The Mixtures at No. 30

Being enough, and 12 things!

2018-11-04T10:01:00.001+00:00

I am now 24+2 weeks pregnant with our baby, and I've caught my first cough/cold of the season. I know I say I love Autumn and Winter, but man it sucks when you already can't get comfy and then your throat is attacked by foreign alien bugs.

Can you ever drink too much hot orange and honey in these circumstances? No. No you can't.

I just wanted to write a little wrap up of the recent weeks, and what they have meant for Sam and I. Unfortunately, I don't think they were as restful as Sam hoped considering I've been so lacking in energy these past few months. Week 22 was a turning point, 8pm is no longer a mandatory bedtime if I want to function the next day!

So here's 12 things that have happened recently that I want to remember!

1. I officially fit maternity work trousers now, although I still require a belt because the old belly changes shape during the day! Did anyone else expect it to just be perfectly round all the time?

2. All the furniture has arrived for the nursery, and by 'all' I mean the one chair we had to order because everything else has been bought/salvaged from other rooms in the house. It's so cute in there now, although the walls are still a little bare and I am looking forward to future months of fussing waiting for Baby Mixture to make their appearance.

3. I'm keen to start working on my changing bag for the baby, but I legit don't feel like I have anything to put in it?? Like, apart from nappies and wet wipes and a change of clothes, what else? There's so much space to fill! Will you want a toy in there, little baby?

4. I don't have any stretch marks yet, which I am truly grateful for. I've been pretty lax on the Biooil but I am desperately trying to remember to do it as part of an evening ritual because (and I know, I know its human, but..) I think they are the ugliest things. Especially considering I'm already contending with some pretty dang nasty scars.

5. I didn't get particularly tanned on holiday, nor do I have clear glowy skin from pregnancy. If anything, it's literally given me acne. Thanks baby!

6. We've gone into full get-shit-done-in-the-house mode. We've had glaziers out to measure for new windows in the baby's room and bathroom; we've had the carpet company round to measure the stairs and landing and that's getting fitted at the end of November; Sam's brother (future Uncle Martin) has plastered the head of the stairs after almost 3 years of bare board; and finally we have an odd jobs man coming round do things like fix the enormous holes in the back of the house and do electrical work. It's expensive at the time when we really require least expenses, but it has given us a reason to finally get shit sorted.

7. My favourite thing to do at the moment is just potter about the house and go on slower dog walks. I was really social this last weekend, seeing a friend for dinner and going to the fireworks but now it's Sunday morning and I'm happy just 'being'. As someone who is constantly active, its a nice way to enjoy a slower pace.

8. Yesterday was the first day where I struggled to put my socks on, and got mildly stranded in the armchair.

9. Neither animal will leave me alone at the moment; both just seem to crave being beside/on/with me at all times. Not sure if it's because of the cooler weather or because of the bump, but it's very nice being Human #1 at the moment.

10. We are planning to go back to our wedding venue, Smeetham Hall Barn, at the end of the month to get a feel for what it might look like when we get married next November. So excited! Will you be a Flower Girl or a Page Boy, little one?

11. The planning of the baby shower is in full swing, my mother is taking the helm and I'm excited to get some of my favourite people in one location. Family are travelling some distances, so it'll be lovely to have them in the town we call home.

12. Finally, I really miss bloody goats cheese.

20 weeks pregnant

2018-10-05T07:39:00.002+01:00

Today, I am 20 weeks pregnant.

20 weeks of fatigue, nausea, raging hormones and stress.

But also, 20 weeks of wonder, fear, excitement, love and gratitude.

It's a strange feeling, knowing you have another human growing inside you. Someone who will eventually be a teacher, or an athlete, or a ticket stub collector at the cinema. Someone who you will mould and teach, and love unconditionally, even if they do put a ding in your semi new car the first time they take it out after passing their test.

This person will probably be an older sibling, and will definitely be a cousin to at least two awesome people. They'll be the first person to continue both mine and Sam's family line, and will bear the surname Mixture-Kent for the first 9 months of their lives. They will know 'home' as the little Victorian cottage their parents painstakingly renovated, and then stopped, and then started again, over the course of almost 3 years by the time they arrive. They will see the scratched wallpaper by the cat, and the dings in the wooden floor from the dog. They will inevitably lay in the dogs bed, and get out stinking of hound, but laugh the whole time.

This person will argue over when to change their nappy, and refuse to eat their breakfast. They will cry unless their drinks in the dinosaur or princess cup, and laugh uncontrollably when Mummy spills coffee down her shirt for the 2nd time that day because she's so . dang . tired.

They will eventually bring a boyfriend or a girlfriend home, and present them to Mum and Dad, and we will act tough and be polite, but as soon as they leave the room we will roll our eyes and giggle at them. We will remember that's how we started out, being introduced to parents and wondering what they thought of us.

We will look at this person, and see a mixture of all the family that came before them. Their Pop's wrinkled piggy nose when concentrating, their Grandma's stubbornness and head shaking. We will see their Nan's generosity, and their Grandad's dance moves round the lounge. They will like peanut butter in everything, or on nothing, and might mix their ketchup and mayo together like their Dad.

They may drive us crazy with pop punk, like we did, or they may pirouette around their bedroom to the classics, but we'll sigh at them whatever. They'll come home too late, make too much mess, and not say thank you enough.

But we will love them.

Roasted Butternut Squash and Kale Lasagne

2017-08-23T00:00:00.000+01:00

Lasagne is my favourite meal, hands DOWN. Any shape or form, any ingredients, I live for the thin layers and pure comfort the dish gives you.

The Italians sure know how to do comfort, I tell you.

Since being Vegetarian, I have made a number of soy mince lasagnes (which are the bomb). I’ve also made Nigella Lawson’s Mexican Lasagne using tortillas and a myriad of beans, also epic. A few weeks ago I made an aubergine and spinach-ricotta lasagne, which went down like a house on fire and this week, I created this butternut squash and kale lasagne.

How many times can I say lasagne? Lasagne lasagne lasagne. There.

Its rich, caramelised and gorgeous. It’s pretty dang healthy, and definitely hits the comfort food spot. Who doesn’t want tomato sauce and creamy cheese, with oodles of ooze and saucy goodness? Sam DIED over this, and it was pretty simple, if a little time consuming. It’s based off a Jamie Oliver recipe from Everyday Superfood, but naturally I only had around 50% of the ingredients on hand and so it’s become a pretty different recipe in all honesty. His is linked here if you’d like to check out the original?

It takes around 1hr 45 minutes, but seriously, for 1 hour and 35 minutes you’re not doing anything! It couldn’t be simpler, and I’m going to show you how.

Roasted Butternut Squash and Kale Lasagne

1 butternut squash, halved length ways with seeds removed, cut into semi circles

200g kale, chopped

3 cups closed cup mushrooms, sliced

200g cottage cheese

200g natural yoghurt

60g parmesan cheese, grated

200ml water

1 tbsp olive oil

1 can chopped tomatoes

¼ cup sunflower seeds

Lasagne sheets (I used wholewheat)

2 cups fresh basil, ripped

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp chilli flakes

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp nutmeg

Salt and pepper

Preheat the oven to 180C / 350F. Slice the butternut squash and place in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Season and dust with paprika.
Roast in the oven for 50 minutes, turning halfway through.
Meanwhile, heat the oil on a medium – high heat and add the garlic and mushrooms. Brown the garlic, and then add the chilli flakes. Once sizzling, add the tomatoes, basil, herbs and spices with a can full of water and simmer for 15-20 minutes until reduced and thick.
Remove the butternut squash from the oven and sit to cool for a few minutes.
Mix the cottage cheese, natural yoghurt, nutmeg and water together and stir to loosen.
Start layering the lasagne in the following order (I used a 30x30 dish and it worked really well with 3 sheets of lasagne pasta per layer):
- Tomato sauce
- Butternut Squash
- Kale
- Lasagne sheet
- Cream Cheese
Continue to layer until you reach the top of your dish, and sprinkle the parmesan on top of the dish to finish.
Sprinkle the sunflower seeds on top and bake in the oven for 35-45 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Remove and set aside for 10 minutes to firm up.
Serve with a side salad if you’re feeling super healthy ;)

What To Wear To a Wedding When You’re Not ‘A Girly Girl’

2017-08-21T00:00:00.000+01:00

I have attended a number of weddings this year, as well as fancy parties and shindigs. However, I’m not really the girl you’re going to find in a floral tea dress with perfect nails and hair. I’m the girl who would wear the floral dress, but would chip her nails before the event and forget she had winged liner on and rub her eyes.

