OOTD: Textured Midi skirt





Outfit:
Khaki trench coat: Primark (similar)
Leopard print cross over bag: Primark (similar)
Black textured midi skirt: Topshop (similar)
Black long sleeved tee: Primark (similar)
Burgundy velvet midi heels: & Other Stories (similar)

I've just gotten back from the most amazing trip to Chicago and the state of Illinois. I feel like I've been away for a month when in reality it's only been eight days. I can't really put into words how much fun I had. America completely stole my heart!  I feel absolutely exhausted but in a good way. Not sure I'm quite ready to hit reality yet - quite enjoyed being in a bubble. I've got a few posts planned so keep your eyes peeled.

I shot this outfit just before I went away to see Charlie And The Chocolate Factory at the West End. Make sure you buy tickets sharpish if you haven't seen it- it's great fun being transported back to your childhood! I threw on something together last minute as all my more causal clothes were already packed in a suitcase. Although I looked liked I was spending a day in the office, I quite liked it. Maybe it's one for the office next week! The coat is certainly proving to be value for money judging by the amount of times it's making appearances.


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Recipe: Baked Oats


I found these baked oats floating around on the web while I was looking for healthy yet filling breakfasts. I've been obsessively having them most days as they're perfect for weekdays. The great thing is you can pop any fruit that tickles your fancy in them - my favourite is blueberries. I make mine the night before and have them cold for breakfast when I get into work. It helps me stay on plan for Slimming World!

Ingredients:
50g fresh blueberries
35g porridge oats
1 medium egg
50ml semi-skimmed milk

Method:
1. Mix the oats, milk and egg together in a bowl.

2. Pop in the blueberries and mix it all together.

3. Pour into a small ramekin and pop in the oven for 20 minutes at 200 degrees.

4. Once cooked you can either have them warm or wait for them to cool down. I prefer them the latter way. Enjoy!

As always let me know if you make them, tweet me and show me the pictures!

 
 
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Recipe: Malteaser Bunny Easter Nests



 
Looking for something quick and easy to bake at Easter? You need something that will get you lots of brownie points? Look no further! These simple bunny nests take hardly any time at all to whip up. Plus they taste so yummy that you'll be the toast of wherever you decide to spend Easter.

Makes 10

Ingredients:
400g milk chocolate
3 packs of mini Malteser Bunnies
4 large crushed Shredded Wheat

Method:

1. Bash the Shredded Wheat with a rolling pin while it's in the packet. Pop to one side.

2. Melt the chocolate over the hob. Use a saucepan of boiling water and play a bigger ceramic bowl on top. Keep an eye on it so it doesn't boil over. Make sure you keep stirring.

3. Once the chocolate is melted, mix in the crushed Shredded Wheat until it is fully covered.

4. Pop three teaspoons of mixture into a cupcake case before making a little hole in the middle. Pop your Malteser Bunny in the middle.

5. Pop in the fridge for an hour to help them set before scoffing one to two!

Please do tweet me and let me know if you make them!

 
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Why I love to travel

Going to different places and immersing myself in different cultures is probably my favourite thing to do in the world. At the moment I'm seeing the delights of Chicago - America really is such a dream! I seem to spend my whole life planning trips, pouring over Pinterest at gorgeous pictures and obsessively adding new places to my bucket list. There's no better feeling than discovering something in person that you've only ever seen in a picture. The world is such a big place and I'm dying to see every corner.

I love trying to live as a local and seeing how other people in different cultures live to it. That's why I prefer to rent an apartment rather than book a generic chain hotel. I find it so interesting to see how cultures differ. Not to mention trying all the incredible cuisines - as a massive foodie, I'm always in my element. The planning is by far the best part, I can easily get in a Trip Adviser black hole. I love that smug feeling of finding an incredible place off the beaten track and having the time of your life.

I never managed to have a gap year and travel the world. Looking back I don't really think I was cut out for the proper travelling lark. I like my luxury and think I'm enjoying seeing places a lot more now that I'm older. I can afford to splash out and stay in much nicer places. Don't get me wrong, I'm not staying in 5 star hotels but I'm not having to share a room with 6 other people. It's also nice to be able to do everything that you want to do rather than having to move around on a tight budget. I'm not very good at picking and choosing - I want to do it all!

There's still plenty of places on my never ending list but I have a whole lifetime to visit them. I've been very lucky with the places I've already managed to cross off.  Nowadays I'd much rather spend my money on a trip away rather than a wardrobe of hardly worn clothes. After all, travel is said to be the only thing that you spend money on that makes you richer.

Why do you love to travel? Any places I need to add to my travel list?
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Review: Tefal Optigrill




I love to cook - it's one of my favourite things to do. When Ideal World TV asked me if I wanted to road test a new gadget for Easter, I obviously said yes please. I opted for the Tefal Optigrill as I'm always trying my best to eat a bit healthier. Salmon is obviously the best choice for Good Friday!

I decided to grill salmon and an assortment of vegetables. The grill allows you to cook your meat, fish or veg exactly how you want it. If you're a rare steak kind of person, no problem. If you're a well done burger, no problem either. It gives such great flexibility. It's so simple to use too - a whole range of beeps let you know exactly what stage you're up too.

You first have to let it warm up before placing your food of choice on the grilling plates. Select what your cooking, then press ok and the machine is ready to work it's magic! I sprayed a couple of sprays of Frylight to help keep the fish moist. There's a special card in the box that lets you know exactly what they recommend for each food groups to help you cook.

I had to wait for the circle to turn red before I knew the fish was ready. The screen changed from yellow (rare) to orange (medium) to red (well done). Each time a new stage is done, it lets out a reassuring beep so you know when to remove your food. As Easter is always such a busy time, it frees you up so you can concentrate on other things. No need to keep turning over and keeping a beady eye on it. You don't even have to cut your meat to check it's cooked as it'll guaranteed to be cooked to perfection!

I can't wait to try out some more dishes in the summer on it. I'm thinking some grilled turkey burgers will be just the ticket.


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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.

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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!


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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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A Essex based lifestyle blogger who lives a champagne life on a lemonade purse!

Get in touch at
sophie.warner89@yahoo.co.uk.

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