Being a spoonie

Late summer sun cast long shadows over the greenest of grass.

Today was going to be a good day, I had promised myself this. After recent events taking me into distraction, Harley would be my most faithful companion as we headed off into nature for some grounding.

Sadly, it was not to be so chilled as I was hoping as fellow dog walkers decided not to follow the rules and keep their dogs on a lead. Nothing was an issue really. But my anxieties took me to a place of worry and knowing I would need to rise early and get out

before too many people came into our space.  

Today is better. 

Piano chill music selected on my phone, playing through my ears like melted butter...writing...my furry friend at my feet.  Today was going to be a good day.  
A good day with curly hair.

Why not.

Nestle gluten free corn flakes

I was thrilled to find these cornflakes randomly on the shelf! Well done Nestle - they are delicious too.  Loving that - if you like to eat cereals and corn, you can as these had no added barley malt extract and many add it in for flavour.



Go see the video and I tell you more about the nutritional stuff in there you need to know :)

Ps subscribe to the channel as there is more and more going up over there to help you into your Lusher Life.



Have a wonderful Monday everyone.



Louise xoxo

Time to travel to Majorca

Majorca.  The island of blue skies and blue waters reflecting within the sandy beaches.

I love Majorca.  Had to believe it has taken me so long to find this place in my life.

Here for two weeks to relax, read, educate myself and get things moving along in my health, Scott and I have headed to the mountains.  Fully intending to take care of myself (the little things like a proper skincare routine),  I'm going to take time out of life to show myself some love.

Here's a couple of photos, I feel I need to write more but my early morning sees me super tired today.

Waiting for a bus!

In the airport lounge

On the plane!

Look at the coastline of Majorca

I never tire of this view.

Tired but happy with the balcony.

Time to sleep...

2am today.

2am?  It gets more crazy. Why don't I sleep?  Excitement?  Just don't need it?  Hmm, not sure I can say the latter as I haven't been feeling so well of late.  The crohns is nudging me to remind me it's still lurking. 
"Don't take me for granted." It calls.  I know, I hear you.  

We are friends now, me and Crohns. It's part of my life. A part I know I don't have to give too much attention to as I read the newest book in my library, "You are the placebo."
Yet, as I try hard to gain control of my tummy issues recently, I nervously pack for holiday.

Needing lots of care and attention to what I might take for appropriateness, I curse myself as once again I failed to take care of myself as much as I had promised this past week.

"Get to the gym." I ordered.
"Use the sunbed." I decided.  Making myself look more healthy generally helps with the mindset of feeling like I am healthy.  Still, fatigue took over and made me a spoonie once again. 
Intending to walk at as much speed as my tired legs will carry me, I'll help those cells get the oxygen they need from the sea air as I take to my holidays.  

Knowing this might be the first one in a long time (or should that be last one?) I pack armed with books and kindle and all things to help me relax.  

The stress of university exams has hardly seemed worth it to be honest.  The stress it has taken on my body is a hefty price to pay. Trying on the new clothes I bought for holiday I hardly recognised the woman staring back at me in the mirror.  Who is she?  My mum? 
Aging and losing the body that I would now love to have (wishing I had realised that way back when I looked more healthy than this) I am convinced I can get back to the place I was 3 years ago when my body was feeling better than now.
Surely hard work and paying attention to health can get those muscle tones back again.  'They' keep telling me in the medical world I need to take this and that, have this medication, this procedure, give up on the hard working life I lead.  Yet surely I could take a different approach and slowly get those fitness levels back again.

Not sleeping doesn't help.  Gladly, I gave up my room when mum came to live with us.  Yet I know it is taking its toll on my health.  We need to create more space.  Yet for the next 15 nights (would you include tonight still, although the dawn chorus is beginning?) I have a bed, some space to walk around naked,  which in turn means I can moisturise to my hearts content.  Well, who likes to do that then get dressed?  Be honest.  Ewww.