My perfect is not perfect.

I’ve spent countless hours trawling the internet trying to find an outfit that I feel comfortable in which still suits the occasion, and it’s really hard, guys! I mean, there are countless floral dresses which are gorgeous, but just not really me. I am a person who is super confident in monochrome and neutrals, not necessarily the wild prints some people can get away with at posh events.

Below, I've collated a number of outfits I'd consider wearing to a wedding, christening, or similar. There's a mix of dresses, playsuits and jumpsuits which I think could all work at a more formal event, without feeling like you're not being authentic to yourself. Which is your favourite?

1. Boxy dress by Simply Be | 2. Playsuit by Boohoo | 3. Jumpsuit by Phase Eight

4. Maxi Dress by Dorothy Perkins | 5. Skater dress by Yumi

6 Things On A Friday

2017-08-18T00:00:00.000+01:00

Sometimes it’s good to get a list of things off your chest in one go, and sometimes they’re good to look back on when you need to remember some positive things!

1. Why is it when you’re super busy you find the time to do more things? I feel as though this week, where I’ve had a little down time, I’ve been the most unproductive I’ve been in a long while. I guess now the fight against fleas has finished, and the house is clean and the garden finished, there just isn’t as much to do? I guess that’s why I’ve come back to the blog!

2. I’ve been thoroughly enjoying working out recently, and have a slew of photographs of me dying on the patio in our back yard. I mean dying. Red faced, wobbly arms, sore feet. The skin is peeling on my feet I’ve been using them so much! I feel fantastic for it, but I sure wouldn’t mind a day without my forearms hurting. Burpees are killer.

3. Sam and I have become OBSESSED with the show Shadowhunters. Have you seen it? It’s based on a series of books I love called ‘The Mortal Instruments’ by Cassandra Clare. They’re amazing, and I love the Freeform adaptation of the series. The film was good, but critically bombed, and so they decided to make it into a show instead. The first few episodes were PAINFUL because there was so much overacting, but everyone has settled into their roles now and we have devoured the entire first and second season. So sad its finishing, and we can’t wait for season 3!

4. Where do you buy your athletic clothes from?! I am struggling sooo much to find a supportive sports bra and really need some help! I don’t want to spend a fortune, but at the same time need some support up in here!

5. I’m loving this series on Refinery29 UK, which outlines how different women across England spend and save their money! It’s really interesting to see how spending in cities is so different to spending in the countryside.

6. Sweater weather is coming and I couldn’t be more excited! What’s your favourite season?

What are you talking about, reading, and loving at the moment? I’d love to know!

Vegan Red Lentil Chilli

2017-08-16T00:00:00.000+01:00

You guys, it’s been a hot minute since I’ve been on here but I am finally feeling the mojo again and I’m looking forward to writing for you all. I mean, writing for me mostly, but the few of you who stuck around, you’re awesome ;)

I’ve been on a bit of a fitness challenge recently, and in doing so have re-overhauled my food. I have always eaten pretty healthily, something that is spurred on my by auto immune disease and the notion I need to look ‘snatched’ in a bikini each Summer.

Side note: I have never looked ‘snatched’ in a bikini.

The programme is six weeks long, and is being run by Active Essex and BlitzFitMe (BFM from hereon in), and the best part is that it only cost me £10 to join! How crazy is that?! A food plan, a Nutritionist on hand at all times of the day or night, a PT planned workout each week and all the support I could possibly need. I am currently part way through week two and LOVING IT. I LOVE IT! The workouts are hard, but the food is good, so can I really complain?

Probably not, and yet here I am. Complaining. My ass does hurt though!

I created this Vegan Red Lentil Chilli based on the food groups we are supposed to eat from, although this is fairy similar to a dinner I would usually create for Sam and myself. Just smaller portions, and actual care taken in measurements.

Usually I’m a throw-it-in-and-see kinda girl.

If you’d like to find out more about how to create this delicious and naturally vegan meal, please keep on reading!

Vegan Red Lentil Chilli

1 cup brown rice

¾ cup of red lentils, rinsed

3 cups closed cup mushrooms, sliced

1 cup courgette, sliced thinly

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1 pepper, diced

3 ½ cups vegetable stock, divided

1 tbsp tomato puree

½ cup red wine

½ tbsp Worcester sauce (vegan friendly, as it includes anchovies normally)

1 tsp Marmite

1 tsp maple syrup

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ tsp dried chilli flakes

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried mixed herbs

Salt and pepper

½ tsp coconut oil

Add the rice to a saucepan with 2 cups of vegetable stock, and bring to the boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and leave to cook for 30 minutes or until tender.
Heat the coconut oil on a medium – high heat until liquid. Add the garlic and vegetables, and sauté until soft.
Add the red wine and let cook down with the vegetables, stirring frequently.
Add the lentils, and stir throughout the vegetables.
Add the remaining ingredients, and give a good stir ensuring all elements are spread throughout the pan.
Cook on a medium heat for 20 or so minutes, stirring frequently. The lentils absorb a lot of moisture, so ensure you add liquid as necessary.
Fork through the rice once cooked (you should see bubbles rising in the rice, that’s when it’s done!) and serve up.
Dollop on some mayonnaise, natural yoghurt, or sour cream as required if you’ve made it a little too hot for your taste buds!
How clean and tasty does this sound?! I hope you enjoy it as much as we did, we’re excited about the leftovers sitting in our fridge for a Friday treat!

It’s so good to be back – I missed you!

3 Ways To Get To Sleep Quicker

2017-07-12T00:00:00.000+01:00

Since sharing a bed, I have consistently found it tricky to fall asleep. I mean, seriously tricky. It happens like this:

7:30 pm finish dinner, and move to the comfy couch for a TV marathon
9 pm start feeling sleepy, move upstairs to wash face and snuggle into bed with the cat and a last minute scroll on Instagram before Sam follows
9:15 pm start drifting off, so so snuggly
9:16 pm BAM HELLO WORLD I AM AWAKE AND CAN HEAR EVERY SINGLE NOISE YOU MAKE
10 pm Sam comes to bed and I try to get comfy with this huge person next to me
11 pm …..still trying
11:45 pm after a play fight, argument, sulk, big spoon and separation, I finally doze off

I have always been a solid sleeper, and once I am in the sleep zone nothing will pull me out of my slumber (bar a light shining near/on me, or the cat wanting 5 am attention (uh hello, always oblige)). However, since Sam and I have lived together it’s become something I really struggle with because of our different bedtime routine.

Before we lived together, and merely stayed at each other’s, it was simple. I’d get tired; Sam would go to bed too. Now though, there are a plethora of things he wants to do after I'm tired like catch up on his shows or play video games. Unfortunately, I lay upstairs able to hear every single sound he makes downstairs – does this happen to you?!

In a desperate attempt to go to sleep when I want to, not when I finally pass out from exhaustion, I have started doing the following three things.

Darkness
I make sure the door is pushed up (something I usually hate), the curtains are fully drawn and that I have an eye mask at the ready for when it’s summer time. This has helped my body know it’s night time and that I need some zzz if I want to skip the concealer tomorrow.

Night mode
Apple ingeniously created Night Mode on their devices to try and help the night owls go to bed before the sun comes up. It basically makes the screen of your phone go yellow for a period of time, of your choosing, to try and stop the blue light from messing with your circadian rhythm. Since using it, I’ve definitely noticed a change in how quickly I fall asleep. Learn how to turn it on here!

