Balance

Do You Know How to Hygge | Lifestyle

How to Hygge!

Do you know How to Hygge? – pronounced “huugha” is the be new buzz word or hashtag of 2017. Coming from the Danish word which translates to ‘cosiness’ books have been popping up in January 2017 lists about the concept.

I first came across the idea when I picked up Signe Johansen book How to Hygge: The Secrets of Nordic Living where Signe walks us through her interpretation as a Scandinavian living in London.

Being a city girl and constantly having to balance work + play – the idea of introducing a little cosy in my life sounded right up my street!

I thought I would share with you the aspects of Hygge which resonated with me.

Be kind to yourself

One of the first things that struck about the idea of ‘how to hygge’ is the positive angle it takes on living your life. The emphasis on living rather than restricting – i.e. the food and chill – differentiated the idea from other books that quite often tell you to start doing this and stop doing that.

Instead of joining the latest diet fad, or stressing your body in the gym or being too rigid – it explores doing what feels good for you in that moment. Being in tune with your body is very important and I think we could all use this in our lives.

Get Outdoors

This may not sound so easy when you live in a city but there are a few ways you can trickle a little of the Great Outdoors in your day to day life! How to Hygge in the city can be done by taking a few little steps – here are my suggestions.

Walk to work

Headphones in – Sunnies on – and get in those paces. Less stress on the tube or stuck in a traffic jam and as I always say ‘saving £££ and losing lbs’

Stroll with friends

Meet friends on the weekend and go for Brunch and a stroll. Get your post brekkie coffee to go and head to your nearest park or flower market and peruse while you chat

Use your lunch break

Get up from your desk and just get outside. The fresh air and getting your blood circulation will give you a burst of energy rather than just sitting all day.

Make time to chill

This is one of my resounding goals for the year -albeit – I haven’t yet mastered it. Making time to relax is very important in keeping your life balanced and for all around wellbeing. If you are not sure how to start put chill time into practise – here are my top tips.

Set diary invites for you time

Put time in your diary 2-3 times a week (seems like a lot but will pay off) that is dedicated to YOU time or just relaxing. This could be reading a book, learning a new skill, catching up on your favourite box set or just doing whatever makes you feel happy. If you don’t pay yourself with time first – no-one else is going to do it for you.

It is ok to say NO

Linked to the point above. If you feel guilt of saying NO it is time you start to put it in to practise. Your time and energy is precious and if you spread yourself top thin then you can help no-one. Learn to say no to certain situations in order to give your all in other situations

Be kind to yourself

It’s ok to CHILL!

Buy some candles

Simple.

Say Yes to Coffee and Butter

This point I liked. We are all guilty to saying No to certain tasty treats but as long as its not all the time it is great to say Yes!

Sure, we cannot live on butter and coffee alone but don’t beat yourself up over enjoying a little sweet treat here and there.

Want to know how you can also Hygge?

Pick up one of these books and see how you can apply this Scandi principle of cosiness to your day-to-day life.

Recipes

Avocado and Pomegranate Tabbouleh | Recipes

Avocado and Pomegranate Tabbouleh

It’s Sunday and you’re planning your lunches for the week ahead!

The buzz words in your head are CLEAN LEAN PROTEIN GOOD FATS LOW CARB VEGAN

and then your mind goes blank…

Well here is a perfect little dish that you can make ahead of time and will last up to 3 days in the fridge! It is easily transported in Tupperware and just tastes better and better…

Ingredients:

80g quinoa – read packet instructions on how to make nice and fluffy.

6 tomatoes, diced into small chunks

1/2 cucumber

5 large handfuls of roughly chopped fresh, flat-leaf parsley

1 handful of chopped fresh mint

1 large ripe Hass avocado

2 tablespoons of toasted flaked almonds

Pomegranate seeds (you can buy these at most supermarkets pre-seeded if you need) If you can’t find pomegranates sultanas can be used as a substitute

2 large handfuls of leaves such as watercress, spinach and rocket

Dressing

6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

1 grated garlic clove

2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice

2 teaspoons of good quality honey

Sea salt and Black Pepper

Method

Drain and rinse the quinoa well – make sure there are no bubbly bits in the water as these are the natural saponins which are not good for digestion. Cook according to packet instructions, usually 15 minutes, then drain and set aside to cool. Run a fork through it to lightly fluff up the quinoa

Put all the ingredients for the dressing in a jam jar (if you have one) and shake or grab a glass and whisk with a fork

Chop the tomatoes and cucumber – remove the seeded bit of the cucumber as this can make the salad go quite wet. If you cut the cucumber in half then half again lengthways – grab a spoon and run it down from top to bottom you will find the seeds will pull out quite easily.

