I'm Back!

 

 

Wow, the Blog has been up for 1 whole year now, and is doing so much better than I ever thought it would be! Thanks to all those that continuously follow and support..it means a lot! xx

Back to business though, the holiday has been and gone. I had a beautiful week in Torrevieja, Alicante with James - Sun, Downtime, Great Food and More Sun :-)

Throughout the week, I wasn't too far away from work however. Not only did I bear the EBW colours almost everyday through some Bikini Variation, but we also found a great little gym to train at (obviously, I didn't think we could go a whole week without some sort of training!) and I kept a daily log of food / observations and even a newspaper clipping that I wanted to share with you all.

You went to a Commercial Gym?!

We did indeed! for 6 Euros a session, we couldn't pass it up. Although the cardio section dominated most of the space, the free weights had their own separate room, and it was pretty well equipped! It even included the typical ''you missed leg day'' guy who, both times we went, was there doing some sort of shoulder and arm workout in front of the mirror grunting ;-)

Although I was the only Female, it didn't feel half as intimidating as other Commercial Gyms I have trained in. That was until I did a 100kg Strapless Deadlift and weighted Chin Ups....that caused a few looks...! I was chuffed though - despite the heat and the sweat, that was the heaviest I have managed to lift without straps!

How did you eat? Were you 'good'?

A few people have asked me this question, and did so before I went, hence the reason I kept track.

In essence, yes we did eat well, but we weren't short of a few indulgences. This may sound odd, but we just didn't want to scoff unnecessary food and gorge on treats because we didn't need them.

Not to say there weren't Ice Creams, Desserts, Chips, Bread, even Pizza - and of course Cider, Amoretto and Whiskey, but all in moderation (or once in some cases!) and this was due to how I felt after consumption. Yes, I was on holiday, but didn't want to spend my week in pain or uncomfortable because of the food I had eaten - I have worked hard enough to get to where I am, why would I spoil it and nearly ruin my chill time?!

We Love Red Wine...!

On the first day we visited a supermarket to buy some supplies for the week -  our intention was to cook our own breakfasts each day and then eat out for the other meals. We purchased lots of fresh meat and veg, eggs, water, cheese and nuts - and this lasted us the week. We had Pork Chops fried with Almonds, Courgettes and Aubergines one morning, Salmon and Eggs another and a Spicy Chorizo and Aubergine omelette - so we did pretty well on the breakfast front- until the last day - we went out for Gourmet Ice Cream and Coffee..!

We ate at some amazing restaurants too, some of which were recommended by Sanjay and Ruby, who we rented our Villa from, (Thank You both so much!) some just by exploring and recommendations by locals.

CHE Argentinian Grill

One of our favourite places - an Argentinian Buffet Grill with a difference. Rather than queuing up, plate in hand, everything is brought round to your table - every few minutes, a server will come round with a variety of cooked meats, vegetables and side dishes, you simply say yes or no to what is being offered! Everything from Beef Steak to Herbed White Fish, Sizzling Chorizo Sausages and the Best Black Pudding I have ever had (Yes, Really!) and grilled Veg. Both times we went for dinner, we were both too full to even contemplate dessert! In fact I only had a dessert on the last day...

Panache

A short walk from where we staying, we went here on our first night. James opted for an Escargot starter - not that bad actually, just like garlic-y, chewy mussels! We then both shared a giant, fresh Seafood Paella - it was beautiful! You could taste the freshness of the King Prawns, Mussels and other Shellfish included - Amazing!



Mmmm....Snails!



 

Huge!!

















Chapter 1

Probably our Favourite of all the places we ate. Simply amazing food! This was a small Fine Dining establishment that James was told about on one of his Golf Days, and I'm glad we checked this place out!

First, we went for dinner, Opting to share starters of Baby Squid stuffed with Feta and Chorizo and White Chocolate and Scallop Arrencini, accompanied by Irish Soda Bread and Garlic Alioli. This was followed by the largest and most filling Fish dish I have ever had - Teriyaki Cod on Peanut and Coconut Rice - Heavenly!

