Cinnamon & Berry Granola Bars

When it comes to a healthy snack, you just can't beat a good bar of granola. Especially when the mixture consists of cinnamon and plenty of berries. This simple, easy to follow recipe makes granola-baking easy and they are perfect for breakfast, a mid-morning or late afternoon snack and after a workout. I love the soft flapjack texture with the sweet taste of cinnamon and berries that follow; add a morning cup of coffee into the equation, it's the perfect mix. Believe me when I say once you start granola-baking, you'll never look back... 

As the summer is fast approaching, it's time to think healthy and I know, putting nuts, seeds and berries into baked goods isn't everybodies cup of tea, but that's the beauty with granola, you can pretty much add or take away any ingredients that you want too; you could even give Mary Berry a run for her money... 

 Prep time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Makes: 12

GRANOLA INGREDIENTS:

• 100g Butter 
• 200g Porridge Oat 
• 100g Sunflower Seeds 
• 100g Sesame Seeds 
• 50g Chopped Walnuts 
• 3 Tbsp Clear Set Honey 
• 100g Light Muscovado Sugar 
• 2 Tsp Ground Cinnamon 
• 100g Dried Fruit {Cranberries, Blueberries, Cherries or a mix!}

HOW TO MAKE: 

1. Pre-heat oven at 160c (or fan 140c or gas mark 3 - pending on your style of oven!) 
2. Line your choosen baking dish with greaseproof paper and butter, in order to stop your granola from sticking to the baking dish. 
3. Mix up all your oats, seeds (sesame and sunflower) and nuts in a mixing bowl; once mixed pour into a deep roasting dish and place in the oven for 10 minutes until lighter toasted. 
4. Whilst your seeds, oats and nuts are turning golden, warm the butter, honey and sugar in a plan on a low heat, stirring until the butter has completely melted. 
5. Once melted, remove the oats from the oven and add into your melted butter, along with 2 teaspoons of Cinnamon and 100g of dried fruit; leave on the hob and mix until all the oats are well coated.
6. Once mixed, tip the content into your lined baking dish and press down lightly with a metal spoons until even. 
7. Bake for 30 minutes. 
8. After 30 minutes remove from the oven and leave to cool in the baking dish; once cooled remove from the baking dish and cut into twelve bars. 

Until the next baking bonanza, Au Revoir! 

Love, 

Lauren xo 

Life Lately #1

Am I currently sat here writing this post whilst consuming a vast amount of Easter egg chocolate? Yes. Yes I am indeed. But what can I say, that's life. But it got me thinking... Every Friday night I think about having two full days all to myself; no work, no commitments, I can do what I want, when I want and then BANG! By Sunday evening, I am wondering where the weekend went, setting my alarm for 6:30am and heading to bed early. Life of a full-time worker, eh? Anyway, since I am absolutely rubbish at keeping a diary, I thought what better way of documenting what's happening in my life than writing a post about it. That's life I suppose... 

WORKING LIFE 
Since January, my working life has been somewhat hectic to say the least. I've taken on more challenges and developed more skills, that I could of ever hoped for within such a short space of time. No day is ever the same, which I suppose is what makes it so interesting and diverse from a normal office job but the one thing that I would say is the most consistent element of my working life, is having a coffee as soon as I walk into the office in a morning. That I don't think will ever change.

MAKING AN EFFORT

Whilst I love the 'lazy wear look', I've recently had a good clear out as I am trying to 'up the effort' with my wardrobe - not just for work but my everyday clothes too. I've been trying so hard to find my own personal style, which has been fun but kind of pricey at the same time. I am getting there; slowly but surely. 

Don't get me wrong, I do make more of an effort for work but whilst just chucking a t-shirt and jeans on with a pair of really comfy Converse is great for comfort, it doesn't really make me feel good. Since 2016 is about getting out of my comfort zone, I thought that making a effort with my wardrobe is definitely a good start. 

HEALTH & FITNESS 
Now that I'm working Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm and whilst I enjoy my job, sometimes sitting behind a desk all day makes me feel rather lazy, so I have finally decided to join a gym. I've been a member of a gym before but unfortunately I was never motivated enough to actually get fit and health, like you're meant to when you join a gym.

Anyway the difference between this time and last time is I've actually taken time to talk to a personal trainer and they've planned a programme out for me - which makes such a difference compared to going to the gym with no plan and no idea what you are doing. So, that would have to be my first tip for beginners heading to the gym: Talk to a Personal Trainer and get a programme sorted! 

