::The Myrabev Life::

::The Myrabev Life::: October 2014

Friday, October 31, 2014

{Recipe} Jacket Potato Lunch + {GIVEAWAY}










You know how you seat and think about lunch way before you meant to like an hour after you just had breakfast? Well that happened to me AGAIN, I was sat enjoying my work busying myself when my tummy was saying lady we need to know what we gonna eat and since I had breakfast late it somehow threw me off balance. Even though I had the time I didn't feel like making my Granola Breakfast or trying any of my Many recipes for breakfast and/or lunch so I had a bagel with herbal tea instead. I wish I was having my Avocado/Banana bagel meal but that was not to be instead my stomach grambled and cried bloody murder.
A photo posted by A July Dreamer (@myrabev) on
Whilst sad contemplating what to have for lunch I remembered I had boiled some eggs this morning for breakfast but forgot to eat then so carried them to work with me as well as some cheese I was gonna use on the jacket potato. I had also on a whim carried my tomato and basil soup which expires today to work with me with the intention of giving it away only to find I was in the office alone AGAIN. Anyway I put on these items together and it hit me I was gonna eat it all so that's how this recipe was born.

Items: Baking Potato, Tomato soup (you can make yourself but I had a bought one), 2 boiled eggs & cheese
Cooking: Microwave the potato for 6 minutes on high, then warm up the soup. Cut the baked potato in 4 and sprinkle the cheese onto whilst the potato is till hot (to allow it to melt) then top it up with the hot tomato soup and add the eggs (descaled ofcourse) as you please and wala you are done.

Let me know what you think of my Jacket potato lunch, also do you get chance to fix up lunch at work?

Now onto the giveaway, I am giving away £15 amazon gift card and 2 medium sized Ad spaces on this blog and A July Dreamer for a whole month. Enter my raffle below, also if you create an account with AliExpressUK you might just be in for a treat. I will be randomly choosing 5 people to receive coupons from  AliExpressUK, all you need to do is register for an account on their website and drop me your e-mail address associated with that account and I will send you the code which am sure you can use to purchase that Christmas present you want to get for that special someone.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Labels: , ,

Thursday, October 30, 2014

{Book Review} The rainy day man


Book Description

Have you ever felt that your entire life is infected with lies?

And eventually had to confront your own, genuine identity?

Danny Simon, a retired Israeli secret agent, is returned to service and sent to Israeli-occupied South Lebanon. His simple mission - to collect data - is revealed as a conspiracy. The facts, the people and his surroundings are all infected with lies, and as the suspense builds, Simon finds himself trapped.
Is Danny in control - of his family life, of his lover, of his superiors? Can he trust any of them? Can he regain control of his mission and his life? At the end of a thrilling chase, Danny reveals the true nature of his mission, confronting his own, genuine identity.
The rainy day man is a very well written spy story, with a mysterious plot that will make your imagination go into overdrive.
If you are looking for a great mystery novel with espionage, intrigue and suspense flavors to spice up your life, then on your next rainy day read this book by Amnon Jackont


My Review
When I started reading this book I was really confused and found it hard to understand what was happening, the starting makes it sound like there is a funeral of some sort when in actuality it was just the main character (Danny Simon) leaving his current job as a spy. The death part the writer was trying to illustrate the death of a fake life which the main character had lived for many years. The writer gives good back ground into the inside of the main character and his state of mind, his emotions and what his craving for. I started to really enjoy the book when the character went on his assignment not as a spy of sorts but as himself in lebanon. I started to enjoy the twists and the turns, the writer portrayed it so well that though fictional you could relate to some personal turmoil Danny experienced. I will not spoil the end for you but will encourage you to check it out and make your own conclusion, I think because I love the books to be more romance erotica and spy ones to watch them as movies made it and added to my struggle to read this book to begin with but it was exhilarating and absolute fun once I got it. This was my first ever spy book but I will say my overall experience is/was not bad and I am happy to recommend this book to spy and/or political fanatics.

How do you feel about reading spy or even political novels/books? 

