July Favourites.

The sky is grey, it's raining and I'm craving ALL the tea.... must be August.

So now we are on to  day 2 of August (how the hell did that happen?!) I thought it was a good time to share the things I have loved in the month of July.

 1. Maple Sunrise cereal.

This cereal is insanely tasty! Now I myself am not gluten free but I couldn't find anything else similar in the general cereal aisle so picked this one up. Anyone that is gluten free will know that if a product has those two words on the packaging the price is increased double.... ugh.
So compared to others this might be a little more pricey but what I did was buy some cheaper own brand cereal and I mix the two together.. maybe two thirds maple sunrise....

But I urge anyone to try this if you like sweet, crunchy breakfasts.


2. Pole Fitness

Pole is something I did a few years ago for a couple of months but for multiple reasons I stopped before I got very far. Thankfully my wonderful friend decided to come back with me and it's been awesome!!!
Only minor injuries have occurred so far but increasingly complex moves are bound to result in more right??

If you live in the south of England and fancy giving it a go please contact Emma at Pole Performers because she is magnificent. http://www.poleperformers.co.uk/

3. Faith in Nature deodorant.

I agree that recommending a deodorant might seem odd however this is a cruelty free, vegan, one ingredient deodorant that has no scent and ACTUALLY WORKS!!! So yeah thought I'd mention that in case anyone needs to find something like this.

4. City of Bones (Mortal Instruments series).

Once again I am very late to the party with this Cassandra Clare series but I got there eventually and I think that's the main thing to focus on here.
If like me you are yet to delve into this fantasy world then please do yourself a favour and read this! I'm one book in and already looking for the entire series for a reasonable price, because I know I'm going to love the whole thing.



I will also give Game of Thrones an honourable mention because come on, it's basically the best thing that's ever happened to the fantasy TV genre .... and Emilia Clarke is bae.

That's it, hopefully you have seen somethings you've been loving or perhaps even new things to try! July was pretty great.

x

February Favourites

Short and sweet intro because I feel by now these posts don't require much explanation.

- Sweet and spicy noodle soup

I'd never had this flavour before but as soon as I saw it I needed it. Most cup a soups are fairly bog standard but this stood out and spoke to me soul (my soul definitely speaks in the language of food just fyi). It was delicious and I highly recommend.

- Afternoon Tea

I visited my lovely friend and her daughter this month .... well a whole group of us went and as we're now technically adults we decided to do something a little sophisticated and go for afternoon tea.
I always love a good afternoon tea, it's all the sandwiches man! Plus her little girl is the cutest thing I've ever had the joy of looking upon and yes you may say I'm bias but it's still true.

- The Walking Dead

Yes I am very late to this party but now I'm here and ready to boogie.
A lot of people in my life have insisted I need to get into the series and I knew that I'd love it but for some reason hadn't quite got around to sitting down and watching it.
My Dad recently made me sit down and watch from the start - he has already seen it all but was happy to re-watch with me.
We started this on Saturday evening and on writing this it is Thursday and I am a few episodes into series 4...... yeah that happened. To be fair I've had 2 days off work due to phlegmy illness issues and that is how I've managed to binge it so quickly. I imagine I'll be up to date in the next week.
I won't say anything about it in case of spoilers but I am so in love with Daryl it hurts a little. He is too good for this world and I just want to hold him and keep him safe forever and ever.

- Tenerife

My first holiday of the year happened in February and it was so necessary for my sanity I can't put it into words.
I've never been to Tenerife before and was a little worried it might be really touristy but I was pleasantly surprised by the area we went to.
We also went to a water park and a zoo which I would 100% re-visit both if I were to go back as they were amazing days well spent. FYI they were called Siam Park and Jungle Park.

x

November Favourites

It's that time again where I tell you about all the best parts of my month.

1. Seeing friends:

I spent the night at my friends, we had cocktails and went dancing (briefly) but the best bit was easily our trip to the Krispy Kreme cafe - doughnuts and coffee? Yes please. She is fabulous, plus who doesn't love a friend that won't judge a vegetarian that drunkenly eats KFC?

2. Volunteering:

I have recently done a small bit of voluntary work with an environmental consultancy to learn more about ecology as it's a possible career option I'm looking into.
I'll probably do a longer post discussing it at some point to let you know exactly what I got up to but I have loved it and it's been incredible to change things up and have a break from my current job for a few days.

