Welcome to ‘Back to NG with a Degree✨’ – my graduate blog all about food, fitness, life and so much more!
Writing and content creation is an absolute passion of mine, and starting my own blog is something that I have been wanting to do for a while now.
So, when I realised that there is a gap in ‘graduate blogs’ on the internet – primarily finding student and adult ones throughout my own search – I thought that this is the perfect opportunity!
To call a little corner of the internet my own and post content that actually matters to me is so exciting, and I am so glad that you’re here to embark on this journey through adulthood with me.
So without further a do… where better to start than introducing myself?
Let’s start simple. Hi, I’m Amber, and here are ten things I am absolutely obsessed with right now:
1. Food👩🏻🍳
Of course, if you know anything about me, food HAS to take the top spot.
From cooking, eating out, trying new things, and enjoying all my favourite flavours – I just love it.
(I mean I love it so much, that I even started a foodie TikTok page when I was on a weight loss journey)😂
From trying delicious dishes and tasting new products on shop shelves, to cheffing up a storm in the kitchen, to simply socialising with family and friends, expect a lot of food content in this blog!
2. Fitness🏋🏻♀️🏃🏻♀️
Coming in strong next is another great love of my life: fitness.
After figuring that stepping into a gym for the first time at university would be a good way to improve my physical and mental health, fitness is now no longer just my therapy, but rather… my entire life.
I’m both a gym girl and runner, who loves the chance to listen to some cracking tunes and clear my head, all whilst having fun.
I have ran three half marathons this year so far – with a final (Christmas themed) one on the cards soon – and have some very exciting news coming… Stay tuned!
My favourite time to go is first thing in the morning, as I then have my favourite meal of the day – breakfast – to look forward to for when I am done.
Best gym day: Pull day (back and bis)
Favourite running distance: 10km
Go-to pre-workout snack: SOREEN!! I really am obsessed with all Soreen loaves
3. Café trips☕
Maybe it’s a sign that I am officially becoming an adult, but sitting in a café with a rich coffee, and having the chance to simply people-watch, has become one of my favourite things to do.
And who can complain when they get a Caffè Nero coffee free every week for being a member of Vitality? Expect this blog to feature the very best coffee shop ever (in my personal opinion) a lot…
A recent find and fixation of mine is a matcha latte, and I now feel that I have a personal duty to find the very best ones near me💚
(Please let me know if you have any local suggestions)
4. Dogs🐶
The saying ‘Man’s Best Friend’ has always rang very true for me.
For me, there is no better feeling in the world than sitting with your dog for a cuddle, or watching them trek happily around the block with you.
I am lucky enough to have four beautiful doggies in my life – Roxy (a stubborn Miniature Schnauzer), Fudge (a lazy Australian Labradoodle), Missy (a smelly Cockapoo) and Humphrey (a silly Newfypoo) – who are all amazing.
Don’t worry blog – you’ll be seeing them a lot!
5. Entertainment🎬
From films, books, podcasts, theatre, music to TV – I love all things on screen, page and stage.
I mean… I’m your true English graduate! Put a good book in front of me and I’m entertained.
I’m generally not picky on the genre – but I have a soft spot for a classic rom com (I mean: hello Bridget Jones era Hugh Grant😍).
My all time favourite book is not something I could ever choose (😂), but I love the local author, Matt Haig’s, Midnight Library!
What better way is there to wind down, chill out, be on the end of your seat and just be, well, entertained?
6. Day Trips🥾
Something that excites me? A trip to a new place.
(Or even a trip to somewhere I have been an awful lot).
Going out for a hike, exploring somewhere new, walking around a stately home, or even going to the local garden centre with my Nan, always fills my cup and makes me so happy.
Hiking fun fact: I completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge at uni with my best friend – and yes, we did almost die due to the weather!
7. Travelling🌍
This is the one that everyone says, but I really do love seeing new places.
There is something so magical in walking around and taking in a foreign city, embracing a new culture, or simply chilling on a sunny beach.
Cruising is always a highlight for me – offering the absolute best of both worlds. Chilling at sea – to get in your relaxation – and also being able to get off and see multiple new countries at port.
Best cruise I’ve been on? It had to be the Baltic one me and my Mum went on during the summer before starting uni. I am officially in love with Scandinavia.
Hopefully I’ll be going on another one soon that I can showcase on the blog!🤞🏻
8. The Seasons🌷☀️🍂🎄
If it’s worth being the subject of a Vivaldi masterpiece… it must be something special! And I can confirm that it definitely is to me.
I love the changing seasons… with there always being something to look forward within them.
Spring: bright and beautiful runs
Summer: heat and holidays
Autumn: cinnamon and pumpkin flavours
Winter: uhh hello… CHRISTMAS!
9. Fashion👚
Fashion is something I am starting to appreciate more now.
Matching colours, following trending styles and seeing what’s the latest in all the best magazines, is something that entices me.
As someone who lives in gym clothes, I’m so ready to find my style as an adult and maybe even be able to call myself ‘fashionable’ after refreshing the old wardrobe.
10. Family❤️
Finally… the thing that means the absolute most to me.
My entire world is my family.
A lot of people claim that their Mum is their best friend, or their Dad is the most incredible man in the world, or as you grow up, you realise that your brother actually is okay… but for me it’s actually true.
I am the luckiest girl in the world to call my family mine. They have always supported me, loved me unconditionally, and are a big reason that I had the courage to take the step to make this blog.
So there you have it — ten things I’m absolutely obsessed with.
I’m excited to see what these look like – or how they maybe even change – as I settle back into life at home.
This is the start of something big for me – let’s do this!
If you’ve recently moved back home too, are a local in Nottingham(shire), or share similar passions to mine, I’d love to know what’s been bringing you joy, and look forward to going on this journey together.
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