4 tips to help you stay on the healthy eating track

It can be hard to keep on track when you're following a healthy eating plan. That bag of crisps always looks more tempting. Here a few tips that work for me.
1. Knock caffeine on the head and opt for a fruit tea.
I'm the first to admit I'm not at all a tea drinker. But I have been recently trying to encourage myself to drink fruit tea. I'm a bit fed up of drinking squash all the time. Most of the time you're not actually hungry when you get pangs so opt for a drink. A fruit tea still feels like a sweet treat and is a lot healthier than a chocolate bar! I was sent Kromland Farm organic teas and have become quite partial to the berry flavour.

2. Keep healthy snacks in your bag.
When you're out and about and hunger strikes, it's all too easy to grab a Mars bar. But always be prepared! Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. I was sent these Nairns oat biscuits and some 9bars. They both come in individual packets which makes them easy to pop in your bag. The biscuits contain 40% less sugar than a normal biscuit - my favourite are the mixed berries ones. The mixed fruit 9bar snack bars still feel indulgent but you know your eating all the good stuff!

3. Learn to distract yourself
I don't know about you but I often raid the cookie jar when I'm bored at home. So in order to distract my hands I settle down with my kindle. Before long you'll find yourself engrossed in a book and will have forgotten all about feeding your face.

4.Keep a food diary
This old chestnut eh? Everyone encourages this and it's no wonder. Quite often I shove a digestive in my mouth and promptly forget all about it. Then I have another. And another. Once you look at exactly what you're eating written down, it makes you think twice. It's a great way to help keep yourself on track.

Have you got any pearls of wisdom to pass on?
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OOTD: Black midi skirt




Outfit:
Velvet cropped jacket: Topshop (similar)
Black cropped tee: Topshop (similar)
Black and silver netted midi skirt: c/o Chi Chi London thanks to Etail PR
Silver t-bar heels: Primark (similar)

I feel like this outfit is around three months too late. It feels and looks a bit too Christmassy for March. But I'm a rebel so I'm going to run with it anyway! The skirt is too pretty to be tucked away in the wardrobe. I'm kinda digging the wonky lop-sided-ness of these pictures - makes me feel a little bit Alice In Wonderland. Never a bad thing right?

On Thursday I'm off to Chicago and the surrounding areas for eight days on a press trip. Excited doesn't even cover it! I only went to America for the first time last year and have been desperate to venture back ever since. I'm looking forward to seeing another side of the States. I've got a feeling that it's going to be a lot different to NYC. I've got a few posts scheduled to help keep you entertained when I'm away. Keep an eye out!

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OOTD: Snakeskin shoes



Outfit:
Khaki trench coat: Primark (similar)
Roll neck black tunic: ASOS
Black ripped knee jeans: F&F
Snakeskin effect heeled pumps: Carvela via TK Maxx (similar)

Excuse the extremely windswept hair - I've heard it's the new thing for S/S14.

When I'm having a bit of a podge day I opt for an all-black outfit. It does wonders for the self esteem! It needs a bit of a boost at the minute which is why I've joined Slimming World. Hopefully it will help me kick self-esteem's butt. Please feel free to share any SW food blogs. I'm always after meal inspiration. Black also helps makes me feel a little it more put together and dare I say, a little classy. I know, I know. Stranger things have happened.

I'd just like to say a huge thank you for everyone's kind words on my friendship post. The love it's gotten has made me blush - you're all such babes. I'm so glad that so many of you can relate to it and I'm not alone. Be strong guys! You don't have to settle in friendships. You all deserve so much better.



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The Hogwarts Express - Warner Bros. Studio Tour London







I only visited the Warner Bros. Studio Tour back in December last year but when I was invited to a VIP launch of the Hogwarts Express through work, I couldn't turn it down! Walking down that red carpet was what childhood dreams are made of. 