3. Bath Christmas market:

This month I met up with my uni family for the first time in FOREVER, one of my boys I hadn't seen since my 21st which was 2 and a half years ago! We went to Bath where we first met and studied for 3 years to enjoy the somewhat famous market with all it's smells, colours and mulled wine.

4. Deciding to start playing piano again:

I haven't touched a piano for around 8 years but used to have lessons with my Mum and am starting to miss it. I'm someone that adores music and wants nothing more than to be talented in it someway..... but I'm not. I don't have a musical bone in my body, am tone deaf and also extremely impatient with myself so never allow the time to learn anything. As I was taught by a skilled pianist this became a hobby that I could actually do! Sadly I was fickle and gave it up to do another passion I'd had since childhood which was horse riding. Recently I have had real motivation to try and play again so have bought myself a load of different books that have songs I know in but that are super easy for beginners.

x

Also for anyone that read my last post I am so happy to say that I've found a new home for my last rattie D'artagnan and although I will be a little heart broken to say goodbye I know he's going to someone who will give him the life he deserves and he will be part of a new group which hopefully he'll settle into quickly.

My Favourite Meat Alternatives.

I've been a vegetarian for almost a year now and when I was a meat eater I was always a little confused about vegetarians eating vegetarian products that are made to look and (almost) taste like actual meat. If you don't like the idea of eating an animal why buy something that's made to be the same as it?
It didn't take long to realise why so many vegetarians go down this route. Sometimes it's hard to think of a  replacement for meat in a meal- it's often the main component and to find an alternative can mean extra thought and work which sometimes I'm just not okay with! Also although I have chosen not to eat meat, I used to and still do enjoy the flavours of it so I occasionally fancy something meaty tasting.

I have fallen a little in love with the company Quorn, who have made pretty much every conceivable meat commodity available for vegetarians. They are the kings of vegetarian alternatives.
Here are a few of my favourites that I recommend to every veggie, partly because they are about as similar to the meat original as you could get but mostly because they're freaking delicious!

- Scotch eggs                                                                      - Sausage roll

- Turkey slices                                                                   - Mince

- Tikka slices                                                               - Pies

x

Awesome Of The Week | Sprilizer.

I first used one of these at my friends house and have been meaning to purchase myself one for an absolute age!!

The idea is that you "spirilize" vegetables (generally courgette) into noodles as a healthier substitute to pasta or regular noodles. I am wanting to really amend my unhealthy ways and thought this was a good place to start as it allows for super quick meals like pasta but that are way less stodgy and carby.

My choice of meal on this particular night was courgette noodles with garden peas, spring onions and mushrooms in a small amount of pesto.

To be honest any sauces you would have with pasta would work amazingly with this or a sweet and sour would be delish!
I personally love it as you can feel less guilty about simple dishes that take next to no time to prep and unlike pasta/noodles courgette brings extra flavour to the whole meal (without over powering at all).

My machine actually came with a couple of different blades - I can spirilize in two thicknesses, grate, slice and juice all manner of tasty things. It was from amazon and you can find it here.

Reckon you'd give this a go?

x

Awesome Of The Week | Graze Box.

This always seems to come back to food doesn't it?

I had Graze boxes a few years ago but quickly realised that students probably shouldn't have that extra expense! However I got a voucher in an Amazon package for a free box and decided to sign back up again - well I am working now!

Here's what was in my first box:

This was my favourite in the box as the 3 components had such differing tastes and textures. You can distinguish all the ingredients that are supposed to be there and the breadsticks tasted like little poles of pizza and how can you not like the idea of that!?

Cashews for me are the boss of all nuts and when you sprinkle them with rosemary and garlic you can't go far wrong.

The greatest compliment I could pay to this little snack is that I not only ate but enjoyed all of the olive croutons and I HATE olives. Like seriously they so gross. But the croutons? Delicious.

I'm new to the realms of pistachios and I don't know where they've been all my life but I have been missing out!!

When I saw the words "black pepper" I was a tad nervous as it can be such a powerful seasoning - there was no need to worry at all, they were freaking delicious.

The pepper complimented the natural sweetness of the pistachios and I would be lying if I said I didn't eat them all within about 3 minutes.

There's not much I can tell you about dried cranberries and raisins as I'm 87% sure you've had at least one of them before. These ones are infused with blueberry and cherry though!

