patterns!

I’m finding it hard to get up in the mornings whilst it’s so dark and I am constantly sleepy by about 3 or 4 in the afternoon. However, I am finding a way to deal with it.

Plans. Lots of plans – I’ve been on a booking whirlwind – booking in friends to come visit our house who haven’t seen it yet, making social arrangements after work and booking shows I quite fancy the look of.

So far we’ve been to see Swan Lake at the London Coliseum, The Likes Of Us by a local group at our local theatre, a wedding exhibition at the V&A, been on a work team meal out and eaten Mexican street food.

This week I’m catching up with an old friend over a meal and drinks and am going out for cocktails on Friday night.

I’ve already got booked up next week a diet/coaching talk show, a spa day and a wedding show.

That’s not counting having family over at the weekend, booking up another ballet and already having tickets to the Ideal Home Show (thanks to my lovely friend, one of my Christmas presents).

It feels good to see my diary getting full and it doesn’t make January and winter seem so glum that’s for sure.

The other thing I’m of course doing is trying to get back in shape. I put on quite a fair bit of weight over Christmas and in fact since moving into our house together. So I’ve also been trying to be strict since New Years Day and am exercising and eating a healthy diet/watching my calories.

Last week when I weighed myself I was a tad disappointed with progress however and tomorrow I plan to weigh myself again – another week in. So let’s just see how successful this blues beating approach is then…

Tutu-ly beautiful ballet

As one of my Christmas presents from my fiancé I had surprise tickets to the ballet.

Swan Lake.

I've always wanted to see Swan Lake, I remember it from when I was a little girl for some reason but I couldn't tell you why. 

I did go ballet classes for a short time when I was really little so maybe they showed us it, played the music or talked about it. I just remember knowing of Swan Lake from a young age.

Then Black Swan came out a few years back and it reminded me again. 

Knowing this - as he always does - my man got tickets so we could finally go see it.

So on Thursday evening we visited the London Coliseum and watched the English National Ballet. 

Each time I've seen this company I've been impressed, but the dancing in this performance was truly amazing.

Apparently the lead ballerina is 40 years of age? If this is true she is one talented woman. 

I lost count of the turns, pirouettes and pointes. 

The show was split across four acts. I have to say my favourite was act 2, the 'swans' dancing were so beautiful. It was mesmerising.

We were in the dress circle so I couldn't quite see the costume detailing, but I could see the sparkles on Odette's outfit. 

Even the male ballet dancers impressed me, normally I focus more on the females but the lead who played the Prince (his debut in the role that night) was so talented.

Now I can't wait to find another ballet we can go to. 

I was telling someone the other day how a few years back we tried to become more 'cultured' and visited galleries, museums, ballet and the opera.

I have to say ballet is still a firm favourite and it's good because my other half seems to enjoy it too.

The only thing I always wonder is why at times the ballerinas seem like feathers and completely weightless and you can't even hear their footsteps, yet at others it seems quite loud? 

My fiancé laughed at me but last time we saw the company I could swear I couldn't hear their feet on the floor at all. At the start of this production I really did notice the footwork sounds. 

Who I am to comment on their dancing and how light they are on the feet is anyone's guess. I certainly couldn't do it! (As my partner was quick to tell me!) 

If anyone knows what I'm talking about and if it distracts you too I'd love to know!

Regardless, I throughly enjoyed Swan Lake and can't wait for whatever we decide to experience next! 

Easter entertainment - bank holiday ballet

Twirling skirts, fairy-light steps, soothing music and twinkly costumes all formed part of just some of the Easter Monday experience for me and my family.

No, we weren't in fancy dress for our celebrations, we were actually at the local Queen's Theatre in Hornchurch viewing the Moscow Ballet perform Coppelia.

This show tells the tale of a professor who creates a group of dolls, one of which - Coppelia - becomes the object of affection for a local boy.

However all is not as it seems and the professor wants to bring his favourite doll to life by sacrificing a human. Who better than the male who's fallen in love with her?

Unlike other ballets I'd been to this performance had an interval between each of its three acts. Whether this is because of how the Moscow Ballet like to work or due to the small size of our local theatre's stage I don't know.

As always when I watch ballet, I was captured by the movements of these talented men and women - spinning, bending, floating, jumping and leaping. Yet again I couldn't decide where to look next. This time a lot of the music I hadn't heard before, but I still found it relaxing and soothing.

The three sections in this display include celebratory dances, stiff doll-like moves, marriage ceremonies, romantic lifts and comical acts to name just a few.

Despite being in our small local theatrical setting the sets worked well and the dancers moved fluidly across the stage.

However I did find myself comparing the ballet to those I'd seen previously, performed by the English National Ballet and at the London Coliseum.

Obviously The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty are very different shows. One key thing I think made a difference was the two intervals, I felt these reduced the magical feel somewhat and stopped you getting into the story quite so much this time around.

