4 little changes you can make in 2016 for a new you

So 2016 eh? Those pesky new years resolutions should be in full swing now.

With every new year we all strive to make changes. Be it our career, our weight or simply doing something out of our comfort zone. But all so often we let things slip. Then we drop into old habits. Quite often because we set the bar high with unrealistic outcomes. It gets overwhelming and then all of a sudden the goal seems unattainable. The trick is to set yourself little goals so you feel a sense of achievement more often. I find this often spurs me on and keep me in check.

1. Move more
Now I'm never going to be a gym bunny. There's always some burger to be eaten rather than slogging my guts out on the treadmill. Whatever. But I love walking. I can walk for hours especially when there's beautiful scenery to gawp at. Instead of slouching at your desk eating your lunch, pop out for a brisk 30 minute walk. Take in the surroundings, discover new nooks and crannies and rest your eyes from the screen. If you don't have time, go for a wander after work. It can be a great time to catch up with your nearest and dearest too. You don't even feel like you're exercising!

2. Change you eating habits slowly
Life is far too exciting to be eating lettuce leaves and tomatoes all bloody day. So instead make a few healthier choices and you won't even feel like you're being good because it's so damn delicious. Swap rice, pasta and noodles for wholemeal versions. I find they offer more of a nutty taste and add a lot more to meals. Cut out meat and opt for fish or veggie options during the week. With the abundance of food blogs available, you're not going to be missing out. Make yourself up a fruit salad for the evening instead of opening those packets of sweets. And eat lots of avocado. Because every needs that in their life.

3. Slendertone.
I was kindly given one of these to road test. The electronic ab specialists have bought out a new version of their famous toning belt and it even connects to a snazzy app on your phones called Connect Abs. Designed to sit under your clothes with everyone being none the wiser and flattening your stomach in 4-6 weeks, it's easy to dismiss it as another expensive weight-loss gimmick. But it actually does what it says on the tin! I used it in the run up for Christmas and noticed a difference in my stomach. It's a very odd sensation and kinda tickles your stomach but after a few days you barely even notice that it's doing its business. It's obviously not going to work miracles and you'll still have to keep an eye on your healthy eating habits and keep fit. But combined with these two things, the belt does what it says on the tin. Now I haven't gotten rock hard abs yet but I am noticing the difference because lets face it I'm not ready to give up those burgers just yet. But I have no doubt that with some hard work on my part and some hard work on Slendertone's part, that dreaded pouch will soon be left behind.

The brand has actually just released a new workout, BBT: Body, Boost and Tone which is designed to  revitalise the body and work alongside Connect Abs. No excuses now!

4.  Make leftovers
It's not rocket science to know that food made from scratch is a lot healthier than convenience food. So on a Sunday cook in bulk and freeze. That way when you get home late from work, you simply have to pop to the freezer for a nice home cooked meal and won't be tempted by Dominos. Chili is a fantastic option. Have it on a jacket potato, over rice or over potato wedges. Simples.

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5 of my favourite cookbooks

Cookbooks are my jam. I don't even want to count how many I have. I absolutely love buying them, settling down in bed flicking through the pages and rustling something up that looks vaguely like the picture. I am addicted. But these five are my current favourites.

1. Levi Roots Reggae Reggae Cookbook
Caribbean food is up there with one of my favourite cuisines and this cookbook is perfect for beginners. The recipes are so simple to make, ingredients aren't too tricky and everything tastes utterly delicious. I love the fact the book tells you all about Levi Roots and the journey he's made to get to where he is today. The Jamaican Ginger Cake recipe is perfection. Next on my list is the coconut cake and sweet potato pudding. Best start baking!

2. Lola's Forever
Every single recipe in this book looks mouth-watering. I've had a Lola's cupcake before in London so was over the moon when I was kindly treated to this book from the mother. It has every different type of cupcake, tray bake and loaf you can imagine. And then some more. Some recipes are quite time-consuming so it's best to set aside a lot of time for the kitchen. But they always come out perfectly and taste great. The rocky road cupcakes are bookmarked for my next baking session.