Since starting the gym, I've motivated myself by getting some fab fitness wear from USA Pro, Nike and H&M and believe it or not, feeling great in fitness clothes will definitely get you motivated for the gym. 

FIVE THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY

1. Watching Disney movies back-to-back 
2. Discovering my love for reading and Nutella on toast once again!
3. Getting back into Fitness
4. Starting to think about what to pack for Florida! Eeeek! 
5. Reuniting with two of my besties (via Google Hangout; hopefully it will be face-to-face soon)

Until the next time, that's life, Au Revoir! 

Love,

Lauren xo 

March Favourites

A March favourites post can only mean one thing... Firstly it is one month until Florida (*cue the extremely excited shrieks and dances*) and secondly, we are a quarter of the way through 2016; I mean where did that time go? Yes that's right, Spring is finally here and Summer will be soon be upon us and we can finally hopefully put our winter coats and boots back into hibernation until Autumn and Winter dawn on us once again but until then let's focus on the positives. With Spring well and truly on our doorsteps, the candles that have a fresh, sweet and/or floral smell have been taken back out of storage, and not to mention that the one of the positive that comes from heading into Spring is being able to drive to and from work in the daylight. Bliss. 

March has literally flown by in the blink of an eye - I am kind of hoping that April does too, since I'm heading across the pond for a holiday on the 1st May - but don't worry, I have still managed to find a few favourites along the way, let's take a look... 

1. Sanctuary Spa, Convert Garden, Air-Whipped Soufflé Scrub 
I don't understand people who don't like to exfoliate - I mean, my skin always feels supersoft afterwards. When I purchased this particular scrub, the shop assistant said to me "I don't understand people who exfoliate. I mean what is the point?" to which I lead with the response (attached with a smile) "people who want supersoft, apricot smelling skin" - Yes I did indeed get daggers! Anywho, I've been looking for a good exfoliator for months but I haven't found one that suits; until March when I got recommended this one. It is incredibly light and fluffy on your skin and the best part is, it lasts for absolutely ages because you don't need to do it every night and you only need a pea-size amount. Perfection. 

2. Sanctuary Spa, Convert Garden, Air-Whipped Creme Soufflé 
It's only fair to say that if you buy one product from a set of two, you might as well try out and purchase the second product from the set as well. Hence how I ended up with the Sanctuary Spa moisturising soufflé as well as the scrub. Similar to the scrub, it is incredibly light and fluffy on your skin; however it doesn't last very long because even if you use a pea-size amount, it doesn't spread very far on your skin but it does however leave your skin feeling silky and smooth.

3. Coco White Teeth Whitening {Vanilla Swirl, Light Lemon & Minty Fresh}
Normally I am not one to try this type of thing out but I have heard such amazing things about this products and since it was on offer at the time of purchase; I thought "why the hell not give it a go". After taking at least half an hour to decide what flavour I think I would like the most, I opted for the assorted flavours - god knows, why I couldn't of made that decision half an hour early, it would of save me a lot of time. I have to admit that all three flavours are really tasty (Light Lemon is a definite fav though) and actually, I have started to notice a real difference to my teeth and gums - hopefully by the time I get to the end of two week cycle, I will be able to reveal a brighter and whiter smile. Cheese! 

4. Tesco's Chocolate Heaven Cookies
It's official I have a definite addiction to cookies! Don't get me wrong, I do love the traditional chocolate chip but these are indeed chocolaty heaven; however my only complaint has to be that there are only eight in the packet, so when you live in a family of four you have to quick otherwise they will be long gone. I mean who doesn't love cookies? I'm got some White Chocolate & Raspberry cookies to try next and no doubt they will take pride of place within my April Favourites, especially if there as good as these. #watchthisspace 

5. Bankin' App 
Realising that I cannot access my budget spreadsheet, anytime anywhere is devastating; however thanks to my trusty iPhone (thank you Steve Jobs), I've found an app which helps me to stick to my budgeting plan on-the-go. It's easy to use, colour co-ordinated and most importantly, it does what it says on the tin and stops me spending when I don't need to. Online banking is definitely a frenemy of mine but this app has definitely helped me to stick to budget and save.

Until the next monthly favourites, when I'll be sat in the airport waiting to board my flight to Florida (eeekkk!), Au Revoir!
Love,
Lauren xo 

A Love for Spring

I think we should all give ourselves around of applause for surviving winter; I mean not that the rain and wild winds are going to be leaving anytime soon - honestly I think with the amount of storms we've had over the last six months, we'll be at Storm Z before we know it. Although, we aren't out of the wild and wet weather yet, we are one step closer to blue skies, Spring walks and plenty of pastel colours. We may just have to be patient a little while longer. 