Again, too full for a Dessert, but we said we would go back on our last day as they did Roast Dinner ;-)

Wow! The Best Roast Dinner from a restaurant EVER!! The Food was just so fresh and flavoursome, we were so impressed - the portions were generous and they had the creamiest, smoothest Mash! Delightful!

Even though I was full to burst, I had to have a dessert - I went for a Blueberry Cheesecake - Winner!!

Gorgeous Fish Dish

Cheesecake makes me Happy :)



 

 

 

 

 

So I mentioned James went to Golf? There are some truly beautiful courses across Spain, so I could hardly deny him an opportunity to play at one of the Top 100 Courses in Europe - Las Colinas. The Landscape and Views were incredible and he even got to play with a Pro....Meanwhile, I caught some much needed Sun :)

 

 

Beautiful Course

Pool to myself!

 

 

 

I just wanted to share some insights into our time away, reiterate the fact that we all need rest and time away from everyday stresses and that just because you are away from routine, it doesn't have to mean all your hard work and discipline should go to waste :)

 

 

 I had a lot of time to myself to reflect and observe everything around me. One of the biggest things I noticed was Body Confidence. This I will cover in a separate post next week as I have quite a lot to say about it...including an interesting article I read in a newspaper whilst away.

I hope everyone has had a lovely summer and still striving for better and well on your way to reaching your goals!

 







Franki xx

Facebook: Franki Napolitano
Twitter: @fnapolitano2
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BNSF Britain's Natural Strongest Woman 2014

Another Comp, another write up, so here we go...




My Good Luck Omens

After a lovely day winding down on Saturday with Georgie, waking up Sunday morning at 6am felt easy. Minted Lamb and black coffee down, I was nervous. Food and bag ready to go, I started having doubts again, and was shaking with nerves but James reassured me that being nervous was a good thing and to not think about it until we got there...so I tried!



Upon arriving at The Centre for Functional Performance in Watford, I was greeted by the ever smiling familiar faces of the other Strong Ladies, including fellow EBW Coach Sara who had got down early to weigh in and eat! She had done a huge weight cut for this comp and luckily for her, she made weight...although it meant I was now also competing against her too! Once Morgan had arrived and we were all kitted up, it was time for an obligatory EBW Photo.....

I weighed in over 10kgs below the category weight which made me the lightest competitor...! At this point, we all received a goody bag containing our comp T-Shirts and a shaker, complete with protein (which was yummy!)

With 10am fast approaching, it was time to start warming up for the first event. It's fair to say that warm up didn't go well at all and I was in a bad frame of mind. Feeling very emotional, I avoided talking to people....and then I was told I would be second to go. So I started panicking...

Event 1 - Overhead Medley; 30kg Block x 1 into 35kg Log x 2 into 40kg Axle as many reps as possible  - 75 secs

Simple, press 30kg above your head. Easy. I've pressed more than 50kg above my head. But for some reason, I just couldn't get that block to go up.

In the warm up I attempted it and dropped it on my left knee as I placed it down, so all I could feel was that throbbing pain. That coupled with me battling to keep from crying mid - event, I just lost it. I attempted three times, each time swearing rather badly (sorry!) and then dropped the block on my left foot. I just wanted to give up. 4th attempt and with massive encouragement from the crowd, it finally went over my head!

After what felt like an AGE!!!

Straight into the log, 2 reps easily, I was pleased, but knew I was struggling for time to get any axle presses in. Still fighting back tears and trying to ignore the pain in my knee and foot, I took hold of the axle, attempted a clean but dropped, I had nothing in me. Then time was called and I stormed off and sat in the corner. What an awful performance. I was gutted.

Points: 1
Event Position: 7th










Event 2 - Max 18" Axle Deadlift

I felt good about this event, one that I had put a lot of work into in my training sessions so felt I needed to make up for my poor performance in the overhead.

All competitors had to do an opening 115kg lift and then nominate their 3 remaining attempts. We were told previously that the biggest lift would earn a new BNSF British Record, so I was pretty excited!

Having warmed up to 140kg, 115kg felt effortless so I opted for my first lift to be 160kg. Warmed up again and did 160kg, so changed my first lift to 170kg.



My Record Winning Lift!!

