Top 3 brunch places in London

Recently I've become a massive fan of going out for brunch. Especially in London where the options seem to be endless. Below are three of my favourites so far - I'm still yet to try every place but believe me when I say I'm working on it!

1. Caravan, Kings Cross and Exmouth Market
Kings Cross has really had a makeover in recent years and it's full of little cool places to eat. None more so than Caravan in Granary Square. This industrial looking place is very trendy. The menu comes on a wooden clip board, the milk in mini milk bottles, the unisex loos which confused my dear old nan) and the canteen style tables. This only makes me love it! I had the baked eggs complete with smoked sausage and delicious crusty sourdough. The Greek yogurt proved to be the perfect partner to the tomato and pepper mixture underneath the fried egg. The portion was the perfect size and kept me full till lunch. I've also sampled the jalapeno cornbread which gets a massive thumbs up.

2. The Riding House Cafe, Fiztovia
Located just off Oxford Street behind Topshop, this brunch place is the perfect place to fuel up before a hard days shopping. That chorizo hashbrown pictured? I'm still dreaming about it! With a perfect runny poached egg on top, it was absolutely delicious. I've also gobbled down the avocado on toast which was equally tasty. I must give a shout out to the staff who are very attentive but also don't rush you. They let you take your sweet time having a catch up which is always a plus. So many places slam the bill on the table just as you've eaten your last mouthful. Once again I love the cool industrial vibe of the place and am a sucker for somewhere trendy.

3. The Breakfast Club, Hoxton, Spitalfields, Battersea and Soho
Blogger Cliché it may be but there's a reason why The Breakfast Club is all over your Bloglovin' feed. You'll be rewarded with huge portions and exploding taste buds when you order here - I've only been to the Hoxton branch. After much deliberation I opted for the breakfast burrito oozing with chunks of chorizo, scrambled egg, charred roasted peppers, juicy Portobello mushrooms, creamy guacamole, melted cheddar and a spicy pepper sauce. Heaven on a plate. You'll definitely get your money's worth here and there's something for everyone to munch on.

Any brunch places you'd like to recommend? I'm always on the lookout!

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Green with envy

Outfit:
Forest green jersey pleated midi dress: ASOS (similar)
Black faux leather quilted jacket: Zara (similar)
Dark green satin and glitter courts: c/o My Colour Studio

Feeling a little risqué in this dress with the knees peeking out when I walk - the woes of a midi skirt lover. This dress was an ASOS sale purchase back before Christmas and this is it's first outing without the tags. The sign of too many clothes eh? When I opted for these gorgeous shoes, I had this dress in mind when they asked what colour I'd like them to be dyed. Although marketed towards weddings and special occasions, these shoes work well in a more casual aspect too. It's such a genius idea to be able to pick an exact colour you'd like your shoes to be dyed. How many times have you bought a dress and then struggled for months to find some suitable shoes that match? You can also treat yourself to a handbag too.  Rainbow Club have really found a space in the market!

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5 tips to relax and switch off

If you're anything like me, you run at 100 mph and constantly have something or another swirling around in your head. I have a very busy job - not that I'm complaining as I like to keep to be kept on my toes - and often don't get indoors until just 7.45pm. Sometimes I have events in the evening and weekends to attend to as well. Then there's always something I have to do whether it's blogging - certainly not a chore! - , ebaying, life admin or running round to see people. Like the old lady I am, I like to be in bed for 10 so it's very rush rush rush. I never really have time to switch off and relax. Something my sanity is beginning to get annoyed with. I've tried to make a conscious effort to step back and put things on hold to try and get some 'me' time. It's good for the soul!

1. Read a book.
The classic way to shut out the world and forget about everything in your life is to open a good book. It's so easy to lose yourself in someone else's world for 30 minutes or so. There are so many great books out to pick up and it's a great way to keep your brain ticking over. Sometimes we all get too wrapped up in work and forget to enjoy the simple things in life. More the often the book is much better than the film so pick it up first to read!

2. Bake a cake.
I personally find baking to be really therapeutic and relaxing. There's nothing I love more than getting my bake on. It doesn't have to be anything elaborate and you'll have plenty of time to fit it in during the evening - a classic Victoria Sponge is my favourite to make. Always a winner! It hardly takes any time at all to whip up and whilst it's cooking for 30 minutes you can veg out like broccoli (ten points if you get the movie reference) in front of the telly. Then cut the cake and veg out some more! You'll get lots of brownie points if you take it into work for your colleagues!

