On December

Definitely not my footprints, but those of a giant!

I am writing this snuggled up, after finishing the first season of The Crown (so good), seated at just the right angle to be able to watch the snow. I absolutely love snow; it is my all time favourite form of weather. As soon as I realised it was snowing, I wrapped up and went straight out into it. I love the crunch it makes and the glisten when it lays untouched. 

Here are some things I have been loving lately. 

Reading - I have always read a lot and since commuting I get through about a book a week. I have recently just finished His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman. I never read the second two books when I was younger but I got completely lost in them last month. I also highly recommend The Penguin Lessons by Tom Michell; it was such a lighthearted, easy read, perfect for an afternoon. 

KeepCup - I ordered one of these a little while ago after Boyf found it and thought it would be something really useful. This is such a great company; essentially they are trying to revolutionise the way we currently go to coffee shops by promoting using a reusable cup instead of the paper ones (which are horrendous for the environment). I got a Long Play which keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot - and you can design your own!

Nigella Lawson - Have you been watching At My Table? I have re-discovered my love of Nigella. I recently met her at Stylist Live after watching her speak, where she was actually quite inspirational. In her new book, she writes about how complicated life can be and how it is so nice to just gather around a table and eat food which isn't complicated. She deifnitely advocates a very nice way of living!

Fortnum & Masons - I love Fortnum's. I subscribed to their emails a little while ago and everything they do is crafted so wonderfully. They make such simple things seem so luxurious; I have been over the last couple of days really enjoying their Christmas Spiced Tea. Definitely a little Christmas luxury in it's beautiful tin! 

Christmas at Southbank - We went here last week to explore the Christmas market, expecting it to be fairly standard. However, it was so much better than expected! It has the usual little stalls of crafted goods, food and mulled beverages, but it also goes all the way through into an Alpine-esque Ski Lodge with fire pits. A really lovely smaller alternative to Winter Wonderland. 

Christmas is only 15 days away (!) as is 2018 drawing ever closer. I am about to write my Christmas cards (which I am making myself this year for a lucky few!) with some classic Christmas music in the background. I hope you are all enjoying the snow (if you are experiencing it!) 

Here's to the last few weeks of weeks 2017!

xoxo

On Taste of London 2017

Have you ever been to Taste of London Festival? It is so good! It is rated as being one of the best Food Festivals in London and definitely deserves that title (I haven't been to any others but I ended up going to this one two days running and was not at all disappointed so I feel I am safe in giving my opinion here). 

As with all festivals, you buy a ticket and then have free reign throughout the event. It is basically stalls and stalls and stalls of food and drink. Held in Regent's Park it is of course in a great location and easy to get to.

There are samples galore. You can go most of the day without actually spending that much and still feeling full. Nearly every stall has samples of some kind or are giving away something free. All in the name of promotion and deliciousness! 

Then there are the plates you can buy. They are around £4-12 for a dish and are so good. Each of the restaurants there does some of their signature dishes (on small scale and takeaway plates so you can gorge on everything) and some fancier ones especially for the Festival. There are differrent dishes across the days. These are so good. We tried one of our favourite restaurants, Balls and Company as they had Squid Ink dishes which we hadn't tried. I could not recommend enough! There are restaurants such as Temper that become so much more accessible to try. The cocktails are incredible as well. You could get ones in a whole pineapple! 

There is a whole range of food and bevbevs and something to please everyone.

The Festival is over for this year, but definitely go next year! We ended up going both Saturday and Sunday (long story) and loved both days!

It's definitely a lot of fun in a group. I would say that it is not reeeeally the best place for children; the majority of the beverages there are alcholic. 

Speaking of; did I mention the masterclasses? We did a Gin one with Sipsmith (free!) and it was incredible! You can learn so much.

And there are all the food masterclasses and shows and all the fancy stuff. We did a 'Become your own Barista' class with illy; I was abismal. You can see my latte up above; but it tasted good! There are also a load of start ups meaning that you get to try brand new products. 

It's a really great day out and I will be reminding you all to go next year if you are a foodie (or drinkie...)

Would you go?

xoxo

On Graze

 

Graze boxes are by no means a new thing. I first tried them when I was back in school (at least 7 years ago!) Obviously at the time I couldn't really afford to be paying regularly for a box of snacks to be delivered to my door on a regular basis. 

Yet it was still something that the novelty didn't really wear off. I still got excited about the box arriving. I still got a little thrill wondering what the box was going to contain (sweet options all the way please). So when I retried the service a couple of weeks ago I couldn't wait for it to arrive.

