Lifestyle: Life Through My Camera Roll #9

It's been quite a while since I have sat down at my desk and written a blog post. I've not been feeling very motivated or inspired to write anything lately. I love my blog and my little space to share the things I've been loving, life updates, fitness tips, healthy eating, motivation or new recipe creations - but I've always told myself to blog when I want to, not because I feel I 'have to'. So I thought I would share with you another 'Life through my camera roll' post - I love writing these as it's a fun way to update you on the things I've been loving/doing/watching/eating lately.

The past few weeks have been pretty good - autumn/winter is my favourite time of the year. Autumn especially as the weather is at that perfect 'cold enough to wear boots and bundle up in a cosy scarf' - but not so cold that you contemplate wearing three layers and a duvet for a quick trip to the corner shop. I love the crisp air, the beautiful jewel tones and seeing the leaves fall from the trees and change from green to vibrant yellows, oranges and reds. Autumn really is beautiful.

Autumn and Winter is also a great time (read: valid excuse) to stay in and snuggle up. It's cliche but getting cosy on the sofa and whacking on Netflix is kinda the best, isn't it. Two words: Gilmore Girls. My boyfriend actually introduced me to it, he'd seen a few episodes years ago when it was first on TV, and knew that it would be right up my street. So as soon as it popped up on Netflix he insisted that I watch it. He knows me very well, and I bloody love it! It's the perfect show for cosy evenings at home, and is so easy to binge watch. I adore the relationship between Lorelei and Rory, the best friends/mother-daughter/almost sister like duo is so refreshing and hilarious to boot. They bounce off each other so well (especially with all the caffeine running through their veins) that you actually believe that their relationship is real. I also kind of want to move to Star's Hollow immediately - with the never ending autumn vibes and snow filled winters, the town had a magical vintage feel, it's like a step back in time. If you've never seen Gilmore Girls, I would highly recommend giving it a watch - if you love throwback references, all the junk food, small town gossip, sarcastic comebacks, the best puns and more one liners than you can shake a stick at, you'll love it.

I've been loving getting home from work and whipping up a hearty belly-warming dinner (hello comfort food) such as spaghetti bolognese or a vegetable casserole. There is something wonderfully comforting about home cooked classics at this time of year. My favourite dish is mushroom chilli served in a fluffy baked sweet potato - it's like a carby cuddle. Fruit crumble is another winner, it's the perfect warming breakfast or dessert, check out my healthier recipe here.

Autumn/winter has the best fashion. From super snuggly jumpers and ankle boots to oversized blanket scarves and bobble hats. I love being comfortable and cosy, and chilly weather and drizzly days pretty much insist on comfort. I have more jumpers that I care to admit, but my favourite purchase is an oversized fade effect chunky knit - it's ridiculously comfortable and super cute. It has adorable wooden buttons all the way down the back. I love pairing it with classic grey wash jeans and ankle boots, or layering it over a black denim button up skirt and thick tights.
P.S How amazing does this giant Ferrero Rocher look? It's a ferrero rocher chocolate hazelnut 'shell' with two ferrero rochers hidden inside - find at Tesco and devour.

I hope you enjoyed this 'Life through my camera roll' update post. What are your favourite things about Autumn? What have you been loving lately?

I'd love to know, leave me a lovely comment below.

Let's be friends!

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Love Lauren x

Recipe: Broccoli Bruschetta (In Collaboration with Tenderstem*)

I was recently contacted by Tenderstem* who asked me if I would like to try my hand at creating a recipe using tenderstem broccoli - I love broccoli and I love getting creative in the kitchen, so of course I happily accepted! I wanted to create a simple, but delicious recipe that was easy to follow and recreate at home. If you try your hand at recreating any of my recipes, tag me on Twitter or Instagram - so I can have a nosy!

After a lot of brainstorming and endless lists, I finally settled on a broccoli bruschetta. Bruschetta is one of my favourites, whenever I dine out at an Italian restaurant it's always my go-to starter. Bruschetta is traditionally made with grilled bread topped with olive oil, garlic, sea salt, basil and tomatoes. I wanted to try something a bit different and put my own spin on it. 

