Couch Potato to World Getter

Since this is our home month, Erika and I decided to share some classic English snacks with you. We each picked three snacks to try, then compared notes. Here’s how it went…

---

Round 1 – Crisps 🥔

Mini Cheddars

• Cheesy biscuit cracker, really tasty.
• Two very satisfied customers here.
• Erika: ⭐ 5/5 | Amy: ⭐ 4/5

Walkers BBQ Sauce

• Classic potato crisp, mild sauce flavour (not overpowering).
• Erika liked these even more than the Mini Cheddars!
• Erika: ⭐ 10/5 (!!) | Amy: ⭐ 4/5 (not as good as I remembered).

👉 Winner: Walkers BBQ Sauce, thanks to Erika’s off-the-charts enthusiasm.

---

Round 2 – Biscuits 🍫

Fox’s Viennese

• Soft biscuit with a chocolate filling.
• One of my favourites, and Erika agreed.
• Erika: ⭐ 4/5 | Amy: ⭐ 5/5

Bourbon Creams

• Crunchier, with a good layer of chocolate in the middle.
• A real childhood throwback.
• Erika: ⭐ 9/10 | Amy: ⭐ 4/5

👉 Result: A tie — Erika and I swapped scores! If you’re from the UK, which would you pick?

---

Round 3 – Sweets 🍬

MilkyWay Magic Stars

• Sweet, creamy chocolate in tiny pieces (designed for kids, but still fun).
• Erika was all smiles; I wasn’t surprised.
• Erika: ⭐ 5/5 | Amy: ⭐ 4/5

Strawberry Flavoured Pencils

• Chewy strawberry casing with a soft white centre.
• A lot more chewing than I remembered, but tasty. Erika enjoyed them too.
• Erika: ⭐ 5/5 | Amy: ⭐ 3/5

👉 Winner: MilkyWay Magic Stars — but only just!

---

Overall Thoughts

Our final pick? Fox’s Viennese biscuits 🏆. Even Erika changed her mind after tasting everything, so they ended up winning their round as well.

That said, we’ll probably go back to our usual favourite snacks at the supermarket… though this taste test definitely reminded us how fun it is to mix things up once in a while.

It made for a really fun weekend activity, and we can’t wait to try snacks from other countries around the world. I wonder where we’ll be heading off to next…

With England being so big, there is still so much to do beyond the three things I wrote about last week. Here are a couple more experiences I’d love to have before I leave England — as well as the number one thing Erika wants to do!

---

🌌 My Picks

Science Museum – London
A mainly free activity (with some paid exhibits and an IMAX cinema), the Science Museum is a fantastic way to spend a rainy London day. It’s massive, with over 300,000 objects spread across multiple galleries. I don’t think the usual “2–3 hour” guideline is enough — we could easily spend a whole day soaking up all the knowledge here.

Inner Farne National Trust Bird Sanctuary – Northumberland
A beautiful island known for its seabird colonies, especially puffins. Grey seals also make appearances here. I love the idea of landing on the island, asking questions to the guides, and exploring its natural beauty with waterfalls, wildlife, and rugged scenery.

Bonus: Universal Studios Bedford (Opening 2031)
This one is still in the pipeline, but it’s special to me. Bedford is where I grew up, and Universal Studios is expected to open here in 2031 — right before our UK leg of travel begins in 2032. It will be fascinating to see this new attraction in my hometown, compare it to other Universal parks worldwide, and revisit familiar streets with fresh eyes.

---

🐾 Erika’s Picks

Arcade Club – Bury
Europe’s biggest arcade, with over four floors of retro and modern games. From classic consoles and rhythm games to Japanese imports and VR, there’s something for everyone. Since it’s pay-once, play-unlimited, I can see us spending the whole day here. Luckily, there’s also a café on the third floor serving pizza — Erika will be in her element!