 I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Labels: ,

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Handy items to always have around


Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links provided by Postpresso.
I have always been one of those people who always assesses the situation by worst case scenario and this has always saved me right. But there are times when even though I am aware of the worst case scenario I don't always act on that I mean if I continued to always do first case scenario I wouldn't really live my life I would be too scared but the following items I think are always very handy to have in the "just in case" situations.
Coach - Phoebe Shoulder Bag Purse

Coach - Phoebe Shoulder Bag Purse

Discretely stores all of your essentials in convenient compartments similar to Felix the Cat's bag.
Coach House - MADISON SMALL PHOEBE SHOULDER BAG PURSE LEATHER SCARLET RED 26224 - $279.95, Free shipping - Available at Fullfillment By Amazon

Levi's - 525 Perfect Waist Straight Leg Jean

Levi's - 525 Perfect Waist Straight Leg Jean

You never know when you might need a quick change. Keep a dry pair of Levis in your bag.
Levi's - Women's 525 Perfect Waist Straight Leg Jean, Golden Coast, 6P-M - $44.99, Free shipping - Available at Amazon.com

Nike - Women's Free OG

Nike - Women's Free OG

Strap on these running shoes before entering a dark alley late at night.
Nike - Nike Women's Free OG '14 Br Vlt/Mtllc Slvr/Brght Grp/Cl Gr Running Shoe 8 Women US - $110.00, See Site shipping - Available at Fullfillment By Amazon

Ultrafire - Zoomable 5 Mode Flashlight

Ultrafire - Zoomable 5 Mode Flashlight

Helps you find all of the items on this list.
Ultrafire - 1600lm Cree XML T6 LED Zoomable 5 Mode Flashlight Torch Lamp Zoom - $10.98, 5.14 shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace

Red Cross - Be Ready First Aid Kit

Red Cross - Be Ready First Aid Kit

A basic kit of survival tools in case you wake up on a desert island with only your Coach purse.
Red Cross - Be Ready First Aid Kit - 9165-RC - $23.26, 4.99 shipping - Available at Hayneedle.com

Tylenol - Extra Strength Acetaminophen

Tylenol - Extra Strength Acetaminophen

There's nothing like a good pain killer to help you forget your troubles -- or injuries. Tylenol - Extra Strength Acetaminophen 500 Mg (325ct) - $22.38, 5.70 shipping - Available at Fullfillment By Amazon

Purell - Hand Sanitizer Wipe

Purell - Hand Sanitizer Wipe

Wipe away all of those germs you touched today.
Purell - Hand Sanitizer Wipe Purell 1000 Count Bulk Packed Shipper 62% Ethyl Alcohol CS/1000 - $34.58, Free shipping - Available at Zoro



Tweezers, these have been living in my bag for the last two weeks now and have come in very handy. I seem to be suffering from splinters on my thumb and it always gets caught into something and its painful I tell ya! These tweezers are very sharp and give a really clean cut, the bamboo handle is very strong yet light I love. You can get one of these tweezers here, I have used this product on ingrown hair and it has worked amazing for me but be careful they are really sharp.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Labels:

Monday, October 27, 2014

Top 5 tips ~ new uni students


I remember my first day at uni like it was yesterday; I met one of my now best friend and so many amazing friends who I am still friends with today. When I started at university of Hertfordshire we were kept so busy that some of us had to receive a message on the notice board to say:
“…Call your mothershe is worried
Though embarrassing we had a very good laugh about it. If there a few things that I could share with new or prospective students its:
·         Best friend or not never ever share your work – I know this will come out as harsh but remember you both went there to learn not to be there 2nd teacher. Also you do not know if that person is going to respect you enough to just take the idea and not actually copy your hard work – this is plagiarism and at university this is very serious, you could get discredited for life I dare say.
·         Play hard and work hard – find a balance, this is very important. I know many people go into first year thinking “it does not count”. Yes is does not count towards your final grading but if you want to do placements during university this is all the potential employer has plus if God forbid you didn’t make the final mark to pass final year, you could get discretional points but only if they have seen from year one till final year you proved that you were hard working. Partying at uni is not against your learning, its part and parcel but you need to find that balance. I partied as hard as I studied, if I went party 3 nights in a row I studied three nights in a row without fail plus I had two jobs at the time to support myself.
·         Choose friends wisely – I know the first few weeks are hard because you’re in new environment, meeting new people making friends etc. but you need to start looking for people who are there to learn (and have fun second) and will help advance together in learning. Some people you may already know from college or school but it does not mean you only stick with them; make some new ones too.
·         Plan – I cannot emphasize enough how important planning is. When you start uni they are literally spoon feeding you in first term.2nd term they expect maturity and they expect results, suss out what you good at, what needs work and what you need to memorise. The “memorise” part sounds silly but there are just things that no matter what they fell to stick these are sometimes the things that come in exams.
·         Attend ALL lectures – when I started we figured that we had 24 IBMAP (Introduction to Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Pharmacology) classes and attending 12 was good enough. I was fortunate to have read and researched all the lectures that when it was exam time I knew my stuff even the classes I did not attend because I made the effort. Some people I know struggled very much and the worst thing to happen was repeating first year, if you struggle with first year which is mostly like final year of A-levels think how much work you need to put into second year also they may want you to repeat first year. Attend all lectures, if you can’t borrow slides (even notes from “good friends” – the ones that went to learn not to party all day and night”.