You will need:

Fresh rye bread

Tenderstem broccoli

Mushrooms

Parma ham

Parmesan cheese

French mustard

Method:

Bring a pan of water to the boil and allow the broccoli to gently boil away for about five minutes, or until cooked through but still al dente. While the broccoli is cooking, slice the mushrooms and add them to a bowl along with two teaspoons of mustard, mix until the mushrooms are evenly coated. Fry the mushrooms in a pan on a medium heat until soft. Once the mushrooms are cooked, set them aside and begin to wrap your broccoli spears with the slices of parma ham. Gently fry the wrapped spears in a pan until the parma ham begins to crisp. Toast the rye bread, and you're ready to assemble the bruschetta. Top the rye bread with the mushroom mix, add the parma ham wrapped broccoli on top and finish with a generous sprinkling of parmesan cheese.

The broccoli gives the dish a nice crunch, the crispy parma ham adds a lovely saltiness, combining that with the nuttiness from the parmesan and tang from the mustard - makes for a delicious and flavoursome combination.

I hope you enjoyed this 'Broccoli Bruschetta' recipe post. Will you be recreating my recipe? What's your favourite way to cook with broccoli?

I'd love to know, leave me a lovely comment below.

Let's be friends!

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Love Lauren x

*This post is in collaboration with Tenderstem. The above recipe is my own creation. All thoughts and opinions are my own - please see the contact/pr section of my blog for more information.

Healthy Recipe: Breakfast Bowls

Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day - I go to bed dreaming of what deliciousness I'm going to whip up come morning. I don't always have a ton of time in the morning before heading off to work to whip up a fancy meal, so breakfast bowls are one of my favourite go-to dishes. Here are three of my favourite (ridiculously simple, but delicious) breakfast bowl combinations. If you recreate any of my recipes please tag me on Twitter or Instagram - so I can have a nosy!

The Smooth Move
Smoothie bowls are all over instagram and for good reason - they are delicious, nutritious, picture perfect and are kinda like having ice cream for breakfast. (the dream)

You will need:
1 frozen banana
A handful of frozen berries
(I like to use a mixed bag of strawberries, cherries, blackberries and raspberries)
A splash of almond milk

Method:
Add all ingredients to your blender, and process for a few minutes until smooth and creamy. Add as much or as little milk as you wish - I prefer my nice cream to be thick and creamy, so I only add a splash or two. Top with whatever you fancy. Granola, chia seeds, sliced banana, fresh berries and cacao nibs are some of my personal favourites.

The Cereal Killer

Cereal is so underrated. I could eat it at any time of the day, breakfast for dinner is the best. #brinner

You will need:
Bran flakes
 (or your favourite cereal)
Sliced peach
Chia seeds
Frozen strawberries
Greek yoghurt

Method:
Whack it all into a bowl and enjoy! Greek yoghurt makes your cereal bowl so thick and creamy, as well as being packed full of protein.

How A-mus(eli)ing 
Muesli is another of my favourites. I love how it goes a bit soggy when mixed with milk. I also like adding in frozen fruit as the berries start to defrost and turn the milk a pretty shade of purple. (kinda like with chocolatey coco pops but a bit more nutritious)

You will need:
Muesli
(I like mine full of nuts and raisins)
Oat milk
(one of my favourites - so creamy)
Sliced banana
Blueberries
Chia seeds

Method:
Add the berries, muesli and sliced banana to your bowl, top with milk and a sprinkle of chia seeds.Adding chia seeds to your muesli bowl gives you a morning boost of omega-3, fibre and protein.

 I hope you enjoyed this 'Breakfast bowls' recipe post. What is your favourite breakfast bowl combo? Will you be recreating any of my bowls?

I'd love to know, leave me a lovely comment below.

Let's be friends!

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Love Lauren x

Healthy Eating: Wild Thing* (You make my heart sing, You make everything groovy!)

....Wild Thing I think I love you! (Sorry, I couldn't resist!) The lovely people from Wild Thing* contacted me and asked me if I would like to try some of their products (I of course said yes please!) anything food related, especially good for you food is always a big fat yes! Wild Thing are a paleo food company who create delicious, nutritious, organic products with no added nasties, additives or chemicals - nada, nothing, zip, zilch! If you are unfamiliar with the paleo way of eating it is a diet (as in the food you eat not being 'on a diet') based on the types of foods that early humans would have eaten. Such as meat, fish, vegetables and fruit, and excluding processed foods, dairy and cereal products. It is a great concept if you are trying to eat a 'cleaner' diet and cut down on the amount of processed and junk foods you consume. 