3. Mary Berry's Baking Bible
How could I not include the Queen of baking eh? The recipes always use simple, wholesome ingredients - nothing worse then wondering where the hell to get certain bits and pieces - and Mary always break down exactly what you need to do perfectly so there's not room for error on your part. She has everything covered. The cakes aren't anything too fancy but they're old favourites and always hit the spot. The Frosted Walnut Layer Cake has been calling my name for a while!

4. Jamie's Ministry of Food
I have a soft spot for Jamie Oliver but sometimes he gets a bit too fussy and includes recipes that take forever. That's ok on a lazy Sunday but who has time for that midweek when you feel like your stomach is about it eat itself? This is an oldie but a goodie. It's got some great British classics and lots of hints and tips to help you get to know your way around a kitchen. It's a fantastic option for those who are just starting to experiment. I still can't believe I haven't made the Baked Camembert Pasta. I'm slacking.

5. The Hairy Bikers' family Cookbook Mums Know Best
I wish I could employ the Hairy Bikers to be my full time cooks. These men are my heroes! They always create such hearty dishes with a slight twist to help keep them feeling fresh. After all, how many times can you have Shepherd's Pie eh? This one features all different types of cuisines but they all have a slight British twist to them which means they'll suit even the fussiest of eaters. Nothing to too intense. The cheesy cottage pie is such a crowd pleaser and always gets a nod of approval from guests. I think the curried salmon will be my next dish I tackle!

What are your favourite cookbooks? I'm always after suggestions! 

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Review: Brunch at Dishoom, Covent Garden

After sampling the main menu of Dishoom last year, I've been trying to fit in a date to enjoy their brunch. Finally Sarah suggested that we meet up with Lily before our trip to the theatre in Covent Garden. The time had finally come!

As I'm a greedy little piglet and my real life best friend was also there to egg me on, I ended up ordering the famous bacon naan and the Keema Per Eedu. A bowl of tender chicken liver, spicy, juicy chicken keema topped with crunchy sali crisp-chips and two perfectly fried eggs. All served with pau on the side. Absolutely mouthwatering! The brunch even topped the evening menu for me. A bold statement. The spicy chili jam was the perfect accompaniment to the crispy bacon wrapped in a light, thin naan bread. Something I'm keen to make myself at home. Bacon sandwiches are so last year.

As always service was great, the food came out piping hot and at the same time and it's reasonably priced. There's still so much more I want to try on the menu so I'll be back!

Have you tried the brunch at Dishoom?

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5 moisturisers for the winter

1.  Weleda Skin Food*
This handy tube is fantastic to keep in your bag to top up throughout the day - gotta keep that dry skin at bay! It is an absolute god send on my hands, really does make a difference. I love the gorgeous chamomile and rosemary scent that keeps your hands smelling fresh. The great thing is it's suitable for vegetarians too if you're that way inclined!

2. Palmers Cocoa Formula Night Renewal Cream
I treated myself to this last year in Chicago - those US drugstores are a dream right? I never even knew they had a facial range so made sure I brought this home in my suitcase. It has that same gorgeous smell of all Palmer's products and the luxurious thickness. It sinks in fairly quickly and doesn't leave your face with a greasy film. It's fantastic for the colder months because it's so thick and banishes any pesky dry patches that have crept up. A great budget buy that does exactly what it says on the tin.

3. Purepotions Skin Salvation Intensive Moisturising Ointment*
Thanks to this ridiculously cold snap in January, my skin has been out of control. My face feels so dry, my hands are chapped and my legs shouldn't been seen until July. But thankfully this ointment has been a lifesaver. It instantly soothes and soaks in the skin, giving you instant relief. The brand was founded by a mum who wanted to give her eczema-prone daughter some relief after nothing worked. After experimenting in her kitchen, she came up with this formula. Boy am I glad. It works a treat!

4. No7 Early Defence Day Cream
This has been a constant repurchase for months. SPF? Tick. Anti-ageing? Tick. Non-greasy? Tick. All the right boxes! No 7 really can't do any wrong in my eyes. Their products are always reasonably priced, do what they say on the tin and never flare up my skin. I think I'm going be a loyal customer for many more years to come!

5. Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask
I harp on and on about this product like a broken record. I sometimes use it as an everyday moisturiser when my skin is misbehaving like a trooper. It sinks in the skin like a pro and give your that supple, soft look that you would make a million bucks to have. All for under 25 smackers! A little goes a very long way so the bottle lasts for ages.

What are your favourite moisturisers?

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Turning 27

A few iPhone pictures from a birthday weekend of cake, cake and more cake. With a few glasses of wine thrown in too.

A picture popped up on my Facebook memories from six years ago at a party showing a fresh-faced
smiling 21-year-old. 27 seemed like an absolute age away to that youngster but here we are. 27 years old. I'll be the first to admit that I'm not where I thought I would be at 27 when I was that girl about to finish her Journalism degree. I had a naive mind brimming with wild ideas. But I've achieved things that that 21 one-year-old never thought she would. I've been places she'd only dreamed of. I've got to hang out with childhood idols - 911 definitely got my bodyshakin'. I've worked for publications that would have made her pinch herself. I've finally gotten the Mulberry handbags she obsessively stalked online.

With age comes contentment and I feel pretty content with my lot. I'm not a massive high achiever but I've worked hard to get to where I am. I've had quite a few hiccups along the way - especially last year - but then so does everyone. Life doesn't always follow a script. It chews you up and spits you out but the most important thing is you get back on your feet.

The older I've become the more I feel like I've grown more of a voice and the ability to do what is right for me. I've learnt to say no, go with my gut instinct and admit that things aren't ok so I don't suffer in silence. I've surrounded myself with people who just get me and allow me to thrive. I've learnt to appreciate the little things in life and despite what my ASOS account may say, I know deep down it isn't the material things that make me happy. The happiness comes from the people you surround yourself by and the love you show yourself. I am so grateful to live in this big, beautiful, crazy world and I can't wait to explore it more. I may not have wisdom yet but that's overrated right? Who wants to grown old sensibly anyhow?

Come on 27, let's make this year count. I have a good feeling. Even if it does mean I'm officially in my late twenties.

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3 places in London to go for a quick lunch

Sometimes when you're dashing around London trying to fit in anything and everything, you don't always want somewhere to have a leisurely lunch. Places to see people! But that chicken ceasar baguette from Pret can only be eaten so many times. So here are three quick, cool and tasty independent eateries that are perfect to fill your belly before you soak up even more sights and run those errands. 

1. Banh Mi Bay
Vietnamese is one of my favourite cuisines. It's a fairly new one to me but I love how fresh, flavoursome and interesting it is. Hannah introduced me to Banh Mi Bay which specialises in the Banh Mi Baguettes. You can choose from a traditional roll or a french baguette before picking your filling - warm or cold. I opted for the warm spiced pork - what a good shout that was! For just a fiver, the Vietnamese roll comes bursting at the seams with pork, oodles of pickled shredded carrots, fresh cucumber and fiery chilli. Keep in mind it's not for the lighthearted! It's a great choice to a takeaway and they have three outposts dotted around central London.

2. Sampa
I stumbled into this Brazilian coffee shop by chance when I decided to shelter from the rain in Leather lane. Offering a delectable choice of sweet treats from slabs of red velvet cake to fruit custard tart to gooey chocolate brownies, it's the perfect place to get a sugar rush. I loved the industrial vibe with green succulents, rough wooden tables and mix-matched collages on the wall. It has the cool East London hipster vibe down to a tee - in central London. I spent a good few hours stuffing my face with cake with I blogged and didn't feel rushed at all by the staff.

3. Peyton and Byrne
I touched on this in a post last week but I couldn't leave it out! Again it offers fantastic sweet treats, healthy salads, decedent hot chocolates and scrumptious sandwiches. There really is something for everyone in this joint. Thanks to its central location in Covent Garden, it's in the middle of all the action. I personally recommend the roasted vegetable, pesto and mozzarella ciabatta. Perfection!

Do you have any suggestions for a quick bite to eat?