Combine the warm quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber and herbs with the dressing.

At this point, if you wish to save for lunches this week – leave to cool till cold. Then seal in Tupperware and keep in the fridge (see more info below)

Make a gorgeous bed of salad, place the tabbouleh on top, and add chopped avocado and pomegranate

Dry fry the flaked almonds few minutes on a medium heat until toasted and scatter over the tabbouleh.

Serve warm or cold

Transport

Keep the tabbouleh in the fridge

On the day of lunch: chop the avocado and place in a container with a squeeze of lemon/lime on top (this will stop from going brown) and place pomegranate.

Grab some toasted almonds (you can buy them pre-toasted) and sprinkle on top – just before eating for extra crunch

Place salad leaves on top in order to keep them fresh

Nutrition

Quinoa is full of protein

Avocado is a great healthy fat

and the rest is made up of beautiful skin nourishing herbs, fruit and veggies

Delicious, Nutritious and Perfect for anyone on the run!

For More Stress-Free Nourishing Recipes Click Here: Nourish

Recipes

Homemade Cacoa Protein Balls | Recipes

Chocolate Lover

Anyone who knows me knows I am a sucker for Chocolate!

When having a healthy lifestyle it is all about making the right choices but also allowing yourself the things in life that you love but might not be so good for you… That flat white moment!!

Homemade Cacao Protein Balls

You can get your little chocolate fix the healthy and clean way by making Homemade Cacoa Protein Balls!

These balls are made using cacao instead of chocolate which is full of anti-oxidants which protect cells from free radicals! Cacao helps the body protect itself. Do not get Cacao mixed up with Cocoa though… Cocoa has been roasted and therefore loses these wonderful anti-oxidants… so make sure you check the label!

These protein balls will give your body a much-needed energy boost and keep you fuller for longer. They also contain Maca – a superfood that boosts vitality as well as libido – loaded with nuts and sweetened with antioxidant-rich honey, these balls are the perfect snack to get you up and going and keep you full.

Recipe

Difficulty: Medium

Lasts: One Week

Travels: In Tupperware

Storage: Fridge (longer in freezer)

Ingredients:

50g raw cacao
100g oats
Tablespoon of Vega Essentials Protein
150g almonds
Pinch of salt
1 tbsp maca powder
3 tbsp raw honey
100g almond butter
2 tbsp coconut oil
100g of 85% chocolate

Makes 12-15 balls

Method

#1 In the food processor, blend the oats, protein and almonds for 1–2 minutes, then add the cacao, maca and salt.

#2 Blend for 1 minute, then add the honey, almond butter and coconut oil.

#3 Blend, then roll the mixture into balls and put them in the fridge to set for a few hours.

#4 Melt chocolate in a bowl on the hob, grab a skewer and stick in the middle of the ball. Rotate the ball in chocolate to cover evenly

#5 Allow to cool and store in fridge till required

Tada – a stress-free snack loaded with protein, full of anti-oxidants and perfect if you need that little moment.

These balls are also great if you need a quick snack before a workout. Great for carrying in your bag to munch on your way to the gym after work!

For More Stress-Free Nourishing Recipes Click Here: Nourish

Balance

5 Ways to Cure Sore Muscles after the Gym

Do your muscles ache the day after the gym?

Struggle with the stairs?

Does it put you off going the next day?

5 Ways to Cure Sore Muscles after the Gym

Here are 5 tricks I use to make sure I keep on track of my workouts and to keep those sore muscles at bay.

Rehydrate

This one is a bit of a no-brainer. You must replace the water lost in workouts so your body continues to function. When you put your body under stress it needs to be consistently hydrated.
Make sure you are getting at least 2 litres of water a day. You can make this more funky by having herbal teas (my favourite are Pukka – any flavour) or by putting lemon and mint in your water to add flavour!

5 Ways to Cure Sore Muscles after the Gym

Foam Rolling

Foam Rolling lets you roll out those tight muscles. This is crucial when training with weights when your muscles are getting stronger. Foam Rolling allows you to take the pressure deeper – really working into those tighter areas. This allows you to work the tightness and get you back in the weights section quicker.
If you don’t have time to foam roll in the gym (plus you can look and sound very strange when you find the tighter spots)

I recommend buying a roller for home and spending 20 minutes when catching up on your favourite show.

Massage

There will be times, especially when starting a new routine, when you may need to bring in a professional.

Massage not only makes you feel better and relax but it also helps with muscle recovery. Knots and tightness can really impact your workout – so getting a professional to relieve the pressure can really help.

Having a massage can really help you identify injuries or potential problems which could be exacerbated by certain exercises.

