Stress-Free Guide Colorado | What to Wear In Colorado In Winter

Stress-Free Guide of what to wear in Colorado:

Colorado is one of those beautiful areas in the World to visit. Surrounded by 54 snowy peaks, the Rocky mountains, are a haven for skiers, hikers and those who love the great outdoors.

The weather in Colorado is mixed, which can often make it difficult to know what to pack if you haven’t been before. With this in mind, I thought I would pull together a small list of things to bring when visiting Colorado.

Layers

Colorado is cold but the sun does shine. You can be met with below freezing temperatures at nights, icy winds but also glorious sunshine. With this in mind – take layers. It gives you the flexibility to add and subtract as necessary to fit the temperatures throughout the day.

I found these incredible Thermal Set from Amazon which kept the body temperature balanced and simple and stylish enough to go with most outfits.

Accessories

Hats, Scarves, Shades and Gloves. You can save space in your suitcase by varying up your accessories to transform your outfit without having to over pack.

As it is a cold area, your suitcase will fill up quickly with coats, sweaters and ski-wear – so mix up your outfits by changing the accessories to breathe life into each new outfit.

Shades are a must with the bright sun reflecting off the snow. It may be freezing but you will still need protection.

Sweaters

Day + night – sweaters are the way forward. Bring a couple of smart and casual ones to suit.

The restaurant and bars are smart casual therefore dressing suitably for après ski is advisable.

I filled my suitcase with this white thick knits from Miss Pap and Topshop.

Pair it with jeans, leggings or chinos depending on the occasion and you’re good to go.

Evening Wear

In Europe, you will quite often meet people on an evening out still in their ski wear. This is a no-no in Colorado.

With beautiful restaurants and bars – people dress for dinner. Casual sweaters, nice jeans, ankle boots or heels are the appropriate attire when heading to the towns for supper and drinks. If there is not too much snow you can even wear heeled boots if you really want to dress up.

Footwear

Hiking boots: Surrounded by such beautiful trails – you will want to get out for a hike. Make sure you bring appropriate walking boots – preferably those that are waterproof in order that if you are walking through the snow you don’t get wet feet.

Heels: When heading out to the restaurants or bars you may want to wear heels with your outfit. I took a pair of heeled ankle boots. The ground is not icy or snowy, therefore, you are not at risk of slipping over.

Boots: A simple pair of boots its ideal to take for any occasion. I took this pair from HM which go with any outfit.

Socks: You can never have enough socks here. Warm toastie socks for back at your chalet spares in case yours get wet, and then the usual you will need for the above footwear.

I hope this guide helps packing stress free and easy when planning your trip to the Rocky’s!

Live and travel without the burden of worry

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:

Explore

Stress-Free Guide to Cuba | Havana

Thinking about travelling to Cuba?

Here is my little guide to the places I visited.

My hints and tips. All the things I wish I knew before I went.

I hope you enjoy and if you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to ask.

Learn Spanish

This is a big one – people don’t always speak English.

Flight

First and foremost this is a biggy. There are not many flights that go directly to Cuba. This may improve over time now the country is opening up.

However, that said – make sure you get the direct flight from London. We did the split going via Spain. Not only was it like stepping back in time on the plane (no personal screens) but it is a LONG flight. It may be more expensive but trust me it’s important.

Airport

You are not going anywhere quick.

Havana airport is renowned for being one of the slowest airports in the world. It is disorganised, chaotic and slow. You will be waiting for your bags a long time. If you are travelling with a tour operator they are well versed in this delay but if you are booking your own onward travel please keep this in mind. Bring a book – there is NO 3G and NO WIFI.

Taxis

There are lots of taxis waiting and available from the airport. Don’t be scared to haggle the price. They know you have just landed. If you can get a classic car I would highly recommend.

Accommodation

This is up to you how you do this. Some things to consider… There is no beach in the city, the closest beach to Habana is about 20 minutes away, at Playa del Este. There are daily shuttles, I think for 3CUC/day.

With this in mind if you are a beach bae then I would try and book a hotel with a pool for the first couple of days to get over the jet lag before moving on to a casa.

I stayed at NH Capri La Habana

Nestled in the heart of downtown, rooftop pool, great views and in a cool area.

If you are staying in Havana for a while I would highly recommend you seek out a casa to stay in. Effectively these are B&B’s where the hosts generally look after you. They cook, clean, feed and water you. It’s an amazing way to immerse yourself in Cuban culture, meet Cubans and also help the community. This way you are helping the locals out.

Here are some great recommendations: Best Casas in Havana

What to wear?

Key pieces:

Trainers:

I wore Adidas Superstar.Havana is a casual place but also a place you want to explore. The roads are cobbled, the streets full of life. You want a trainer that looks stylish yet is practical for allowing to you to get stuck in.