In addition, I don't know if it's the style of this ballet company or the production itself, but the dancing at times didn't always seem so elegant or as synchronised and routines as tight.

That is not to say I didn't enjoy this show though, I thoroughly liked the performance and it was amazing to see such a genre in my little local theatre!

The other beauty of being in a small local theatre - despite the dancers' steps sounding louder - was the fact wherever you sat you'd get a great view.

Regardless of where I was and who was performing, my love for ballet is still going strong.

I love the calming influence of the music and the enchantment of the captivating dancing style. Not to mention the beautiful costumes and the way after each visit I long to be a little girl again playing dress up and being that little magic fairy, angel or princess.

Just what I needed

Trying not to do some sort of countdown, but I've realised that we're now on day three of the four day bank holiday weekend.

So far so good. This break has been just what I needed I think.

Good Friday was indeed very good (particularly since I didn't seem hungover from the night before's work drinks). A lazy start to the day filled with hot cross buns and chocolate treats. Then a family day at my parents with a big roast dinner and catching up until the early hours.

Saturday I woke up feeling stuffed to the brim, so decided a healthy day and spinning was in order. Then a relaxing evening in with my man.

Today, Easter Sunday, again I've been 'good' with healthy eating and spinning this morning at the gym. I've had a lovely relaxing day a lovely hot bubble bath, reading a good book, lying on the sofa watching some TV. And now I'm waiting for my man to get home so we can enjoy a nice evening together, probably going to see something at the cinema.

It's hard as although I don't want to reach Monday since it marks the final day of the bank holiday, I'm excited to see it.

Easter Monday means another family day. I'm going to have a nice lie in, then head to the gym for spinning. After a few hours at home to myself (likely featuring some chocolate treats!) I'm meeting my parents and Auntie for an early dinner out. Once we've eaten we're off to the local theatre where my boyfriend will meet us to watch the Moscow Ballet perform Coppelia. What a great way to end the break.

So for now I'll carry on chilling on the sofa waiting for my man to get here.

And rest assured there'll be a blog on the way after tomorrow's latest theatre visit!

Snow, dieting and a bit of ballet

I'm sitting in my toasty warm flat - admittedly still in my pyjamas - relaxing as the snow continues to fall outside.

I've just realised I haven't blogged for a few days, so thought it was time for a bit of an update.

I'm considering doing a workout DVD for exercise (which if done will be my fifth day of exercise this week). I don't fancy venturing out in that snow! Last week I managed six days of exercise and healthy eating with a 'cheat' one day when I went out for a meal. I lost one pound. This I found really disappointing.

And of course there's been no booze. I'm still successfully working my way through Dry January, now on my 20th day and only 11 remaining! It's felt great if I'm honest.

Last night I enjoyed another meal out, a two course meal at Prezzo and a little treat of ice cream at the theatre too. Let's hope it's not undone all my hard work this week!

I noticed as well how I'm falling into getting used to not having alcohol - my third meal out now without drinking and I actually felt quite happy with drinking water with my meal. It doesn't seem a big deal anymore and doesn't need to be an automatic association of eating out combined with a big glass (or bottle) of wine.

The best bit of last night though was the entertainment afterwards - the ballet. I was back at the London Coliseum, this time with my Auntie, for her first visit to the ballet.

We were there to see The Sleeping Beauty. I wondered whether it'd feel so magical this time round - not being my first visit or still around the 'festive' season. On Friday as the snow came down I was also concerned the show might be 'snowed off' or we just wouldn't be able to get there ourselves.

Thankfully the snow held off and we trudged up to London in our wellies without issue.

In terms of the show? I wasn't disappointed. This time we were to enjoy the story of beautiful Princess Aurora and the curse set on her to fall into a deep sleep if she is ever to prick her finger - only a true love kiss from a Prince can awaken her.

If I was impressed last time at the Nutcracker, this time I was absolutely wowed. There seemed to be even more astounding displays of dance talent. 'Aurora' (Tamara Rojo) was so so talented. I couldn't believe how she moved and you were mesmerised by her pirouettes (I hope this is the right term!)

Again I recognised Daria Klimentova and Crystal Costa from The Nutcracker and this time they seemed even better if possible.

The costumes were again so so beautiful, the colours, detail, sparkle and amazing movement as ballet dancers leapt, turned and floated across the stage.

I think we can safely say I will be booking up to go to the ballet again!

As I relax today I really hope I get a good result in tomorrow's weigh in. I'm finally not quite so achey. I hit the gym on Friday for an hour's workout and decided to do a little bit of weight work near the end as I haven't done it in so long, then Saturday morning I did spinning as usual. I've been in agony since, so achey!!