My first two lifts were 170kg and 190kg - both felt really good, no back pain, no fatigue...so I went for what I had originally aimed for; 200kg - and I was the only u65kg competitor to attempt it.

Stepping up to the bar for the final lift, everyone was cheering. Adam, the host, reiterated the fact that this lift would be nearly 4 x my own bodyweight, and hearing that was enough. 200kg went up, just like that, no jerking, kicking, screaming, I was amazed! And I had just earned myself a record!! This certainly made up for my overhead performance! I was firmly on a high!

Watch the video here: http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=TGaSg116Ams

Points: 7
Position: 1st








Event 3 - Farmers Hold, 60kg Each Hand.

It was too wet to do a Farmers Run (which I was secretly glad of because of my ankle and falling over abilities) so instead we did a max hold. I was last up and the longest held before me was an incredible 1 min 57 secs - so all I had to do was hold to 2mins...

Once they were up, I shut my eyes; I didn't want to look at anything to be distracted, I just needed to focus, which I did. I had asked James to shout out how long I'd held for, but I couldn't hear anything.

All of a sudden, I opened my eyes, and I don't even remember why. I looked across at Nina who was also in the hold for her category (and who also set a record with a 230kg Deadlift!) And saw the strain in her face. I started to wobble and did all I could to keep my shoulders from moving. At this point I think it was Katie and Ben I could hear shouting ''STABILISE!!!'' but I just couldn't and mine came crashing down just after Nina, with a 1 min 6 sec hold....rubbish!!

Trying to hold on....

Points: 2
Event Position: 6th










Event 4 - 80kg Big Wheel Squats

I had been squatting a lot in the run up, but hadn't really tested my 1 RM for a long time - so I went into this knowing my previous 1 Rep Max was only 85kg...

Warm up went well, although the heavier I went, the less I could control my Bambi Knees! But I Felt good and ready to get this out the way! James and I hadn't even spoken about what to aim for, so I didn't have a target...

Racking out, it felt so light, I felt positive and ready to go. 1st rep - I bang into the bar behind me and put myself off, even hearing a few ''oohs'' and ''ouches'' from the crowd - but I get up. And I keep going. I really don't know how, but I ended up with 11 reps, failing at the bottom on the 12th...going over to the #teamEBW crowd, James is beaming saying I'd done him proud, thinking I'd only manage 5 reps - I was buzzing and so ready for the next event! Although this was slightly dampened by Jenny and Becki getting 18 reps....but who cares, I was happy!!

Points: 3
Event Place: 5th









Event 5 - Carrying Medley - 30kg Block into 40kg sandbag into 59kg Circus Dumbbell into 70kg Duck Walk.

Ok, the end was in sight. I was tired and happy, but just wanted to get it all over with. Had a quick practice with picking up the dumbbell as this was the trickiest object to pick up.... and I felt ready.

I had to beat 34 secs so in my head, that was 15seconds max on each item....

Even though the block and I had made enemies earlier that day, it went up easy and felt light. Into the sandbag, and as this was tightly packed and could stand upright, I opted for a squat and hug pick up, again, feeling easy. The dumbbell was tricky - I had to pick up low, pull into my lap and get my arms under it as quickly as possible, and think I missed a bit of time here as I wasn't overly confident with it....but I got it to the end of the track and straight into the duck walk. It certainly didn't feel like 70kg and I honestly think that's the quickest I have ever moved with a duck walk. I managed 30 secs in total, which I was more than happy with. I was just glad it was over!

Points: 5
Event Place: 3rd

Overall Points: 18
 
Competition Place: 5th

Then came the trophy presentations; Claire and Jen from the Over Category both winning special awards, for Best Calves and Best Entertainment respectively.

Claire and her Calves!

Jen with her Viking Power!

Then Nina and I were presented with our Trophies for our Deadlift Records...queue another shy walk from me up to collect my trophy from Adam and have some pictures taken!

Nina collecting her well deserved trophy!

Frankie - Winner of the Overs!

Jenny - Winner of the Unders!

I placed 5th overall and was happy with that! Sara however placed an amazing 2nd considering her gruelling weight cut and self doubt - Well Done!!



EBW Have a pretty good line up of Coaches!!

