Posts tagged coke
Ditch the Plastic with SIGG
33 months ago
I have been challenged by SIGG to ditch the plastic this February – more specifically, to stop buying single use plastic bottles for one month.
The fact is that in the UK we just don’t need to buy bottled water. We have clean running water in our homes, in our offices, in our schools, in our high streets. Bottled water is expensive and creates a lot of waste – tap water plus a reusable bottle is a much cheaper and environmentally friendly way to drink.
To help they have sent me one of their reusable bottles to use. It’s a 750ml “Active Top Performance Bottle” that has a special drinking system – ok, it’s a straw with a valve on the top. The stainless steel construction keeps drinks cool and fresh, and this particular bottle is suitable for still or carbonated drinks. I’ll review the bottle properly at the end of the month, but so far so good.
I’ve been using my SIGG bottle when I’m exercising, in the car, in the office and when I’m out and about. I fill it up with water from the tap or our Britta water filter when at home, or from the water cooler at work (which is plumbed into the water supply, it doesn’t use bottled water). I have no intention of buying any bottles of water this month, and so far so good.
To be fair I already try to use glasses or reusable bottles for my water consumption where possible; we don’t buy bottled water for drinking at home and I don’t need to buy it when at work. But we do often buy it when travelling in the car or when we’re out for the day – I must be more organised and make sure I fill up a reusable bottle or two before we go.
I do spend each week on other single use bottled drinks though – Diet Coke, Dr Pepper, Lilt, and so on. I will more than happily buy these when I’m out and about or at work and don’t even think about them being the same plastic as bottled water comes in. I should stop buying all 500ml bottles and use either my SIGG bottle or my glass for my soft drinks.
And this of course opens other questions. The challenge is about single use bottles. As opposed to reusable ones. Does ditching the plastic also include cordials? Does it include large 2l bottles of fizzy drinks? I’m not sure how far to take this yet. I wouldn’t want to give up flavoured drinks completely, that would make February very boring. I think it’s ok to buy large bottles, even if they are plastic – I think SIGG are encouraging me to use my bottle instead of buying water, which is readily available out of a tap. That’s how I’m going to understand it anyway. Agreed?
Do you buy bottled water regularly? What about 500ml bottles of Coke? Would you consider ditching the plastic to save money and the environment?
Disclaimer: SIGG selected me to ditch single use plastic bottles and replace with SIGG bottles to help drive their online social media activity.
My Moment to Shine
7To say this last week has been a roller coaster would be a massive understatement.
On Wednesday I became one of 8,000 people to carry the London 2012 Olympic Torch on its 70 day journey. And what an experience that was.
And it was nuts. Totally bonkers. Wow. What an experience.
At the briefing we sat round in circle and had to tell everyone our names and the reasons we were nominated. I found it very humbling being sat there amongst such amazing people – charity fundraisers, lifelong volunteers, sports people. After that we had opportunity to practice the “kiss” moment – the point where the flame is transferred from one torch to the next. We were encouraged to come up with a suitable pose or action to do for the cameras, but as always when I’m put on the spot like that I could think of nothing other than stand and wave. Ah well, waving would do!
The torchbearers on my bus started the relay at Bracebridge Heath and then into Lincoln for the route from South Park to Tritton Road. I was the penultimate torchbearer in the group, doing the leg from Dixon Street onto Tritton Road and down about halfway. I took the flame from Henry (120) and gave it to Aiden (122). On the way out of the city centre to Bracebridge Heath we were surprised at the number of people who were stood at the side of the road waiting for the relay to come through. We went out of through Bracebridge Heath to turn round and wait for the rest of the convoy which was on its way from Sleaford.
The torchbearer bus travels at the front of the convoy, well, behind some police motorcyclists and a car anyway. We travelled about 6 minutes ahead of the flame to give each torchbearer a chance to get themselves off the bus and have a few snaps taken before they had to start running. At the briefing we were warned that when we got off the bus people would want to touch the torch and have their photos taken with it, but we were instructed never to let go of it. Ok, I could remember that. But then when the first person got off the bus and was immediately surrounded by people I started to get rather anxious. If you were under 18 you had a chaperone to be with you at that point, but us adults were just left standing there. All I could think in my 31-going-on-12-year-old-mind was “I hope my mum is in the right place”!! As the minutes went by and more and more torchbearers left the bus, I got more and more worried about all those things I have mentioned before – falling over, dropping the torch, the flame going out, setting fire to the city of Lincoln… that sort of thing. I knew I was being watched through the power of find friends on my iPhone so my other half knew exactly when I was going to arrive at pole number 121, and I knew my mum and dad and a few friends were there too. I was also receiving LOADS of messages on twitter wishing me luck, I love social media!
