10/29/2016

Anxiety In Pregnancy | Just Add Ginger


Anxiety in Pregnancy


I have always been a worrier. I am easily freaked out by the unknown, scared by the "what if" moments, and generally just can be a little bit of an anxious person. I don't think my overactive imagination and storyteller brain help, and since getting pregnant, things have just got a whole lot worse. 

It was our first scare that kicked things off. Up until then, I was just plodding along, suffering with nothing more than just a few moments of feeling wound up about things, and generally terrified that at some point in the future I would have to act as a grown up. But since that first visit to the EPAU, I have been a ticking time bomb. Nearly anything can set me off, and my hormones just make it worse. I find myself crying over  the irrational and things over which I have no control, probably because in this journey, I can't have control. It is just awful, and poor Ryan just has to go with it, even though we can spend hours upon hours talking over the same points just so I can gain some semblance of reassurance. 

Factor in to that two other visits to the hospital following out of the blue scares and you have the recipe for disaster. Anxiety is making it impossible for me to enjoy being pregnant right now because I live in fear of something happening again. It is entirely out of my hands, and that lack of control makes it even harder to bear. I'm counting down the minutes until I can feel baby move, and have even had to book a reassurance scan because the waiting to see little nugget was just too much to think about. 

Why am I telling you all this? Because pregnancy is bloody hard work. And I didn't realise just how much until I was there. It is terrifying. It's like riding a roller coaster in the pitch black - you don't know where the bends are going to take you, and when it's going to stop. And you sometimes don't think anyone will understand. Sometimes you just feel completely alone.

But you aren't alone. Be it a partner, a friend, midwife or GP, there is someone always there who can help you out - even if it's just to be a shoulder to cry on. Bottling up and hiding all these fears will only make it worse. But by embracing how we feel (even though we may feel incredibly silly) is one step forward on to a better path. As a first time mummy-to-be everything is a new experience and I don't know what I should be scared of, but knowing I have a support network really, really helps.

Even though ultimately we are pregnant on our own, we are not alone.

There may of course be times where you aren't able to talk to anyone, or, like I've felt, you just feel completely silly for even wanting to confess how you're feeling. For moments like these, this is where writing can really help. Hence why this blog post is in existence. I don't feel anxious right this second (I'm currently sitting in my dressing gown nursing dregs of a stone cold coffee), but I do feel a little on edge. And for no apparent reason. But by tapping away and bearing my soul to this little space on the internet, I can feel that tension ebbing away.

Even if you don't want to talk to someone, talk to no-one. 

Find a piece of paper and write down your fears, open a Word doc and type out the tension, or just talk out loud to yourself. The more you open up to accept how you feel, the lighter things might get. Anxiety shouldn't be ignored, but it's important for us to realise and embrace our feelings and let them become a part of this experience without taking us over.

I'm not writing this post claiming to be an expert. I'm far from it. All this is completely new to me, but after searching the internet for some sort of reference to help me realise that feeling lie this is okay and failing, I just wanted to get my experiences out there. Finding techniques to help manage these anxious feelings is really important for our well being. Pregnancy takes a toll on us, and we need to take some time to think about what will make us feel better, the support we need, and how we can make pregnancy feel as magical as it ultimately should.

10/25/2016

Dining At Chaophraya* | Just Add Ginger


Chaophraya Liverpool Just Add Ginger

I think nearly everybody has that one type of cuisine with which they are just not that familiar. For me, that is Thai food. It's not for lack of trying, but many of the dishes go beyond my spice tolerance and often I've found it difficult to get too adventurous because I just wouldn't have been able to handle the heat.

Chaophraya reached out to me about a week ago inviting me down to an evening dedicated to their new menu launch. Disappointed that I wan't able to make it on the night, I asked if I might be able to pop down (husband in tow) to sample the menu on another occasion. So on Saturday evening, Ryan and I found ourselves on a rather special date night in Liverpool One.

The beautiful décor and sheer opulent feel of the restaurant was clear pretty much as soon as we stepped in to the restaurant. From the staff's stunning uniforms to the gilded gold statues and beautiful finishings. The styling of the venue really helped set the tone of the evening in a highly sophisticated way, even down to the simplistic and chic menu designs. I was filled with high hopes as we sat down ready to make the agonising decision of just what exactly to sample. 

Chaophraya Liverpool - Just Add Ginger

Planning well ahead, and knowing that every time we take a trip to a restaurant, there's an agonising wait whilst I 'Oooh' and 'Ahh' over the menu, I had taken a sneaky peek online before heading out to eat. Thankfully this is where pregnancy works on my side as I was quickly able to eliminate things I couldn't have / contained things I knew I had lost my taste for. With this in mind, I ordered the Chicken Spring Rolls to start followed by the Duck Tamarind, whilst Ryan opted for the Steamed Dumplings with the Thai Red Prawn Curry as his main option.