And of course Morgan who also placed 5th in her category. She did exceptionally well despite also being the lightest in the overs, up against some truly strong women. Very proud of my training partner!

Morgan about to start her 100kg Squats!

#teamEBW !

 Once again, I would like to Thank all of those who wished the three of us success, it is a massive help! Especially to those who came all the way to watch us...we really did appreciate it!

And once again, a Huge Thank You to this chap, who as ever the professional, managed the diva strops, tears, swearing and foul language of three ladies perfectly :-)

 

 

 

 

Lastly, a huge Congrats to Jenny, Sara and Nadia on placing 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively, truly amazing, all three of you!

 

 

It was a pleasure to meet a new group of ladies, and I am sure we will be all seeing a lot more of each other in the future

 

 

 

BNSF Britain's Natural Strongest Woman 2014 Competitors!

Oh yea, and me and my new Trophy of course :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

No rest for the wicked though, after a day off yesterday, I was back in this morning for a squat session to re test my 1RM - I managed 91kg, which was pretty good considering the weekend..! I am aiming for 100kg by October...if not sooner!

 

 

 

Franki xx

Facebook: Franki Napolitano
Twitter: @fnapolitano2
Instagram: FrankiNapolitano

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 



Competition Time...Again!

So only two more days until the BNSF Britain's Natural Strongest Woman takes place and I'm happy to say I feel ready! I am under strict instruction to not train and it is killing me...I will be glad of it on Sunday though!

To keep me from bouncing off the walls, I am focussing on Yoga at home - stretching and relaxation to keep me sane and it's working....Sort of!  I am starting to notice a huge improvement in my flexibility though which can only be positive for my comp prep, right?!

Anyway, as I've said previously about comp prep, that's what it's all about, Preparation. What effort you put in before hand in order to be at your best for the day. How to prepare for such events, physically and mentally.

I'm not afraid to admit that at first, I wasn't sure I even wanted to enter this one, I don't know why, a mix of fear, apprehension and self doubt I suppose. Scared of losing face so to speak, after all, my main focus is to inspire others isn't it? How would it look if I didn't do very well this time? Fell over again? Came Last?!

Well, none of that matters at all, and this is what I have been telling myself. It has taken a lot of hard work for me to even consider entering such a competition, and the mere fact that I am proves to me that I deserve to be there.

By doing so, I will be setting an example for all my other Strong Ladies who want to compete, but don't yet have the confidence. That's my biggest drive for the day, you guys.

Right, back to being light-hearted please...!

I haven't yet picked what my breakfast will be on Saturday, although it will be an early one as we need to be in Watford for 830am... But I'm banking on a few extra minutes in bed whilst I have it made for me ;-)


A Breakfast Calzone would go down a TREAT!

Tomorrow I will be prepping my food for the day; I usually go for sausages (as they are ok cold - I actually prefer them that way!) and some sweet potato wedges, coupled with some raspberries and cashews to snack on. And lots of water! Regularly at these types of competitions, I see competitors with energy drinks and sweets - I think I would be seeing stars with all that sugar!! But hey, we all have our own mantras and preparation!

Morgan and Sara are equally ready - Sara recently won Basingstoke's Strongest Novice with Morgan placing 4th in the same comp, so they are quietly confident! I haven't been able to train with Sara but from my sessions with Morgan, I can tell she will do well  (I'm just glad she is in the category above me!) has hit some great PBs recently, and I am sure both ladies will do themselves, and EBW of course, proud come Sunday.



Just some of my training wounds...!

Lastly, I am just looking forward to seeing all the Strong family again. There is always such a great atmosphere at these events and I'm sure this one wont disappoint.

I think this is why I like Strongwoman / Strongman Competing as much as I do - rather than bitchy rivalry that you may find in other sport, I can honestly say that to date, I have witnessed no such thing at any comp I have been
to. Male or Female!

Everyone appreciates how bloody hard you have to work, the physical and mental exhaustion, the cuts, bruises and falls that happen, and everyone is respected. It's brilliant. Even just being a spectator hives you a real buzz!




I know a few people are interested in coming along to support us all, so the address for the event is:

Watford Gym
Sandown Road
WD24 7XA



I love this! Gutted I didn't buy it!