The steam train was a sight to behold - it looks even more impressive in real life. We were kindly treated to a smoking cocktail before listening to a speech from one of the big wigs at Warner Bros. The Hogwarts Express is actually privately owned and was still being used last year. We're very lucky to see it at the studios! 

You'll be able to have your photo taken on platform 9 3/4 pushing a magic trolley into the wall. There's even a special simulated carriage to try out. You can walk through the carriages on the train itself and see significant props from each of the films. Finally there's a special railway shop for you to buy all your favourite memorabilia. Look at Hedwig making an appearance too! The new exhibition really does help add to the magic of the studios. Make sure you book in a trip to see it for yourself.

Bring me back a chocolate frog please! 
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Why not being maternal is ok


I was never that child who loved playing with dolls and pretending I was a mum. In fact from the tender age of 11, I always use to proudly state that my ambition was being a journalist. I'll give myself a pat on the back for making that come true. Babies didn't even enter my mind. I've never been one to coo over newborns either. Truth be told, I'm a little scared of them and they sense it. As soon as they sit on my lap, the waterworks start. Give me a dog? I'll turn to mush. Especially when I see a puppy. I can fully get on board with being dog broody.

I'm not even sure that I want to be a mum. I've worked extremely hard on my education and my career that I'm in no hurry to take a step back.  I come from a line of women who don't like kids. My nan and mum both lack the maternal gene. But they make amazing mothers. Go figure? For some reason some people just cannot grasp that idea. I've been told that I'm depriving my boyfriend – he once mentioned he'd rather jack in the kids malarky and travel the world. I've been told I'm doing the world a disservice and it's my role as a woman to reproduce. I've been given condescending advice that I should just wait. My clock will soon be ticking and I'll have a sudden urge. I've been told I don't know what I'm missing out on. I've been told I don't know what I'm talking about at my age. 

I might very well change my mind. I could reach 30 and have the sudden urge to reproduce. I look and mine and my mum's amazing relationship and long for that myself. But do you know what? It's ok to not want to bring a child into the world. It doesn't make you less of a woman. You don't lose your femininity simply because you don't want to give birth. It's not the be all and end all if you don't ever hear the word mum. Don't be made to feel bad just because you prefer to have a career over raising a family. The beauty of the world is you should be who you want to be.

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Letting go of friendships

Friends are one of the best things in the world. If you pick them right, they can even become like family. But friends can also cause a lot of anxiety and stress.

As I've got older I've become very good at letting friendships go. If they're not making me happy, then I cut ties. A friend shouldn't be hard work. You shouldn't come away from a lunch feeling emotional about the way it has gone. Even if you don't see them for months on end, it should be like you've never spent a moment apart once you meet up again.

Friendships can very quickly become toxic. They can quickly make you feel worthless and upset. You deserve better. It takes two people to make a friendship work - it isn't always down to you to keep it afloat. Just because you've been friends with someone for years, it doesn't mean they should always be in your life. I'm a firm believer that some friends just aren't forever. People move at a different pace to one another. As you grow older, you change. Your interests, outlook on life and opinions change over time. I'm a very different person to when I was 18 to what I am now at the grand age of 26. Just because you're not getting on now, it doesn't mean you should feel like the friendship is a waste. You may have had five years of laughs but it's gone past it's sell-by-date.

But once you find a group of people who make you feel happy, who are easy to be around and who are always on the end of a phone ready to listen to your quarter-life crisis, make sure you hold on tight and never let go.  Those ones are keepers. It's much better to have a handful of solid good friends than lots of alright friends who couldn't really care if you're having a rough time at work.

Don't be afraid to say no more. No friendship is worth having if it makes you always second guess yourself and stops being fun. You deserve to be treated how you treat other people.

13 Comments

OOTD: Springtime floral trousers






Outfit:
Black chiffon t-shirt: c/o F&F
Black and yellow floral trousers: c/o F&F
Beige midi trench coat: Zara (similar)
Yellow peeptoe heels: Karen Millen (similar)

What's that? Sun? Yes it is! Fingers crossed it's here to stay. You can never win with outfit pictures though - it was so bright when we took these!