Clarence Pier – Southsea
A traditional seaside arcade experience, complete with claw machines, 2p machines, and fairground rides. Erika still loves the carousel, and with two crazy golf courses nearby plus fish & chips and ice cream, it sounds like a perfect seaside day out.

---

✨ Closing Thoughts

As I said in my last English travel blog, there is so much to do in England — and this is just scratching the surface. This list feels like a complete mix: animals, fun, entertainment, and some education along the way.

Health isn’t just about running marathons or HIT workouts, heck I’m no where near any level to even This is a journey, and although I’m not bouncing off the walls yet, my fitness has improved and I’m finding some things easier. That said, our energy is lower on some days — and that’s fine. Here are some things I do when I need to be extra kind to myself on my not-so-energetic days.

---

1. Staying Hydrated

Water is great! Since switching from mainly fizzy drinks to water, my skin has become clearer and I feel healthier overall. It also helps with digestion, reduces unnecessary snacking, and boosts energy levels. I always keep a bottle with me to sip throughout the day.

---

2. Gentle Movement

If you don’t always feel like exercising (or simply can’t), little movements add up. Stretching, dancing in the kitchen while cooking, or even choosing the upstairs bathroom over the downstairs one — it all makes a difference. My body always appreciates the effort, even if my bladder isn’t thrilled!

---

3. Power Naps

One of my favourites! When focus slips and drowsiness takes over, a short nap can reset the day. I used to laugh at my grandparents for napping, but now I understand. Studies show that a 20-minute nap improves alertness, focus, and memory — without leaving you groggy like longer naps do.

---

Final Thoughts

Low energy isn’t a reason to give up on the bigger picture. Small habits, even on off days, help build momentum toward long-term health goals. My low-energy list includes naps — but yours might look different, and that’s okay! What’s your favourite small health habit when your energy is low?

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about a simple white tin loaf. No fuss, no fancy shapes—just honest bread that fills the kitchen with warmth as it bakes. This is the kind of loaf you’ll find in British kitchens everywhere: the daily bread for toast at breakfast, sandwiches at lunch, or buttered slices with soup for supper.

I have to admit I’ve only made bread a couple of times but it still nice an nostalgic from when my mum went to the supermarket and got a fresh loaf

---

A Little History Corner

The humble tin loaf has been a British staple since the 19th century, when rectangular metal bread tins became common in home and commercial baking. Unlike free-form loaves like bloomers or cottage loaves, baking in a tin gave bread a neat, square shape that was easy to slice evenly—perfect for sandwiches.

By the 20th century, tin loaves had become the everyday household bread, especially after the invention of pre-sliced bread in the 1920s. It was practical, dependable, and affordable—bread for everyone, every day. Considering we could have toast for breastfast, sandwiches for lunch and then beans on toast or on the side with soup we needed it!

Even now, despite supermarket shelves full of artisan loaves, the white tin remains beloved for its simplicity and versatility. Whether toasted, buttered, or piled high with fillings, it’s the bread that feels most like “home.”

---

Traditional White Tin Loaf Recipe

Makes: 1 large loaf
Time: About 2 hours (including rising and baking)

Ingredients

• 500g strong white bread flour
• 10g fine salt
• 7g dried yeast (1 sachet) or 15g fresh yeast
• 300ml warm water (hand-hot, not boiling)
• 25g butter (softened) or 1 tbsp olive oil

Method

1. Mix the dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Stir the yeast into the warm water until dissolved, then pour it into the flour. Add the butter (or oil), and mix until a rough dough forms.

2. Knead
Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and springy. (Or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes.)

3. First rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a tea towel, and leave somewhere warm for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

4. Shape & second rise
Knock back the dough, then shape it into a rectangle. Roll it tightly and fit it into a greased 2lb loaf tin. Cover and let rise for another 40 minutes, until the dough crowns just above the tin.

5. Bake
Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan) / 425°F / Gas Mark 7. Place a small tray of water in the bottom of the oven for steam. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.