Deep breathes
….but not just any deep breathes! I remember being little and hearing someone tell each part of their body to go to sleep:

“Goodnight toes, goodnight ankles. Goodnight shins, goodnight knees…”

I recently instigated this practice again and it’s been so useful and helpful in helping me dose off. I now feel my body going to sleep, getting heavier and comfier in the mattress until I reach somewhere around my chest…..and then wake up the next morning! It’s magic!

I realise Sam isn't to blame for my alertness, but I do appreciate that I need to find ways to shut out the noise because it’s not fair to make him come to bed too. So long as I am asleep before he comes upstairs, and he doesn't shine his phone torch in my eyes (every . freakin' . night) we’re good!

Would you try the ‘Goodnight’ sleep trick? Doesn't it sound silly?

Photo via Nili Lotan

New Series - Young, Fierce Professional

2017-06-28T00:00:00.000+01:00

I wanted to start off this series with a little bit of background as to why I wanted to write it in the first place.

Being a female twenty-something in today's society comes with a lot of backlash, and a lot of preconceived ideas. People expect you to either be on top of your game with a degree, infinite work experience and ready to work your butt off for the next 30 years or, they expect you to be willing to work for nothing, with no goals or aims, and probably on your way to 'not making the most of your potential'. There is also this view that young mums will never amount to anything, they put offspring before their career and they are set to be on the lower rungs of the career ladder for the rest of their lives.

I want to change that.

This series has been created to showcase young women, who are making the effort to be everything at once. Some may be working three jobs whilst also trying to start a career, some may already be in their chosen profession and working their way up. Some may have decided against a career and be doing other things with their time, and some may be mothers trying to find the balance of what they can do and what they can't do.

I'm really excited to start this series, and see where it goes. With that, I'd love to introduce our first Young Professional to you.

Below, Sophie answered some of my questions, if you'd like to read more?

Sophie, would you mind telling us a little about yourself?

Of course! I'm Sophie Holloway, I'm 23 and a Graphic Designer. For as long as I can remember I have been a creatively driven human and have always known that I belong in the creative industry. My Mum comes from a Graphic Design background so she's always supported my need to pave a career from my artistic abilities. Right now I'm working as a Creative Assistant to a YouTuber (which I ABSOLUTELY LOVE) and prior to my current position I was a Graphic Designer for a high street footwear retailer. In the midst of all this I've also spent some time running my own online homeware store which myself and my boyfriend built over a couple of years.

That's a busy schedule! What does an average week look like for you?

As a Creative Assistant to a YouTuber, my working week tends to be quite flexible. The time I spend commuting to London gives me a couple of hours in the mornings and evenings to switch off and read a book (I'm totally obsessed with Thrillers). My alarm goes off at 6am Monday to Friday. I don't leave the house until around 8am but I like to take 20 minutes to eat my breakfast and sip on a hot espresso (it has to be scalding hot otherwise I can't drink it!) I'll usually take our pup, Stanley for a quick walk around the block before hopping in my car and heading to the station. I tend to work until around 4:30/5pm before heading home for the day.

I'll usually get home around 6:30 which is when I'll fit in a 20 minute run to clear my mind and make time to breathe in some fresh air by taking the dog for a walk around the park. Before I became a Creative Assistant I worked in a role that was all-consuming which meant I had hardly any down time from Monday to Friday. I'm especially grateful to have a few hours every evening to rest my body and mind. I think a lot of people forget how important it is to do that.

How did you land such a fun job?
I stumbled upon an Instagram post advertising the position as a Creative Assistant and I was instantly intrigued. Our business wasn't moving as quickly as we needed it to and I was craving something new and challenging to sink my teeth into. I applied thinking I'd never have a chance as I knew there would be thousands of applicants. A couple of weeks later and I was packing up my bag ready for my first day in my new job. In September I'll have been in this role for a year and it's been one of the best years of my life!

Being involved in the YouTube world must give you a ream of inspiration. What does your daily beauty routine consist of?

Makeup isn't my strong suit, I've never been great at knowing what looks good on me and how to apply it. Thankfully working with a YouTuber who is a beauty expert has given me a ton of useful tips and tricks so I'm slowly starting to get better. I'm very self conscious about my skin so wearing makeup helps to boost my confidence, although I wish I didn't have to rely on a layer of makeup to make me feel that way. I hate as females we've been conditioned to think that we need to look a certain way to be accepted in our society. I definitely need to learn to embrace my imperfections, we all have them!

Do you think being a female has held you back in your career at all?

I'm incredibly grateful to be able to sit here and say that I've never experienced a situation in my career where being female has held me back in any way. Since this is a subject that I can't say that I've experienced, it doesn't seem fair for me to talk about such an important issue in our society. All I can say is that I've met a ton of successful, talented and strong women who continue to inspire and empower me every day. In 2017 female oppression shouldn't be happening but to know it is still present in our everyday life is heartbreaking.

Whats your power outfit, the clothes that make you feel bold and strong?

I don't necessarily have a power outfit but I definitely feel most powerful when I'm wearing something that I feel comfortable in. I like tucking an oversized linen shirt into a pair of good-fitting, tailored trousers. Mixing something figure-hugging with something quite masculine is what I'm most happy wearing. For me, comfort is confidence.

Hear hear! Tell us, what has been your greatest achievement to date?

I think my current role is my greatest achievement to date. If you'd have told me 5 years ago that I'd be in the position I'm in I probably would have thought you were talking nonsense. It's not often I feel proud of something I've achieved but it definitely boosts my confidence to know it was only my hard work and determination that got me to where I am today. I love my job and I'm grateful to work with someone who's my friend as well as my boss.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

This is probably such a cliche answer but I would probably tell 16 year old me to stop doubting myself so much. Over the years I've learned that good things don't 'come to those who wait', but to those who work hard. The times that I've trusted in myself and my work are the times when exciting opportunities have presented themselves to me. It's all about believing in yourself (I know, super corny) and having the confidence to say 'I can do this'.

I don't think people should ever actively seek out a specific role, you never know what you might be drawn to or what opportunities will arise. If you see yourself in a Creative role then it's important to experiment; try your hand at drawing, pick up a camera and film a video, start piecing together some spreads for an imaginary magazine. Once you've realised what it is that makes you tick, focus on that area and finesse it to where you want it to be. If you're passionate about something, people will start to see that in the work that you produce and opportunities will arise.

That's great advice! Where do you see yourself in five years' time?

I don't like to think too much about the future, instead I try to concentrate on the here and now. I was always afraid of change as a teen, but sometimes life throws things at you that you never thought you'd have to deal with and you find yourself having to embrace change. Nowadays, the unknown is something that excites and inspires me.

I definitely don't think that education is the 'be all' and 'end all' of success but it most definitely helps you to pave the way to a successful career. I never saw myself as a University Student but choosing to study for my degree was the best decision I could ever have made. My degree course didn't just teach me how to be a better designer, it taught me how to be an adult; how to communicate with people, how to work in a team and how to stick to deadlines. Not only that but being surrounded by like-minded people is inspiring and empowering.

Finally, who is your biggest fan, the one person who makes you feel as though you can achieve it all?

My Mum is definitely my biggest fan and the feeling is mutual.

Before I go I just want to say a huge thank you to Lo for asking me to be a part of this series. There's a phrase that I like which says 'When females support females, amazing things happen' and with this series, Lo encapsulates that completely. Thanks so much for your time Lo, I can't wait to hear stories from some amazing women!

Thank you Sophie, you are truly inspiring!

You can find Sophie on Instagram, where she's currently touring Shanghai!

A Little Trip To Lincolnshire

2017-06-26T00:00:00.000+01:00

Back at the beginning of June, Sam and I snuck a few night away during the Cricket season. If you didn't know, Sam works for Essex County Cricket and therefore getting any time off during the season is incredibly difficult. We basically have little warning and have to roll with it, if he gets a week without any game we grab it with both hands!