The system over the years has obviosuly changed and adapted and I think works really well now. You can much easily choose exactly what kind of foods you want and you can schedule them to arrive exactly when you want them. (I scheduled mine for when I knew I would be in to avoid disappointment; or worse, someone else eating it!)

The selection of food that they now have has also increased massively; there are so many options. And to my biggest surprise, they are still cheap and affordable! Not to mention they have a really good loyalty programme in which you get your 5th and future boxes free. They also still send you vouchers for your friends! 

What is also great is that you can cancel your subscription and restart it at any time, hassel free. This is normally an issue with subscription boxes, that you get stuck in the automatic renewal. But not with Graze! It is so easy to get out of, but also back into as well.

If you are prone to snacking on rubbish food, or just like to have some good quality and tasty nibbles around I would definitely recommend giving Graze a try! 

I also think that they are perfect for all ages! Student, workers, families, you name it! 

They have also upped their packaging game which I love. Everything is really cute. Which is always an added bonus.

Would you try Graze?

xoxo

On GOMO (Going Out More Often!)

I am a big advocate of being a tourist in your own home; there is always more to do than you think! We seem to currently live in a world of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). How many times have you sat at home on a Friday night flicking through your insta feed, looking at everyone else and had that feeling that they are all doing something and you're not? #FOMO :(

This is something that we all seem to be feeling way too much. So I have been inspired by Eventbrite to give you some ideas and motivation to go out more often! Eventbrite want people to stop with all the Netflix and Chillin' and instead to go out and do something. This way, not only are YOU getting out, but you're also not missing out! (Sorry to everyone obsessed with Stranger Things...)

It may now be September but it is warm here! So maybe summer can last a little longer...and in the spirit of that, why not spend your money on some quality time with your friends and family? This will come as no surprise to those that know me, but I love food. I eat a lot. (It's really something that needs to be seen to be believed...) 

So I have put together a list of great eatery places in London that you need to go and try. As in, go and book them now and go asap. They are all different cuisines and types of food so should cover all likes and dislikes!

Image from www.crumpeats.files.wordpress.com

Pitt Cue - 1 Devonshire Square, EC2M 4YP

Boyf and I went here back in June and we have wanted to go back ever since. Honestly, this is one of the best meals I have ever had. The meat. Ohmyword. Mouth wateringly beautiful.

I actually reviewed here at the time, which you can check out here.

Cutter and Squidge - 20 Brewer St, W1F 0SJ

I ended up here by accident the other day, but everything in there is adorable and so different to your normal cupcake kind of place! I'm not even sure really how to describe their food, but it's bloody good! Expectations combinations between biscuits and cupcakes; what could be better?!

Image from www.lelalondon.com

Shake Shack - Covent Garden, Westfield Stratford City, Bloomsbury

I first went to a Shake Shack in Chicago and have since had to go to the London ones. Everything they have here is so good. It's like your typical fast food type place, but so much better. Their burgers are delicious and the shakes. Monthly specials; need I say more!?

The Brass Rail, Selfridges

Sadly, this lovely outlet in Selfridges no longer has the neon pink signs. The décor may have changed but the food is still just as good. It is a summer tradition in my house to go here at least once. Their salt beef is incredible; they have a selection of breads and mustards which is all cut and prepared as you ask for it. Not to mention you can get a whole pickle! This is a great place for a quick bite or for a bit bigger lunch. 

Fire and Stone, 31/31 Maiden Lane, WC2E 7JS

This is a pizza restaurant with a bit of a twist; all of their pizzas are based (no pun intended) around cities. They have cities from all over the world and all of the flavours are inspired by them! It does make for some hard choosing though!

Hopefully this post has given you some ideas and motivated you to get out more often and to try some new eats! 

Eventbrite also make it really easy to organise and plan events. You can check them out here.

What are you going to do for #GOMO?

xoxo

On Iced Coffee

I think I might have perfected at-home Iced Coffee. Using Mother's trial method, I have upped the game ever so slightly, and I am telling you, these are just what you need in this weird September heat we are having here. Not to mention they are so easy!

Here's how you can make yours!

Coffee - Use about three teaspoons of coffee and and with boiling water make a tinytiny amount. By tiny amount I mean half espresso size. It needs to be really strong!

Cold Water - If your cold water tap is anything like mine, have it running for a little bit about now just to make sure it's cold; you want it cold!

Milk - Pour in a lot of milk. Almost fill the glass with it.