3. Slob out in front of Netflix.
Netflix has to be up there with one of the best adventures in the world. There's so many different films, documentaries and series on there to keep you occupied for hours. Even if you've only got half an hour to spare before you want to switch your light out, there's always something to catch you eye. I know a lot of people say telly isn't a good thing before bed but it helps me. Sometimes I nod off before something has almost finished. If you don't have Netflix, pop on your favourite DVD and remember exactly why you love it so much!

4. Experiment in the kitchen.
Like I mentioned before I find cooking very relaxing. I get such pleasure out of following a recipe and actually making something edible to eat. It's a great way to keep your mind fresh and you tend to forget about everything else as you're concentrating on following instructions. There are plenty of good books out that specialise in quick and simple meals so it won't take up your whole evening. If you're feeling adventurous, why not try and make a recipe up yourself?

5. Pamper yourself.
After a long day at work, nothing feels better then giving yourself some TLC. Paint your nails, pop on a face mask, have a bubble bath or put on your expensive special cleanser on your face as a treat. It's important to look after yourself as you only get one body! You don't want your stress starting to appear on your face do you now?!

So tell me, what do you do to switch off?

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New In - The Cambridge Satchel Company

I've had my eye on a satchel for a good year but like a lot of things I have my eye on, I just never got round to buying one. Things get in the way and as much as I;d love too, I just can't buy big purchases willing nilly. I have important things to pay out for like bills. And holidays. But I was browsing Covent Garden last Friday and thought I'd pop into The Cambridge Satchel Company shop for a mooch around. I was greeted by the SALE sign so obviously wandered over to have a look. This beauty caught my eye immediately and I may have let out a audible gasp when I saw the very attractive price tag. £37.50 down from £125. Bargain or what!

My mum very kindly said she'd treat me as an extra Birthday present and I paid the extra to have my initials embossed in gold. Isn't she gorgeous? I opted for a 14" so I could store my MacBook when I get it at the end of the month.  In a bizarre twist of fate she matches my boyfriends new car exactly. If that isn't fate then I don't know what it!

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No, I don't really know what I'm supposed to say

 

 

Outfit:
Black quilted faux leather jacket: Zara (similar)
Block roll neck jumper: Primark (similar)
Purple floral maxi skirt: ASOS
Glittery pointed pumps: Next (similar)
Gold cameo ring: Vintage
Grey nail polish: Liz Earle Moonlight c/o

I know I only posted about this skirt a few weeks ago but it's far to pretty to just leave hanging in the wardrobe right? I thought this time I'd show off how I wear it a bit more casually. If wearing a massive skirt actually counts as casual.. I wore this out for my birthday day out in London last Friday for my birthday - 26 SAY WHAT?! - for afternoon tea on a routemaster and a cracking breakfast at Caravan. It was the ideal skirt to conceal all that food I managed to scoff.

It's funny that the older I'm getting the younger I'm feeling. Is this just me? I'm not really that fussed about being 26 more the fact that I'm in shock I've reached this age. How on earth has 26 years whizzed past? I'm still as inappropriate and silly as ever and I hope this never changes. No one ever said grown ups had to be sensible. I just need to make sure I have a pair of flats in my bags when I'm wearing heels. Omph my back!

P.S can you seen my nan photobombing? She was getting bored...

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Review: BB Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

As my birthday treat yesterday, my parents booked me on for Afternoon Tea on the BB Bakery tour bus. Set on a vintage red London Routemaster bus, the travelling bakery sets off from 8 Northumberland Avenue for a 90 minute whistle stop tour of the best sights in London town. You'll be able to gaze in awe at Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Harrods and many more. You get a good selection of French pastries alongside a delicious cupcake and buttery scone. I would have personally preferred a few more sandwiches as I have savoury tooth but I soon scoffed my fair chare of the delicious cakes. The mushroom quiche and chocolate macaroon were my favourites - I'm drooling just thinking about them.

It's certainly not cheap but it's well worth it for a special treat. It's such a novelty way to see the best parts of the city whilst stuffing your face - I'd definitely recommend you jump aboard!

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A few favourites #2

Mary Berry Baking Bible
I was very kindly given this by my sister-in-law for Christmas. I just adore Mary Berry - she's such a babe and whenever I follow her recipes I always have such incredibly tasting cakes. Admittedly I haven't made anything out of this yet as I've just not had time to think since the festive period. But things should calm down soon and I have the cheese straws and Swiss Roll at the top of list of things to bake.

Matalan Pink Initial Scarf
My mum bought my dad his own version of this scarf just before Christmas and kindly treated me too when I expressed an interest. I love things with my initial/name and I kind of feel a little like High School Musical in it. It's very warm and the £10 goes straight to Alder Hey charity. Not only do you look good but you do a good deed at the same time!