It's 8:30 Friday morning and I am already tetchy and wanting to lift something heavy....! Bring on Sunday!

And see all of you lovely ladies then - looking forward to it!



Franki xx

Facebook: Franki Napolitano
Twitter: @fnapolitano2
Instagram: FrankiNapolitano

Summer Time!

What a Summer we are already having?! I am loving it so far - and the countdown is on for my holiday....!

I went Bikini shopping not long ago (females will understand, new year, new bikinis!) and which three colours do you think I inadvertently picked?!

An excuse to buy a few more, right?!

Yes - Black, Red and White.....I wasn't trying to keep in touch with work! Most people go on holiday to get away from it...!

In keeping with holiday prep, I must pre tan as I am the palest Half Italian you've probably ever met!

Now, I am no stranger to a sunbed (Slap wrist I know) but this year I have avoided them as much as possible, instead, opting for a gradual tanning moisturiser.

*No Biscuit Smell*

 

*No Streaks*

 

*Even Application*

 

*Only £2.50 when on offer!*

 

*From the High Street!*

 

*Paraben Free!*

 

Good Old Superdrug!

 

 Simply put, this is an amazing product - and this comes from someone who looks at a bottle of fake tan and turns orange...

Why am I so excited about it being Paraben Free?

Well for a while now, I have been using Paraben Free cosmetics as much as I can - including Shampoo, Conditioner, Deodorant, Make up, Face Creams, Moisturisers, Body Washes and the like - and they are surprisingly easy to find.

The reason for this is that parabens can mimic the effects that Oestrogen has on the body -  although this is a natural hormone, I have discovered that my body overproduces it, which in turn has caused me a great deal of other issues which I am trying to manage.

I will do as much as I can to reduce my Oestrogen levels, as they can be effected by environmental factors as well as hormonal ones. Here are just a few things I do to help keep my levels managed;

*Drink bottled / filtered water

* Avoiding the use of a microwave to heat food

* Avoid unnecessary consumption of alcohol

* Use paraben free products as much as they are available

Like I said, they are getting a lot easier to find now too! A few of my favourites include;

 

 

The Nivea Pure and Natural Range - Creams / Face Wipes / Lip Balms etc
http://www.nivea.co.uk/products/sets/pure-and-natural

 

 

Sainsburys Body Wash Range - Cheap and smell AMAZING!! Available in Lemon, Mint, Lime, Coconut and Cranberry

http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/shop/gb/groceries/shower-12632-44/sainsburys-body-wash--fruits---lemon-250ml

 
 



Timotei Shampoo and Conditioner, Dry Shampoo
http://www.timotei.com/#/range/stunning-repair

 

 

Just a few ranges I would recommend :)

 



I am yet to find / use a good PF sun-cream...anyone recommend a brand they have used?


The other great thing about reducing my Oestrogen levels are the effects it has had on my body fat loss - I have seen significant reductions in the fat reading on my upper arms and legs - so would say it is certainly something to consider trying / looking into!

What preparation are you doing for the summer? Training Hard and Eating Well? Feeling good, or still dreading the thought of bearing flesh?

I'm still in competition mode so I am covered in rather fetching bruises and scratches (still!) which I am hoping will fade by the time I go away....! By then, I'm sure I will be feeling bikini body ready!!

The Life of a Strongwoman!

Expect a few more posts from me over the next two weeks in the run up to Britain's Strongest Woman - hoping to not only give you an insight from my point of view, but from the two other EBW Athletes Morgan and Sara too!

Until then....keep focused, work hard, and on top of all else - believe you can achieve!

Franki xx

Facebook: Franki Napolitano
Twitter: @fnapolitano2
Instagram: FrankiNapolitano

All Systems Go!

Can you quite believe little old me is now running her own business?! Me neither...it was a hectic first weekend, I won't lie - but I loved every minute of it! Sunday night was the best nights' sleep I'd had for along time...and the latest bedtime for a while too!

Chicken Fajitas and Slow Cooked Chilli

All Ready to GO!!!

Thank you so much to those who placed their first orders, and I am happy to report that all the feedback so far as been very positive.....!