Shorts:

This is the perfect climate for shorts. The Cubans are lively and bold dressers so don’t be afraid to go with colour. It’s not widely conservative – so you can wear what you would wear at home. Females are warned though – be careful if alone – you will get attention. My American Apparel shorts were a godsend. Chic and comfy.

Tops:

Short, long, flowy – anything goes. Play with colours and be vibrant. Its hot during the day but there is a cool wind at night so bring a light sweater or scarf.

Accessories:

Think hippy and creative. This town is full of colour and art. Be part of the creativity.

Bags:

Bring bags with lots of pockets. This is still a foreign country and you are a tourist. There are a lot of opportunists in this world.

This is a cool, casual, artistic and vibrant part of the world. Like most Caribbean islands it’s full of life. In the evening for dinner its casual with a little elegance if you feel.

What to see?

Havana is a historical and political hotspot to explore.

Cuba Direct was our tour operator as we only had a limited time there. We had a bespoke private tour and saw the whole of Cuba from the comfort of an old American car. If you are short on time then a tour is the way forward otherwise have a look around when you get there.

Top Visits

Hemingway House

Old Havana

El Malecon

Havana Catedral

Plaza de la Revolucion

El Cristo de La Habana

Places to Eat

Something you will work out quite early on is that when you buy food out – its well erm ok.

Their avocados though are off the fricking chain!

The best food you will have is cooked by Cubans in their Casa’s

Here is one of the restaurants I will recommend in Havana Old Town.

Good food – peaceful atmosphere – good price.

Watch the prices in Havana Old Town – they are expensive.

Coppelia

This is a must visit Havana’s Coppelia building is one of the largest ice cream parlours in the world. Holding 1000 guests, it is located on the part of Calle 23 known as La Rampa in the Vedado district.

Fidel Castro had it built to bring Ice Cream to Cuba but also rival the Americans in Ice Cream production.

Its a weird looking building but in a really cool area where loads of Cubans hang out so it’s nice to get away from the tourist humm that will drive you nuts in Old Town Havana

La Rampa

where the Coppelia is located in a cool area.

It has the big hotels that once were booming in the 50s and also the old Mafia hotel (you cannot miss it)
It is also the home to one of the best Jazz Clubs I have been too.

Head to the British Telephone Box and head down the stairs.

YOU HAVE TO EXPERIENCED CUBAN MUSIC!

Enjoy

Keeping Healthy

Cuba is not a health hot spot in the world. A lot of the food is high carb, fried and meaty. It’s not the best place for vegetarians.

A lot of the cocktails have a spoonful of sugars added.

With this in mind think outside the box.

Havana Old Town is a nice walk away from most places – so opt for walking rather than cabs.

Try and top on veggies and fruit where possible.
You will often find vegetables come in a sauce – so in your best Spanish try and ask for them plain.

Swim, walk, run, and get active.

You don’t want to restrict your enjoyment but remember there is a Yin to every Yang – so balance it out.

Cuba is a wonderful place and will be ever changing now they are becoming open to the world.

Try and get there before it loses all its original value.

Words of warning

Do not buy cigars from anywhere other than state-run shops. You may think you’re getting a deal but you’re not they are fake and you do not know what is in them. You will meet sweet Cubans who have a friend, or know someone who can get them cheap, or will tell you about a national day where they are cheaper…unfortunately it is all lies. Sorry – but stick to the rules if you want cigars.

For More Stress-Free Travel Guides Click Here: Travel

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!

Recipes

Today’s Clean Meal – Frozen Buttons

Ahh we all have those days when we crave a sweet treat! When the sun is out and our appetite isn’t quite there. Well over the weekend a little advert came on with a guide to making Frozen Yoghurt Buttons – well I couldn’t resist

Ingredients:

Frozen Yoghurt (fruity flavours work best)

Strawberrys, blueberries or any other frui

Freezer!

You will need a baking tray and some parchment paper.

Once you have that choose which yoghurt you want and the fruit combo and make button sized shaped up the paper

Then select the fruit combos and place the fruit in the middle of the buttons. Leave some plain as these are wonderful to suck on 😀

Place in the freezer for about 15-20mins and voila – a tasty light and low calorie

Happy summer xxx

Recipes

Today’s Clean Meal – Portion Advice

Ever said to yourself – I don’t know why I am putting weight on as I only eat healthy food?

The key is portion sizes! Today’s sizes are through the roof and it is so easy to not even realize when your plate is too big.

Your hand is the best guide…

Remember – bigger is not always better

xxx

Stress Free Style

Today’s Outfit – My new satchel

This little baby is my new favourite

I bought it at H&M – http://www.hm.com/gb/product/16710?article=16710-A

It is perfect. It is chic, black, simple and perfect for on the move.