I was asked by F&F to style up my take on Springwear fashion.  As soon as I spotted these floral trousers in the New In section, I knew they had to be mine. Then when I realised I had these yellow heels tucked away in my wardrobe I knew it was fate. I also got this chiffon black tee. It's got a cheeky little split at the back with loose short sleeves. I love the contrast of fitted trousers with a loose flowing top. The trousers fit like a dream and I've already got my eye on some more floral trousers on the website. F&F just seem to do spring/summer fashion so well. I'm waiting for some of the pieces I spotted at their press day to drop then I'm having a spending spree!


12 Comments

Review: South Street Pantry










I live on the border of Essex and Hertfordshire but very rarely explore what is right on my doorstep. Instead I hop on the tube and go straight into London. This weekend I decided to give London a miss and venture into a town around a 25 minute drive away.

South Street Pantry in the market town of Bishops Stortford. It's a quirky little tearoom which sells a whole range of treats. Anything from doorstop sandwiches to homemade soups - I've heard they do a cracking breakfast too. I'm going to venture back for the smoked salmon and scrambled egg. Everything is served on mix-matched vintage china which is a cause close to my heart. The shed in the garden has an embarrassing amount of china ready for when I move out.

My mum and I opted for the amazing sounding afternoon tea special. For £9.95 you got a choice of one of four sandwiches - we opted for cheddar cheese and chutney and smoked salmon and cream cheese - a slice of cake from the counter and a cheese or fruit scone. It lived up to our expectations! I greedily devoured the white chocolate and blueberry cake and gobbled up a cheese scone in record time. The cake is deliciously light and full of flavour while the scone was cooked to perfection.

Sometimes it nice not to venture too far away from home especially when you have a gem like this.
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OOTD: Khaki trench coat




Outfit:
Khaki trench coat: Primark (similar)
Gingham flannel shirt: New Look
Black washed out ripped skinny jeans: F&F
Burgundy loafers: Zara (similar)

I came across this gorgeous Khaki trench in Primark during a manic browse last weekend and all my willpower just went out the window. I've been wearing my beige one to death and thought this would help to give it a break. Admittedly it's not quite warm enough yet to actually wear it as it's quite thin. But I've been rebelling against the elements. I'm feeling like a bit of a trendy Wendy in these ripped jeans. I finally took the plunge and treated myself and decided that I need them in every colour. They fit like an absolute dream! Naturally I got a light denim wash too. They add the perfect dose of effortless cool to an outfit and I feel like I'm more on trend then I usually am. I'm never on trend. Just one tip though. Don't fall over in them as you will end up with grazed knees. That lesson was learnt the hard way.



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14 reasons how you know you're a true Essex girl

1. You spend your life trying to speak nicely whenever you meet new people but they always see through the act. It's such a relief when you can just speak in your native tongue.

2. You find your Essex accent comes out in force when you've had a drink. You struggle to even understand yourself.

3. You have one pair of white high heels tucked away in your wardrobe. Because those shoes are the perfect summer shoe.

4. As soon as you open your mouth, everyone immediately knows where you come from. Then the jokes start.

5. You find yourself constantly dropping the H from words.

6. You've spend a good proportion of your childhood at Lakeside shopping centre. It was the only place to spend your Christmas and birthday money.

7. TOWIE may have put your county on the map but time someone shouts 'Shut UPPPP' in your face, you want to punch them.

8. You get annoyed when you go out and the TOWIE stars have cornered off the best part of the club. Just where are you going to dance now?! Then you feel all excited because you've spotted someone you've seen on the telly.

9. You have about 7 different types of fake tan in your bedroom for when the matter arises.

10. You go out in East London for a change of scenery on a Saturday night only to realise the whole of Essex had the same idea. There is NO ESCAPE! That's what you get for living 20 minutes away from Liverpool Street Station.

