Top Five Autumn Candles

November 02, 2017

My second favourite thing about Autumn (after cosy snugly jumpers) is candles and nothing says Autumn more than a good candle! There’s something about them that makes me feel cosy and like I’ve got this adulting stuff down (I don’t, it’s the candle that’s tricking you!). Here are some of my favourites to start the season off right ... 




What could be better in Autumn then a pumpkin scented candle?! With notes of Buttery Pumpkin, Orange, Cinnamon, Clove and Brown Sugar, it makes your room smell like you’ve got your shit together and you’re baking a pumpkin bread on a rainy a Sunday because you happened to have all the ingredients. When really you’ve just about managed to light the candle whilst catching up the GBBO final!




More of a subtle Autumnal scent, this infamous Jo Malone scent has a main note of juicy apple, blended with Jasmine, Rose and Gillyflower. There is something so warming about the lighter suede scent, lightened with the floral scent of the peony, this is definitely one for a chilled weekday evening in, whilst you unwind with a bubble bath.




If you like something a bit more ‘masculine’ then this candle from Molten Brown is the one for you. With Coconut and Sandalwood, but also notes of cinnamon, cedarwood and vetiver. It is a heavier scent, one that when air smell it, it reminds me of my Grandads library, with its handcrafted wooden shelves, and the leather bound books. It is incredible warming and one to curl up and read a book to under a gorgeous tartan blanket.




This candle is something a bit different, and a bit unusual. It is a lot sharper, and lighter then the other scents, which is down to the Bergomot which gives it it’s sharp undertone. With other spicy, and woody notes make this one perfect for in the kitchen.




This fragrance couldn’t be named any better, and this is my personal absolute favourite! The smell of this candle makes me just so happy! The combination of the fruit, pear, quince and apricot, with the heavier notes of musk and Amber, it is exactly what to think Autumn would smell like. I have the diffuser in my hall, and the candle in the lounge, and it is such a gorgeous scent to walk in to!

What are your favourite Autumnal candles?

Recipe // Mulled Cider

October 03, 2017

Image from here

Nothing says Autumn like a warm mug of spiced cider! Something about the warm steam, the spices, the sweetness and of course, the alcohol. So enjoy this simple recipe, in some cosy mugs. Take them outside and watch the fireworks from your own garden!

Ingredients;

- 1ltr cider
¼ Cinnamon Stick
- 3 Cloves
¼ Nutmeg
- Juice of 3x Oranges
- 1 Star Anise
- 2 tbps Caster Sugar

Method;

Pour all of the ingredients into a pan (except the sugar), bring to the boil, then simmer for 3-4 minutes. After this time, taste and add the sugar little by little until you are happy with the sweetness.

What’s your favourite Autumnal drink?

Happy Autumn

September 23, 2017

Happy Second Day of Autumn to all of you Autumnaholics out there! (Yes, new word created for the Autumn obsessed of us out there!) For me, Autumn is my favourite season. There is just something special about throwing on some comfy clothing, with a chill on the air, eating homemade pumpkin pie and drinking hot chocolate. What about that does not sound amazing?

So this is a little heads up for you ... There are a lot of Autumn themed blog posts on their way! This one is already a favourite as I am giving you a look at my Autumn bucket list. I try and do this every season, but this is the first time I have sat down and got through the whole season (they are long!). This is a list of everything Autumnal I want to do. (there is one thing every day from today until the first day of Christmas: which is obviously the 1st of December!) so sit back and enjoy and I hope you tick a few things yourself!


Printable here

Back in 2015 I listed my 'Best Things About Autumn'. What do you like to do each Autumn?

Recipes // Cooking The Season

July 05, 2017



Image from eatwell101

The best meals, in my opinion, always comes from the freshest foods! Strawberries and cream ... better in Summer. Roasted carrots and parsnips ... better in Winter! Some of the fruits and vegetables currently in season are;

Apples // Aubergine // Avocados // Basil // Berries // Carrots // Cherries // Corriander // Courgette // Cucumber // Fig // Garlic // Green Beans // Mangoes // Nectarines // Peaches // // Peppers // Tomatoes // Watermelon

The easiest way to eat this season would be to eat a delicious fruit salad! (Obviously topped with lashings of cream!). For those wanting something a little bit more adventurous, then below I have rounded up a few of my favourite summery recipes ...