Holiday mode.  I feel blessed and lucky.  I have lots to read.  Lots to fill my mind with self help.  Cringe if you must but it makes me feel positive and bright for the future.

Knowing I have time to delete the 11,000 emails that have accumulated in my inbox while writing blogs and editing videos for the next couple of weeks, I know I am fuelling my passion.  The visitors to this blog have shown me with their feet they are out there. In turn the universe allows me to believe this can of course be the full time gig.  I LOVE it.  Thank you for reading! And subscribing to my youtube! 

Holiday time.  Here I sit at crazy o'clock and write.  After a particularly strange meal at dinner last night (I expected too much from Thyme at the Premier inn) I'm feeling a little the worse for wear.  Heading off to an all inclusive resort for our holiday,  I know I will have to use restraint and make careful food choices around my crohns.  Often limited, I must avoid the french fries.  They are way too 'carby' for me! Sometimes, the brits complain on trip advisor that it was the fries that saved them from starvation.  Hmm, lets see what we can do! Watch this space to follow our journey!

Much love, as always

Louise xoxo

Physiotherapy

Waiting for physio therapy. The smell of stale cigarettes fills the waiting room. Then I sense the smell of cannabis. Who knows that Patients story. Maybe it's medicinal. 

Either way,  I don't like the smell. 
Moreover, I wonder if I waste my time as I sit with around 12 needles in the muscle that gives me such pain.  Then I remember the dread yesterday as I saw my friend heading for the massive line of steps at uni. I can climb them but it hurts. Today my butt cheeks ache. So I remember yes, goto the physio. Let him do his thing with the acupuncture. 

Test tubes surrounded us in the lab this morning as I found my way around to getting on and experimenting.  Having been the only idiot who answered the head of department when he asked who has read the protocol (with the wrong experiment), I felt ok about the day ahead.  Despite my pain, despite the poorly people at home.  I was there, in class.
Unable to stand for long, I felt the acupuncture may do some good.

Yet it has been weeks now and I feel unconvinced that this is the right thing needed for this muscle wastage.  Perhaps this muscle needs working at the gym.  Perhaps the gut needs working on with Chicken Soup.  Helps absorbance of protein.  What is going on here?  I do not want to be this person who is unable to do the things I want to do.  So once again I suffer the needles, unable to stay awake at the duration.  Unable to feel the benefit until the next day.

Positive steps in the right direction are surely what is going to help me beat this crohns and muscle atrophy?  Let's see...

Much love

Louise xoxo

Photo shoot in London

GCSE time in our house.  This means many things!

"Mum I need to get this.  Mum can we go there."

Recently, to my delight, Nathan told me he needed photos in London.

St pancras

I love London.  I love Photography.  We took the tripod,  both DSLR cameras and set off on the train for the short journey into London.

Getting arty with sharp lines!

Eros, Picadilly Square

Man it was so so cold.  We had to stop and shoot, then walk fast to get the blood pumping to warm us up.  Stand and shoot again.  Yet it was fun.  I had to remember this was Nathans project and I must let him see the things and how to adjust the camera to get that shot.

Picadilly Circus

The Mall, leading to Buckingham Palace

While he was busy setting up the camera angles, settings and focus, I would take a similar shot just on my iPhone.  These I share with you here.  

Memorial

Typical Usher photograph

Buckingham Palace statues

If I am lucky enough I may be able to get my hands on those photos he has taken and share them with you here.  Just to show that the image in front of you is one thing, using the technology to make it even more beautiful is another.

I love the fact that we are all now budding photographers these days.  Prior to having our phones as cameras, pictures were becoming a thing of the past.

Do you love surfing and nosing everyones photos?

I sure do!

The sun catching the London Eye and Big ben

The Queens home at sunset

Typical london. Red phone box and Big ben

As the light began to fade, we saw the start of the Golden Hour.  A time where typically you see photographers setting up the best shots.