Topshop Forest Green Tunic
I've been on the hunt for suitable tops for jeans for what feels like my whole life. Okay slight exaggeration there... But in an era of crop tops, they're like a needle in a haystack. I'm quite fussy and like tops to cover my bum and to be long and flowing.  Thankfully Topshop have come up trumps with this tunic. I love the colour and it skims perfectly past my rather large booty - winner all round! I might have to get it in the oxblood colour too.

No7 Pop and Glow Cream Blush Stick
I bought this with a No7 voucher, used it once and then popped it in my make up drawer and promptly forgot all about it. Fast forward to a day where I was determined to finally get a hold on my mountain of stuff - never did - and I came across it. Since then it's barely left my cheeks. Although the colour looks a touch scary, it's the perfect shade to build to your tastes and has great staying power. I'd love to try other shades in the range.

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Laquer Big Bang
Over the last few months I can seem to get enough of a red lip and this is one of the top contenders that I reach for. It can be a little tricky to apply as it's so easy to be heavy handed with it. A lip liner might help to keep it under control. But it really does pack a punch.

Enrapture Totem Styler 
I asked for this a few birthday's ago when it reached the dizzy heights of the blogger hype. Everyone and their dog seems to have one. Again it had been pushed to one side for a good few months - sense a theme? I need to detox my room. But I picked it up before Christmas and instantly remembered how much I loved it. I adore the fact you can adjust the curl depending on your mood and it really does lasts on my dreaded heavy hair. Perfect!

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Beauty: Winter Skincare Saviours

Winter can be harsh on your skin. The coldness offers no favours to anyone and dry, chapped skin is never attractive so it's important to give it a bit of a helping hand. Here are a few of my winter favourite that deserve round of applause.

Cath Kidston Wild Rose Hand Cream
I always face such a battle during the colder months to help keep my hands in check. They easily become dry and chapped - even cracked to the point the start to bleed. Horrible right? So as a result I'm always carrying a hand cream or two in my handbag. Most of the time they're rubbish but every now and then I come across a gem. This was a gem. I got this for Christmas and cracked it open a few weeks ago. I love the fresh rose smell and a little goes a long way. It feels non greasy and you can feel the effects almost straight away.

Soap and Glory The Righteous Butter
Like I've mentioned many times before, I love a thick and luxurious body cream - none of this lotion for me please. This Soap and Glory beauty fits the bill. It doesn't irritate my skin after I've given my legs a quick shave and stops me from looking a little like a scaly reptile after a few hours post bath. My skin feels really supple and the cream sinks in within 30 seconds. There's nothing worse than you legs slipping all over the place when you pop your trousers on is there?

Soap and Glory Heels Genius
Despite it coming out the tube a radioactive blue colour, this stuff is pretty special. I pop it on before I go to bed and let it soak in overnight within a pair of old socks. Come the morning, my feet are looking a hell of a lot better than they did the night before. If you're on your feet all day or you wear silly shoes like me, this is needed on your bedside table.

Origins Drink Up Intensive Mask
This was a recommendation by Sarah and I'm now on my second bottle. It's such a wonder hydration product and is well worth the £23 price tag. I use it every single night and sometimes in the morning if I feel my skin needs even more TLC. It makes your skin feel so soft and just glides on effortlessly. It's the perfect pick me up for tired and worn out skin.

Simple Blackhead Eliminating Face Scrub
Thanks to the horrible dark nights and short days, I have to admit I can sometimes neglect my face. I just take my make up off with a wipe before sinking down into the pillow to hibernate. As a result my skin starts to rebel and lots of gross blackheads pop up. This product helps to keep them under control and I notice a difference in just a few days. Amazing!

Nuxe Reve De Miel Lip Balm
This lip balm is far from being cheap but it's also one of the best I've used. It's great to pop on before you go to bed for smooth lips in the morning. It's really rich and you can almost feel it working while it's on your lips. It's great for prepping your lips ready for a swipe of lipstick. I'd definitely buy again once it's run out!


What are your winter skincare saviours?

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Seeing spots

Outfit:
Burgundy and black polka dot wiggle dress: ASOS (Similar)
Faux suede block heel court shoes: F&F (similar)
Black oversize faux fur bag: Topshop
Quilted faux leather jacket: Zara (similar)
Ruby and Garnet rings: Vintage

This dress is an old faithful that I can't believe hasn't made an appearance on the old blog yet. It's my absolute favourite style of dress and I'd buy them all up from ASOS if I had the money. It's just so flattering and is the perfect dress to hide any food babies - just as well as I'm wearing this out to go for dinner at my friends birthday at Inamo tonight. I always feel a little bit sassy whenever I pop this beauty on which means it's pretty much the perfect dress right?!

Here are a few of my favourite wiggle dresses available on ASOS at the minute.

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