The bus stopped, the doors opened and I stepped out. Mum was there, phew. And there were lots of other familiar faces too. I had some photos taken and then a little kid came up to me and asked if they could have their picture taken with me. Ok, I can do that. Then another. And another. This was good, I can smile, I was happy to be in their pictures, knowing it wasn’t me they were interested in at all, it was the torch. A few asked why it wasn’t lit yet, so I explained that I was waiting for the flame itself to arrive. Others asked why I didn’t run there. I don’t think the way the relay works has been communicated that well. Never mind. After a minute I looked up away from all the cameras and realised I was the hole in a doughnut of people – kids and parents and others surrounding me. A little girl in a wheelchair was pushed through the crowd, so I knelt down for that one. This was all very bizarre. They were all very nice, but again I knew this wasn’t me, it was the big gold thing I was holding onto (tightly).
A man on a bicycle, one of the policemen looking after the relay, came over and asked if I was ok. He said the relay was just a minute away – and I could see it. The big Coca Cola Beat Bus came by and I heard them shout my name over the tannoy – I was one of their Future Flames and they were shouting about it! A couple of Coke reps came over and gave me a hug, telling me they were proud and to enjoy myself. Before I knew it I was stood in the middle of the street, Henry had completed his leg, and our torches kissed. The flame was mine. This was my moment to shine.
I ran. Well, jogged. My hand waved at the crowd vigorously - they were cheering really loudly and there were 100s of people. As I turned the corner onto Tritton Road I could see my Future Flames banner really clearly. Fantastic. Actually it’s amazing how your ears can pick out voices. The whole crowd seemed to be cheering for me but I was able to hear and find a number of friends and colleagues whose voices I recognised instantly. Yes Julie and Lucy, those waves were for you, thanks for coming! And it was awesome to see my banner being waved really high – a banner with my name on – amazing! Thanks to everyone who came – some travelled a very long way. And I knew there were loads of friends watching it on the BBC torchcam too, which was just brilliant. It was a crazy experience and I’m so pleased you were a part of it, it would have been a bit lonely out there on my own.
I think I ran quite fast considering. I know I did. It took just under three minutes to do my 350 metres. A couple of times along the route I shoved the torch high up into the air like it was some sort of trophy. It was too heavy to hold it up there the whole way and I was determined that I wouldn’t look pained in any of the photographs (unfortunately that wish was not granted – some strange facial expressions going on, sorry about that!). One very timely cameraman got a shot of it up in the air and kindly sent me a copy to use – thanks The Lincolnite. I have been given so many photographs, it’s really nice having them to add to my album – and I even have a video too!
At the end of my leg I handed the flame over to Aiden and stepped to one side to wait for my bus – the torchbearers who had already run get on the bus at the back of the convoy. That was it. I was as high as a kite. And also very warm. It was a muggy day and I was wearing a shell suit.
Once back at Sincil Bank our guides decommissioned the torches (took the gas cannister out) and gave them to us. We had the same torch that we ran with which was a really nice touch – this was actually mine, the one I had used. I am so grateful to Coca Cola for giving me my torch, a lovely gesture that means a lot.
From there I walked into the city centre to meet my husband; still wearing that white suit and carrying my torch in its sock I was a bit obvious. Lots of people stopped to talk to me. People pipped their horns. If I had a penny for each person that asked for a light… It’s not me, I kept thinking, it’s the torch. Don’t let go. There was a party going on at the Uni which we went to briefly, but I just couldn’t go anywhere. I had my photo taken with a band who were performing at the event, a whole carnival type drum troop, and lots and lots of children. Which was nice. But also just a teeny bit scary. I don’t think I’d make a very good celebrity!