The whole trip started with me blowing up at that dear love of mine because he 'never plans' anything. I was tired and cranky, and fed up of looking at sites online trying to find the perfect place for us to go for a couple of nights away from the world just us two. I couldn't make a decision, and therefore threw it to Sam to plan thinking he would fail and thus give me more ammo to be grouchy about.

The guy came through.

We ended up at the most insanely gorgeous camp site in the midst of rural Lincolnshire, miles and miles from the nearest store, pub, or solid walled toilet. To get there, we had to leave the nearest big town on a tiny road up the side of a river and follow the road until we met the top of a farm track. We followed the farm track for 5 miles, and then came to a crossroads with a metal barred gate and a few wooden signs sending us down what can only be described as a dirt track. Another two miles up the track was the copse where our home for the week would be. It really was in the middle of nowhere, with no phone service whatsoever!

The whole idea of this trip was to get ourselves comfortable with camping again. We both went a lot as children but in recent years we haven't had the opportunity. When we booked the trip, we were anticipating a heat wave and glorious balmy nights to snuggle round the campfire. Unfortunately, we were instead greeted with persistent rain and too much cloud cover to see a single star. Disappointing!

We made the most of the trip though, and here are a few of the photos we took, if you'd like to see?

Some of the highlights of the trip included:

Waking up and seeing nothing but fields, trees, and pheasants for as far as the eye can see.
Opening the hut doors to the sounds of birds and animals, and sitting on the deck enjoying the early morning breeze.
Visiting the coast and going to a Seal Sanctuary, where injured and ill seals are rescued, nursed back to health and released back into the wild.
Taking full advantage of the one dry evening we had to roast sweet potatoes and cook burgers on the open fire whilst playing UNO.
Having morning coffee on our little gas stove.
Seeing a friend I haven't seen in six months, and eating some crazy good food.
Spending the week with my love, travelling around visiting antique shops, the beach and anywhere in between.

There really is nothing like a roadtrip to bring people together. You're stuck in a small space with nothing but the road and conversation to keep you occupied. It really is a magical experience. I can't wait until we have the opportunity to do some more travelling around this beautiful country!

Points to consider:

The site we stayed on was New Farm Holiday, and we stayed in a 'pod' - I highly recommend this company for great service and amazing facilities, considering you're in the middle of nowhere!

I would truly recommend the vehicle you go in. My little car barely made it up and down the track into the campsite, and considering we were doing this twice a day it was hard going. If you have access to a 4x4, I would seriously consider taking it. Similarly, remember to take a paper map. Whilst the SATNAV might be more convenient, there are a number of blind spots across the country where signal is impossible to catch. We'd have been so screwed if we didn't have a paper map with us.

Where Have I Been?

2017-06-23T00:00:00.000+01:00

It’s safe to say I have been a little MIA on the blog recently, though no one’s fault but my own. The world has been a little whacko in recent weeks, and I am trying to find a balance in my new normal.
If you’re willing to read a bit of an essay, I've compiled a run-down of the recent weeks below.

Canada planning and second jobs
As you may have seen in my last post, Sam and I have booked a crazy trip to Canada! Whilst we’re super excited about it, we've also taken out a second job each to enable us to pay for this baby. That means, on top of our weekly 37 hour weeks, we've also added another 10 or so hours for the second job. Whilst it’s not life changing, it does mean we have shorter evenings at home and are a lot more tired than usual. We’ll get used to the extra workload, but at the moment we’re trying to find a balance between home chores, errand running, grocery shopping, normal work and finding time in between to cultivate our social lives and sleeping pattern.

Health issues
The ultimate reason I stopped blogging for a hot minute is because I caught some horrific type of flu / cold / death illness that literally debilitated me for a solid two weeks. It was freezing outside, and I was sweating buckets with a fan on max pointing at me at all times. I spent over 3 days in bed, drinking fluids and barely eating. Whilst I got over the worst of it pretty quickly, the cough and lack of voice paired with a stuffed nose and head stuck around for another 10 or so days, and I just couldn't deal. I mean, I couldn't even walk to the store for ice cream without falling asleep when I got home! Thankfully, that has passed, and I'm totally ok now (bar you, cursed Hayfever!).

On a similar note, Sam has had a number of hospital appointments in recent weeks because of an injury in his ankle. As a football player, injuries are commonplace, but Sam has been complaining about an issue with his ankle and foot for over a year now. It’s even got to the point where any extended period of walking causing his great amounts of pain, and I'm not okay with that! He’s been to see a specialist consultant at a private hospital nearby and has undertaken x-rays, MRI scans and physiotherapy to try and see what the issue is. Unfortunately, we don’t yet have any results and it may result in surgery! Due to this, Sam hasn't been playing football (not that I'm complaining ;) and so I have lost my Tuesday evening and Saturday afternoon writing slots. Boo!

The mojo drought
I guess, really, I just kinda lost my mojo guys. I was in such a good routine and its totally fallen by the wayside. I'm sorry, I’ll do better.

I will be getting back to my Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule and promise to keep you guys more up to day with what is going on in this crazy 20 something world of ours.

Hope you’re all peachy and enjoying the final Summer than has engulfed England! Am I crazy for begging for rain?!

Image via SPOTEBI

We're Going To Canada!

2017-06-16T00:00:00.000+01:00

I am so unbelievably happy to be writing this, and still a little disbelieving about the whole thing but…

Sam and I are off to Canada next year!

I'm not sure exactly how we've pulled this off, but we are first time home owners renovating our cottage who in just over a year are taking a £5,000 trip to British Columbia and the surrounding areas for 15 days of camping, hiking and adventure.

I am so excited!!

We’re travelling with Trek America, a fantastic service who are part of the TUI travel group (which includes Thompson and First Choice for all those in the UK), and will be hitting the Canadian Rockies on a group trip. We've never done anything like this before, but are so pumped for the once in a lifetime experience.

Trek America basically plan a huge range of trips across Central America, Canada, Southern America, Hawaii, Costa Rica and many more places, and do all the hard work for you! The accommodation, travel, itinerary and food is all sorted for you. You choose the trip you want to go on, check the dates and boom – off you go. They even go so far as to help you with planning flights and booking accommodation pre and post trip. How neat is that?!

About The Trip

Sam and I have decided on the Mountie trip.

“Explore British Columbia and Alberta in the wonderful Canadian Rockies, for grand vistas and a wilderness that is still truly wild. Expect picture-perfect lakes, stunning mountain views, top-notch hiking, glacier walking and wildlife sightings. Want even more adventure? Add mountain biking, horseback riding and white water rafting to the list and you won't find a more exhilarating 12 days. The Mountie will take you into the heart of Canada for the perfect outdoor adventure!”

I have close family friends who live in Canada, and I've always been in awe of their natural scenery and wildlife. I mean, how many people can have a bear eating out of their back yard? Since they moved 10 years ago, I've had notions of exploring their country in a more paired back way, staying off the beaten track and experiencing the country in the best way. On foot, by vehicle and completely immersed. Luckily for me, I found a guy who wants to do the same!

We’ll be doing things like

Relaxing in a sulphur fed hot spring in the mountains of Banff
Driving the Icefield Parkway
Hiking through epic Alpine scenery
Taking in the sights of Jasper
Exploring Vancouver, and its many eateries and bars
Kayaking in Lake Louise
Jumping the natural Bridge in Yoho

How We’re Doing It

This is quite a common question, and the answer is, with hard work! Sam and I both work full time in our respective jobs, and luckily get paid for holidays so we won’t be missing out on anything. We've also taken out a second part time job each to enable us to afford this trip.

As you know, we are renovating our cottage and that takes a lot of our money but we knew when we bought a place that we didn't want it to stop us travelling. We've been seriously lucky to go to Turkey, Mexico, Lanzarote, and a number of British trips since buying our house and we aren't about to stop! We've managed to work our finances that we won’t need to touch our monthly salary for this trip and instead, we’ll pay for it in its entirety from our second income.