Aside from all the delicious choices from the food menu, I was delighted by the drinks menu too. Jam packed full of amazing sounding cocktails, wines, spirits and beers, there was also a choice of non-alcoholic cocktails and soft drinks - something which can be a rarity in restaurants, and something that has become a bit of a bugbear of late. Not wanting to miss out on a fancy drink, I ordered a Tropical alcohol-free cocktail to sip alongside my meal.

Chaophraya Liverpool - Just Add Ginger

Chaophraya Liverpool - Just Add Ginger blog

Now normally, I find the sizes of starters to be somewhat inconsistent. Some can be too big, making it impossible to enjoy a full three course dining experience, whereas others are teeny tiny, barely providing enough of a sampler to whet your appetite. But our starters at Chaophraya were just right. Delicate, more-ish, and jam-packed full of flavour. The presentation was also fabulous, which really played a big part in our enjoyment of the food. We definitely chose the right dishes to start off our meal, as neither of us were that willing to share the food, and mouthful after mouthful were gobbled up in record time. Our Tropical drinks, sweet and smooth, provided an excellent bit of relief as we took intermittent breaks to coo over how lovely the food was.



Even though the restaurant was busy, the waiting time between courses was minimal. After a short wait after our starters, the mains were placed down in front of us. Again, our choices could not have been more perfect. As soon as the plates were on the table, a beautiful and fragrant aroma filled our nostrils and made our stomachs growl. My duck was a perfectly blend of beautifully crisp pieces and super succulent mouthfuls, and the accompanying sauce made the whole dish wonderfully balanced against the earthy qualities of the vegetables. And I was just as delighted with my coconut rice side (coconut rice is one of my favourites), which was busting with coconut flavour and really complemented the sweetness of my main. Ryan enjoyed his main course equally as much, and was happy to find that the prawns were rather generous in size. It was testament to the food that our conversation over dinner became less and less the more and more of the dishes we ate. Given time, I could have finished up every morsel, but knowing that there was a fair chance I may want to try out a dessert, I left just a little bit of space for a sweet.

Chaophraya Liverpool review - Just Add Ginger

It didn't take long to decide what to have. The one dish that instantly called out to me was the White Chocolate Box. I don't take desserts lightly, so trust me when I say that this pud was one of the most delicious that I've ever tasted. It cuts a close second to the Dark Chocolate And Raspberry Tears that Yukti offers. The mix of sweet white chocolate and the sharpness of the raspberry coulis inside were a match made in heaven, and it was incredibly difficult to share the dessert fairly with Ryan. The more I ate, the more I wanted, and if I had not been starting to get really full, I think I could easily have managed one on my own.

Going to Chaophraya really opened my eyes as to what Thai cuisine has to offer, With so many different choices on the menu, there is something for everyone, and you could happily go back again and again and try something different. It was one of the most sophisticated and opulent dining settings I have ever experienced, and I'm already looking forward to heading back again!

To find out more about Chaophraya and to take a peek at their new menu, click here

* I was very kindly gifted a free meal at Chaophraya for myself and Ryan (thank you so much guys). This in no way influences my opinions. They are always 100% honest and guided by my experiences and taste buds. 

10/23/2016

The Girl Behind The Ginger | Just Add Ginger


Blogger Q&A - Just Add Ginger

I'm a bit of a sucker for a blog tag. They are probably some of my favourite to do. And when I read Sarah's Q&A post, I knew it was a tag in which I just had to partake. I like to think I have quite an open outlook when it comes to the things I share on my blog, but it's questions like this that really help you get to know the quirkier side of me. 

So, without further ado, let's dive straight in to the questions....

Apple or Orange juice?
Orange juice. I cannot stand apple juice!

Are you a morning or night person?
Neither at the moment. I do tend to usually get more done in the morning though (when I'm not having a mid-morning nap)!

Which do you prefer, sweet or salty food?
It honestly depends on my mood. My biggest pregnancy craving right now is chocolate milk, and I love satsumas, but I would never turn down some cheese or a bag of crisps!

Ninjas or pirates?
Pirates. Definitely pirates.

Autobots or Decepticons?
Autobots. 

What was your favourite childhood TV program?
I used to love watching Captain Caveman, and I have always loved Scooby Doo. I have had a deep appreciation for mystery programmes ever since I was a child.

Are you a collector of anything?
Ryan would say receipts, but in reality not really. I used to be, but I value a tidy home too much to clutter it with collectables. 

If you could be any animal, what would you be?
Hmm....maybe a cat - then all the sleeping I do would always be justifiable, 

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
I'd love to be Mary Poppins and just make things tidy themselves away. Okay - so not quite a superpower, but such a handy talent to have.

What do you usually think about before falling asleep?
Not a lot. As soon as my head hits the pillow I'm out like a light. 