The London Eye and River Thames

Creepy or Fun?

My son taking his photos

Super proud of my children.  They turn 16 soon.  I simply cannot believe where that time has gone.  We are going to have a lot of fun celebrating their birthday. Lots and lots more photos to come for those ones.  Make sure you hop back to check those out!

Meanwhile sending much love as always

Louise xoxo

Why you need vitamin D at this time of year

Yesterday we saw the shortest day of the year here in the north.  Some celebrate the solstice.
Some chase around for last minute Christmas gifts.

All the while, your dear body is taking care of everything just the best it can.  Renewing cells,  fighting off infections and viruses and protecting you constantly.

What our bodies cannot do is the impossible.

During the months of October and March we simply do not have enough sunshine to help us out properly.

Sunshine?

Yes,  we need vitamin D in our bodies and the best way to get this is from the sun.  This might well not be a surprise to you.  You may know this already.  In the summer months we can get a little sunshine each day and naturally make the vitamin D we need.  So what do we do in the winter?

Often, the best way to ensure you don't suffer from a deficiency is to take a Vitamin D supplement*.  You know me, I do like all molecules going into the body to be the best they can be and I have found this little gem which is free from all the stuff I personally need to avoid.

After trying out this product and speaking to my friends at Epsilon life they have given me lots of information about their wonderful product.  If you click below you can see the reviews on Amazon which are pretty impressive I must say.  

As readers of my blog, you can enter LUSHERLIFE at the checkout for an extra cheeky discount code! Spread the word.

So what would taking Vitamin D supplements mean for you?

If you suffer from any of the following, it may be worth visiting your GP to get your vitamin D levels checked.  You might just need a simple supplement which is such a minimal investment in terms of finance and it could make the world of difference.

Fatigue and tiredness.
Muscle cramps and spasms.
Depression.
Erectile disfunction.
Osteoporosis.
Light headedness.
General aches and pains.

Yes the body is a miracle.  Every time I revisit information on the cell and biochemistry, I am blown away.  While nothing is a substitute for a well balanced diet and doing things 'au natural' we occasionally need some help.

Speaking with Epsilon they gave me this extra information:

• Epsilon.Life gives a portion of every sale to a Multiple Sclerosis charity
• We are the highest and best reviewed vitamin products on Amazon.co.uk Our vitamin D has a five star rating and close to 600 reviews.
• We are a small family run business and provide outstanding customer service to all of our customers
• All of our products are manufactured and sold exclusively in the UK
• We focus on selling only a small number of products, that way we can make sure that all of our products are of the best quality
• Any orders over £15 (with or without a discount) qualifies for free shipping

As I had mentioned, we are happy to offer all of your readers a voucher code giving them £5 off any order. They can use this code on our checkout page to get £5 off any order: LUSHERLIFE

New year is just around the corner (my birthday too!). I know we all like to make health a priority and if you order today, you will be ready to go on January 1st when you feel fresh and new and ready to make a difference to your health and your life.

Of course, I will be here to hold your hand every step of the way!

Wishing you the very best in health

Louise xoxo

My graduation from London Met University in Nutrition

Finally a dream came true.  

I got to wear my gown and mortarboard.  While I'm still waiting for the official photos from the photographer, I thought I would share a little of the news here with you.  

Have you ever graduated?  You will know what a special day it really is.  Feeling very regal and a definite sense of occasion.  The room at the Barbican Centre, London was truly buzzing with both anticipation and excitement.  My classmate sat next to me was really nervous.  Yet all I could feel was pride.

When  I was first offered a place at London met, I remember talking to my year 9 children about Chemistry.  Advising them that I had never learnt chemistry at school.  They gasped in disbelief as I told them this.  Mentioning the periodic table,  I questioned, "What is a periodic table."
More gasps.  "Mum you can't do a science degree if you don't know what the periodic table is!"

True.  They were right.  This was not going to be plain sailing.  

