Gousto; Delicious Dinners on Demand
As a self-confessed foodie and keen home cook, I do love browsing books, magazines and blogs for new recipes to try out and have the freedom to experiment with. For this reason I’ve never signed up to any of the popular food delivery services as my evenings spent in the kitchen cooking are how I like to wind down for the day. However we all find ourselves short of time on many occasions but still wanting to have a wholesome, home cooked meal, hence when these recipe boxes would come in super handy. So after having a number of wonderful Gousto dinners at my boyfriend’s (like this exquisite spicy beef noodle dish pictured below) and hearing nothing but praise from my sister also, I was intrigued to give it a go for myself.
Signing up to Gousto is so easy and if recommended by a current customer, you can get fabulous discounts including 50% off your first box! They even have a handy app from which you can manage everything on your account including delivery days, pausing your subscription if required and of course selecting your recipes each week. In your box comes absolutely everything you need portioned out for your meals, taking the hassle out of finding obscure ingredients or having to buy those things you may only use for one particular recipe.
This was my favourite dinner from our first week’s box, a pomegranate chicken and beetroot tabbouleh salad. Whilst I was under the impression that meals would be basic and not that adventurous, I’ve already been inspired by different flavours and seasonings, such as the marinade for this chicken made of ground sumac, soy sauce and pomegranate molasses. Although I eat like a rabbit and need a ton of salad with my dinner, I would say that portions are just right meaning no waste too.
Each recipe comes with easy to follow step-by-step instructions, so really anyone can put their hand to cooking and learn along the way. I was even able to hand over the chef hat to my boyfriend the other evening as he rustled up these tasty veggie tostadas with red kidney beans, roasted peppers and a zesty sour cream. He did a great job and I really enjoyed this healthy twist on traditional Mexican cuisine.
Serving up another salad at home this week, I savoured every mouthful of this colourful plate packed full of goodness. The salty flavours of the smoked mackerel and pickled red cabbage were balanced out by the creamy butterbeans and crisp sweet slices of apple. Again, this is a combination which I wouldn’t have thought to try, but was really yummy and inspired me to experiment beyond my usual salad ingredients.
So far I’m really enjoying the wide variety of cuisines and meal ideas Gousto has to offer, and I will certainly be carrying on my subscription as life returns to normal and I have less time on my hands during the week. It’s fun to try new dishes and I’m excited to see my boyfriend expand on his chef skills and perhaps love cooking as much as I do. Gousto is a must try for anyone wanting healthy, homemade food which is fuss-free yet delicious!
Sign up to Gousto here – https://www.gousto.co.uk
I can’t deny, there were some hairy moments including when I almost plummeted head first through the wall! Needless to say the process of working out how to achieve the different positions made for a very entertaining video. I will admit though, I am at an advantage with my dancer background giving me flexibility and balance.
We simply setup the camera, cleared a space in the living room and using photos of couples yoga which I found on Pinterest, the fun began as we tried to recreate the poses. We attempted about seven positions in total, only one of which we failed to do!
It was certainly a lot of fun making this one and also tested my video editing skills as I had to cut down about an hour of footage to just five minutes. I think it’s always good to go outside of your comfort zone especially when learning a new skill, as this has made me excited to experiment with some different kinds of videos beyond just workouts.
If you’re bored during lockdown and stuck indoors, this really is a great way to pass some time with your partner whilst getting in a little workout too – not to mention the fits of giggles as you find yourselves in some compromising positions 😉
You can watch the full video over on my YouTube channel 
With pilates being the most conditioning and strengthening discipline particularly for dancers, I prefer to focus on the core, glutei and legs. I then also plank for around 7 minutes before stretching to conclude my normal workouts.
As a newbie to the world of YouTube, I decided to keep my first few videos more simple and fun for viewers to follow along to. Each workout is to a different chart hit which I have choreographed a series of exercises to, sure to get your blood pumping whilst having a boogy too! I think music is such a great motivator when working out and being a dancer, of course a good routine to match is a must.