Everyday I power walk to work and this baby has saved my posture from side bags

Its so stylish you can pull it off as casual and office wear

A Perfect Purchase

Recipes

Today’s Clean Eat – Banana and Blueberry smoothie

All you need is:

Banana

Blueberry

Coconut Water

Ice

et voila! x

Stress Free Style

Today’s Outfit – Red Trousers

Today’s Outfit – Red trousers from Motel/Asos – http://www.asos.com/

Black jumper – H&M – http://www.hm.com/gb/

Phone Cover – Sealoe – http://sealoe.se/

Recipes

Todays Clean Eat – Asian Quinoa Salad x

This little treat you can make in advance and it will last you for about a week! yummy nutritious and full of colour

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup quinoa
1/4 cup shredded red cabbage
1/4 cup grated carrots
1/4 cup corn kernels
1 green onion, thinly sliced
1 avocado, halved, seeded, peeled and diced
1/4 cup chow mein noodles, for serving

FOR THE SESAME VINAIGRETTE:
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons STAR Natural Rice Vinegar
1 clove garlic, pressed
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon grated ginger

INSTRUCTIONS
To make the vinaigrette, whisk together rice wine vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, sugar, ginger and soy sauce in a small bowl; set aside.
In a medium saucepan, cook quinoa according to package instructions.
In a large bowl, combine quinoa, red cabbage, carrots, corn, green onion and avocado. Stir in sesame vinaigrette.
Serve immediately, topped with chow mein noodles, if desired.

Recipes

Today’s Clean Eat – Sugar Detox

I decided to go on a sugar detox following all the recent articles on how much sugar we as a nation consume! It was phenomenal reading about all the sugar that is out there.

Big celebs are advocating it such as the new couple Millie and Professor Green.

I have been working out loads recently and wondering why my hours were not paying off – as they say its 80% nutrition and 20% exercise…

So lets get down to business – the detox

For three days no sugar:

no fruit
no wheat
no grains
no dairy
no sugar
no sweetener
no starchy carbs
no carbs

So to make it a little easier instead of listing what I can’t have I will list what you can

Protein
Good fat

Here is my meal plan for the 3 days

Breakfast: Two boiled eggs

Snack: M&S crispy bacon slices – 55g

Lunch: Itsu Chicken “low carb” on a bed salad

Snack: 100g of Smoked Salmon

Dinner: 150g of any meat or fish with cup of dark green veg

Drinks: Green Tea, Water, Fruit Tea, Lemon in hot water, Lime in Sparkling water

By the way – the above meals total to 1300 calories! I am hoping by the end of the detox my body will go in to Keytosis – which is where is burns fat for energy rather than glycogen (as there is no glycogen there).

Negatives of the sugar detox

Seeing friends for dinner – you get weird looks
2pm in the afternoon – the haze/ brain fog
When someone eats an orange next to you and it smells like someone orgasm’d in your nose
Office temptations

Benefits of the sugar detox

Sleep amazingly well
NOT HUNGRY AT ALL
No cravings “ohh I really want a piece of chocolate”
After meals you are totally full
If something is going to burn my fat for energy – crack on
You get to eat a lot of meat – yum yum yum

I think I am going to extend my detox to a week and then after a week swap some of the “meat” snacks for blueberries or celery and hummus and incorporate more greens in my evening meals

Wish me luck – and any questions please ask!

Stress Free Style

Today’s Stiletto – My New Choo’s

Let me introduce my new Lowry Jimmy Choo Boots.

These beautiful black suede ankle boots are the perfect addition to my ever growing brood of choos. They are soft and stylish and work perfectly for work-wear leading to afternoon dinner and drinks

Its my beautiful friend Annie’s birthday tonight – so going to hit Soho in these babies after work.

If you pair these shoes with a tight skirt or skinny trousers – they make the outfit come alive. The points extend the leg making you look slimmer and altogether ROCKING!

To buy online go to:

http://www.jimmychoo.com/en/women/shoes/boots/lowry/black-suede-ankle-boots-133lowrysue.html?dwvar_133lowrysue_color=Black&start=3&dwvar_133lowrysue_size=34

Recipes

Today’s Clean Eat – Basil Hummus Recipe

A quick little treat that I made as an afternoon snack before hitting the gym

It was delicious – dipped carrots and celery in (and maybe possibly a finger)

Here are the ingredients you will need to make a big batch 🙂

1/4 cup pine nuts
2 cups sweet basil leaves, packed
3 cloves garlic, smashed then minced
2 15-ounce cans garbanzo beans (chickpeas), rinsed and drained*
1/4 cup olive oil
Up to 1/4 cup water
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons salt
Several dashes Tabasco
1 teaspoon tomato paste

Blitz them all together using a handheld blender or in a blender and voila – a delicious afternoon treat

To make it go an incredible green colour – really go nuts with the basil leaves – unfortunately didn’t quite have enough in the house – but still tasted incredible

xxx