Leaving my first chemistry class almost in tears as the enthusiastic genius Dr who taught us was speaking Spainish to me.  It felt this way.  Thankfully, London Met were so supportive and there were many 'drop in sessions' and lots of additional ways to learn.  I went to every single one!

My final award came through after tears and frustration and I got my Diploma in Health, Psychology, Biology and Chemistry with an overall A.  Proud as punch!

As you can imagine, to graduate among such shining stars and people who really get out there and make a difference to the world was truly an honour.  I was proud to sign up to this University Alumni Association.  I wanted to keep connected.  I was proud to be London Met. 
This year, I continue my route into degree with the BSc (hons) in Human Nutrition.  Yes, more science. Much more! I have moved universities to Greenwich University much closer to home as the journey was such a challenge. I was so sad to leave my friends behind and a university who had shown me such amazing experiences.  
"Maybe you'll come back and teach for us in the future!" The admissions manager suggested.  Well, stranger things have happened.

The future is exciting.  As my children are growing ever more independent, I am thrilled that my career path looks set to kick off once again.  Watch this space! 
As I learn more and more I share over on my Nutrition blog for those who would like to see health improve.  It truly is a dream to get out and help people to eat better and take care of themselves holistically.  

Much love, 

Louise xoxo 

Getting ready

I want one of those (PhD)

New beginnings.

Anyone felt anxious?

New start; telling yourself you're fine?

Out of your comfort zone. You'll be fine. 

Then the heart beats. 

You remember. You're Human. No matter how much you try to embrace what the gurus tell you. 

I decided to wipe the slate clean today. 

I'll eat better. Drink less coffee and milk. 

Exercise more to sort out my dodgy back. 

Be less anxious. 

More confident. 

Worry less. 

All these things...

I can do it. You tell yourself. 

Then the heart beats just a little too hard. 

Nevertheless; determined to keep living life to its fullest, you push yourself. 

I hear you. I'm there too. 

Today's dawn was beautiful. 

Good morning brand new day. How are you?  Cos I'm brand new too. 

Brand new me. 

Embracing the law of attraction. 

Getting to grips with the science of human nutrition. My love. My passion. 

Beginning at a new university. 

Climbing these stairs to a wonderful new start. 

Deep breath. Can I do it?

I'm going to honour myself by trying. Just as hard as I can. 

Embracing the law of attraction. 

Are you with me?

We are human. Remind yourself!

Yet we can do this. 

Perhaps not the coffee part. 

Here's a new doorway to a new start!

Are you with me?

Deep breath. Much love

Louise xoxo

Find me:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/louiseushercoach...

Twitter:      http://www.twitter.com/louiseusher...
Blog:          http://www.louiseusher.co.uk (blog)
Instagram:http://www.instagram.com/lusherlife...
Podcast:    https://geo.itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/autoimmune-diet-and-me/id1023129375?at=1001l626&mt=2&ls=1

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Advertise on my blog: (from only $5)
http://www.louiseusher.co.uk/p/sponsor.html

Books:  My amazon author page: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Louise-Usher/e/B00C1KEE5E 

Recommended books for your Lusher Life: http://astore.amazon.co.uk/lusherlifefavouritebooks-21

Email: lifenutrition@virginmedia.com

I'd love to catch up with you. Come and say HI.......


Motivational Merch:  Mugs, t-shirts and stuff http://www.cafepress.co.uk/profile/108959736

Health Stuff: https://www.foreverliving.com/retail/entry/Shop.do?store=GBR&language=en&distribID=440500051320

A new chapter begins - All registered at University

Are you off to University in the next couple of weeks?

How do you feel?

Are you a 1st year fresher?

Where are you off to?

Yesterday saw the beginning of a new chapter for me too.  I completed my registration to my new university.  In case you didn't see my story so far:
Last year I was in London for my first year at uni.  I loved this place.  Didn't mind the travel either.  Although it played it's part with taking a bit of my health.  Being a "Spoonie" with Crohns, I need to give that lots of respect.... So I have now transferred to a lovely university close to home!