I recently have been having trouble with my legs and neck. My neck and legs were stiff, sore and it was affecting my sleep.

I was recommended to get a massage ASAP!

I booked a sports massage to my house (amazing – I know!) using Urban Massage App!

The masseuse worked through all the layers easing the tension. I had no idea how tight some of the larger muscle groups were. Her hands were magic and by the end of the massage, my muscles had melted.

If you don’t have the time to go to a spa or are nervous about booking a massage – try using Urban Massage App
I have the app on my phone and have now started booking massages every couple of months to help re-align from training

For a little treat click here and get 10% off your First Massage!

Warm Bath

Grab those Epsom Salts and Lavender Oil and fill up the bath with warm/hot water and soak those muscles. If you have time the optimum time to relax those muscles and detoxify is 30-40mins.

If you find it hard to sit still for that long and wind down… take in a good book or listen to a podcast while you unwind.

5 Ways to Cure Sore Muscles after the Gym

Sleep

The vital ingredient to any recovery!

No excuses: if you are not getting 8 hours you are not allowing your body to recover.

Sleep and hydration allow your body to work at its best.

Switch off your phone, turn off the tv, get into bed an hour early and read…meditate…relax and wind down and give yourself enough time to get in those 8 hours.

5 Ways to Cure Sore Muscles after the Gym

For More Stress-Free Workout Tips Click Here: Stress-Free Workout

Recipes

My Recommended Supplements | Stress-Free Health

There are often mixed responses when it comes to supplements but I truly think the right ones can support you against the natural stresses of our world.

Often, we are all so busy running around from meeting to meeting, client to client, work to the gym that we often miss out on vital nutrients and minerals. This is where I believe supplementation can support our modern lifestyles.

Here are my Recommended Supplements to give you that Vital Boost and Keep you Balanced!

VITL

VITL are a home delivery supplement service bringing to you all your vital vitamins and minerals in handy day packets which means no fussing with tonnes of pots of pills everywhere!

They have an app where you update your details, complete an assessment of your lifestyle and needs and then they recommend the correct vitamins and minerals for you.

Here’s How It Works…

1) In-App Consultation

Find out your wellbeing scores across five key pillars of health:

Digestion

Energy

Mood

Immune system

Detoxification status

This will pinpoint which area of your well-being to focus on to improve your health.

2) Bespoke Content & Reminders for You

Receive a free, fully personalised well-being plan with the latest advice and health tips relevant just to your scores.

3) Personalised Vitamin Packs

A nutrition pack will be formulated according to your unique nutritional needs. You can order your pack directly from within the app and you’ll be reminded to retake your consultation so your pack adapts as you progress.

4) Integrates with Your Apps

Connect the Apple Health App and your 23andMe profile to seamlessly integrate your sleep patterns, activity levels, and genetic markers to help our experts perfect their recommendations

All this for £10 for your first month with code: CYNCITY

You’ll get your first month supply of personalised vitamins on the monthly plan for just £10

VITL packaging is very easy to use and you can throw the daily packets in your handbag – I couldn’t be without mine!

Pukka

Pukka Herbs are an incredible brand who’s products, teas and supplements are organically created here in the UK. From Sleep to Stress they have a solution to support your daily needs. Due to Pukka’s phenomenal popularity, many people do not realise how committed they are to ayurvedic medicine and organically and naturally produced herbs. This is a company that cares.

Turmeric Lifekind

Is one of my favourite go-to’s to support my daily needs. It naturally supports my system with its anti-inflammatory properties. It comes in a handy little capsule that I pop in my bag to take just before breakfast and morning cup of Detox Tea.

The BBC did a report that found that increasing your intake of turmeric (curcumin) has shown to affect the cells responsible for depression, eczema, asthma and cancer.

“It was really exciting, to be honest. We found one particular gene which showed the biggest difference. And what’s interesting is that we know this particular gene is involved in three specific diseases: depression, asthma and eczema, and cancer. This is a really striking finding.”

There was evidence turmeric is lipophilic which means for it to be absorbed it is best taken with fat…roll on those coconut turmeric eggs!

Sönd Skincare

Have you heard about Sönd? Sönd is a new skincare system for sensitive skin, which harnesses the incredible natural power of silica. Their Energise + Activate supplements are incredible for dull skin and are formulated to replenish your skin with collagen forming silica, and to improve the overall health, function and appearance.

Their packaging is simple and chic and they pride themselves on looking after your body from the inside out as well as topically.

The tablets contain minerals which are also really good for promoting healthy sleep – which is also an added bonus for our skin.

I will keep you updated with my results but anything that will brighten my skin and help me sleep better is always a bonus.