These are some of my top 5 tips for new university students and even returning students, I hope you find them useful. Don't forget to enter the curry's PC world competition to be in with a chance to win a laptop.
 

Labels: ,

Saturday, October 25, 2014

{Recipe} Pork with spring onions





This dish I sprang up because I didn't really want much but already didn't want to take too long in the kitchen. I love how it turned out and the taste of it, I really am enjoying creating little meals which am sure have been done before but for me they are first time creations.

...Prep 10 minutes, Cook <15 minutes...

Ingredients
Pork steak (marinate with black pepper, salt and olive oil. Ensure you make sizeable cuts on either side of the meat)
Spring onion
Chilli (optional)
Onion 
Tomatoe purée
Tomatoe (skin removed then crushed)
Lime (optional)
Knob of butter 
Rice (to serve)

Method 

1. Heat the butter, once melted toss the spring onions, chilli, onion in. Cook for 2 minutes
2. Add the tomato purée cook for couple seconds hen add the crushed tomatoes.
3. Add lime and Cook for 3 minutes. 

... At same time cooking the spring onions....

1. Heat the olive oil on medium heat, fry the marinated pork until brown on both sides.
2. Cut a line on either side of the pork whilst cooking to allow the oil to sip through and tenderly cook the inside of note done fully. 
....
 Serve topping the pork steak with the spring onions and rice or salad as side dish. 

Labels: ,

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Week 47: Personal Confessions ~ Debt is no small matter part 4

Hi there and welcome to my week 47 of personal confessions, today will be looking at how I am doing with my “Debt is no small matter” series. This series I started to document my path to a debt free life and how I making this possible, I also mentioned my new motto “if you don’t have it don’t spend it, no more pay later on high purchase items”. In week 39 I talked about where I was and how I was doing, if you remember I mentioned it’s not been easy breaking old habits but it was also no particularly hard because I had a set goal in mind and I have a certain view of what I want my future to look or at least attempt to look like. Today I will go further and review just much I owed and just how much I owe currently, it may shock some people and others will just shrug because well what I owe to them is nothing.
What I owed
What I owe
What I will owe come January 2015
£11,112.24
£4,817.20
£3,582.97
 So now you know how much debt I incurred in my 4 years at university (this is loans, credit cards and store cards). I will now explain exactly how this came about and this should not be taken as an excuse but the then current situation called for some.
 August 2008 I get my results from college, I have passed and I can actually go to university. I tell my parents we are all very excited and my parents tell me how proud they are of me. Fast forward two weeks later when my parents sit me down and explain how we could not afford for me to go to university this year and how I will have to wait till next year when we become British permanent residents for me to get support to go to university. You can imagine my pain and frustrations but there was nothing I could do even with the scholar I was short £5,500 for Tuition and £5,000 for rent, food and other necessities. I remember crying forever, I remember how G was upset for me and how much we hated the situation but accepted it because there was nothing we could do. My parents just bought a house with a mortgage so we could not apply for loan and I had no credit history so could not apply for loan. Anyway, I decided to become full time social worker and raise money for next academic year (2009).
 Fast forward September 2009, I had raised £4000 for tuition but had to remove £1000 to apply to become British permanent resident (not British just resident). I applied for government support but I was informed I was not eligible, I was gutted but again what can one do. I applied for a loan, got some credit cards and store cards (personal use and ego boasting nothing more) and ladies and gents this is how I slowly got into debt.
 At the start of 2014 I had so many misfortunes happen to me but what I did not know was they were also a blessing in disguise because here I was with almost £12000 in debt and just after 8 months I have been able to reduce this debt to just under £5000. The blessings that the lord has bestowed upon me are just too great I cannot thank him enough and cannot stop praising him.
 What has helped and worked for me (apart from the good lord) is calling each and every single company I owe and explaining my situation and agreeing to what I can pay them on a monthly basis. It was not always easy with some companies but I explained to them I could not give them what I did not have, I did a lot of expense and expenditure forms to come up with amounts that actually worked for me and the them. The important part was to make sure I could afford it after all my normal necessities had come out like rent, transport, utility bills etc. If you found that your debt is too overwhelming, speak to debt counsellors etc. they really help though they were not for me. Another option is debt free agencies which I personally don’t think were helpful to me but have been for other people.
 Have you ever been in debt? How are you/did you deal(ing) with your debt?