Roasted Summer Vegetables

Ingredients:
- 2 Courgettes
- 2 Large Tomatoes
- 1 Aubergine
- 1 Garlic Bulbed, Halved
- 1 Red Onion
- 1 Red Pepper
- 1 tin chopped Tomatoes
- 200g New Potatoes
- Handful chopped Parsley, Chopped

Serves 2

Method:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan), chop up all veg into large pieces and toss in an oven dish with a glug of olive oil. Roast for 45 minutes.
After 45 minutes remove the garlic and squeeze the juice over the veg. Mix through the parsley and serve

Serving suggestion - Serve with slightly toasted Ciabatta bread!

Avocado Pesto Spaghetti

Ingredients:
- 200g Spaghetti
- 1 Avocado
- Large handful of Basil
- Small handful of Walnuts
- 2 cloves of Garlic
- Glug of olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- Twist of pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon

Serves 4

Method:
Put everything in a food processor (apart from the Spaghetti), cook the Spaghetti as required. Drain the Spaghetti, and warm through the Pesto and Spaghetti in the pan. And serve!

Serving suggestion - Serve with some cherry tomatoes and some roasted asparagus. Mmmmmmmm

 Watermelon Mimosa

Ingredients:
- Half a Watermelon
- 1 Bottle Prosecco
- Juice of 1 lime
- Handful mint leaves
- Ice. cubes

Serves 4

Method:
Blend the watermelon, lime juice and mint in a blender. Fill 4 glasses with ice, pour in the watermelon mixtures and top with Prosecco. And top with some springs of mint! Fancy!

If you hadn't already guessed then I'm a very, whack it all in kind of cook. A bit old school Jamie Oliver-esque. Pinch of this, and a glug of that ... I hope you enjoy!

What are your favourite Summer recipes?

The Fashion Edit // Airport Travel

July 04, 2017


 Headphones // T-Shirt // Cardigan // Leggings // Trainers // Backpack  // iPad Case

Monday Motivation // Monday Is The Best Day ...

July 03, 2017


'Monday Is The Best Day To Start Again' - Free Downloadable Print


This could not be more appropriate for me today than on any other Monday. I was out of the country for most of June, on holiday and then away with work so that was obviously a big excuse for over indulging in food, sleeping too late and the exercise regime ... what exercise regime? So today is all about wiping the slate clean and starting it all again. No matter what you have been doing over the weekend, the last week or even the last month, just pick yourself up and jump back onto that waggon!

I don't know what it is about a Monday that means you can start again, that's when your diet, job search or new habit starts. Just embrace the 'Monday Mentality' and start 'it', whatever it may be, again. I created the above artwork for you to download, download, print, stick on your wall and enjoy!

What To Do On A Sunday For The Week Ahead?

July 02, 2017


I love my weekends off. Maybe it's because for a very long time, I worked weekends! From my first ever job, until I was 26 years old, I worked weekends. Having those two whole days together, followed by five days together, means I want to make the most of it, so I love (as boring as it may sound) to use Sunday to get organised for the week ahead., and it makes me feel that I have the evenings more to myself. So here are my 5 must do's on a Sunday;

1. Meal Planning & Food Shopping
I don't know about you, but one thing that takes up a lot of my time is deciding on what to have for dinner, whether that's on my way home or when I get home. So a huge thing for me is meal planning for the whole week; breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Write the list of meals and then head to the supermarket, buying up bananas, salads, snacks and dinner ingredients saves so much time (and money) in the week, and makes me feel more like a grown up too!

2. Outfit Planning & Ironing
Yes another planning item, but your mornings will run so much smoother if verything is already gathered and ironed for the week! With underwear and accessories all ready, it means that you can have that little longer in bed knowing that everything is ready.

3. Clear Out & Pack Bag
The state my handbag is in by the end of the week is pretty gross. Receipts, leftover breakfasts ... last week I had 3 bottles of water! No wonder my back is hurting lugging those around. So clearing it, starting again and packing whatever you need, in my opinion being inner calm.

4. Prepare Errands
List all errands, and gather everything you need. For example this week I have an ASOS return, a few birthdays and need to go to the bank. So writing cards, packing up the return and filling in the forms for the bank means that I can get all errands done easier and quicker.

5. Set Weekly Goals
And my final (and most important) thing, whilst sitting in my PJ's and catching up on Big Brother on the sofa, I will list everything I want to achieve for the week, from Blogging goals (which for this week is just stick with it!), excercise goals and other goals such as buying a dress for my friends wedding next week and booking somewhere for my birthday dinner

What are your must do's on a Sunday?