(I showed the ingredients list to a biochemist who was impressed and said she would take these)

Conclusion

There are lots of brands out there pushing vitamins to us that are low quality or full of fillers. Do your research prior to taking supplements and make sure the brand you use know their ingredients.

I hope you find my recommendations useful and informative. I am open and honest with my suggestions and would only recommend products I have tested and used myself. I have run all ingredients past a qualified biochemist to investigate.

Balance

Is Massage Good For You?

Massage

This week I have been thinking a lot about massage. Not the cheeky ones you pinch off your other half – I mean the sports, Thai and deep tissue offered around. Most of us have had a massage at some point in our lives – usually as a treat at a spa weekend or when we manage to coerce our partners into giving us a little back rub but have you ever considered the benefits of this little treat?

Why is massage good for you?

Research suggests that regular massages are actually very important to our bodies. They help relieve stress, aid with inflammation and can actively help promote health and well-being.

Our poor little backs take on so much pressure from our day to day lives. We rarely get the opportunity to look after our back because we cannot reach it ourselves. Unlike the rest of our body, we cannot reach all areas of our back which consist of some of the biggest muscles in the body.

So let’s have a look at what regular massage can do for our bodies…

Back Ache – Regular massage can help with rehabilitating back problems. Sitting at a desk all day and using computers puts a strain on our neck and shoulders. Many of us do not sit correctly at a desk and do not get the opportunity to move around. This can lead to poor posture and muscle strain. Regular massage can release the muscles that become tight over time. This makes you feel less tired and relieve the aches that you may be feeling on a day to day basis

Stress and anxiety – For the same reasons that a massage is relaxing, it can also soothe anxiety and depression. Massage reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, resulting in lifted spirits and often lower blood pressure. It can also boost the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in depression.

Click here for more stress-free tips

Weight-loss and Performance – Spending time in the gym lifting weights and doing HIIT can often lead to fatigue and muscle ache. When you have muscle ache your performance in the gym goes down by about 40%. Regular massage and sports massage can relieve muscle tension and elongate the tight muscles. This then allows you to push harder, faster and stronger in the gym and stay committed to your goals

Sleep – For those who have had a massage – ever fallen asleep while on the table? Research suggests that massage promotes deeper sleep as it has an impact on your delta waves (the waves associated with a deep sleep)

Immunity and lymphatic drainage – Regular massage helps with lymphatic drainage. The lymph system carries waste products away from the tissues in the muscles and body back to the heart. Regular massage also helps with the build up of toxins in certain muscles in the body and breaks these toxins down in order that they can flush out of the system. It’s also great if you have PMT!

Massage should be a regular occurrence in our lives – much like getting a facial!

However, if you are like and are thinking – I don’t have the time or money to find a good massage place near me. Or you may be worried about having a wonderful massage and then having to commute home – adding more stress to your day… well I have a little treat for you…

Let me introduce to you Urban Massage

Urban Massage is London’s top-rated mobile massage company. They deliver a range of professional massages on-demand, direct to your home and the best news is that they can be with you within the hour. You can choose your preferred treatment and therapist as well as treatment length, date and time.

What else is also great… you can get £20 off your first massage using this code:

GET YOUR DISCOUNT HERE

I’ve been using this company a long time and I absolutely love them. They are a small company in London made up of a really cool team. They go above and beyond for customer satisfaction and will make you feel comfortable in any surrounding.

Free those muscles release your back and love your body. Make massage a regular part of your health and well-being. When work is taking it out of you, you need to take time out for yourself.

Happy Massaging.

Recipes

HIIT at Home

Freezing

Baby it is cold outside!

This makes my “walk to work” ethos take a bit of a side hit as health comes first.

To combat the loss of my morning walk I have put together a HIIT workout that you can do in your living room that requires only a phone (and a playlist see below)

It takes 20 minutes… And the endorphins have made me buzz all day!

The Workout

You will need an interval timer on your phone.

I use Interval Timer

but there are a ton of other apps which you can download which suit you the best.

Routine

I do 3 minutes warm-up
15 rounds 30 seconds on/ 30 seconds off
2-minute cooldown

#1 Star jumps

#2 Lunges (15 seconds each leg)

#3 Burpees

#4 Knees Up

#Squat Jumps

Using the timer it will give you a bell between each set of 30 seconds. If you repeat this around 3 times it will give you a full body workout in no time.

THIS WILL STRIP FAT FROM YOUR BODY

Take the stress out of working out! For more Stress-Free tips click here: Balance

Balance/ Recipes

5 Tips To Fat Loss Without The Gym

If you are like me and have a full-time job it can be hard to get to the gym before work (in the pitch black) or after work (in the pitch black) or you may not have a gym membership.