I was nominated to carry the Olympic Flame through the Coca Cola Future Flames scheme. My mum felt I had a good attitude towards life, not letting things like my eye problems get in the way of living and encouraging others to make the most of what they have. I hope I have done you proud mum – and I will continue to do my best to make the most of the opportunities I am given every single day of my life. And that includes right now, when my body and mind are trying to tell me to not bother with anything at all. I will try.
So thank you mum for the nomination. Thank you Coca Cola for choosing me as one of your Future Flames. Thank you LOGOC for a fabulous day. And thank you to everyone who came or watched online.
An adventure I’ll never forget. Bonkers.
This Future Flame Runs Tomorrow
7It’s very close now… just one day til I have my “moment to shine” and get to carry the Olympic flame as one of the 8000 torchbearers.
I’m carrying the flame for approximately 350 metres down Tritton Road towards the Uni, running leg 121 on day 40 of the relay (Wednesday 27th June) starting at 5.45pm.
I have just received my uniform (yes, the day before, cutting it a little bit fine there LOGOC and UPS!)…
…and I’m very thankful it fits! I’m very much looking forward to wearing this tomorrow along with the most amazing gold accessory – the London 2012 torch.
I was nominated to take part in the relay by family who think I have a good attitude towards life. My mantra “life is all about the journey” is something I try to remember daily, making the most of every opportunity I am given. In the last week that has been tested – both my father in law and grandad are currently ill in hospital. Neither will be able to see me run but I will lift that torch high for them both.
I’m looking forward to seeing the banner that Coca Cola made for me somewhere in the crowd… it’ll remind me on the day to make sure I savour every moment of this little part of my journey, creating memories to last a lifetime. I hope that phrase reminds you to do something positive with your time too – be a beacon of light for someone or something.
If you fancy cheering me on tomorrow then head down to Tritton Road about an hour before the relay starts (the roads close around 4pm I think so remember that!). There will be a pole or lamp post marked up with the number 121 – I believe that’s where I’ll be starting. Oh, and if you manage to get any photos please let me have copies!
If you can’t make it tomorrow but will be near a computer or other suitable device, you can watch the whole thing live on the BBC “torch cam” http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day40.
I know there are many who are down on the relay as I see tweets every day from people saying the whole thing is stupid, or saying not-so-nice things about those who have been chosen to carry the flame. That is a real shame. I for one feel totally proud to have been chosen to be a part of this celebration of the Olympic spirit across the UK. I hope you can at least see that the relay is a fabulous way of not only celebrating the fact that we are hosting the Games this year, but that the spirit of the Games – peace, honour, friendship – is alive and well here in the UK.
Here’s to a great day tomorrow. I’ll wave at you!
Nakd Infused Raisins
21 year ago
Dried fruit is healthy.
Sweets are not.
Dried fruit that taste like sweets?
Yes please!
These are Nakd infused raisins – they are little packets of raisins injected with a different flavour. I was sent a packet of each of the Tangy Lime and Crazy Cola flavours to try.
Seriously, these do play tricks on you. I really enjoyed them. The cola ones especially. I would describe the punchy-ness of the flavour as something like an Opal Fruit (sorry, Starburst). I know they don’t make a cola flavoured Opal Fruit but you get what I mean – sharp and juicy.
Could I replace my fruity candy habit with these? Well probably not entirely, but they are a pretty good alternative, definitely hit that spot when I really fancy something sugary and sweet. The little 25g packets are ideal for snacking in the office, and are great when out on long walks! I will definitely be getting these again.
You can find them in Asda (etc) priced at 39p a packet (so they’re also cheaper than a packet of sweets!).
Disclaimer: I was sent this product for free to review on Splodz Blogz, but I have not been told what to write about it and I have been no less honest as a result.
Move to the Beat
11 year ago
The London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay begins in just four weeks time on Saturday 19th May. And it’s 68 days until I get my hands on the gold perforated torch to play my part as a Coca Cola Future Flame. One of 8,000 people do be taking part.
Coke are encouraging us all to Move to the Beat in support of the relay.
There will be support vehicles and security personnel to keep us safe, exclusive merchandise (I’ve ordered my “I was a torchbearer” tshirt!), and celebration events. As someone who is just a normal girl with a normal life this is all getting a bit out of hand. I mean, the other day I had an email asking if I’d like to go for afternoon tea with the Chairman of my County Council. I don’t know if I’ll actually be going yet, but I’ve said I’m interested! I’m planning on taking every opportunity I’m given to make the most of this thing that is happening.