Anyway, I know we have an official first day of Spring (which just so happened to be last Sunday) but I don't consider it Spring until I've seen Cherry Blossom blowing in wind and more fresh flowers in stores than ever before. Only then is it officially Spring for me. So, whilst we wait ever so patiently for the Storms to pass over and the blue skies to appear; here are a few reasons why I have a love for Spring: 

• Fresh Flowers. Carnations. Daffodils. Tulips. Peony. 
• Pastel Nail Varnishes. 
• Being able to walk around with a light jacket, instead of a heavy coat on. 
• Fresh Air. 
• Animal off-spring. 
• Birds chirping. 
• Cherry Blossom on the trees. 
• The promise of summer. 
• Spring cleaning. 
• Evening strolls. 
• Easter. Bunnies. Chocolate. And a four-day weekend.
• Open windows. 
• Garden parties. 
• Floral fashion. 
• Beautiful scenery. Everything becomes so Instagram-friendly. 
• Driving back and forth from work in daylight. 
• More productive feeling. 
• Hibernation ends. I'm talking about animals not people (even though we all still struggle to get out of bed, no matter what time of the year it is)
• Iced Beverages. For anyone who doesn't know seeing me without an Iced Latte in Spring, is like seeing Winnie the Pooh without a jar of honey - it just doesn't happen. 
• Daisy chains. 
• Smoothies. Berries. Mango. Passionfruit. 
• Sunglasses. 

Until the next seasonal change, which just so happens to summer, Au Revoir! 

Love,

Lauren xo 

It's Okay To...

Life is interesting. Sometimes it throws everything at us all at once; other times it dip-feeds us problems that we have to deal with head on. One day this week, I was mining my own business purchasing my usual medium-sized beverage, flavoured with either Cinnamon or Vanilla - believe it or not that life or death decision of what coffee syrup to purchase, comes down to a moment of spontaneity. Anyhoo during my purchase, I overheard two girls discussing life and the most important fact of the day was that Girl A (let's keep it anonymus - more fun that way) needed to buy that skirt from Topshop because Girl A and B needed to fit in with Girl C at school as she was popular, especially with the boys. But it got me thinking, how did I ever survive secondary school? But more importantly, it got me thinking why is it so difficult to be different these days and the fact is that it is okay to things that make you different. 

So here are a few thoughts that went through my head, when thinking about what it's okay to do:

1. Cry over nothing at all. 
2. Laugh uncontrollably at things that no one else finds funny. A little awkward at times though.
3. Stay in on a Friday night. Disney DVDs and Chocolate anymore? 
4. Talk to your pets. I'm pretty sure that they understand you. 
5. Not wanting to go out on a wet and windy day. 
6. Be happy. Never let anyone drag you down. 
7. Put all your DVDs into alphabetial order. It doesn't make you strange, just extremely organised.
8. Look at the desserts on a menu before looking at the mains when you go to a restaurant. 
9. Be a #Directioner.  
10. Cut out those who doubt what you can really do. 
11. Quote F.R.I.E.N.D.S or Mean Girls on a daily basis.
12. Not have a boyfriend. 
13. Treat yourself every once in a while. 
14. Hold your hands up and admit you may of made a mistake. The important thing is that you learn from it.
15. Enjoy a colouring book as a adult. It's very therapeutic! 
16. Still sing every lyric to a Disney movie. 
17. Act confident; even if you're shaking like a leaf inside.
18. Be proud of achieving a goal, big or small. It's your life. 
19. Think that you look great. Definite confident booster. 
20. Only take 5 mintues to do your make-up, who can tell anyway?
21. Not to like the same things as everyone else. 
22. Take your time in facing the world.
23. Be honest when giving out any advice. 
24. Not have a favourite colour.
25. Be you. 

Is there anything that you think it's okay to do? Anyway until the next time, Au Revoir! 

Love,

Lauren xo 

Fifteen Thoughts from a Flu-Filled Individual

If you haven't guess it already by the title of this post... Yes that's right, I am the flu-filled individual that everyone dodges like a bullet, so they don't become ill as well - I've got to say, it kind of hurts my feelings a little; I mean I don't want this cold anymore than you do. Nothing makes me feel more like the epitome of health than having someone tell me that "I'm looking rather rough and ill today" or breaking into a cough or sneezing fit whereby everyone in the room turns and gives you daggers. Yes, I know I sound congested and gross but I am just having difficulty breathing right now... 