Don’t stress yourself too much about this comparing yourself to others. A stress-free lifestyle is about balance.

Here are my 5 tips to fat loss that require No Gym – Little Time – Maximum Results

Start your day with a Protein Shake

Many people do not have time for breakfast in the morning.

It’s understandable – with all the other things going on and getting up in the pitch black the first thing most people want to reach for is a hot cup of the good stuff.

BUT

9 times out of 10 – when you skip breakfast you play tricks on your blood sugar which can lead you to reach for crappy choices later on

If you start your day with a high-quality protein shake: you have hit your protein goal for breakfast, will feel fuller till lunch and will be helping yourself keep those energy levels high to tackle the new year!

My Protein Recommendations are:

Vega Essentials

Packed with fruits and veg, and full of greens
High in 16 essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, B12 and calcium
High in Omega-3 fatty acids from ﬂaxseed
High in protein, made from a complete multisource plant-based blend of pea, ﬂaxseed and hemp

Clean and Lean

£49.95 – Body Brilliance – I have this with some of their Ultimate Clean Fibre with Coconut Milk in the morning when I need a protein boost and want to get my extra fibre. It is really filling and tastes great.

20 Minute Home HIIT workout

Get up 20 minutes early – whack on your favourite radio station or playlist and just thrash it out.

It’s 20 minutes!

I have spent longer checking my Instagram feed in the morning so I have no excuses and neither do you!

Try DailyOm for the workout that suits you or YouTube is the perfect solution.

Walk to Work

Getting your 10,000 steps a day has never been so important in a society where we spend most of the day sat on our behinds.

This leads to poor posture, big bellies, flat bottoms and a whole host of other health problems

By getting your 10,000 steps – the weight will drop off you. Being continually active throughout the day keeps your body being an efficient burning machine.

Download Pacer App

Water – Hydration – Water

Really – do you really need to be told – drink water

It will transform every aspect of your life from letting go of toxins held in your body, letting your skin glow and look glorious, helping with water retention and not to mention the calories you will burn from those extra trips to the loo!

Take the stairs – 2 at a time

Right now you are probably thinking I am mad. Quite Possibly!

But… hear me out. If you make small changes every day to your routine you will start to see the difference.

Steps are incredible for your glute muscles. Taking the stairs helps increase blood flow and engage those muscles in your backside. When you take two steps at a time you are bringing together two gym moves which are fantastic for shaping that behind of yours.

You don’t need to be negative, drastic or restrictive to achieve your goals!

Remember to smile and make the little changes to see those big results!

Lead that Stress-Free Lifestyle you deserve

For More Articles on Stress-Free Fitness Click Here: Stress-Free Workout

Balance/ Recipes

Healthy Homemade Hummus

Stress-Free Homemade Healthy Hummus

Delicious and stress-free healthy hummus recipes. These easy recipes are great go-to for lunches, snacks, dinner parties or just to have in the fridge when hunger strikes.

Beetroot Hummus

1can of chickpeas
4 beetroots – cooked and peeled
2 cloves of garlic
a squeeze of lemon
olive oil
1 tablespoon of 0% Fage yoghurt
cumin
salt and pepper

Put all in a pot and blend. Season to taste

Caramelised Red Onion hummus

1 can chickpeas
2 cloves of garlic
a squeeze of lemon
olive oil
1 red onion
Paprika, salt and pepper
Tahini
Water

Caramelise the onions in balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

Leave to reduce and simmer down. Blend all other ingredients together – season to taste.

Place in fridge to cool and when onions have cooled – add onions and leave to cool again.

For More Stress-Free Recipes for healthy snacks:

Recipes

Pumpkin and Chia Seed Protein Porridge

Let me introduce That Protein

Natural and organic, cold pressed and pure. Never processed by heat over 40 degrees.

Dairy free, no added sugars, non-GMO, no sweeteners, free from anything artificial – this is the range you have been waiting for! Developed by nutritionists with a true passion for plants and how to get the best from them to help you look and feel your amazing best!

Its perfect to combine into your daily life to hit those protein goals to build lean muscle, have luscious hair and keep yourself fuller for longer!

I literally could not have been more excited when my pouch came through the letterbox. Pumpkin seed and chia protein powder tick…

To have vegan, organic and supernatural protein powder is always the best option.

My brain started racing and the internal recipe maker switched on… what can I create to make this powder pop!

The below recipe is gluten free, dairy free and vegetarian…(sounds like dust!)… seriously it is beyond tasty!