Wild Thing kindly sent me a variety of snack bars and a box of their brand new granola. Let's start with the snack bars shall we... damn, I'm starting to get hungry while typing this. There are four different snack bars, all of which are raw, made of 100% natural ingredients, 100% paleo, gluten free and suitable for vegans. So they really are a great all rounder!

Berries and seeds

A delicious combination of juicy dates, sunflower seeds, sweet cranberries, goji berries and blueberry. This is the perfect fruity bar if you are craving something sweet, without all the added sugar.

Coconut and chia

A mix of dates, cashews, coconut and chia seeds. I loved this bar, it had the perfect balance of coconut and chia. Chia seeds are such a great addition to your daily diet, they are high in protein and fibre, provide a good source of omega-3, calcium and potassium. 

Cacao and almond

This bar of goodness is a blend of sweet dates, almonds, cacao powder, raisins and vanilla. This has to be my favourite of the four bars. I have the biggest sweet tooth, anything chocolate is a winner! This is the perfect bar if you are craving chocolate and don't want to reach for the Dairy Milk - perfect with a cup of tea! 

Nuts and seeds

A mix of dates (there's a recurring theme here...) sunflower seeds, cashews, almonds, cashew butter, pumpkin seeds and Himalayan salt. I love the combination of sweetness from the dates, and salty from the cashew butter and seeds. The perfect pre or post workout pick me up.

Granola is one of my favourite breakfasts. I love sprinkling it on top of Greek yoghurt or as a smoothie bowl topper - delicious! I usually steer clear of packaged granola as it can contain a lot of added sugar. But as this is a paleo blend, it is organic, vegan, gluten and grain free - with no added nasties! Wild Thing have created four different granolas: Rainforest Fruit, Mountain Berry, Equatorial Cacao and Island Coconut. I was kindly sent the Rainforest fruit granola, which is a mix of sunflower and pumpkin seeds, coconut chips, dates, coconut sugar, cashew and Brazil nuts, banana, coconut oil and pineapple. The combination of seeds, nuts, dates and banana is delicious, add in the pineapple and coconut sugar and you have a bowl of tropical goodness! I enjoyed this granola with my favourite mango, pineapple and maca smoothie bowl, sprinkled on top of my healthy banana split and simply with oat milk - absolutely delicious and so versatile.
Check out my instagram for food, health, fitness and more food!

I hope you enjoyed this 'Wild Thing' review post. I would highly recommend the snack bars if you are looking for a delicious afternoon snack that also happens to be packed full of goodness! The granola is also a delicious breakfast addition. Which snack bar would be your favourite? Are you a granola addict like me?

I'd love to know, leave me a lovely comment below.

Let's be friends!

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Love Lauren x

*I was kindly sent a box of granola, and the snack bars mentioned above by Wild Thing Paleo to try and test for the purpose of a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own - please see the contact/pr section of my blog for more information.

Health: My Top Tips For When You Feel Under The Weather

That time of year is upon us again (well sort of... the sun is currently blinding me and it's muggy as anything today) but it's now September! As soon as mid-September hits I start dreaming of cooler weather, ankle boots, hot chocolates and bobble hats. I mean to be completely honest it's most likely going to be cold, rain a lot and we're all going to moan but let's pretend it's all Autumn leaves falling in slow motion and picture perfect pumpkin spice lattes. Autumn and Winter are my favourite seasons: My birthday is in October, it's not too long until Christmas, you can eat your body weight in Halloween sweets and who doesn't love jumping into piles of crunchy leaves. It's a great time of year!

But when the cooler days roll in and the night's get gloomier, I find myself feeling a little under the weather, the change in seasons always gets me. I start to feel tired, lethargic, I always have sore, dry lips and a stuffed up nose. So with that delightful picture painted for you, I wanted to share my top tips that always work for me when I am feeling run down. 

Tea please

Tea solves pretty much anything (unless you despise tea of course, sorry about that) anyway, tea is always my go to for every situation. When I'm feeling tired, if I want a boost, if I have a slice of cake or if I'm feeling unwell - tea is the answer. I was kindly sent a few samples of different green teas from the lovely people at T Plus*. Each tea is designed to target a different part of your body, and they are all full of goodness and antioxidants which makes them the perfect brew for when you're feeling run down.

There are four green teas in the T Plus range:

Boost

A blend of ginseng, Yerba mate, raspberry and pomegranate. This 'boost' tea is designed to energise. Ginseng and Yerba mate are both plants that naturally give a slow release of energy and combined with b vitamins, makes this tea the perfect morning pick me up. 