Thankfully after a long sleep my muscles don't seem as bad and I can brave my Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred DVD later. Although again I've not done this in a long time so I might find I can't walk too well for work tomorrow (not ideal when you've got to negotiate snow and ice too!)

What a cracking performance!

Tonight I did something for the very first time. No, not the fact I went out for a meal without consuming any alcohol to compliment it (thanks to Dry January).

Tonight I went to the ballet.

I have faint memories of some music and ballet dancers from when I was young, but I suspect this was something I watched on television as a child.

I can also recall constant weekly instructions to practice putting our 'hatbox' on top of the 'wardrobe' at ballet lessons as a little girl. Pink leotard, tutu, ballet shoes and a dark grey and pink bag.

However, the closest I've come to the ballet since then is watching Black Swan at the cinema and on DVD.

As part of trying more things in 2013 I decided I wanted to go and watch a production and since I'd seen a brief write up in Stylist magazine about this performance at the London Coliseum, I made my mind up to go.

So after a (somewhat disappointing) meal at a chain Italian restaurant myself and the boyfriend went to watch The Nutcracker.

As a ballet novice what did I think?

Magical, stunning, beautiful, amazing, fantastic, talented, awe inspiring are just a few of the words that spring to mind.

The spellbinding festive feel of Christmas, the excitement of the children awaiting their presents, the darkness of the Mouse King, the jaw dropping talent of the dancers. I was completely hooked.

At times I had tears in my eyes, the same eyes I just could not take off the dancers' nimble feet and flexible legs. Wowed by the spins, lifts and turns, I just did not know where to look next.

Before going I wasn't sure what to expect and was concerned whether ballet would be for me. Would I get bored after a while?

No chance.

The costumes are so beautiful, as a female you felt whisked back to being a little girl wanting to be that magical princess, that fairy, dressed in outfits full of sparkle.

Male dancers leapt across the stage with ease and similarly made a simple job of lifting the ladies who seemed as light as a feather.

The set was strong and scenes were well set out and seemed to seamlessly blend into each other. In particular, the tree change and the end as Clara wakes from her dream were very smooth.

Also my first visit to the Coliseum, I spent the interval alternating between reading the programme and looking up at the ornate decoration of the building (we were in the stalls).

It was lovely to see so many people dressed up too, one thing I always find a bit sad when going to the theatre is how people don't seem to dress up anymore like I can remember when young. Not the case at the ballet, well certainly not tonight anyway.

I'd booked tickets today to see an opera at the same venue, high up and at the back of the upper circle. On visiting today I'm no longer worried as I can tell we'll still have a great - if very different - view.

I've always been one to voice how I'm not into classical music too, but tonight? I found the music beautiful and found myself surprised how many pieces I recognised and liked.

All in all I loved it. The costumes, the dancing, the venue, the music, the characters, the story, the young children, the adults, the male, the female, the orchestra, the sets.

I did note earlier today when looking at the ENO site that the next production is Sleeping Beauty, again by the English National Ballet company and if I can get back in the Coliseum again to see it before the opera next month I'm going to make I'm there!

Day two: the first temptation

As if we needed any proof of how pathetic it is to be so worried about making it just one month without booze, I’m due to come across my first hurdle today.

This evening I am going to the ballet to see The Nutcracker (my first time and I can’t wait!) but beforehand my boyfriend and I will grab something nice to eat. And this is where the first hurdle pops up.

In my head (I guess because I’m so used to drinking!) I think yum a nice meal and a big glass of wine. But of course I’m not allowed a glass of wine am I? As I explained to a colleague at work earlier I’m not a big fan of many soft drinks, I tend to have water or orange juice, or tea and coffee. I don’t like the typical fizzy drinks of coke, lemonade etc and I don’t really like many other juices or even flavoured water (even my orange juice needs to be smooth!)

Don’t get me wrong, there is no way I would break this not drinking pledge, particularly as it’s for charity. Tonight I will have a lovely meal, but I will drink water with it.

Hopefully as time goes on I won’t link events/meals/items with alcohol as a standard accompaniment and being alcohol-free will feel natural. Who knows I might even go off it for good! (Yeah right…)

Somebody also suggested to me I might need to replace it with another treat – i.e. nice food. This is definitely a no go, I need to get back in shape and lose more weight this year so stuffing my face like a pig is not allowed. In fact tonight is going to be my last treat for a while that’s for sure. Once I get back into the exercise routine (spinning tomorrow) I’m sure this will help too.

I’ll let you know how I get on and what I think of the ballet too. I’m hoping both situations will be big hits and highlight to me all the new things I can try in 2013 as planned.

I’ve already booked up to go to the opera early next month, so that’s another cultural item to add to the list. Me and a friend at work have also talked about going to an art gallery together and she’s going dry this month too so hopefully we can support each other!

Here’s to a healthier and (culturally) wealthier 2013 to come…