12. You still opt for an Smirnoff Ice when you go on a night out in a club. It's the cheapest thing and reminds you of your youth.

12. Innit is a crucial part of your vocabulary.

13. No 'out out' night out is complete without a shed load of bronzer. It makes the world go round.
 
14. You feel very protective over your little county and will defend it all night long. Only you are allowed to run it down.
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Beauty: 5 minute pamper ideas

In the ideal world we'd all be able to spend hours pimping and preening our body to perfection. But after a hard day at work, sometimes you just want to collapse into bed after dinner. I often struggle to do much of a beauty routine during the week - I have my current one down to a cool 15 minutes. But I don't want to wait until the weekend to get some pampering in - or rather my skin can't wait till them. So I've put together a few pampering products that only add an extra five minutes onto your night time routine. You can even spread them out over the week!


Jurlique Rose Hand Cream c/o
I'm a sucker for anything Rose scented so obviously this product had me at hello! I pop it on my hands just before I nod off to sleep. I find it a bit too thick for frequent use during the day but it's a perfect intense moisturiser. My hands feel so soft and supple the next day. It's a lifesaver especially in this continuous cold weather!

No 7 Beautiful Skin Hot Cloth Cleanser
I always stock up on this when Boots have their skincare vouchers. This is such a staple in my skincare collection - I can't sing it's praises enough. When I have more energy, I use this product to double cleanse my face. It helps to make sure every last scrap of make up has been removed. It only takes a few minutes but it makes a world of difference.


Lotil Cream with Aloe Vera Extract c/o
Feet are often forgotten about when it comes to personal grooming. This thick, luscious cream is perfect to slather on before you go to bed. Pop on a pair of socks to lock it in and voila you'll wake up with gorgeous tootsies. It literally takes a minute and the rewards will be great!


Super Facialist By Una Brennan Tea Flower Deep Clean Purifying Clay Mask
I found this tucked under my endless toiletries pile and decided to give it a whirl before Christmas. Since then it's become a staple. It only stays on your face for five minutes before you wash it off - perfect for when your bed is calling! It has quite a thin formula so it feels like it dries in an instant. Beware of a slight tingly feeling as it dries - it's nothing to worry about. My skin always feels so refreshed and I can notice the difference the next day.

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor Conditioner  c/o
As much as I love a deep conditioner, sometimes I haven't got the time or patience to wait ten minutes for it to work it's magic. This product takes just three minutes to make your hair silky smooth. I usually use it around three times a week to help my hair keep it's shine. You'll need a dollop the size of a golf ball and make sure you smooth it down to your very tips. It's fantastic if your hair is feeling a little dry.

3 Comments

Places to stay: Lancaster London






A few weekends ago I had the pleasure of an overnight stay in Lancaster London through work. It was such a pleasure that I've decided to blog about it too!

Based just a few steps away from Lancaster Gate tube station, the hotel is in a superb location. It overlooks the superb Hyde Park. We stayed in a room on the 18th floor and were rewarded with stunning view of the city. You could literally see for miles!

If you're after a few nights of luxury, you've come to the right place. The staff were so helpful and really couldn't do enough. We had a handwritten note in the room from the manager and a cheeky trio of delicious macaroons to scoff. The bed? Oh that bed! It was huge and so comfortable with massive soft feather pillows. I didn't want to leave the room. We were even treated to a special turndown service when we ventured back to our room after dinner. It was so lovely to see our bed covers pulled back and a pair of slippers next the bed ready to pop on. It's the little things that make a stay feel so special. The hotel isn't cheap but for a special treat you can't go wrong. It's a great location in London and you're within walking distance of so many highlights.
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A Essex based lifestyle blogger who lives a champagne life on a lemonade purse!

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sophie.warner89@yahoo.co.uk.

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