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Recipe: Fruity breakfast bars

Breakfast is the most important meal of a day but so easily missed. A quick slice of buttery toast, a flaky croissant from the coffee shop or a plastic bowl of cereal hurriedly eaten on the train are often the choice for busy commuters. But you can be healthy and still eat something substantial on the go. Flahavan's challenged me to #betteryourbreakfast and put together something a little different for the morning. Make these simple fruity breakfast bars on a Sunday night and you'll have something tasty and filling for the rest of the week.

Ingredients:
50g desiccated coconut
250g Flahavan's Irish Porridge Oats Multi Seed*
100g chopped dates
1 can of condensed milk
125g mixed nuts
75g apricots

Method:
1. Warm the condensed milk in a large pan. Pre-heat the oven at 130 degree - adjust if you're using a fan oven.

2. Mix all the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl before pouring in the milk. Give a good sure to ensure everything is coated.

3. Line a 9x13 inch pan with greased parchment paper before pouring on the mixture. Make sure it's all evenly spread and pat it down with a spatula.

4. Pop in the oven for around 30 minutes or so. Keeping checking them as some ovens cook quicker or slower.

5. Leave in the dish for around 15 minutes.

6. Cut into 16 chunky slices and let them cool down completely. Store them in a cake tin to help keep them fresh.

As always please do send me a tweet if you make them, I'd love to know!

Inspiration for the recipe taken from Queen Nigella!

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OOTD: Chunky roll neck jumper

Outfit:

Khaki trench coat: Primark (similar)

Two tone chunky knit roll neck jumper: New Look

Navy soft touch skinny jeans: ASDA* (similar)

Two tone brown and black heeled leather boots: TK Maxx (similar)

Poppy red medium lily: Mulberry

I took fashion advice from Hannah Gale and went on the hunt before Christmas for some long-line chunky knit roll neck jumpers. The girl has a cracking collection. I eventually came across some on New Look that tickled my fancy - this two tone jumper was one of two that I ordered. Now I want to order all the chunky knits in the world. They're cosy, easy to throw on and allow you to still feel put together yet as comfortable as wearing your jammies outdoors. Win win situation all round. Now when is payday so I can buy more?

Ah Neals Yard - an Instagram wet dream eh? I met up with Lily and Sarah whilst dragging along my RL friend for a brunch date at Dishoom and a bit of Shakespeare culture with Dame Judi Dench in A Winter's Tale. You should have seen my best friends gobsmacked face when we all whipped out our cameras to photograph our breakfast. The girl didn't know what had hit her! A Winter's Tale was fun. I didn't really have a clue what was going on for the first 20 minutes and really should have done prior research. But by the second act I was laughing at the jokes and it was a pleasure to see Dame Judi in action. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday I tell thee. 

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Review: Peyton and Byrne, Covent Garden

Last week I met Sarah for lunch in Covent Garden with the intention of stuffing our faces in a new Nordic joint. But alas it didn't officially open until the next day so Peyton and Byrne was plan B. But we didn't settle as it was an excellent choice!

Peyton and Byrne is situated in the heart of the bustling Covent Garden, right next to the theatre showing the Lion King. Serving a variety of temping baked treats, squishy, overflowing sandwiches, savoury warm salads and luxurious hot drinks, it's the perfect haven from the busy streets. It's not cheap but you get what you pay for - everything we tried was delicious. They certainly don't scrimp on the sandwich fillings!

After much deliberation, I opted for the mozzarella, pesto and roasted vegetable seeded ciabatta and a miniature lemon drizzle cake. The sandwich was absolutely delicious! Filled with huge chunks of flavoursome roasted corvette, aubergines and peppers, topped with slabs of creamy mozzarella, drizzled with a generous helping of pesto and sprinkled with peppery rocket, it was a force to be reckoned with! One of my favourite combinations in a sandwich.

I finished off with a tasty lemon drizzle cake. With just the right amount of zing and a generous topping of citrus icing, it was the perfect sweet treat to finish off a great lunch. Although I couldn't resist eyeing up Sarah's hot chocolate....

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