Things to do in London this July

July 01, 2017





There is always a lot happening in London, but the Summertime seems to bring even more things to do! So here's a round up of my top picks of things to do in London this July!


1. Summer Streets Regent Street - Sundays throughout July (2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd)
On Sundays throughout July, Regents Strret becomes pedestrianised from Oxford Circus to Piccadilly Circus. There is a range of entertainment, food and drink on offer, including a pop up market with food from Gaucho, Masala Zone and Piccolino as well as sweet treats and strawberries and cream!! With live music, a steel band and a wildlife maze it is the perfect way to spend a Sunday!



2. Four Thieves Fringe - Various dates from July 5th
Probably my favourite favourite ... The Four Thieves Fringe! The Four Thieves is the best pub near me, it does amazing food, has a great ale selection, does loud music and on top of all that ... the upstairs is a GAMES ROOM, with car racing, mini golf and Street Fighter! And on top of that they host the Four Thieves Fringe, which is a host of evenings where comedians practice their sets before they head to the Edinburgh Fringe, from £6 for an evening set, or £25 for all events, it is a bargain for some good comedy names. (And I've already booked my tickets!)


3. London Vegan Beer Festival - 15th July
I love Beer, so any kind of Beer Festival is amazing. I have never tried Vegan Beer and so what perfect time to try it! With a Beer Hall and Beer Market filled with Vegan Beer Stalls to sample and Vegan food stalls with food to sample.




4. Overdough Pizza Party - 15th July
A brunch party with all you can eat pizza, bottomless cocktails and hip-hop karoke! Enough said!!






5. Rum Fesitval at Jam Tree  - All month long
July at Jam Tree brings Rum Festival, with different Rum elated events, from a bottomless brunch to salsa lessons. The end of the month (28th July) brings the Caribbean Supperclub, a Caribbean BBQ feast with a bottomless Rum Punch!





Other events throughout the month;
2nd July - Summer Streets in Regent Street - Street Party
3rd July - The start of the Wimbledondon Tennis Championship
From 5th July - Four Thieves Fringe - Comedy Event
6th July - British Summertime at Hyde Park - Music Festival
7th - 9th July - Wireless Festival - Music Festival
From 7th July - Nomad Cinema - Outdoor Cinema
From 7th July - Live Jazz at Pavilion Cafe in Greenwich Park (Every Friday until August 25th)
From 7th July - Regents Park Open Air Theatre - A Tale of Two Cities & Oliver Twist
8th July - Pride Parade - Trafalgar Square to The London Eye
9th July - Summer Streets in Regents Street - Street Party
14 & 15th July - LoveBox at Victoria Park - Music Festival
15th July - Overdough Pizza Party
16th July - Summer Streets in Regents Street - Street Party
16th July - Citadel Festival - Music Festival
21st & 22nd July - Ales Tales - Belgian Beer Festival
28th-30th July - Prudential RideLondon - 3 Day Cycling Festival


What will you be doing this July?

Someday

January 12, 2017

 

As I have mentioned many times in the last year; my favourite podcast is 'Happier' by Gretchen Rubin. I fell a little behind listening to this, so have spent the last few weeks catching up. Unfortunately for me, I am now completely caught up. I've been listening to a few others, and nothing has stuck. That was, until I came across 'The Minimalists Podcast'. I was immediately struck with inspiration from the first episode, and I am hooked. Within the first five minutes they were discussing a concept called 'Someday'. 'Someday' is an essay on 'The Minimalists' website which is absolutely fantastic! And if you're anything like me, then it will give you kick up the backside you need to get what you want or do what you want to do.

The idea behind this is that you write your 'Someday' on one side of a piece of paper. Anything that you have told yourself that you will do someday, whether (if you were given the opportunity) you would go ahead and use this or not. You label this 'Someday'. A sample of mine would look a little like this;

Someday
- Get fit (Run a half marathon)
- Take a photography course
- Learn about meteorology
- Start my own business

Then one the other side of the paper, you write a list of actions that you did in the last 24hours. You label this 'Today';

Today
- Traveled to work
- Work Meetings
- Responding to emails
- Watched too many YouTube videos

And then simply compare the two. As they state ...

"Sure, many of the items on this second list are necessary, or even urgent. But just because something is urgent doesn’t mean it’s worthwhile; in fact, misguided urgency is often the enemy of progress."