Life is not about waiting for the next trip, and so we plan multiple trips in between! We both love working, but equally love travelling. I think we've found a pretty rad balance.

Updates

Of course, September 2018 is quite far away, but I plan on being able to get a lot of content from this trip. How to pack hand luggage only for 15 days, where to eat and drink in Vancouver, what the actual trip was like etc. Would you be interested?

It’s safe to say we are too excited for this, we already have a savings plan in place and a countdown on the go. Only 450 days to go!

Photo owned by @dreaming_outloud on Instagram

8 Fun Things I’m Doing This Summer

2017-06-12T00:00:00.000+01:00

Last Wednesday, the weather was just perfect. There was a lazy breeze blowing over the tops of the flowers, the sun was beaming down with a little cloud cover, and the birds and bugs were making their beautiful sounds of Summer. I took some time in the morning before work, sitting on my front stoop letting the early morning wash over me. There’s something so peaceful about the world before people wake up. Everything is a little softer, a little more serene.

It seems as though England has been fighting for Spring and Summer all year. We haven’t been able to shake the rains or the overcast skies, and I think it’s been getting everyone down. However, on Wednesday morning it seemed as though the skies had finally realised we were nearing June, and it could be gorgeous!

We recently fired up the coal BBQ in our half finished back yard, and used our dining room chairs to soak up the last bits of sun over the tops of the trees. We talked about the Summer and what we had planned, and suddenly everything seemed so close and tangible! I’m definitely an Autumn girl, but I’m super stoked for the later evenings and carefree vibe that Summer gives me. Here’s a round up of eight things I currently have planned for Summer, maybe it can inspire you too?

Open air cinema to watch 'Pitch Perfect' with some girlfriends
A family vacation in Cape Verde
Roadtrips and camping
Backyard bbq housewarming
Renting a hot tub to make the most of the summer
Beach and pier trip
Dinner on the patio of our favourite restaurant
Bike ride up the Flitch Way

What are you planning on doing this Summer, if anything? Being lazy is definitely underrated ;)

Vegetable Coconut Curry

2017-05-22T00:00:00.000+01:00

You guys. I cannot get over how much I love this curry.

I mean, LOVE, this curry! It's literally the easiest thing to make, super duper quick too. We're talking 15 minutes max.

It's super sweet and fragrant, and is as packed with veggies as you'd like. Don't get me wrong, this would totally work with meat or fish too, but as a Vegetarian it's a winner for me.

To find out the recipe, and some handy tips, just keep reading!

Vegetable Coconut Curry

Serves 3 - 4
Cook time 15 minutes

Ingredients

ANY vegetables you have in the house - for this specific one I used brocollini, red pepper, cauliflower, and Cavelo Nero.
1/2 can chickpeas, with water
1 can coconut milk, full fat or light
1 tsp garlic granules
2 1/2 tsp curry powder, strength of your choice
1 tsp soy sauce
2 tbsp almond flour
Seasoning

Cut all the veggies into bite size chunks and place into a large frying pan
Add the chickpeas and their water, and bring the water to a simmer
Add the coconut milk, curry powder, seasoning and garlic, and bring to the boil
Simmer on high for 4 - 6 minutes, until your harder vegetables are relatively tender but still retain a little crunch
Mix in the almond flour and season to taste

Serve over rice, on its own, or include sweet potato in the curry mix. Like I said, it really couldn't be quicker or easier!

What's your favourite curry?

Sam Turns 25

2017-05-19T10:24:00.000+01:00

Happy birthday to my best friend and fellow cat poop scooper, I love you so much!!!

My Go-To Smoothie Recipe

2017-05-17T00:00:00.000+01:00

If I had £1 for every time I had drunk this smoothie over the last few years, I would be a rich, rich woman.

There is something so comforting about the mixture of peanut butter, chocolate, and banana that just speaks to my soul and I physically cannot get enough of it. I would eat (?) this for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if I could and I think it would take me a good while to get bored of it.

It's a super simple recipe, but I find it fills me up for hours and catches my cravings at the start all in one go. Once I've eaten this, there is urge to scoff a bar of chocolate or gorge myself on bad foods. The 'recipe' is below, if you'd like to try it?

1 banana, fresh or frozen
1/2 cup steel cut oats
1 scoop chocolate protein (I LOVE the Tropeaka one)
1 tbsp crunchy peanut butter
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tsp honey
300ml water or non-dairy milk
Handful of ice
Optional - handful of spinach or raw cacao powder

This is my go to smoothie recipe after a workout. The banana helps to eliminate cramps and in conjunction with the oats and protein powder, it helps to keep me fuller for longer. The chocolate protein powder holds over 30% of my daily recommended iron intake, and as a vegetarian this is super important to me. Similarly, there's also omega's and protein from the chia seeds, which turn into the best jelly little nuggets ever!

I usually add extra cacao powder because it makes it really chocolatey, but if you want it to be a little healthier you can totally omit this and it won't affect the smoothie in the slightest.

Tag me if you try this, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Weekend Round Up

2017-05-15T00:00:00.001+01:00

The past weekend was exactly what I needed. For the first time in a month, there were no workmen at the house and we woke up to birds singing rather than the alarm blaring reminding me to buy milk before the landscaper got here.

We had a pretty busy one nonetheless, and I'd love to share it with you, if you're interested?

The weekend started on Friday night. Don't you find that your weekend feels so much more fulfilling when you start it on the Friday evening rather than waiting for Saturday. I always feel much more refreshed come Monday morning if I did something on the first evening of freedom!

I went to dinner with a girlfriend to Prezzo, a local Italian chain. It's something we say we will do regularly, but the last time we did it, it was warm enough to not need a coat and so it's been at least six months! Yikes! We chose the restaurant because Sam and I have signed up to birthday deals to all the restaurants in town, and this particular branch was offering us a free bottle of Prosecco ;) This was followed by cocktails at Las Iguanas, which definitely didn't take long to drink!

We took the afternoon to go for a quick 6km bike ride up the local cycle track to burn some of the cabin fever off we had accumulated throughout the day. I love the fresh air in my face, but not so much the bugs I incessantly swallow. Saturday evening was my mother and step father's 50th birthday party. We went to a prestigious golf and country club in the area and danced the night away with friends and family alike. It was a really fun evening, but Sam and I aren't used to the early hours anymore and we were so tired by the time we came home! It was luscious to be able to take my heels off at the end of the night, something I've never taken for granted.

Sunday was a lot more chilled than Saturday, with a quick jaunt up to the local Top Golf location for their half price games between 9am - 11am. We used to do this all the time when we were living separately but we haven't made it there together since moving out(!!). It was a great way of getting the blood pumping and getting some exercise in first thing in the mornings, and the coffee wasn't half bad either. I finished up the day with meal preps for the week, and also a quick stretching session on our stretch of patio whilst watching YouTube videos.

All in all, it was a really good weekend and I'm thankful there was no cricket to spoil our plans. Think of me next weekend when I lose Sam for both days and will have to try and find ways of entertaining myself once again. Watch out for all the cakes coming out of the oven.

Week 2 - No Spend May

2017-05-12T00:00:00.000+01:00

I'm not sure whether I should carry on with this series consider how epically we have failed this week. Let me break it down for you, without specific prices because I am just too damn disappointed in us!

H&M clothes order
IKEA PAX wardrobe
IKEA general shop
Prezzo dinner
Romford Dogs
Landscaping of patio
Carpet fitting

Can you see how expensive that all is?!

Unfortunately, this is all our own fault and there is no-one else for us to blame it on. Let's have a look at it in more details.

I was having a pretty rough week, work was tough and I was feeling pretty down about a lot of things. Cue online shopping, and trying to make myself feel better through clothing and feeling pretty. I ordered a lot of work clothes, as well as holiday clothes for both Sam and I. The order was pretty expensive, but when it arrived I ended up returning a bunch of items redeeming myself just a little. However....that soon turned into me arranging a shopping trip to Lakeside Shopping Mall to spend the money we had saved on the H&M order. I know, logic right? Mistake #1.