Detox

A blend of milk thistle, ginger root, b and c vitamins, apple and blackcurrant, makes this the ideal cuppa for when your body needs a little TLC. Maybe after an overindulgent weekend, or if you are trying to add some extra goodness into your body. The combination of milk thistle and ginger root helps to support internal cleansing, and leave you feeling fresh as a daisy.

Immunitea

This is my favourite of the four teas, it's the perfect blend for when you're feeling run down or under the weather. The combination of orange, blueberry, echinacea (flowering plants in the daisy family) and ginseng gives your body the vitamin c boost it needs, and also helps to backup your immune system. The hug in a mug you need when you start feeling that cold brewing.

Multea

This the perfect all rounder tea, packed full of nine different vitamins and heart healthy antioxidants. A delicious green tea with a mix of cardamom, rosemary, spearmint, peach and lemon. 

If you would like some more information or to pick up some teas for yourself, check out the T Plus website here.

Comfort food

I don't know about you, but as soon as I feel even the slightest bit 'under the weather' I crave all the carbs. I'm talking bowls of chilli, fluffy baked potatoes, the pasta heaven that is spaghetti bolognese and warming bowls of soup. (with a chunk of bread for dipping of course!) I love making big batches of my chicken casserole, or a bowlful of mushroom chilli when I'm not feeling my best. It's warm, it's comforting, it's delicious (if I say so myself) and it fills your body with all that goodness it needs to get back to feeling fabulous. Check out my chicken casserole recipe here.

Sweat it out

You're going to roll your eyes at me with this one, but it really does help! I find that even fifteen minutes of moderate exercise gives me a much needed rush of endorphins, and leaves me feeling full of energy. I also find a relaxing yoga session, combined with some gentle stretching a great way to relax, unwind and detox your body.

Hydrate

When you're not feeling your best, water is your best friend. Try to drink at least 2 - 3 litres of water every day to stay hydrated, flush out your system, maintain your body's fluid balance and regulate body temperature. Add in a few slices of lemon, lime or orange for an added vitamin c boost.

Relax

I find it so hard to relax, I'm always go go go and it's difficult for me to switch off and just do nothing. When I'm feeling run down I always try to take an hour or two out of the day for myself. Grab a blanket, get into your cosiest pyjamas, whack a good film on (chocolate bar optional but highly recommended) and just be lazy! It's okay to slow down once in a while, especially when you're feeling unwell. It's important to let your body rest and repair itself, and if that means binge watching a whole series on Netflix while it does so - even better!

I hope you enjoyed this 'Top tips for when you feel under the weather' post - Which T Plus tea would be your favourite? Are you a tea addict like me? What are some of your tips for when you're feeling under the weather? 

I'd love to know, leave me a lovely comment below.

Let's be friends!

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Love Lauren x

 *I was kindly sent the teas mentioned and shown above by T Plus, to try and test for the purpose of a review. As always all thoughts and opinions are my own, for more information see the contact/pr section of my blog.

Fitness: My Relationship With Fitness | BooHoo Fit Collab*

Fitness to me isn't about washboard could-grate-cheese abs, body fat percentage or looking great in a bikini (although I wouldn't say no to the abs, but alas I like cake too much) I feel that fitness is about challenging yourself, being healthy and strong, and feeling comfortable with yourself. I love being active, it's become such an important part of my life. I exercise around five days per week, I love starting my morning with a sweaty workout to get my blood pumping, and those feel-good endorphin's flowing. 

Two years ago my relationship with fitness was non-existent, the closest I got to exercise was a short walk to the shops or maybe a very rare trip to the swimming baths. I used to always take the lift over the stairs, and pretty much avoided exercising like the plague. The reason for my aversion to fitness was that I myself was unfit. I couldn't walk up the stairs at work without getting out of puff, and my legs would ache (and I would whinge) if my boyfriend wanted to drag me out for an evening stroll. I felt uncomfortable and unhappy in myself and my body, so I didn't want to try. I thought people might laugh at me or stare at the overweight girl attempting to exercise. But after a ski trip in 2014 the realisation of how unfit I actually was hit me. Skiing is tiring, it's tough on your legs and bum, and falling over is so much more embarrassing when you aren't able to pick yourself up without assistance. After getting home and seeing the photographs I was shocked at my size, I thought that the oversized ski pants and baggy t-shirts were masking my larger frame, but the camera doesn't lie. It was then that my relationship with fitness began. 