But with plenty of Vitamin C and cold and flu tablets on my side, let me just take you through a thought or two that a flu-filled individual made have: 

1. I can't wait to breathe again properly. What is it even like to breathe properly? 

2. Oh god! If my congestion wasn't bad enough, now I've got a sore throat. I feel like I'm swallowing razor blades. Hand me the ice cream, so I can pity myself whilst trying to sooth my sore throat. WINNING. 

3. Why is it every time I sneeze my head feels like it is going to explode or fall off?

4. Great! Now I look like Rudolph the reindeer because I've been blowing my nose every 5 minutes.

5. I've just pulled a muscle, which I didn't even know I had, from coughing so much. Wait, is that even possible? 

6. I'm pretty sure I've drunk more orange juice than what an average supermarket stocks within a week. 

7. Why has breathing become so painful? 

8. When someone asked what you would like for dinner and your automatic respond is boiled egg on toast. Yes I know I can't taste anything but I know this is the go-to food when you're ill.

9. Why is it I can't taste anything but when someone gives you honey and lemon, you can really taste how disgusting it actually is? 

10. Why is staying in bed on a weekend so appealing but when you're ill lying down in bed its your worst nightmare. Cough. Cough. Cough. 

11. Opening your window is such a big decision when ill; to freeze or not to freeze that is the question? 

12. Going to work with congestion and watery eyes to face a computer screen all day. HELL NO! 

13. There are plenty of people worse off than you in this world, I mean you've only got a cold. Time to get up! 

14. Remember, if you're going to have a coughing fit at work try and not do it when you pick up the phone to an important client. 

15. Yes I know I look like complete and utter rubbish but I've tried to make an effort, surely that counts for something? 

Until the next time cold and flue strikes, Au Revoir! 
Love,
Lauren xo 

February Favourites

Am I writing this whilst I devour a piece of homemade Lemon Meringue Pie? Yes, yes I am. And do I feel guilty about doing so? No, no I do not. I mean what else would I get up to on Monday evening after a tiring day at work other than feel sorry for myself by eating my own bodyweight in Lemon Meringue Pie - sounds like a perfect evening to me! Well, that and catching up on Pretty Little Liars - which has got rather intense and confusing again by the way; I'm sure all #PPL fans will agree with me somewhat. 

Anyhoo, what an absolute whirlwind these last few weeks have been but whilst I have been gathering my thoughts ready for the month of March, I've decided there is only one thing that wish would in March; if the clocks insist on 'springing forward', please spring forward to the warm, sunny weather that we are all lusting over. Whilst I've been longing for Spring to arrive, there's still been time to pick up a few new favourites along the way: 

1. FLORIDA. FLORIDA. FLORIDA.
Did I mention that I just booked a holiday with my bestie (for the best part of eighteen years) to Florida? YES! I am going to Disneyland in Florida. I've never been across the pond before, so imagine my excitement when it turned from just talking about going to America to actually happening - hell to the yeah! It might be 61 days away but the planning has already began and I don't just mean what we are going to do whilst in Florida; I mean the clothes and essentials I am going to take. Some might call me organised; others will call me crazy but hey, who cares?! Because I'm going to FLORIDA!  

2. Chasing Daisy | Paige Toon 
Who has two thumbs and loves curling up on the sofa with a good book? Yes, that's right this gal does. Towards the end of February I really got into Chasing Daisy by Paige Toon - maybe you checked out my book review on it? - a cute, romantic novel and any women who has ever had a crush or implusive relationship experience can relate too. I've never read any of Paige Toon's book; however it is such an easy read and full of sexual and romantic tension that I'll definitely be going back for another book from her collection. Watch this space for more book reviews to come. 

3. Bourjois Colour Boost Lip Crayon | Red Sunshine 
I'll be honest with you, I've never been a big fan of lipstick (well putting it on anyway).  Don't get me wrong, I love a good lipstick but I can just never seem to be able to put it on right. Seriously? I will literally get it everywhere. It's ridiculous - honestly you wouldn't think I'm a twenty one year old girl at times.  But this stuff. Amazing. Either way, my lips get the full effect of lipstick, without all the mess that putting lipstick on can cause and it comes in this divine colour. It's a dream! *insert heart eye emoji here*.

4. Yankee Candle Lemongrass & Ginger Wax Tart 
Okay imagine the Lime flavoured Starburst sweet in candle form. Amazing, right? Since Spring is just around the corner, I seriously can't get enough of this scent; honestly it is so refreshing and sweet. And yes, after burning it for a matter of hours I was down the shop buying myself some Starburst. Bliss. 

Until the next monthly favourites in thirty-one days time, Au Revoir!
Love, 
Lauren xo