Labels: , ,

{Fitness & Health} Improve your fitness routine with these gadgets

Collage_-dkicyjivmz0okbxedvffa20140924-2-q7elkhjpg?1411549391
Hi there and welcome to another post on health, today will touch on fitness and gadgets. I will not fib I am still struggling to get back into my fitness regimen but I am working on it and thought maybe someone is also experiencing the same and would benefit from this post.
Need to start excercising or improve your existing fitness regimen?  Here are some products to help you be comfortable during and after exercise, keep motivated with music, track your progress and stay hydrated.

Balega socks

Balega socks

The Balega socks have great moisture management, comfortably cushion and all with a no-show tab that sticks out the back.
Balega - Outdoor Llc Little Big Run Sock - Small - $12.00, 6.00 shipping - Available at Title Nine


Sole - Sof Sole Arch Performance Insoles

Sole - Sof Sole Arch Performance Insoles

Great for the walker or runner, or someone who is on their feet all day and experience foot fatigue.  These inserts add another layer of comfort.  They are baked in the oven at 200F for 2 mins, then you stand on them for 15 minutes.  It will provide just the right amount of support.
Sole - Sof Sole Arch Performance Insoles - $17.99, 2.50 shipping - Available at The Insole Store

CEP Compression - Night Running Compression Calf Sleeves

CEP Compression - Night Running Compression Calf Sleeves

If you are experiencing issues with calf tightness, then you might want to invest in some calf sleeves. They help with tightness, soreness, shin splits, or even post run recovery.
CEP Compression - Night Running Compression Calf Sleeves - Mens - Neon Green - $31.85, 5.18 shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace
(1 reviews)

Nathan - HeadGasket Headband

Nathan - HeadGasket Headband

As the temperature starts to get cooler you might need some running gloves and a light. The Nathan Head Gasket has a light in the front and back and charges via USB so no need for batteries.

Nathan - HeadGasket Headband - $24.99 (24% off), Free shipping - Available at 6pm.com

iGadgitz Gym Jogging Armband

iGadgitz Gym Jogging Armband

These still has a protective screen but allows you to navigate your iPhone.

igadgitz - iGadgitz Black Reflective Anti-Slip Neoprene Sports Gym Jogging Armband for Apple iPod Nano 7th Generation 16GB - $8.99, Free shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace

Monster Cable - iSport Victory In-Ear Headphones

Monster Cable - iSport Victory In-Ear Headphones

Slightly pricey but these are comfortable, all weather and guaranteed to stay in your ears during a run.

Monster Cable - 128951 iSport Victory In-Ear Headphones - Green - $118.99, Free shipping - Available at Amazon.com

Nathan - Firecatcher Hydration Race Vest

Nathan - Firecatcher Hydration Race Vest

Stay hydrated with the Nathan Vest.  It has female friendly design with a easy adjust system and holds 2 liters of water. For men try the Nathan VaporWrap Race Vest.  If you don’t want a pack you can try the Nathan Quick Draw Handheld Bottle.

Nathan - Firecatcher Hydration Race Vest Nathan Blue, One Size - $63.95, Free shipping - Available at Holabird Sports

What other gadgets do you use with your fitness regimen? Do you have a fitness regimen?

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links provided by Postpresso.