We went to IKEA to measure up for our wardrobe, to see what we could afford, what would work for us and how we wanted to fill the interior. I also wanted some veggie balls. 20 minutes later we have designed our gorgeous new wardrobe and bought it. Bought it! I remember looking up at Sam wondering whether we should be doing it, and shrugging my shoulders because we'd spend the money eventually anyway so what was the difference. Mistake #2.

We then proceeded to buy things we actually needed, like scrubbing brushes and a stool for our new 6 '5" foot high wardrobes (there is no way I'd reach the top without a stool!).

Again, the landscaping and the carpet fitting were already booked in, and so we couldn't have changed that, and the money was already set aside for them. However, spending that amount of money in one hit didn't feel brilliant.

Finally, we just needed some time with our friends. We had planned to do this whole month without buying any food out or going on expensive dates but the fact of the matter is, we're social animals and we were going a little stir crazy in the house. Neither of us spent more than £20 on our respective date nights (girls dinner and guys races), but it was still money we didn't really need to spend.

All in all, as I said before, I am disappointed in how this week has turned out money wise, but we've had a really good week in total. Onto the next one, pray for us!

My Favourite Denim Jeans

2017-05-10T00:00:00.000+01:00

Being 5’3”, it has become increasingly frustrating to find jeans that not only fit well, but that last more than three or four washes.

I usually gravitate towards to Topshop Leigh Jeans (link) as their 28” leg hit me just about the ankle which is really flattering on someone of my height. However, I find the waistband stretches fairly quickly, and they get lose around the groin area. It’s pretty unattractive continually having to hike your jeans up because your butt is looking a little saggy…

SO, whilst on the hunt for a new pair I decided to try my luck with some online shopping. This can be pretty dangerous for jeans, as they fit everyone so differently. ASOS was my first, and last, stop as I stumbled across the most perfect pair of jeans ever!

The “ASOS Lisbon Skinny Mid-Rise Jeans in Dark Wash with Stepped Hem” came into my life at the perfect time. The wash, the pockets, the hem detailing is all so so perfect.

Here are three ways I’ve styled them, if you’re curious.

Being on the shorter side, these jeans allow me to wear shoes/boots and still have some ankle showing, elongating my legs. The waistband is also semi-flexible, allowing for a comfortable fit, and the jean is pretty much the perfect tightness. My butt looks so pert!!

The “Lisbon” style come in a myriad of finishes from dark to light washes, finished and raw hems, lengths and levels of distress. I am really looking forward to my Topshop Leigh Black Skinnies wearing through so I can purchase another pair of these jeans.

They frequently go on sale, but even the £30 price tag is roughly £10 cheaper than the Topshop counterpart!

Where are your favourite jeans from? Are they super comfy, or more fashion forward?

How To: Make Friends in a New Town

2017-05-08T00:00:00.000+01:00

As someone who has moved out of their hometown, I truly understand how difficult it can be to make friends and feel as thought you are part of the town rather than someone who just happens to be living there.

When we first bought our home, we knew some people in the town but weren't necessarily good friends with them. It takes time and patience to make new friends, especially when you're older as social boundaries and perceptions get in the way, unlike childhood friends when you could become close buddies just by having the same lunch bag.

I've pulled together some of my top tips I found helped me entrench myself into a new community. Whilst I can't say I know everyone in town, I can say I always have someone on hand to hang out with should I find myself with a free afternoon!

Number 1 | Be open minded

A post shared by lo kent (@lokent) on Dec 3, 2016 at 7:25am PST

There are probably thousands of people in your town feeling exactly the same way as you; lost, a little lonely, maybe even a little scared. In saying that, there are probably a lot of people also put off by the fact that they don't know anyone or don't know how to meet people. How do you meet people outside of a forced environment i.e. school or work?! How do you make conversation? One of the best things I have done since moving is tried to stop judging people by what they do, how they look or who they're also friends with. If you've got something in common, jump on it! Make a date to go for a dog walk or meet up to browse the make up aisles together - everything counts when you're building a friendship!

Number 2 | Join a class

A post shared by lo kent (@lokent) on Apr 26, 2017 at 12:38pm PDT

Before I moved to the town (and because my hometown had nothing happening) I decided to join a fitness class in order to meet new people. I started off going once a week with someone I knew, and quietly getting to grips with the class. I found myself looking forward to it each week, and would usually have casual conversation with the people around me in the room. Fast forward a few months, and my one friend in the class stopped coming. I made the decision to keep going, and I'm so glad I did! Not only did I up my attendance to twice a week, but I also made great friends with the instructor as well as some other women in the class. I can confidently stride into class now knowing there will be friendly faces, and someone to share a glass of wine with on the weekends!

Number 3 | Ask for an introduction

A post shared by lo kent (@lokent) on Oct 22, 2016 at 2:20pm PDT

If you're lucky and do already know people in the area, don't be afraid to ask to hitch onto their plans. Are they going to the movies with some girlfriends? Maybe you could tag along. Do they go to the same coffee spot each Friday afternoon? Ask if they could show you too! Odds are, if they like their friends and you like them, you'll all get on like a house on fire.

Number 4 | Pool your resources

A post shared by lo kent (@lokent) on Jul 12, 2016 at 2:31am PDT

One of the first things I did when we moved, was look through my contact list and see who I already knew in the area. It turned out, a lot of people had moved into the vicinity since I left school. Similarly, I knew there were a tonne of people from my work living in the same town. I made the decision quite early on to make the most of my work relationships, and actually get some true friends out of the people I spend eight hours a day with. It worked out perfectly for me, because I now have friends I not only get to hang out with, but also that I get to work with! I've been on weekend's away, had late night phonecalls and sent outfit ideas over social media at all hours of the day with some of my work friends. It's a really great feeling!

It's been over a year since moving now, and I have a core group of girlfriends who I hang out with pretty regularly as well as some couple friends Sam and I hang out with collectively. It's so nice to know that not only is our home here, but our life is also here too.

If you're worried about moving, don't sweat the small stuff. Friends come, roots grow and anxiety fades. Promise!

Top photo via

Week 1 - No Spend May

2017-05-05T00:00:00.000+01:00

This is the first update on our No Spend May, which is really only a 5 day update due to the 1st May being on a Monday!

So, lets get down to the nitty gritty and see what we actually spend this week that wasn't a necessity.

Car Battery - £55
2 Car Tyres - £100
Hot Chocolate - £3.20
50th Birthday Gift - £37.50
Outdoor Cinema Ticket - £12.99
Landscaping - £200

TOTAL - £408.69

Yikes, that is a large expenditure for a month where we shouldn't be spending! Let me expand, because I promise it's not as bad as it looks!

I mentioned in the initial post that Sam and I put away savings every month, and whilst we'd like not to have to touch these, we sometimes have to dip into them for unexpected disasters. My car was one of those disasters this week. On Monday morning, I went to drive to work and found that my car battery was competently flat and wouldn't start. Normally, I would just jump it and get it charged that way but the car is old and we knew the battery needed replacing. Therefore, to stop any future issues with getting to work on time or being stranded somewhere I made the decision to replace it. Only 24 hours later, I ended up getting a flat tyre on the way home from work and having to switch out my tyre for the spare in the boot. This resulted in another trip to the garage and two new tyres being fitted - £100 gone! Luckily, these sorts of expenditures come from our savings budget and therefore the issues didn't affect my monthly allowance.

The birthday gift was a belated one for a family member, whose birthday was in April. We'd ordered a handmade gift from Etsy and whilst we budgeted for it out of last month's pay check, Paypal did that annoying thing where it doesn't take the money until 14 days later when it can confirm the item has been delivered. Therefore, the money came out of this pay check and we just had to swallow it.