Pumpkin and Chia Seed Protein Porridge

Ingredients:

That Protein I heart Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder: 1 scoop

Sprouted Oats: 1 Cup

Coconut Milk: 3/4 Cup

Water: 1/4 Cup

Toppings of your choice

Method:

Put all the contents (except the toppings) in a pan and put on low heat

Gently stir until consistency is how you like your porridge

Serve and add your toppings… I went for blueberries and honey – simple and delicious.

If you don’t have time to eat this before work – package up in some Tupperware and take with you to work.

Splash a bit of water on the top and microwave at work

For More Stress-Free Recipes Click Here: Nourish

Balance

Mid-Morning Snacks for the Office

It’s 11 o’clock and your stomach starts to grumble…what do you do?

Here is a list of healthy snacks which are my go-to to keeping hunger at bay and stress levels on point.

1. Water

Sometimes our minds do not know if our bodies are hungry or thirsty… before reaching for a snack – have a pint of water to quench your thirst. Easy Snacks for the Office!

2. Fruit

The super snack – fruit – tasty, easy to transport and satiate the smallest of grumbles. Easy Snacks for the Office!

3. Nuts

Don’t reach for crisps! Nuts are packed with good fats and protein, nuts are a sustainable alternative to crisps and other junk.

Always choose raw varieties and keep an eye on quantity because of their high-fat content. Easy Snacks for the Office!

4. Muesli, Natural Yoghurt and Berries

This combo is a great alternative to cereal bars which are often packed with sugar.

Berries provide a shot of antioxidants and are powerhouses of vitamins. I use Spoon Cereals to make my life more stress-free but you can also make your own muesli from oats, nuts, dried fruit and seeds which you can bake in large quantities so you always have to hand. Easy Snacks for the Office!

5. A Cup of Soup

When water is blended with food it stays in the stomach longer and keeps you feeling full.

To make your own soften a mix of veg in a little oil, add water, simmer until tender and blend.

I recommend asparagus soup! Easy Snacks for the Office!

Take the stress out of snacking with these little tips.

For more healthy snacks click here: Nourish

Explore

Review: The Retreat Kitchen, Richmond

A Delicious Vegan Brunch Spot nestled in the heart of Richmond – The Retreat Kitchen.

The Retreat Kitchen

Nestled in the quaint streets of Richmond you will find The Retreat Kitchen. This earth loving cafe, which opened in February, is run by duo Maggie and Claire. Maggie & Claire were on a BBC programme called The Retreat with DIY SOS’s Nick Knowles (now on Netflix if you want to watch it!) hey went to Thailand for a

They went to Thailand for a 28-day detox retreat and had their lives transformed. Prior to heading to the retreat, they were both burnt out.

The girls returned with a new lease of life. They wanted to spread the vegan love back in the UK. They launched The Retreat Kitchen to bring tasty plant based dishes straight to you.

“For us a plant based diet wasn’t about giving up meat, it was about taking up eating a wider variety of vegetables and putting in the time and effort to make them stand out. ” – Maggie

Healthy Smoothies

Their menu boasts a plethora of tasty coffees, juicy juices and smoothies for every occasion. The girls recommend the Green Giant smoothie to reduce tiredness, fatigue and maintain healthy skin – exactly what you need after a long weekend.

Green Giant: Spinach, Kale, Banana, Mango, Kiwi, Apple, Spirulina, Chlorella, Wheatgrass, Barley Grass.

Vegan Breakfast

Enough about the smoothies… let’s get down to BREAKFAST!

As you all know, Brunch is my favourite meal of the day, with that in mind, I took ordering very seriously.

To start, we tucked into an English Breakfast Muffin (Spinach, Mushroom, Avocado and Vegan Hollandaise). Having never tried Vegan hollandaise I was pleasantly surprised and somewhat bewildered how they had managed to create such a delicious alternative. Zesty and fresh, I would recommend just to try the hollandaise.

Vegan Brunch

After mange-ing our way through our v-eggs benedict, we were presented with the Brunch Plate (Scrambled tofu, homemade beans, vegan sausage, tomato, mushrooms, hash brown and Sourdough).

Hands down one of the best veggie sausages I have tasted which paired beautifully with the homemade smokey beans! Delicious.

This vibrant plate really brings food alive!

Still not 100% convinced by the scrambled tofu (however my brunch date loved them) #eggsaremyfavouritefood – this tasty Brunch really hit the spot.

Pancake Stack

BUT and this is a big BUTT if you are going to have one thing on this menu… The Fresh Fruit Berry Pancake Stack with berries, coconut yoghurt and maple syrup is THE ONE.

Presented beautifully and with a little pot of maple syrup on the side.

This pancake stack needs to be served with a PG13 sticker… as it is naughty!