Coca Cola have very kindly bought my torch for me too, so I get to take the Olympic Torch (minus the burner unit – shame!) home with me when I’ve finished my leg of the relay. That’s the actual one I run with. It’ll be mine, only used by me. Wow. Thanks Coke that is actually awesome.
Another thing that Coke have done is made me a personalised banner so someone can hold it up while I’m carrying out my Torch Bearer duties. Here’s mine (and it’s been claimed by my mum!):
This will come with two personalised beat pads for people to make noise with while I’m running – so I can move to the beat.
There are a few things that worry me about this whole thing. Like will I fit into the size of uniform I’ve ordered. And will it suit me. What happens if it rains? I’d better not fall over, or drop the torch, or let the flame go out! Apparently it’s all going to be broadcast live through the BBC too – is that right?!
But whatever happens I know it will be a day to remember.
I won’t know the details of my exact 300m stint until four weeks before, but I know it’ll be Bracebridge Heath on the way into Lincoln somewhere around 4pm on Wednesday 27th June. I’m really not sure about what the day will be like but I do hope that there will be people there to see me (and take photos) as I take part in this historic and absolutely once-in-a-lifetime event.
Sponsored by Coca Cola
71 year ago
The news is now official – I am going to be carrying the Olympic Torch in the run up to London 2012 as one of the Torchbearers on the relay.
I had my confirmation last week but was asked by LOGOC to keep it quiet until the stuff about the relay was announced this morning at 7.30am – so I’ve been very good and didn’t tweet about it til at least 7.35am – thanks for all the replies!! I’ve seen the stuff on the telly and news websites about it, there’s loads of details about the route, the people, the celebrations and even the clothing.
I’ve actually known since back in October or even earlier than that about my nomination, and I blogged about it when Coca Cola confirmed I’d been chosen back in December when I received my Olympic Flame pin, but there has always been this “you are not confirmed until the security checks are complete” thing in the back of my mind… not any more!
I am going to be carrying the flame on Wednesday 27th June in Lincoln (Bracebridge Heath), one month before the Games open in London. I still don’t know the exact location, but know that it will be in Lincoln (it could have been anywhere from Grimsby to Lincoln via Boston and Sleaford). The Torch will arrive in this area at 16:44 (very precise!!) and it looks like my leg will be one of the first few from then.
I’m really excited. And I feel pretty special right now.
Because I have been chosen through the scheme run by Coca Cola I’m enjoying the phrase “hi I’m Zoe, sponsored by Coca Cola” at the moment. Free Coke? I doubt it but it’s nice anyway. Coca Cola have sponsored around 1,500 of the 8,000 torchbearers so I’m one of a large number of people, but it still feels brilliant. I know to some people the torch relay is more of an inconvenience than anything else, hype about nothing, but I’ve always been a fan of the Olympics and was so disappointed when I couldn’t get tickets for anything (I’ve booked a motorbike holiday instead now!), but now I can say I am part of the London 2012 Games – and that is awesome.
Since I got my pin badge back in December there has been loads of talk about the reasons people have been picked to carry the torch. Coca Cola call us “Future Flames”. Those of us chosen by Coca Cola have a little community where people have been sharing their stories, and there are loads in the press and media today and will be right up until the London 2012 Olympics open in July. The stories are amazing and I’m very thankful to be a part of the group.
I have been thinking a lot about this whole thing – of course I have – especially about why a panel of judges picked me over loads of other amazing people to do this. A recent email said:
You have been selected, as a Coca-Cola Future Flame, because of your passion and ability to open happiness in others.
Wow. What an email to receive. I am totally humbled (and actually shed a tear like a silly girl when I got that).
This whole thing is hard to believe because I’m just me. I believe life is all about the journey and as such do my best to make the most of every opportunity, trying always to do the right thing and keep smiling. I was given this life to do something with, so that is my aim – taking part in challenges, trying different things, raising money for charity, learning all the time, and being as encouraging to others as I can. I’m nothing amazing and to have this given to me is something I will never forget.
It is a cliché, but it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. I know it’s only 300m but being 1 in 8000 does make me feel kind of good. The day should be an awesome, I’m really looking forward to it.