Labels: ,

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

5 Easy Meals by Myrabev

1. Fried salmon with righteous salad dressing, pepper,tomatoes,onion,cucumber & lettuce.


2. Mackerel salad - tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, salt & pepper and lettuce.


3. Fried Pork steak - righteous salad dressing, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, salt & pepper.


4. Fried pork steak - with spring onions cooked in butter and served with rice 


5. Salmon with spring onions

It's been over a week since I moved to the new place am renting that means it's been over a week since I (re) started cooking again. A long long time ago I used to enjoy cooking and then well life changed and so did I. I lost the one thing that I absolutely loved (cooking) and didn't even fight for it but now I am and I am so happy.
Cooking is such an enjoyable experience, well at least for me it is. I love throwing different foods together and make an enjoyable meal. As you can see from my pictures I have been creating some really simple and easy meals because let's face it, after a long day at work the last thing you want is another long night in the kitchen hence my simple meals and best part apart from eating its that they are all under 30 minutes. 

What do you think of my very simple and easy to create meals?  

Labels: ,

{Healthy Eating} Seeds that are superfoods

Collage_shfkuuquufw6seh2qoyaeq20140924-2-1mqvqpkjpg?1411548937
Hi there and welcome to another post on healthy eating, most of you know I have been practicing vegetarianism (not full blown or religiously) as a way to improve my diet. As I have mentioned countless times I am not turning into a vegetarian not that their is anything wrong with that but I am just trying to eat right and practice their discipline. If you like me are still searching for some healthy ways to get better nutrition into your diet, try some of these super seeds. They can be easily integrated into your eating plans or diet with out too much fuss and contain just the right amount of nutrition you need.
Organic White Chia Seeds

Organic White Chia Seeds

Called a superfood by some, Chia sees contain high levels of omega 3 fatty acids as well as high levels of fiber and minerals such iron, calcium, magnesium etc.
Enjoy them on your oatmeal or cereal, stir it into your veggie shakes or add to yogurt for a nutritious boost.  You can also try adding to baking goods.

Organic White Chia Seeds -- 12 oz - $9.33 (55% off), Free shipping - Available at PureFormulas
(8 reviews)

Eden Foods Dry Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Eden Foods Dry Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Popular and known as Pepita in Mexico, they are rich protein, iron, zinc, magnesium, potassium and some fatty acids.  They also contain L-tryptophan can also help with anxiety attacks, depression and mood disorders.
Enjoy them toasted by the handful or add them to your salads

Eden Foods Dry Roasted Pumpkin Seeds, Original, 4 oz - $3.25, See Site shipping - Available at Tropical Traditions

Organic Hemp Hearts Raw Shelled Hemp Seed

Organic Hemp Hearts Raw Shelled Hemp Seed

A truly versatile plant, Hemp is used in a variety of products, from clothing to food.  It contains a high percentage of edible oils and fatty acids.

Enjoy them raw, ground in a powder, sprinkle into your favorite cereal or shake or use in baking.

Organic Hemp Hearts Raw Shelled Hemp Seed (12 oz) by Manitoba Harvest - $15.89, 5.59 shipping - Available at Amazon.com
(1 reviews)

Are you a fan of seeds? what are your favourite ones? I am new to them so all suggestions and advice are very welcome.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links provided by Postpresso.

Labels: ,

Sunday, October 19, 2014

{Off-Sunday} Meals of the week

I am in love with Granola hence my breakfast is granola infested.




My dinners are well that my dinners, I can't tell you how much I am enjoying sitting down and mauling my own cooked dinners. Why on earth did I ever stop cooking???




I am never really home during lunch time as in work 9-5 so this weekend it was a real treat to make me some lunch. I love avocado so it only made seem I use that for my lovely delicious bagels. 





Hi there and welcome to The Myrabev Life, I am sure you have noticed the increased number of food related posts around these parts and all my social media. Well just in case you don't know I kinda lost the cooking spirit about 5 years ago when I started uni and found a girl (now good friend) who loved cooking. She would come over to mine at whatever time I called her and best part we did same course so same classes. I am not a person who enjoys eating alone but well in life you need to adapt and that's exactly what I am doing now...adapting.
I have got my cooking mojo back and I am enjoying creating simple meals because even though I am enjoying my time in the kitchen I do not intend to stay there for hours on hours hence the simple and quickness of my meals. Anyway enough rambling, today I am sharing the meals I have had the pleasure of preparing this week. Unfortunately forgot to take pictures of my first ever chilli beef - yes I am not ashamed to admit I had never cooked chilli before and I hadn't had a foggiest idea how to make it but thank the heavens for the Internet wonders. 
What have you had this week that you cooked? Do you enjoy cooking?  

Labels: , ,