Open day after open day, I have gone along to do my research.  Reaching a place where research was all done,  there was still something I was unsure about. Knowing I would be missing my friends from London,   the comfort of knowing where the rooms were,  how the hygiene worked in the super lab,  enjoying my time on the train... I needed to feel 100% about making the move.

Little by little,  the universe (not university, the universe) has showed me nuggets of painful twinges here and there and so many reasons to make the switch.  Plus,  at my new local uni they are so super friendly and sweet.  They have already told me they would like to get me onboard with mentoring and training the others which is what I adore doing.  Feeling 'looked after' there is just priceless.

So,  look out Science and biochemistry,  I'm coming for you.

Nutrition at its best,  I am excited to extend my knowledge through evidence based science and research and share with you my findings online here.  I have a dream to help as many people as possible to get well through changing diet and lifestyle.  This has been a huge learning curve for me as I have learned to live with my diagnosis. 

I would love you to head over to my nutrition blog and follow me there as I share this specific information.  You owe it to your body (ohh; cheesy!)

Plus I will be sharing more and more health and cooking stuff on my Youtube channel too! 

In the next couple of weeks I am considering sharing with you my vulnerable reasons for doing what I'm doing and my dreams for the future and where I would like to be.  What do you think?  Would you like to see this?  Are you still reading this far in - as I would love you to leave me a comment.  This blog gets hundreds of views per day (which is mind blowing) yet I often don't know what you are all thinking.  This is my invitation to you for you to let me know.  Get in touch,  leave a comment or tweet me.  I would love your support with my journey. 

A new chapter begins.

Much love

Louise xoxo

Find me:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/louiseushercoach...
Twitter:      http://www.twitter.com/louiseusher...
Blog:          http://www.louiseusher.co.uk (blog)
Instagram:http://www.instagram.com/lusherlife...
Podcast:    https://geo.itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/autoimmune-diet-and-me/id1023129375?at=1001l626&mt=2&ls=1

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Advertise on my blog: (from only $5)
http://www.louiseusher.co.uk/p/sponsor.html

Books:  My amazon author page: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Louise-Usher/e/B00C1KEE5E 

Recommended books for your Lusher Life: http://astore.amazon.co.uk/lusherlifefavouritebooks-21

Email: lifenutrition@virginmedia.com

I'd love to catch up with you. Come and say HI.......


Motivational Merch:  Mugs, t-shirts and stuff http://www.cafepress.co.uk/profile/108959736

Health Stuff: https://www.foreverliving.com/retail/entry/Shop.do?store=GBR&language=en&distribID=440500051320

Going for a colonoscopy

Hey Everyone



Been busy recovering from my colonoscopy. I Vlogged it for you and have popped it on Youtube.



Let me know if you would like any more information and let me know if you have had one done too!



Get in touch



Love as always



Louise xoxo


Find me:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/louiseushercoach...
Twitter:      http://www.twitter.com/louiseusher...
Blog:          http://www.louiseusher.co.uk (blog)
Instagram:http://www.instagram.com/lusherlife...
Podcast:    https://geo.itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/autoimmune-diet-and-me/id1023129375?at=1001l626&mt=2&ls=1

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Advertise on my blog: (from only $5)
http://www.louiseusher.co.uk/p/sponsor.html

Books:  My amazon author page: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Louise-Usher/e/B00C1KEE5E

Recommended books for your Lusher Life: http://astore.amazon.co.uk/lusherlifefavouritebooks-21

Email: lifenutrition@virginmedia.com

I'd love to catch up with you. Come and say HI.......


Motivational Merch:  Mugs, t-shirts and stuff http://www.cafepress.co.uk/profile/108959736

Health Stuff: https://www.foreverliving.com/retail/entry/Shop.do?store=GBR&language=en&distribID=440500051320