Cold Water - Now top up with the aforementioned coldcold water.

Ice - Add in some ice cubes (ours are Storm Troopers, just sayin')

Flavour (Optional) - I sometimes add in some caramel syrup just for that extra touch, but these are good without as well!

And boom diggidy you have the perfect iced coffee all crafted by your owns hands! The key thing to remember is make it strong! 

Hope you enjoy!

xoxo

On Barbeques

Beer Can Chicken. BEER CAN CHICKEN!!!

Boyf and his family are really big into bbqs. Now I am going to preface this with the fact that I had never really had proper bbqs, thus my opinion of them was pretty narrow minded. All I had ever really had were sausages and burgers cooked at parties. Not proper meals just your typical British trying to be outdoors despite the weather bbq nibbles.

Boyf mentioned early on that he is a big bbq fan and I thought oh...hmm. (He may also have mentioned that we would have some issues if I wasn't :') ) But now I can happily announce that I am a fully fledged barbeque convert. BBQ steaks, bbq paella, bbq spatchcock chickens, BBQ BEER CAN CHICKEN (DID EVERYONE ELSE KNOW THIS WAS A THING!?). I want it all! 

Roast Sunday dinner with bbq lamb? Yes please. 

Lamb Kofta with halloumi? Yes, three please.

They make everything, meat, vegetables, cheese, just taste so good. Not to mention the, of course, smokey flavour that they add to everything. They are definitely a way to spice up your meals if you feel like everything has become a bit meh.  

I feel like I was the only one not on the barbeque bandwagon, so my attempts to convert anyone else will be futile as I was the one in the minority. Now if only my parents could get onto the barbeque deliciousness... 

Are you a barbeque fan?

xoxo

On Giggling Squid

Boyf and I fancied having a tapas-sized lunch out and ended up going to Giggling Squid, a thai restaurant. We had considered going numerous times before but never quite got around to it. We were so glad we finally did!

I have only been to one of these (they are a chain), so I can't speak for all of them, but the decor is very sleek and gives the place a really nice feel. 

Their menu starts with a selection of dishes that have four of their smaller plates. We shared one of these between us as it was only lunch (which also made it all cheaper) and simply added another dish. It is so easy to try a lot of different stuff and then add whatever else you want! All of the plates also come with a type of rice which goes well with all of the other dishes. The water was also constantly filled and the staff were very attentive. 

All of the food was incredible. The salt and pepper squid was some of the best I have ever had! All of the meat was cooked beautifully and all presented beautifully as well. Even the prawn crackers and the dipping sauce tasted amazing!* What I really liked as well is how a lot of the dishes are named around the giggling squid theme, such as two giggling squids, rich squid, which I thought was a lovely touch!

I would definitely recommend going here if you love thai food; everything is delicious! Even if you aren't a big fan of thai, there would probably be something that you would still enjoy! You can check them out here.

Would you try the Giggling Squid?

xoxo

*They offer you the prawn crackers once you are seated but you do pay for them and they are a bit pricey!

On Sundays

Boyf and I sadly ended up having to chamge our plans so we have been chilling and trying to make the most of freedom! I hope you have all had a lovely weekend and here are some things I've been loving lately. 

The Olympics has brought out some great photos. This one of Usain Bolt and this one of Jess Ennis Hill are brilliant.

This video of Trump supporters is ridiculous.

How jazzy is this song called Karina?!

Pantone cafe!

I cannot get enough of Rosie's Instagram.

Although Summer is quickly leaving us, I loved this post for Summer reading.

Do you have runner's knee? I certainly do!

M&S have got a huge sale going on right now.

Have a great weekend!

xoxo

On London - PittCue

On Monday, Boyf and I had to head to London for various things. The weather was pretty horrendous all day (if you are ever in need of an umbrella bag, Liberty have them in their doorways!) and rained for most of the day leaving soggy feet! 

This did mean that we took refuge in a cute little pub called The Old Tea Warehouse (whilst I lusted over my cheeky Anthropologie sale purchase). This place is really nice just before the workday ends as it's cosy and quiet. 

We went to PittCue for dinner which is right by Aldgate station; we found it simply by google mapping restaurants in that area! We looked up the menu and it was a lot of things we had never had before (Onglot? Apparently beef steak; who knew!), but was still quite small. We thought it sounded different so ended up going there. 

We got there quite early (just before 6!) because of trains etc and had to wait for the kitchen to open. Their bar list is pretty decent; they have a lot of different beers but only in bottle of 2/3 pint, and a couple ciders. 