"The soup is best I have ever tasted. Not usually a soup man and
think it will never satisfy me. This did and so tasty. Great work.
Next week might be a full 5 day order I think." Matt P

 

~

 

"(Your) Fajitas are Scrummy!" Ciara H

 

~

 

"Just had the soup. AMAZING!!! more please :) Also the roulades are SO good!! top work. I thoroughly recommend to anyone. Cant wait for lunch!" Adam W

 

~

 

"Yea, the chilli was great" James S (can't be seen to be giving too much praise ;-) )

 

 

 

Wow!!! Thanks Guys!

 

Here's to the next one!

Speaking of the next one, be sure to check my Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/FrankiNapolitano2 for this weeks menu, ready for your orders to be placed!


If you're in the gym over the next week or so, keep an eye out for my brand new Business Cards too! Feel free to take a few and hand them out!

So what else is going on?

Training is well underway for The BNSF Britain's Strongest Woman competition on August 10th! (Yes, a week before I go on holiday - just what I need - BRUISES!) 

Morgan Holmes

Glad to say I also have a new training partner, Morgan, who is also competing in this competition having placed 4th in Basingstoke's Strongest Novice last month....So expect a few videos and pictures over the coming weeks!

Sara Smith

A third EBW Strongwoman is also competing - Sara who placed 1st in the aforementioned novice comp - so there will be a great EBW Presence on the day! Can't wait ladies, looks to be a great comp!













The Event list for my weight category in this comp is pretty good too - take a look!

Gutted I missed both practice sessions that were held, so I'm hoping I will be ok on the day! Feeling pretty good about this one, despite only making my final decision to compete last week!

A few weeks ago EBW held one of their Events session which I love! This time I was joined by Polly, another Strongwoman competitor who was also at the qualifier I did in April. Sadly, she didn't manage to qualify this year, but we have big hopes for next year!

This is what I love about Strongman / Strongwoman - everyone is so supportive and friendly - it doesn't matter how you do, everyone respects the time, effort and determination you put into training - being especially supportive on competition days - even cheering on their rivals. How great is that?!



Polly from WHS down for an Events Session

And what's EVEN better is that more and more women are slowly getting into the support which is amazing! The Final I'm competing in in September (England's Strongwoman Championships) looks to be quite a spectacle - The organiser, Aaron, wants us all to be introduced to the crowd one by one - to our own piece of chosen music...and with a commentary on out training and a weird fact about us...plus the local press and sponsors being there - talk about added pressure! But I think that's great - what a way to feel like a celeb hey?!











Once the summer months creep in, most people go into panic mode about looking as good as possible with minimal clothes on - stripping body fat, fighting the bloat and pumping up their arms...I'm just trying to keep from getting injured and keeping my strength up - hoping this will carry over into my bikini body look too! Which reminds me...I need to bikini shop!

Franki the PT...!

As you may have seen from my FB Page, two of my clients have recently been through a bit of a ''detox' - basically two weeks of meat and green veg, no booze, sugar, dairy or caffeine in a bid to reduce body fat and really accelerate their results. Glad to report that both ladies managed to hit their short term target before their holiday / break away - one even losing an incredible 7cms from her waist and hips in a few weeks! Very proud of all my clients, well done to you all!

Lastly.....

On a Wednesday morning at 7am, you'll find me in the gym with an incredible group of ladies being put through their paces in my Elite Female class. Over the last 4 months, I have had amazing feedback on the class and I really enjoy leading these women on their quest for a healthier, leaner body. It has proven rather popular with people asking if I will run another....

Well I am pleased to announce, that from August, I Will Be! We are in the process of turning the first floor of our new premises into our Body Composition area and so from August, Monday Evenings at 8pm will belong to me and a second group of ELITE FEMALES! The class already has 5 of 8 spaces filled from ladies on a waiting list - so if you would like to snap up one of the remaining 3 spaces, contact me to arrange!

Safe to say it's All Systems Go with me right now - I love to be busy - gives me a sense of purpose and drive...lets hope it keeps up!

I hope you are all well and on track with your goals and focuses for this year!


Until Next Time!