Never before have I come across dried pineapple and I am terribly upset about it because I wish to kiss whoever decided to create it - sweet, chewy and an amazing afternoon pick me up in the office,

Time to come clean - I may or may not have consumed all of mine before taking a picture.....

I find when at work all day that towards the end I am in need of something small and savoury and now I would suggest this to anyone.

The crackers are crazy light and crispy with a chutney that has a kick but doesn't leave you in agony!

The first box did not disspoint at all, I enjoyed all the little treats that Graze chose for me! The best part of Graze is that you can go on the site and choose which items you definitely want in your boxes and which ones you don't (but it's still a surprise as to which ones you will get each week!).

They even have a section for those that have requirements such as vegetarian/vegan which as I am a new veggie and aspiring vegan it was made a whole lot easier as I could just bin anything that isn't vegan!

I don't know if it's just me but I've found vegan meals to be pretty easy to create but have seriously struggled when it comes to snacks. A lot of snacks are processed and contain all sorts of animal derived ingredients and milk powder for flavour! Having these boxes sent to me means I don't have to worry about whether I should eat this delicious looking food in front of me, I know it's vegan and healthy as their products are natural and can just dig in.

Just to add to the health benefits I opted for the Graze Light Box which means I can eat my box safe in the knowledge that it is fairly low in calories and fat. Bonus!

I definitely recommend this to anyone as you can cancel you subscription at anytime, opt out of any boxes if you're on holiday or just don't fancy a box that week and you can customise your boxes once you've tasted them by rating them and choose to get a box twice weekly, weekly or twice monthly.

x

Awesome Of The Week | Wagamamas Vegetarian Food.

Before I specifically talk about the veggie dish I ate I just want to take a minute and appreciate the glorious restaurant that is Wagamamas.
It is Japanese food that is always super fresh and delicious, I would go as far as to say that right now it might be one of my favourite places to eat!

On Wednesday I went to Wagamamas for the first time since becoming a vegetarian/vegan (which I'm sure I will post about at some point!) so I had to make a more conscious decision on what meal to choose... turns out it probably wasn't vegan. I'm still learning which foods are 100% vegan, it can be a bit confusing and sadly this time I was mistaken!

I had the yasai katsu curry and although I am disappointed it wasn't vegan it did taste amazing and I genuinely prefer it to the chicken version. If you are a vegetarian looking for something a little different Wagamamas is probably a very good choice. Also the ingredients are so fresh and pretty darn healthy so you don't even have to feel guilty afterwards, added bonus!

P.s A side dish that actually IS vegan and insanely good is the Yasai Gyoza - Vegetable dumplings. Yum.

x

The Best Crumpets Ever.

 A cold Sunday afternoon left me looking for something warm and filling to eat and thus I discovered the best crumpets to ever grace humanity.

Most people will agree that crumpets are delicious in any form you choose to have them but this happened to be so enjoyable I wanted to share it.

First off instead of shoving them in a toaster try cooking them on a grill, they get much crisper on the outside and also the topping melts into a gooey puddle of loveliness.

I grill the crumpets for a short while plain and then as they heat I take them out, slather on marmite (optional if you don't approve of the shiny black condiment.) and top with grated cheese. Dribble on a helping of Lea and Perrins Worcester Sauce and back on the grill they go.

Leave until the cheese is liquid and golden brown then hey presto you have a quick snack that is so comforting the only suitable accompaniment is a cup of tea and a pair of slippers.

You're welcome.

x

Awesome of The Week: Wispa Biscuits

 Food is something very close to my heart so it should be no surprise it has come up in only the second week of this segment.

Any biscuit or chocolate fanatic will have undoubtedly come across these new Cadbury products. I think it started with caramel and then moved on to crunchie (don't quote me on this), which were both equally moorish.

But try and refrain from getting too worked up over these until I inform you of the latest release.... Wispa. Yes you heard correctly, Wispa.
On first taste you might be tricked into thinking it is simply a delicious shortbread biscuit covered in milk chocolate but you would be oh so wrong.
The further towards the middle you venture you'll be over joyed to find how much more this little snack has to offer. Balanced beautifully in the middle of the shortbread, hidden by chocolate, is the aerated centre normally found in the heart of a Wispa chocolate bar.

If you are yet to experience the joy that this biscuit can bring then go purchase a pack and you can thank me later.

X