Ah the indulgence and flavour, the levels melted in your mouth. The fresh coconut ice cream paired perfectly with the berries and compote.

After making the people on the next table feel very uncomfortable from my excitement at every mouthful, I wandered up to the counter to chat with the girls and peruse their array of cakes.

Tasty vegan sweet and savouries to take on the go.

After picking up a delicious Polenta and Orange Cake I decided to get one last treat… a tasty black americano.

Roasted to perfection due to the delicious beans from Old Spike Coffee.

The perfect finish to an earth loving morning.

You can find The Retreat Kitchen at;
16 Hill Rise, Richmond TW10 6UA
Open Mon – Sun until 5pm!

Stress Free Style

Summer In The City: White Hot!

Anyone else feeling the heat!

This Summer has blessed us with perfect weather. Radiant sunshine, fresh green parks and the calling of BBQ’s in the evenings easing us out of working days.

Style choices start to become easier as simple cotton dresses and breathable shirts start to make up the basis of every outfit.

Whether at work or play – finding your style for Summer in the City is always made easier when you have a wardrobe staple to take you from work to play.

White Hot

Nothing brings a breath of fresh coolness to any look than a clean white jumpsuit and I have found the perfect one at Topshop. This Embroidered Bardot Jumpsuit has become my go to. Gliding me from work to play with the simple change of an accessory.

No-one wants to be carrying around anything more than their handbag in this weather, which is why I have chosen to share my simple tips to style for any occasion. Take the stress out of your day and make it easy from work to play.

Here are my simple hacks to take your from work to play:

Style For Work:

Pair this Bardot broderie jumpsuit with a heeled sandal, breathable shirt and colour-pop clutch.

A pair of oversize glasses will add a hint of glam.

Style For Play:

Dress down with a trainer: any colour can work as you have the purity of the white. With a clean fresh tee and the right shades, this will be the perfect pairing. If it gets chilly bring your favourite vintage denim jacket to pull over your shoulders.

Style For Evening:

A heeled wedge or a spicy stiletto and a leather jacket will take this jumpsuit from day to date.

A flash of red lipstick and a small flick of eyeliner and you can stroll into the evening oozing with chic and style.

Style For Festival:

Look chic and fresh – even in the mud!

Nothing says chic like a beautiful Bardot paired with your muddy wellies. A floral headdress and the classic festival shades – marry together that summery festival vibe.

Be it Wilderness, Tomorrowland, Obanjan or Bestival – you always have to be prepared for the #BritishSummer

This Bardot Playsuit makes the perfect addition to a capsule wardrobe as it is so versatile to suit every need your Summer throws at you!

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Made of Dough: Pop Up to Peckham

Sexy B*tches Eat Pizza

Peckham’s Bellenden Road has opened its doors to a brand new pizza joint, Made of Dough. Originating from Pop Brixton, Made of Dough, have gone from strength to strength and have climbed up to claim the title of London Pizza Champions! With slick branding and sexy slogan – these boys are tantalising the taste buds of South Londoners one slice at a time.

Their Neopolitan-style pizzas are made with dough that is fermented over sixty hours, topped with carefully sourced produce and local meats from the local butcher, Flock and Herd. Carefully curated and deliciously made – this should definitely feature on your summer hit list.

Made of Dough: Highlights from the Menu

The doors were opened last weekend and the word about the popular pizza place is spreading fast. There may be a small queue when you arrive, but you will be seated in no time, with one of their sumptuous cocktails in hand.

The menu invites you in, with small bites, sides and dips (which are a must). The Scotch Bonnet Romesco packs a punch for those who like the spice of life, while the basil aioli is perfect for dipping the leftover crusts.

But let’s face it, we are not here to talk about dips… what we knead (gettit) to know is about the Pizza!

With over 6 to choose from… here are my personal faves!

Truffle

Delicious! Hands down my fav. The Burrata is decadently creamy and melts in the mouth with its freshness. The mushrooms are flavoursome but not overpowering and marry together perfectly with the truffle oil. This is a great alternative for those who fancy a change from a traditional tomato base.

Margarita

Simple – just like a pizza should be. But do not mistake its simplicity for lack of flavour. The San Marzano tomatoes intertwined with the Fior di latte is mouth watering. A light drizzle of olive oil and the finish of basil – for traditionalists – this one is for you.

Serrano

The fresh wild rocket is a colourful pop to the eyes while the succulent serrano ham delivers with flavour. Not overpowering like some cured meat pizzas can be – this pizza was a crowd pleaser.