Obviously watching YouTube videos is neither urgent or necessary and the time I spend doing this is completely wasted. Some of these tasks cannot be helped, you have to have meetings, and respond to emails. But can my travel to work be used better? Can I run to work to get some training time in? Can I watch YouTube videos on photography or meteorology instead of make up? Just a few examples. If I (or you) spend my 'today' actions better or stop doing the unnecessary ones, maybe then 'today' can become 'someday'

Which today actions can you turn into someday actions?

Monday Motivation // Enjoy The Little Things

January 09, 2017


Beautiful print from notonthehighstreet 

This is possibly the most simple statement, to 'Enjoy The Little Things', but everyone needs to be reminded of it. To enjoy a chilled Sunday lye in, having a hot take away coffee on a cold brisk walk or watching a film cuddled on the sofa with a loved one. Everyone gets so caught up in trying g to do everything at the same time, filling every minute of the day and rushing around. It's nice to just enjoy the small things, and I often need reminding if this too. So everyone take a second and soak up all moments in life ...

 
Print from Bowery.com

What 'small things' do you wish you had more time to enjoy?

Winter Wardrobe Essentials

January 03, 2017


We are now a good few weeks into Winter and things are starting to get extremely cold! I mean, We tried to out the heating on, but we still haven't figured it out after three years, so we sat fully clothed in our dressing gowns! But with the cold weather means a strategic Winter wardrobe. So below, find a few of my favourite picks for your wardrobe essentials!

Cashmere Sweater
Cashmere is one of the warmest and cosiest fabrics. More expensive than other sweaters or jumpers but in the winter it is definitely worth the money. Pair it with boyfriend jeans and trainer for a casual day look, or leather trousers and heels for a smart evening look.

1 / 2

 


Boyfriend Jeans
In my opinion, Winter is one of the most casual of seasons. Throw on some loose boyfriend fit jeans, white trainers and a cosy jumper, and you are ready! Alternatively, I am a fan of boyfriend jeans with heels and a sparkly top (but maybe that's my inner 90's child trying to burst out!)

1 / 2

 


Blanket Scarf
What can keep you more warm then a blanket scarf?! Wrap it round your coat when you leave the house, or wrap it round yourself ... like a blanket ... when you get to your destination and are still a little chilly. Literally one of my favourite things about winter are blanket scarves!

1 / 2

 


Leather Jacket
Nothing is as effortless as throwing on a leather jacket, it can be thrown over anything! Jeans, dresses, midi skirts, all go with a leather jacket. Every wardrobe (not just winter) needs a leather jacket!

1 / 2





Fedora Hat
To finish off your winter look, throw on a fedora hat! Keeps you warm, and gives you that 'pulled together' look.

1 / 2



What are your Winter Wardrobe Essentials?

Monday Motivation // Be You

January 02, 2017

 

Recently, I have been catching up with Gretchen Ruben's 'Happier'. It is a fantastic podcast about habits and human nature and I find it absolutely fascinating! Back in episode 26, they discussed the idea of the 'One-Word Theme'. A word that you always go back to throughout the years. Words like 'strong', 'home' or 'career'. Something that is your focus, and always in the back of your mind. My motivational word (make that small phrase) for this year is 'Be You'.

At 28 years old I am finally coming to terms with who I am, and what I like ... I love doing puzzles, I love chilling on the sofa with my favourite people, and I love cosy jumpers and I am not changing that. So this year I resolve to just 'Be Me', to do exactly what I love when I want to do it, and I urge you all to do the same! You hate wine, don't drink it! You love knitting, do it! And you love lye in's on a Sunday, do it! Screw everyone else and just 'Be You'!

What is it that you love to do?

Happy 2017

January 01, 2017


 
  
Image from here

Happy New Year Everyone!

I hope you all brought in the new year and style and have had a lovely day recovering. Me, I spent the evening with some of my favourite people in the entire world and we spent the day in our pyjamas, eating and drinking, and watching films. (Everyone else writes off Jan 1st too right?!)

I actually love the new year! 2016 was a bit of a rubbish one, a few good things happened but on the whole ... it sucked! And I'm glad to see the back of it! I love the feeling that you can wipe the slate clean, it is so inspiring!

I will not be announcing my New Years resolutions as it seems I can rarely keep them, all I will say is that I hope to be seeing you all a lot more!

Have you all chosen your resolutions?