We both ended up going for specials, something which I had personally never done. Another first for me was that I ordered steak! Boyf ordered the lamb's neck. As with most places in London, you have to order sides separately, but which means they are about the same size as a starter. We shared a mashed potato with bone marrow and mushroom side. 

Oh my word.
This was honestly one of the best meals that either of us had ever had. They came quickly, were cooked perfectly and were just the right amount. The steak came with caramelised onions, and the lamb with courgettes. Both of which were so good, and I don't even like courgettes! 

If we had had more time we definitely would have had a starter and a dessert (or afters as I personally call it, much to most people's confusion), as they also sounded really good. But I cannot recommend this place enough! 

Price wise it wasn't too expensive, considering the quality of the food that we then had; what made it a bit cheaper was that we shared a starter as they were a decent size! If you are ever around the Aldgate area (think the Gherkin), or even if not, definitely try and go here! 

xoxo

On The Drawing Board

Last Friday, the boyf finished his exams so we went our for some celebratory bevs. We then ended up heading the The Drawing Board for dinner. Completely unplanned by us, we gatecrashed the friends we were with and ended up having a really nice time! 

We all went for the above burger (boyf and I added bacon,of course!) which came with fries and beef and onion dripping sauce. It was all incredible! 

When I asked for Mayo this was what they brought me; how cute is it! 

As you can imagine, being called The Drawing Board, the place is full of cartoon strips, comic books and cool memorabilia. Yes those are Star Wars and Spiderman cushions. The place was done up to feel really homely, with a bar downstairs and a beer garden. 

Despite not having fully planned our trip here, it was a really nice night! They also have a humungous beverage lists; spirits, wines and beers galore. It took us ages just to decide what we were having. (Though some were a little on the pricey side). The food was amazing and the staff were all lovely as well. This place was fairly quiet for a Friday night so I would stop by before the crowds catch on! 

If you're in Leamington, I would definitely recommend! 

xoxo

On Sundays

This weekend marks the end of nearly all of my degree! If you follow me on Twitter, you'll have seen that this week I've done two exams, handed in two long essays and my dissertation! With one exam to go the end is nigh! I hope your weeks have been productive and that you've had a relaxing weekend; here are some of the things I've been relaxing with this week. 

I read this article about two buildings in New York having a Post-It War. Some of the creations are amazing!

I bought two new hair masks the other day and cannot wait to try them! I got this Tresemme Oleo Radiance Creamy Moisturiser and the L'Oreal Extraordinary Oil Mask Pot. Both on offer right now!

I watched a whole load of these Nifty videos yesterday; love the Washi Tape Bookmarks!

After finally having the time to paint my nails I am loving Revlon - Fearless.

The boyf and I have been loving watching this guy's videos; he's Italian, called Gennaro, and is just so happy!

We have also been loving the half price frappes at Starbucks this week. The S'mores ones are so good. And today is the last day of half price! 

I really want this Paperchase notebook. (I almost bought it the other day when the boyf made me put it back; I will have it!)

Happy Sunday!

xoxo

On Sundays

It was one of my best friend's birthdays on Friday and so we headed on out to Meatcure for dinner. The above was my burger, the New York New York and my word was it good. Chicken, pickle, sourkraut, mustard, pastrami, brioche; so good. Just looking back at that photo is making me hungry!

So my weekend definitely got off to a good start! We are going to watch Captain America: Civil War tonight. I am yet to have seen any of this Marvel franchise at the cinema before so I am excited! The boyf and I also got some really good looking burgers (again I know; don't judge) for dinner tonight which I cannot wait for!

How is it May already?! Let's remind ourselves of April.

Have you seen this cat? It's so photogenic it must know it. And so fluffy.

Speaking of cats, I would definitely vote for this one.

I am currently cutting out sugar [at least trying to!].
This definitely helped; do you have sugar face?

If you got caught up in all the hype of Lemonade, Beyonce's new visual album but don't really want to fork out the money for it, you can listen here on Radio 1!

I posted off my voting ballots for London Mayor and London Assembly yesterday. Make sure you're all prepped to vote!

Have a good weekend!

xoxo

On Mashed Suedes

Sometimes it's nice to just get away from everything for a little bit. 

Especially when there's good food and good company involved. 

Mashed Suedes is a really cute little cafe in north Leamington that we discovered a few weeks back. Their Full English is soso good; and the fried bread. Oh the friend bread! The staff are all really lovely in there and it is so tiny that it is always completely full. It has local art works all over the walls and is just so cute.