The landscaping was planned in before our challenge was planned and we had to honour it. The cost of renovating a house is no joke though, guys! I mean, 60% of our money seems to go on things for the house...it's crazy! Luckily, we have arranged with our families for a no interest loan to help us out with this and that means monthly payments of a set amount back to the family. Whilst its technically debt, it's under control and we didn't pay the amount in full this month. Payments start in May, so we're in the clear ;)

Finally, the two unnecessary spends which occurred this week were a hot chocolate from Sam whilst he was waiting for the doctor's surgery to open, and an outdoor cinema ticket from myself for a date in June with my girlfriends. Totally not needed, but really fun!

All in all, that brings our actual weekly spend (outside of bills, groceries and other necessaries) to £16.19 between us. I am super proud of that, especially when I see how we haven't suffered in the slightest and aren't missing out on anything in particular.

Things we did to avoid spending money during the week:

We both made the decision to only carry our debit card with us for emergencies, and left all money and bank cards at home. This meant we were super conscious about what we were buying and what for.
I went to a Christening, and only drank water and ice to stop myself spending money on the bar. It's also the healthy option ;)
We meal prepped for the week ahead which meant we didn't have to spend money on lunches at work and could instead eat a balanced lunch we'd prepared at home.
Sam went to a football dinner with his friends, but used some money he was owed for a job to go out. He ate off the meal-deal menu which meant it was super cheap, and it didn't come out of the weekly budget!

Check back next Friday for another week's worth of spending, and what we did differently to avoid spending money.

L'Oreal Colour Trophy 2017 Regional Finalists

2017-05-03T00:00:00.000+01:00

On Saturday 23rd April, I had the opportunity to participate in the L'Oreal Colour Trophy 2017 Regional Final for the South East of England.

Back in February, I was asked by my good friend, Melissa, to be her model for the competition. Melissa is a hair stylist and colourist at the Hair Lounge, Kelvedon and she had been nominated by her salon to enter into this worldwide competition. I jumped at the chance to model for her, in part because I would receive a free hair colour and also because experiences like this don't come around every day!

I went into the salon, and my lacklustre natural blonde was transformed into a glossy blonde with dark plum roots. I was obsessed! Fast forward to March, and we discovered we had been successful at the initial round and had been put through to the Regional Final where 35 salons would be competing. Considering 59,000 salons entered in 2017, I'm super proud that we managed to get this far.

What happened next was a few appointments for 'colour loading' to ensure the most vibrant colour was achievable on the day of the competition. I visited the salon and let Melissa go wild with my hair. The only rules were a) no cutting, and b) it had to be presentable for work.

I came out of the salon the morning of the competition with the most amazing purple - copper combination which was incredibly bright and nothing that I would have chosen for myself. As well as a new hair style, I felt as though I was a new person too!!

Melissa decided to go with this crazy, faux mohawk for the competition to showcase her skill in blending, colouring and styling. I felt like a bad ass rock chick and decided to go all black with my outfit, with chunky metals and boots to offset the height my hair gave me.

We bundled into the car, and made our way to the Imperial War Museum at Duxford where the competition was being held. I was a little shocked to be there, as I hadn't understood that the catwalk was slap bang in the middle of WWII aircraft and memorabilia! It was literally so cool to look at, and think about.

We got to the competition (with my hair in rollers!) and joined the queue with the other hopefuls and were assigned a station to complete our hair and makeup preparations for the competition. There were hair tools, cans of hair spray and people everywhere, it was a little overwhelming. When I signed up for the competition, I hadn't put much thought into the actual catwalk side of things and didn't consider I was 5'3"...a good foot shorter than most professional models. I turned up extremely excited, and ended up feeling tiny and a little chunky. Luckily, the girls who were sat in my row were incredibly friendly and we ended up chattering away all day between the rehearsals and backstage too. Backstage?! I'm a legitimate model now ;)

I was so so nervous for the catwalk, I mean I definitely do not have professional training in these sorts of things and have never been involved in anything like this. I was barely up the shoulders of the other models, and they were all so lithe and beautiful. I started to question what I had got myself into...however with some guidance from the L'Oreal team and the friendly models in my row I managed to pull myself together for the rehearsal and relax just enough to enjoy the main event.

At the event, there were hair stylist, customers, stockists, magazine and print journalists as well as hundreds of cast and crew members who were all there to make sure the competition went without a hitch. It was one of the biggest productions I've ever been a part of, and I feel so lucky to have been asked to participate. Below you will see a few more photos and videos from the event which I look back on now and feel as though I am looking at another person! I remember on the day every time it was my turn to walk out of the floor, I almost peed myself I was so nervous but then this wave of calm came over me and I walked out under the hot, bright lights and just did my thing!! It was so exhilarating!

Unfortunately, the competition was incredibly stiff and we didn't manage to make it through to the European Final, but to get down to the final 30 was an incredible achievement that most salons don't have the opportunity to get.

My Crohns Disease was pretty bad throughout the whole day, but Melissa and her work colleagues did everything they could to keep me calm and sane throughout the whole process and I know I wouldn't have made it through the day without the help of some of the models (thanks Lotti!!). It was a once in a lifetime experience that I am so humble and thankful for. Experiencing things like this with one of your best friends creates memories you'll never forget and I can't wait to look back on these photographs and videos in years to come to remind myself of everything spectacular I've had the opportunity to do throughout my lifetime.

Check our the L'Oreal Colour Trophy website to see the winning styles from all of the regions and to keep up to date with the European winners.

Disclaimer - none of the music is owned by myself in these videos, nor are the logos and branding of the L'Oreal Colour Trophy. All models in these photos and footage signed disclaimers for their images to be used for any photography and videography to do with the competition.

The ‘No Spend May’ Challenge

2017-05-01T00:00:00.000+01:00

We’re now into the fifth month of the year, and Sam and I have set each other a ‘No Spend’ challenge. The rules are:

No spending that isn’t necessary
Any extraordinary expenditure should be approved by the other before spending i.e. emergency vet bills or car repairs
Review finances at the end to understand financial position

Since October last year, Sam and I have been in a battle with our bank accounts. Towards the end of 2017, we got ourselves into a DIY and holiday frenzy in that we were trying to pick up the pace and complete house DIY jobs before Christmas and New Year came. We succeeded, but in doing so both went into our overdraft on our bank accounts a little. Then, I was paid wrongly 3 months in a row from my day job, and it kind of spiralled out of control from there.

Now, we find ourselves with a little debt on the credit card (thanks neighbourhood cat who keeps attacking our baby! #vetbillssuck) as well as a patio that needs completing and a holiday to save for.

Therefore, we have decided on No Spend May.

Every Friday throughout the month, I will give you an update on what has happened, where we’ve succeeded and where we’ve not, a breakdown of what happened during the week and a rough guide of where our ‘necessary expenditure went’.

I want to see how much money we are able to pay off the credit card at the end of the month, and what our bank accounts are looking like too i.e. are we in the overdraft, or have we survived without touching it.

Of course, we’re allowed to buy groceries and cat food, electricity and gas, and petrol, but we aren’t allowed to buy excess wine or chocolate, go out to dinner or have pricey weekend dates, or spend any money on unrequired DIY projects (I'm looking at you nice-to-have painted beside table!). We’ve been kind to ourselves; May is a month where there are no birthdays (bar Sam’s but we have a plan for that!), no dates we can’t get out of, and nothing major on the horizon. It should be fairly easy, and I want to prove to myself that we can do it!

So here’s what our monthly necessary expenditure should end up looking like:

Mortgage - £650
Household bills (council tax, internet, utilities) - £200
Groceries (including pet food) - £200
Petrol and insurance - £240
Phone bills - £90
TOTAL - £1380

In theory, Sam and I should be able to pay off at least £300 of the credit card, as well as save £500 between us throughout May (we used to do double this before we bought the house) plus have some spare cash loitering in our bank accounts. I imagine that ‘spare cash’ will in fact clear the overdrafts and leave us about even. When we moved out, we were still doing this but now we’ve got ourselves into a rut I’m determined to get out of.