Do you believe in E.T's or life on other planets?
Yes. To think we are all alone in the entire universe seems a little odd. There must be something else out there.

Do you believe in ghosts?
Absolutely. I've never seen one, but I do believe they exist.

Ever been addicted to a video/computer game?
The Sims. I used to play it for hours, and I do dabble in playing The Sims 4 sometimes. I've lost hours (probably even days) of my life to The Sims.

You're given a million dollars, what do you spend it on?
I'd set myself up with a business, ensure I saved some for the future, make sure my parents have an awesome house, and then try and take all the family on an amazing weekend away. Money left over would be divided in between charities I support.

Do you have any bad habits?
I chew the insides of cheeks when I'm nervous or stressed. 

Which bad habits drive you crazy?
People who don't indicate when changing lanes!!!!

List 3 of your best personality traits.
Loyalty, Dedication, Hard Working

Have you got any celeb crushes?
Johnny Depp forever! And Thor - phwoar! I used to also have a huge crush on Legolas (the character in the LOTR films, not Orlando Bloom).

Name one thing you wish you could change about yourself?
I wish I was less of a worrier. 

What is the first thing you notice about the opposite sex?
Hair and smile

What personality traits do you look for in a partner?
Sense of humour, the ability to listen, and kindness. 

What personality traits do you dislike in other people?
Haughtiness, dishonesty, and deceptiveness.

Are you mostly a clean or messy person?
In between. Mess really grates on me, and I try to keep a tidy house, but sometimes leaving the washing up until the last possible minute is just too tempting.

Do you see yourself getting married in the next 5 years?
Haha - already done that one!

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
Somewhere where I can have grass beneath my feet. 

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I'd love to go back to New York. We were going to go around my 30th, but that's out the window now hehe.

List 5 goals on your life to-do list?
Raise a happy family
Be the best wife I can be
Write more
Say yes to opportunities more
Take a 1st class flight somewhere.

Name one regret that you have.
I don't think I have any. All choices I've made have led me to become the person I am.

Name one thing you love about being an adult.
Independence.
What is your favourite song at the moment?
Hmm..... I'm not sure. Anything Ed Sheeran because that's the cd in the car at the moment.

What is your favourite song of all time?
I don't think I have a favourite favourite, but I really like By Your Side by Sade & Us And Them by Pink Floyd

What's your favourite thing to do on a Saturday night?
Nap, eat, and binge watch Dinner Date. 

What is your favourite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon?
Go on a walk. I love Autumn and getting out in the fresh air when it's all crisp and chilly is just fabulous.

Have you got any hidden talents?
I do a pretty good Yogi Bear impression!

You're about to walk the green mile, what do you have as your last meal?
Salmon with really crisp skin, chive mash and Ryan's lasagne.

What would be your dream job?
Something where I could be creative. I don't want to be a high flyer, but as long as I'm doing something that makes me happy and means I can be there for my family I'd be content forever. 

Would you rather have, 100 million pounds or true love?
True love.

If you could have 3 wishes granted, what would they be?
I wish I didn't get so anxious
I wish chocolate milk was good for you
I wish  Beyonce would call and offer to play a gig for my 30th birthday free of charge.

Ever wish you were born the opposite sex?
Nope.

So, there you have it - did you learn something new? This was definitely one of my most enjoyable tag posts I've done, and if you enjoyed reading it just as much, then I tag YOU too! 


10/21/2016

The Diary Of A Pregnant Woman | Just Add Ginger



Just Add Ginger blog - Diary of a pregnant woman


Dear Diary, 

Y'know.... 

Being pregnant isn't everything
That I'd thought it'd be,
waking up at half past four
desperate for a wee, 

The things you want to cry about, 
the things that make you roar.
Disaster strikes when there's 
a single speck of dust upon the floor. 

Weeping over politics 
and sad things on the news, 
Getting annoyed at your other half. 
when what to eat you just can't choose. 

Cooing over baby clothes 
you just can't quite afford, 
Stressing over bottle types 
And what to paint on nursery walls.

Getting used to that big long list 
of food you just can't eat, 
The random deep sleep cat naps, 
when fatigue you can't defeat.

Finding that you've run out of clothes, 
"Nothing wants to fit!" 
Your husband still looks oh-so dapper, 
when you just feel like sh*t.


The anguish over baby names, 
Just how are you to pick? 
Dustin, Justin, Penny, Lola. 
Oh, nothing seems to stick. 

Aches and pains are everywhere. 
You can just about put on your socks. 
Gagging on your toothbrush - 
just when will all these things stop? 

And then there's the times you can't predict, 
when things don't go to plan. 
Waiting rooms and phone calls 
knowing the outcome's out your hands. 

But on this big new journey 
I wouldn't change a thing, 
When baby's here it's a whole new chapter...

of guessing if that's poo or chocolate on your chin.