Some of my videos are a little more challenging and really get you feeling the burn, whilst the slightly easier ones would be a great way to get your heart rate up before a workout. Either way, it’s so important for our physical and mental health to keep active during this time of isolation. With so many options online for at home workouts and even live classes, this is the time to smash those fitness goals!
YouTube is something I’ve always wanted to have a go at, so with all this time on my hands it was the perfect opportunity. It’s great that I can finally work on this little project properly and sharing something which I am passionate about, I too have fun making my videos. I do also plan on branching out with other style content in the future, travel vlogs being my ultimate goal. But for now I hope to inspire some people to get fit and stay active to stay sane!
At just 500,000 Indonesian Rupiah (about £25) for a private two hour lesson, including the hire of boards and rashy also, it was a bargain! Although I had already surfed quite a few times before, it was great to have one on one tuition and I learnt so much too including how to turn and gather more speed on a wave.
By the end of our two hours my friend who had never surfed before was catching waves and we didn’t want our afternoon to end. I must admit though, my muscles were aching a lot afterwards especially in my arms as it takes strength and stamina to paddle to catch those waves.
Our instructors were very pleased with our hard work and even brought us both a beer afterwards. They were a good laugh and made us feel comfortable and safe in the water which is so important when learning an extreme sport like surfing.
By sunset we were sipping the last of our beers and discussing the night’s plan for partying ahead. We grabbed a polaroid with our new Balinese mates and later that evening found ourselves sharing more beers together at Old Man’s. What a perfect Bali day – surfing until sunset and then partying by the beach until the early hours – living the dream!
I’ll admit it has been some time and I am very much out of practice now, but that doesn’t stop me from having a prance around once in a while to experience that exhilaration of expressing myself to music again. Even just putting on those old pointe shoes and trying out some of my favourite routines from the past gives me such joy.
Whilst I’m still able to do a lot and my flexibility remains good, I was surprised at how much more difficult it is just to get through an entire routine after so many years. It really makes me appreciate how fit and skilled I was back in the prime of my professional performing dance days.
Following such an enjoyable session in the studio again this weekend, I’m going to make the time to do this on a weekly basis if possible. Even if I can just get an hour a week in to re-master a few routines and let off some steam I’ll be happy. Sometimes it’s not about being the best at something, but living for the moment and taking more chances to reignite the soul ❤
Our villa and grounds at Borgo Poggiardelli in the heart of Tuscany was exquisite with the infinity pool and water well completing such quintessential Italian surroundings. Wearing my new Lack Of Colours rancher hat I too was feeling very European.
My usual morning routine on holiday consists of an am workout, followed by a quick jump in the pool to cool off before sitting back to enjoy my morning coffee – given the heat I often opt to make it iced!
If I’m not reading a magazine or plugged into my current favourite podcast (Venetia Falconer Talking Tastebuds), I try to make the most of catching up and just hanging out with my family. And that is what I consider to be bliss; chilling with my loved ones, listening to music and having a laugh like old times.
Bliss; perfect happiness, great joy.
With sweeping views across the harbour and CBD skyline, I feel very fortunate to have made this journey on a daily basis. The fresh air and exercise in the mornings always gets me motivated for work and physically exerts my body before many hours sat at my desk.
Being a trained dancer I have always done Pilates and find it one of the most beneficial training methods to sustain my fitness. Not only does it improve flexibility and agility, but Pilates is one of the most core strengthening forms of workouts you can do. This is particularly important for posture when sitting which can cause back problems later in life.
Taking part in our company’s complimentary Pilates class last week, I found myself more energised and engaged for the afternoon back at work. I would strongly encourage office workers to do the same and participate in at least 2-3 workouts throughout their week. Not only will this benefit overall health, but getting your body moving will revive creativity and enhance focus for a more productive day.
Dani Aneka 