Franki xx

Facebook: Franki Napolitano
Twitter: @fnapolitano2
Instagram: FrankiNapolitano

It's Nearly Time!

The wait is nearly over!

After a hectic few weeks of name changing, branding design, picking the packaging and finalising my menu, I'm glad to say that I will be taking my first orders this week!

 

 

Mia Cucina is open for Business!

I wanted a simple, yet memorable name for this - and what better than My Kitchen in Italian!

So....Remind me how this will work again?!

After my last post I received many questions on how the food will be available and in what capacity...

Each Thursday Morning, I will put up a menu for the following week which will consist of;

*Two Main Meals
*1 Side / Snack
*1 Soup

I will take orders until Friday at 3pm, and then the food will be ready for collection on Monday morning.

The Collection Point will be Elite-Bodyworks* and your dishes will be labelled with your name for easy pick up.

There will be 3 Collection Slots Available throughout Monday;

7:30am - 9am

12pm - 1pm

8pm - 9pm

As I may not always be there when you do collect, there will be an 'I Contain' list to accompany each dish - just so you have sight of what's in your food!

*Apologies, at this point in time, I am unable to do deliveries - watch this space though! For their address, visit their website http://www.elite-bodyworks.com/

The idea being that you can purchase as many of the four options as you like, knowing you have something to fall back on should you not get to do the food shopping on time - or just fancy someone else to do the hard work for you  ;-)

The dishes will be suitable for home refrigeration and freezing where stated, so you can buy as you go, or stock up!

Dishes will be provided in foil containers and the mains will come in two sizes to suit different appetites. These will be suitable for home cooking (either in the oven or the pan) and cooking instructions will be provided.

The soups will be one size and provided in an Eco Friendly pot - although I would still recommend heating through on the hob ;-)

I may have not been totally 100% clear on my first announcement, But to start with, I won't be able to provide 'days' worth of food' - although this is the long term goal - this is a little venture I am setting out on in line with everything else going on, but I am hoping this will grow into the flourishing business I want it to!

Anyway, thought I would keep this short and sweet as I will probably be bombarding you over the next week with posts! But I hope this has made things a bit clearer and I hope to receive an order from you soon! Keep an eye out on Thursday for my first menu and details on how to order!

*Oh yes, of course...Thank you to everyone who has supported me during this quest, be it with Name Suggestions, Meal Ideas, Marketing Advice and Good Old Encouragement.

A special Thanks goes to James for giving me the initial push into this and to my friend and colleague Rich Kearsey, Creative Director of New Media Group who has designed my logos and created my branding!* http://www.new-media-group.co.uk/

Just to end, I promised my Facebook Followers I would provide the recipe for the Coconut Chicken and Aubergine Tapenade .... so here it is;

Crunchy Coconut Chicken

2 Chicken Legs
1 Tbsp of Mild Curry Powder
Sprinkle of Salt
2 Tsps of Smoked Paprika
Sprinkle of Coconut Flakes
2 Tbsps of Coconut Oil

Preheat Oven to 180'

Scour the Chicken skin and drizzle some oil over the top. Then rub the Paprika, Salt, Curry Powder and Coconut Flakes into the skin, ensuring both legs are covered and drizzle a little more oil over the top.

Place in the oven and roast for 40 minutes. Meanwhile....

Chunky Aubergine and Mixed Pepper Tapenade
Well...Kind of!

250g of Mixed Olives
1 Aubergine
1 Green Pepper
1 Yellow Pepper
2 Tbsps of Tomato Puree
2 Garlic Cloves
2 Tsps of Paprika
2 Tsps of Mixed Herbs
Pinch of Salt
Coconut Oil
Juice of half a Lime

Dice the Olives, Peppers and Aubergine into small chunks and finely chop the Garlic Cloves and add them to a mixing bowl. Drizzle in oil and stir to coat the veg.

Then Add the Puree, Paprika and Mixed Herbs and stir again - ensuring all the veg is covered. Then add to a saucepan on a medium heat.

Cook for 10 minutes until the veg starts to soften, and then add the lime juice.

Continue to cook for a further 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Delicious served hot or cold!

Think this may be my last recipe for a while....I won't have anything to serve soon... ;-)

Franki x

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