6. Cool & enjoy
Remove from the tin and cool on a wire rack. Slice thick, butter generously, and enjoy!

---

Serving ideas

• Toast with marmalade for breakfast.
• A proper ham sandwich. Erika’s favourite
• Thick slices alongside a steaming bowl of soup.

The load isn’t about show. It’s about comfort and tasty just plain bread and butter on that still warm, fresh from the oven that just hits the spot.

---

Erika’s Thoughts on the Bake

• What did you enjoy most about making this bread? The proving part
• Was there anything tricky or unexpected? The kneading as it was sticky
• How did you feel about the final result? It tasted really good!
• What’s your favourite way to eat it—fresh, toasted, or with something special? Ham sandwich, but on its own with butter is nice too.
• Would you bake it again (or try a twist on it next time)? Only if I don’t have to kneed it.

---

Go on and make a load of bread and have that wonderful taste of fresh bread. It hits differently from store brought or even from a bakery. Something you make yourself is just so wonderful!

Welcome to my home country of England. A fitting place to start as in July or August of 2032 this will likely be the start of the big adventure. Not many people explore own backyard after all

---

Fast Facts

• Capital: London
• Population: 57.7 million
• Language: English
• Currency: Great British Pound
• Fun fact: Knocking on someone door and running away is illegal, however a lot of children when I was growing up played the game of knock knock ginger! Do kids still play this now?

---

Why This Country?

How well do you know your country? Can you write a travel book of everything about it? I really doubt anyone can, although you could have a good try. There is always something new to explore as the world is always changing. England is full of untapped places of vast untouched nature, big bustling cities, quiet idyllic villages, with quirky and unusual sights thrown in just for good measure. So why not explore more and see if it would be viable for Erika and me to travel long term with low risks. It’ll be a big change to both of us and I think making new routines in a somewhat familiar environment would be better than just jumping off into the deep end so to speak.

---

3 Quirky UK Adventures I Can’t Wait to Try

Cuddle a Cow
Isn’t this little fella cute and soft? Did you know you can actually give a cow a cuddle? As an animal lover, I think this would be such a unique activity and a way to feel closer to nature. Besides, how many people can honestly say they’ve cuddled a cow?

Puzzlewood
This is probably one of the more “touristy” things I want to do, but ever since I moved to Bristol and heard the name, I’ve wanted to visit. I’m not so much into the films shot there (and I’m not sure I’d even recognise them), but the forest just looks so magical. Apparently, you can even stay there! I’m curious how Erika will find it — she’s more of a city girl — but I’m hoping her little explorer side will come out. If not, I’m sure bribing her with cake at the café will help.

The Shell Grotto
One of my favourite childhood memories is collecting shells at the seaside. I never had enough to cover a sandcastle, let alone an entire underground grotto. The idea of an entire passageway decorated with shells feels so magical, and I’d love to explore it on a lazy afternoon by the sea.

---

Food I’m Excited About

• Colston bun. Even though I’ve lived in Bristol for almost 25 years, I’ve never actually tried—or baked—a Colston Bun. They’re such a part of local history, and it feels only right to finally give them a go. I’m curious to see how mine turn out!
• Shepards pie. This is hands down my comfort food. I won’t be making it this month, but it’s one of my absolute favourites. My gran used to make the best shepherd’s pie, and she always added mushrooms. That might not be very traditional, but it’s the taste of home to me. Served with peas or carrots on the side, it’s the kind of meal that just feels like a hug on a plate.

---

I hope you’ll enjoy discovering what England has to offer alongside me. It’s easy to overlook the places in your own backyard, but I’m excited to start my adventure here — exploring the quirky corners, hidden gems, and everyday magic that make England special. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to share both the little homegrown adventures and, eventually, the bigger journeys around the world.

---

The 3rd of September and do you know what this means? Erika’s back at school! No more distractions, no more mum can I have this sweet, cake, crisp etc. No more distractions just me and my will to get to where I’m going.