The mlkshakes also are so good. And how nice do they look?! Just the milk bottle itself is enough to make me want one, but then they taste so good as well. 

The weather finally looked up this weekend, and it seemed asif Winter might actually be done. The sun was out and I didn't need to wear my big coat. There is only one week left of term, and both of us had been feeling the remnants of the flu/cold for the past week so this was definitely something that we needed. 

Sometimes it's nice to jsut get awat from everything for a little bit.

Leave the work until the afternoon. Leave the reading until later. Leave the laptops behind.

Take pleasure instead from those around you and what's around you.

Where do you like to escape to?

xoxo

Lent

It was pancake day. We went to my friend's flat for pancakes (savoury pork and mango ones which, were AMAZING, and I don't even like mango). On their notice board they had a list of what everyone had given up for lent and the weeks. As well as cute little drawings to move themselves along the timeline.
I thought this was a great idea and then realised that I hadn't planned to give anything up this year. Then the boyf said, 'You should give up Pepsi Max'

...

For anyone that knows me, then they will know of my love of Pepsi Max. If I get a meal deal, my beverage of choice will be Pepsi Max. If I have a beverage craving, it will be for Pepsi Max. If I'm re-using a bottle, it will be a Pepsi Max bottle.

To be fair, he had a point.

So I said, 'You should give up biscuits.'

To which he had the same response.

So together we have embarked on the struggle that is giving up something you indulge in maybe a bit too much for 40 days and 40 nights.

There have been the withdrawel symptons 10 days in. 

There was the relapse weekend following being up for 26 hours as a result of having to take the boyf to A&E. Only Pepsi Diet was available, which had to do. But it is NOT the same,

Some McDonald's diet coke also ended up in the mix.

Normally I give up everything sweet for lent, but seeing as I rarely eat sweet things now anyway, the Pepsi Max is definitely proving a greater struggle. (It also includes all fizzy drinks except for tonic; I was not giving up G&Ts, no sir). 

With 16 more days to go, we are over halfway!

If you've given up anything for Lent, we are in the struggle together!

(And maybe keep in mind the actual meaning as well, whether you're religious or not, it's about testing yourself and proving to yourself that maybe you don't actually need all these things. The test is even more real when the boyf writes on Pepsi Max bottle on your desk (see above) a line around the remaining liquid with the caption 'You better not go under the line'.)
Never has water tasted so good.

Have you given anything up for Lent?

xoxo

Dinner for Breakfast

When one of your flatmates suggests going to a place on State Street that serves dinner for breakfast, obviously my answer was going to be yes!!! 

So this is where we went on Friday night, to Short Stack Eats. And it was soooo good. The place had a lovely atmosphere, as the tables were all decorated with old postcards and letters which was a really lovely touch. Your sign to show you had ordered was also the bent number plate which was an unusual feature and something I've never seen before. (I say that like I'm some big restraunteur...or something...haha I'm not.) 

One of their most unique features is that they do a 'Blind Special' in which you don't ask what it is or even have any idea what it is, but you pay half price and just await your food! Deja and David braved their dish...and got chocolate and banana pancakes. Not too shabby! I was tempted however the possibility that it might have been 'Biscuit with Gravy' was just too risky. 

Angoli and I went with sourdough French Toast. It came with heavenly mascarpone. The whole thing was sososo good; despite the fact I gave all my berries away. It was so yummy! It was also such a lovely night out :)

As a cheeky little bonus and sneak peek of the rest of the night, here is a photo of me loving life at a frat house...

The frat life is definitely for me!

(And my eyeliner game that night was so en pointe!)

Would you have dinner for breakfast?

xoxo

Mint Jalapeno Jam

That's right my friends, bright.green.jam. This is what I was eating in my The British Tag video, which if you haven't seen, click here to watch that bad boy. But yes this is my Mint Jalapeno Jam!
Now I know some of you may be thinking this sounds absolutely disgusting. However, my American flatmates here, everytime I said how mint jam is so weird, would reply with 'That is not weird! It's completely normal!' ...
Not in England my friends!

I picked this up at the local Farmer's Market here and when I first saw it weeks ago, I just thought that it sounded so gross it must be delicious, otherwise who would eat that??? And I am so glad I got it! The smell is weird...so if you ignore that, spread it on some bread and enjoy!

I'm quite sad I can't readily share this with everyone, but next time you see some, definitely try it! I promise, it will taste better than you're expecting. (But it does have a kick!)

Would you try this jam?

xoxo