Things we’re going to miss include lazy afternoons with neighbours and copious amounts of wine and prosecco. Instead, it looks like it will be citrus water and squashes! I think we’ll also miss the spontaneous take outs or restaurant visits, I love going on date nights with Sam. However, it’s only for a month! How hard can it be?

Want to join in? Tag your social media posts with #MixturesNoSpendMay and let’s buoy each other throughout the month!

Book Review - 9 Uses For An Ex-Boyfriend

2017-04-28T00:00:00.001+01:00

I picked up this Sarra Manning chick lit whilst in the work canteen a month or so ago. I'd forgotten the book I was reading at the time but didn't want to waste the lunch break without having something to take my mind off of work.

I actually really enjoyed it, which isn't something I usually say about this genre. Unfortunately for me, it did make my head spin a little, which probably isn't the best when you want to enjoy yourself but I finished the book in almost record speed and did so whilst actually getting into the story.

The book is written around 2 main characters, a couple whom have been together since they were 12 and are at a crossroads in their relationship. Hope is a primary school teacher, desperate to settle down through marriage and the discussion of children, and Jack is a graphic designer for a cool magazine, doing everything in his power not to 'put a ring on it'. As the blurb says, Hope discovers her boyfriend kissing her best friend and everything cascades around her in milliseconds.

I think I was sucked into this book because I wanted to believe they could sort things out; move on from the upset and hurt and become a solid pair again. Unfortunately, as someone who has been cheated on in the past, I managed to let my personal emotions get in the way and ended up turning into some needy, weedy girlfriend every time I put the book down...not something Sam was bargaining for! I imagined the worst, put us into their situation and couldn't comprehend life where it could happen - it was the worst part of the book for me!

Hope and Jack are clearly not meant for each other, but you can't help but want them to get back together. Other people get involved; their neighbourhood best friend parents, the next door neighbours, the junior school teacher and the best friend's ex to name a few - it's one of those situations where everyone believes they have a vested interest and therefore a valid opinion.

I liked this book because it was realistic. I know people who have been through these situations and come out the other side looking somewhat different, but always stronger. You can imagine these two being part of your friendship group, and wanting the best for them. I know I spent half the book wanting them to get back together, and the other half damning each of them for their perceived lack of effort in the rekindling of romance.

If you're looking for something to get stuck into, but not be reading for weeks, this could be a really good options. However, if there is even the slightest amount of distrust or fear in your current relationship, don't. Take my word for it.

p.s. Sam and I are totally fine, don't panic!

4 Instagram Accounts To Follow

2017-04-26T00:00:00.000+01:00

If you're anything like me, you probably spend a good portion of your time scrolling through the 'Explore' tab of Instagram.

I have found some of my favourite Instagram accounts through this feature, and I'm so surprised it took me as long as it did to get on board with it! I seriously procrastinated for a long while before succumbing to the tab. I thought it was only there for brands to advertise through, and I really didn't want to partake in that. Below are 4 of my favourite Instagram accounts, if you'd like to see?

Homepolish (@homepolish)

This Instagram is a beautiful, idealistic and curated version of what I want every inch of my home to look like. The photographs are gorgeous, but the captions are what make it for me. I find myself chuckling at the captions more often than I care to admit, and I get a boatload of inspiration from this company.

The Camping Page (@thecampingpage)

It should come as no surprise that I would follow such a wanderlust-inducing account. I have always been a huge camper, but this feed just makes me want to borrow a doggie and a hammock and travel the world. Thanks to this account, I have planned no less that seven different routes through America and Canada to experience all the things I want to do from this page. Lake Louise, I'm comin' for you!

Hush (@hushhomeware)

As someone who is trying to update their wardrobe with long life, conscious, and beautiful clothing, I was super pumped to be introduced to this brand by a good friend of mine. Their clothes are beautiful, and I think really reflect the on-the-go but pulled together vibe I aim for. Whilst their clothes aren't the cheapest, they're certainly not the most expensive either and I like that this brand will seamlessly merge with my existing pieces. Also, I am totally getting the pink two piece in the first photograph! Ahhh, so much lust!

Holly Veronica Keetley (@hvktravels)

This Instagram feed is that of my friend, Holly, who left her full time job and decided to spend her entire savings on travelling the world for a year. We worked together for a few years, and she's always been one of those people who can't sit still. I am super proud of her for following her dreams, and all her photographs of late in New Zealand have been giving me serious envy but I love following along with her travels across the globe. Check her our for some budget friendly trips, and gorgeous photography!

Do you have any killer 'grams you couldn't be without? Share them below, and share your handles too so I can check your page out!

20 Things To Do This Spring

2017-04-24T00:00:00.001+01:00

Spring is here! Laundry is on the line! Birds are singing, and my cat is eating bee's...

I wanted to take some time to reflect on what a fabulous season Spring is, because it can be overlooked. I love Summer for the short shorts and holiday vibes, and Autumn for the beanies, jeans and beautiful colours but Spring is a month of renewal and do-overs. It's crisp and delicate and the most perfect time to get out and about and refresh your memory of the great outdoors after a long Winter stuck indoors.

I've compiled a list of 20 things you could do this Spring to make the most of the season, and have something to talk about on Monday morning in the office! Carry on reading, if you'd like some ideas?

Visit a local park with friends and take a BYO picnic. Unfurl a blanket, pour some fizz and enjoy the strong Spring sunshine.
Dust off the bicycles and go for an easy ride on local cycle paths.
Research 'in season' veggies and create a new dish with the freshest, tastiest veg around.
Plant some wildflower seeds in your yard and watch as the bugs and birds come to bask in its beauty. This is a great way of cultivating local wildlife in a more urban area.
Go sans tights for the first time of the year!!
Visit a local National Trust, or RHS site and enjoy the blooms in their enormous and gorgeous gardens.
Go to a new restaurant or pub you haven't tried before and enjoy their beer garden / patio. There's nothing nicer than wiling away a few hours on a sunny afternoon in a pub garden.
Plant a herb garden in a window box and watch it grow as the season changes from Spring to Summer. Bonus - fresh basil for pesto!
Go thrift shopping for new skirts for the season. The ditzier the floral print, the better.
Paint your garden fences or patio furniture a new shade for the new year. Our favourite this year is 'Mountain Blue' by Ronseal.
Revisit a local haunt you went to as a child, and see how much its changed or how much you remember. I love doing this with farms and country walks I haven't been to since I was young.
Club together with your friends and host the first backyard BBQ of the year. Beers in ice! Chargrilled sausages! Fairy lights!
Plant some hanging baskets to bring some low maintenance colour to your front porch.
Refresh your home with some fresh smelling candles. My favourite scents are 'Sea Salt and Lavender', 'Fresh Cotton', and 'Vanilla Ice cream'. All make me think of freshly mown lawns, ice cream trucks and coke floats!
Visit a Maize Maze with your family and see who can reach the centre first. A great one in the South East area is at Blake Hall!
Got a forest near you? Visit, and keep your eyes peeled for new buds, greening leaves and bluebells. The leaves underfoot will be super crispy from last Autumn too.
Switch out your cushion covers and bedsheets for lighter, brighter covers. We've just made the switch from brushed cotton grey plaid to white seersucker sheets. It's a breath of fresh air in an otherwise unchanged room.
Visit the market and get your fruit and vegetables from a local seller rather than your usual store. You'll find fresher veg, better deals and more choice. Not sure what that crazy looking veg is? Ask, and they'll probably give you a recipe idea too!
Repaint your front door or windowsills a vivid white or other colour, and continue the spring clean from there. I even wiped down my baseboard, guys!
Spend some time planning the rest of your year. Use this season to work out what you want to accomplish, what tools you need to do so, and by when. Now you're out of the Winter funk, thinks will seem a whole lot more manageable!

So there's my list, did I miss anything you would have included? I was going to include some sort of exercise classes but heading into Summer is the WORST time for sweaty studios, don't you think? I'd rather get out for a walk, ride my bike or run around a park playing games than attend any sort of fitness class.

(Top photo via Pinterest, lamb photo via Daily Express, bottom photo via Sewn Natural)