Sweet Tooth

Not usually a fan of a dessert, my bae Donna, dragged me straight towards the sweets, to indulge in the Motherf*cking Peanut Butter Shake. Note – the founders are not foul mouthed young men but this decadent dessert carved its name from its main ingredient: Jackpot Motherf*cking Peanut Butter.

And its motherf**cking good!

Atmosphere

Think dining alfresco with a hint of Soho House and a side order of chill – this is the perfect spot for friends, family or date night.

The cocktails are a must – these boys really know their stuff – with Amalfi inspired bellinis, fruity twists on Espresso Martinis and a classic favourite Aperol Spritz.

If you like your wine see if one of the founders, Ed, is in the joint – he will be able to talk you through their wine list with expertise. If you like your red – try the Chaval.

Final Thoughts

All in all – a 10/10 experience to be enjoyed by all. If you happen to be nearby at lunchtime, you can get a margarita special for just £5! Also, every Monday is half price on all bottles – #winner.

Note: If you’re gluten free – there are plenty of sides to choose from however there is no option available currently.

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Chotto Matte: London Brunch with a Twist

Brunch: The Most Important Meal on the Weekend

It is a beautiful thing brunch. It brings together your friends over food and the latest gossip. Dishes are served that could either be breakfast or lunch (variety is the spice of life) and it is completely acceptable to start the day with Bubbles! Always a win in my eyes.

If you feel like you have been to the best brunch spots in London, have had enough, and in fact are bored of Turkish Baked Eggs, Quail Egg Benedict or The Funky Full English places have to offer – then keep reading as this is a brunch that is NOT to be missed.

Experience flavours like no other and discover London’s newest brunch spot!

Chotto Matte

Chotto Matte came to Frith Street in late 2013 by the curator of Ping Pong dim sum chain, Kurt Zdesar. A fusion of Japanese and Peruvian, chotto matte became an established favourite of celebrities, rock stars and footballers alike. I reviewed when they Chotto Matte first opened and was slightly apprehensive 4 years down the line to see if their standards were still as impeccable… and my goodness they are!

Open on Saturdays and Sundays for £50 a head which includes a set menu, a cocktail and half a bottle of prosecco. You are spoiled with drinks, dishes and devilish flavours throughout your sitting and leaves you incredibly satiated in a slightly, dare I say it, healthy way!

Anyway enough of my opinion – let’s look at the dishes!

P.s. would highly recommend trying their Pisco Sour

CEVICHE

The first dish to accompany our cocktails was sea bass sashimi, sweet potato, Peruvian corn, coriander, chive oil, leche de Tigre.

I bloody love ceviche and this one is high up there with the best ceviche I have had in London. Carefully seasoned, the flavours married together well and left you wanting more.

SUSHI

A platter of sushi followed the Ceviche. Delicious, fresh and tasty – as sushi should be. The tuna in particularly pleasant and the drizzle of truffle oil tantalised your taste buds. Flavoursome but not over powering.

TEMPURA

Nikkei Sepia calamari with a naji Amarillo emulsion. I have NEVER tasted tempura calamari that has been done to this standard. It was crispy without being fatty. The calamari tasted great with no chewiness or stringiness. A peppery flavour set alive with the lime. Yum!

ROBATA

Next to come out was our trio of mains. Now at this point, I was feeling slightly stuffed. If you get full quickly – pace yourself – the food keeps coming and just gets even more enticing to tuck in!Asado De Tira beef short rib, asparagus, purple potato, teriyaki jus Pollo den miso chicken miso, carrot, daikon, yellow

Asado De Tira beef short rib, asparagus, purple potato, teriyaki jus – This was pleasant, I was totally blown away but my girlfriends said it was delicious and I was being fussy – #guilty #perhaps

Pollo den miso chicken miso, carrot, daikon, yellow chilli salsa – this is the plate on the left. Totally mouth watering with a hint of spice – INDULGE – Don’t tell your friends, say it is awful, run and hide the dish and devour – absolutely yummy.

Sake sautéed broccoli – Well, because you have to eat your greens!

DESSERT

And for those of you with a sweet tooth – don’t worry they haven’t forgotten about you! My naughty little friends skipped off when I was distracted and told the waiters it was my birthday…somewhere along the way my name got lost in translation!

Served with a song and a beautiful candle we finished off our brunch with a Chocolate pot, Mango mochi balls and Passion fruit brûlée.

Final thoughts

If you are looking for an original spot to indulge with friends this is the one for you.

You can find the restaurant here nestled in the heart of Soho

Chotto Matte
11-13 Frith Street
Soho
London
W1D4RB

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White Hot

Here are my simple hacks to take your from work to play:

Style For Work:

Style For Play:

Style For Evening:

Style For Festival:

Sexy B*tches Eat Pizza