I started going out for long walks, taking the stairs and tried to be generally more active. I work in a hotel on the reception desk, so much of my time is spent sitting down. I tried to stand more and move around as much as I could. Little by little the weight started to drop off (combined with a healthy, balanced diet) and I could feel myself getting stronger. I lost five stone in eight months and went from a UK size 18 - 20 to a 10. I looked healthier and I sure felt happier, but I wasn't strong. I was slim but not 'fit'. I did a lot of cardio so I didn't really have much muscle strength. I wanted to get stronger and feel fitter so I started combining cardio with strength training. (all in the comfort of my own home) I love trying different workouts and incorporating new exercises into my routine. I've found that a mix of dance, high intensity interval training (HIIT) plyometrics, strength training, yoga and pilates works for me. I enjoy variety and learning new things, I like to keep my routine fun and varied as it stops me from getting bored or stuck in a fitness rut. 

My body is in no way 'perfect' and I still have hang ups, but I'm strong, I'm healthy, I'm active and most importantly I'm happy. I might not have a super toned figure or long, lean legs up to my armpits but I am me, and I have come a long way from that unhappy overweight Lauren that I used to be. My body is the way it should be, the way I want it to be and is a body that I can be proud of. 

I am a big cheerleader for being body positive and confident. Whatever your shape or size, be proud of your body - it is amazing and allows you to do wonderful things! Run, jump, skip, dance, swim, and be kind to yourself - you are strong, you are capable, you are beautiful and most importantly you are you. 

I hope you enjoyed this 'Relationship with fitness' collab post, What do you think of my BooHoo fit picks? I love the Aztec style sports bra - too cute! What is your relationship with fitness? Are you a cardio queen or more of a yoga lover?

I'd love to know, leave me a lovely comment below.

Let's be friends!

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Love Lauren x

 *This post is in collaboration with BooHoo Fit (BooHoo X Couch To 5k), and their fitness clothing range. I was challenged to style some pieces of my choosing from their collection, combining fitness with fashion. and share my own relationship with fitness. As always all thoughts and opinions are my own, for more information see the contact/pr section of my blog.

Health: Glugging Ugly*

Water is my favourite beverage. I aim to drink between 3 - 4 litres of water every day, and you will always find me with a big bottle in hand. Water is one of the best (and easiest!) things you can do for your health and there are so many benefits. It improves digestion, energy levels and brain function, improves physical performance and can also help prevent headaches.

I was kindly sent a box of cans from the lovely people at Ugly*. Ugly is a sparkling water drinks brand, who create delicious carbonated drinks with no added nasties!

Their motto is: Ugly isn’t dressed up to look pretty, it’s unsweet and has nothing to hide. It’s just sparkling water infused with natural fruit flavours. Because you’re sweet enough already.

Ugly have two different flavours of sparkling water - lemon and lime, and grapefruit and pineapple. I love that both flavours have no added sugars or sweeteners, and contain nothing artificial. It's simply sparkling water, natural (lemon and lime/grapefruit and pineapple) flavours and citric acid. Oh and as for calorie content... a big fat zero! 

The lemon and lime tastes just as it says on the tin can. A delicious blend of citrus, with a lovely lime kick, I added a wedge of lemon to mine for even more zest! The first thing that came to mind when I spotted the grapefruit and pineapple was Lilt! (I used to love ice-cold, straight from the fridge Lilt in the summertime.) Again it was delicious, a lovely mix of tart grapefruit and super sweet pineapple. 

I enjoyed both drinks chilled, straight from the fridge with lashing of ice. They are the perfect sparkling drink for a warm day, to hydrate and refresh your palate. I will admit that they aren't anything like a fizzy drink, so if you're a big fan of sugary pop they may taste a little bland. But if you love flavoured water, with a fruity kick then you'll love Ugly! #glugugly

If you would like to know more about Ugly, or pick up a few cans for yourself - check out their website here.

I hope you enjoyed this 'Ugly Review' post. What is your favourite beverage? Will you be giving Ugly drinks a whirl?

I'd love to know, leave me a lovely comment below.

Let's be friends!

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Love Lauren x

*Ugly drinks very kindly sent me the cans of sparkling water mentioned above, to try and test for the purpose of a review. As always all opinions and thoughts are my own. For more information please see my Contact/PR tab.