---

Current Stats

• Weight: 36st 10lbs (514lbs or 233kg)
• Total lost so far: 10lbs or 5kg
• Fitness level: non existant

---

This Month’s Goal

• Weight goal: 1 stone, 14lbs or 6.3kg
• Non-scale goal: Exercise at least twice a week.
• Nutrition goal: Have pack for at least 6 days.

---

Plan of Action

• Stick to my meal plan
• Drink at least 2l of water per day
• Do exercise on Monday and Friday and build up if feeling up to it
• Order more products!

---

The Whys

Why only a stone when it’s easy to loose weight at my size? So I don’t put so much pressure on myself and I’m still able to enjoy what I make and try it for my Monday cooking blog. If one meal out of the 21 I have each week isn’t what the world sees as health it won’t kill me. Will in hinder my weight loss, probably but teaching Erika to cook and exploring food from around the world is more important to me. At the end of the day I’m still a parent and Erika ultimately needs to come first. I’ve more or less been on diets since she was born and the amount of times I’ve had to say no when she’s cooked me something has been hard. Life is about balance and when I do go travelling, I won’t just be sticking to low calorie things, so I need to learn self control and to get back on a diet so it doubles up.

Why so little exercise? You should be pushing that. I’ve got other things going on in life behind the scenes, which are stressful, take up time and overal just a lot to deal with. As well as settling into a life of a blogger. I would rather give myself 100% across the board and achieve the goals I set to keep me motivated. So once I’ve sorted out some of my current problems in life I should have more time to dedicate to exercise. Besides this isn’t a sprint, its a marathon! So as long as I take more steps in the right direction a few side distractions won’t kill me.

---

By the end of September, I’ll check back in and see how far I’ve come. Any kind of movement towards my goals will be great. If I do loose a stone a month I’ll hit my goal in just after 2 years, which will be great. I’ll be fitter, be able to move more and be a functioning adult. I’ll be able to take you on adventures and I guess this would change into maintaing blog, instead of a weight loss one. I’m sure you want to see that for me. So lets get there together.

Let me know in the comments where you are in your own journey if your at the begining, in the middle of maintaining.

Although not a classic English dish, mushrooms have been a stable of English cooking. Think of the classic Full English breakfast or the humble mushrooms on toast. Also I love mushrooms. So needing a recipe to aid in weight loss and knew I would like, I opted for mushroom soup. Soup is very common and been eaten for centuries in the UK when little food was around and could be bulked up by veg. Plus even a novice cook like me could attempt.

---

🛒 Ingredients

---

👩‍🍳 Method

1. Spray a large pan with Frylight (or add margarine/oil). Warm over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic → cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Add 450g mushrooms → cook for 5–6 minutes until they shrink and release their juices.
4. Stir in the flour → coat the mushrooms and onions well. Cook for 1 minute to remove the floury taste.
5. Pour in the stock slowly, stirring to avoid lumps.
6. Add the milk and dried parsley (if using), season with salt and pepper, then bring to a gentle simmer.
7. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Use a stick blender to blend until smooth (or leave chunky if you prefer).
9. In a separate pan, quickly fry the reserved 50g mushrooms until golden.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning, then ladle into bowls and top with the golden mushroom slices.
11. Serve hot with wholemeal bread if you like.

---

✨ Healthy, cozy, and super easy. Proof you don’t need to be an expert in the kitchen. I left my soup chunky as I like to bite into things.

This version is lighter than most recipes because I swapped cream for skimmed milk and used Frylight instead of butter. It still tastes rich and comforting, but without all the extra calories. It also works well for busy evenings, a few ingredients, one pot, and you’ve got a hearty meal on the table in under 30 minutes. I can assure you the amount of work that went into it and the taste that came out was amazing. I was very impressed with it all.

I loved making this lighter take on mushroom soup, it proves that healthy doesn’t have to mean boring. This will definitely be added into the rotation on when I just need real food to break away from the endless shakes and bars at the moment!

What’s your favourite cozy soup or autumn recipe? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to try some new ideas!