Spending a Day in Bath

Bath city centre. A place with dreamy, light stone architecture, beautiful scenery, rich history and the smattering of dreamy independent shops mingled in amongst the favourite chains stores like Anthropologie and Lush. Also when you’re a dog lover, how can you resist a place that has ‘dog welcoming’ signs outside of bars and restaurants wherever you turn – you cant! I often say that I want to live here; I would become a commuter, just to live here in Bath, that’s how much I blooming love it. It’s beautiful and if I get the chance to go, I’ll go. No one needs to suggest it to me twice! Today, I want to tell you all about my day trip to Bath and the awesome places I visited along the way…

Last weekend, when I headed to Bath to meet up with a really good friend for Saturday brunch, to explore the city, shop and mainly have a good old gossip civilized catch up. 

Bath is filled with plenty of cosy cafes to sit in for a long, slow brunch and where you can enjoy the atmosphere and the lovely friendly vibe of Bath city centre. Our first stop was the Green Rocket Cafe, a small vegetarian and vegan restaurant about five minutes away from Bath Spa train station, with an amazing range breakfast choices and delicious coffee, it is definitely a place worth visiting. 

Green Rocket Cafe, Bath - A small corner cafe that has the tasty breakfast that I think I've every had

Whilst there, I enjoyed a ‘mini veggie breakfast’ consisting of: portabella mushroom, scrambled egg, grilled tomatoes, vegetarian sausages and sourdough toast – it was insanely delicious. INCREDIBLE! I would highly recommend this little corner café, if you’re ever in Bath – they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner – so a meal for every occasion, what’s not to love! 

After fuelling up for the day, it was time to head out, hit the shops and explore. Bath is a haven for quirky, independent shops, which are hidden away in the back streets of Bath but hold so much personality and beautiful interiors. In Bath, you really need to go off the beaten track to explore what Bath is all about and find some of those hidden gems; from small quirky restaurants to independent stores where no matter the person you’re buying for, you’ll find a gift for them no matter what. 

For a small city, Bath is well stocked with everything to you need. From all the favourites like Anthropologie, Lush, Jo Malone, Jack Wills, Ted Baker, Urban Outfitters but also independent stores like Pug and Puffin, Found Bath, Beyond the Kale, December 25th and plenty of others to choice and love along the way. Whilst having a lot of choice is great, it also comes with fear, fear for my bank balance – the damage I could do in Bath is not even worth thinking about! Whether you’re after a new perfume, beautiful homeware, or the perfect gift, Bath has a bit of everything. 

Also, if you're the biggest Christmas lover like me - you will love the store December 25th, actually you'll just Bath altogether especially around Christmas time. It has some of the nicest little homeware pieces to help me your home in Santa's Grotto every Christmas, however you could spend a fortunate in there - so approach with caution! 

So there you have it a day in Bath. Bath is so vibrant and has a really friendly vibe; I challenge you to go there and not to love it, like I do. I bet you won’t be able to… 

Why Autumn is the best season?

It’s an objective fact (not just my opinion) that Autumn is the best season of all. Its only a matter weeks until the clocks ‘fall back’, which means we enter into longer evenings, seasonal movie marathons, the start of the Christmas festivities and the burning of even more cosy candles that release all kinds of Autumnal scents. Is there anything better than that seriously?

Now, snuggle up with a blanket and venture into why Autumn is the best season with me…

• Cinnamon spiced EVERYTHING. Coffee, baked-goods, candles. Enough said!
• Cosy Knitwear. A jumper put together with a pair of jeans and boots; Autumn is definitely the easiest season to dress for. No fuss and you always look great.
• Bubble Baths. I know that you can have a bath anytime of the year, but when it’s cold outside, why not relax in tub filled with bubbles and coloured bath bombs. Autumn is where bubble baths are at.
• Blanket Scarves. Because why not be all snuggled in a huge scarf when it’s cold outside.
• Boots. Boots. And more boots. Because you can’t have an autumnal outfit without boots; knee high, ankle, heeled, black, brown or grey – boots are the must-have in Autumn and you can never have enough pairs.
• The colour palette. Is there anything better than deep burgundy’s, mustard yellows, burnt oranges and forest greens? No I didn’t think so - it’s the ultimate colour combo in fashion, beauty, in everything Autumnal.
• Bundling up with layers. Layering up is the way to go in Autumn - all warm and cosy during your walk to work.
• Candles. I burn candles all year round but there is something about Autumn and Winter scents that are just incredible.
• An Instagrammer’s paradise. Because everyone’s Instagram feeds are full of takeaway coffees, golden autumnal colours, beautiful scenery and pumpkin/cinnamon baked goods.
• Conkers. From the age of six, seeing conkers just meant that it was officially the season of Autumn.
• Fresh Autumnal morning. Those crisp autumnal morning where you can see your breathe and the early morning sun is just amazing.
• Wellies. Where there are country walks, there are wellies. I may be twenty-three but I still enjoy jumping in puddles.
• The start of the festivities. You can buy anything for yourself and claim it is ‘an early Christmas present’. Ultimate justification. Also, Christmas homeware is just to die for – you can never have too many decorations.
• Snuggling up with a blanket. I think that there is nothing better than snuggling under a blanket, whilst it is raining, windy and cold outside. Instant cosy feeling.
• The season of reading. I’m all for curling up on the sofa or in bed with a good book.
• An ‘easy’ excuse for staying in. Because when you leave work at 5:30pm and it’s dark, this excuse counts 100%.
• Crunchy leaves falling from the trees. Strolling through crunchy leaves instantly makes me feel like a kid again!
• Homemade Soups. Hot homemade soup on a rainy, cold day – is there actually anything better?
• Seasonal movie marathons. Staying in your pj’s and watching back-to-back films, just because ‘It’s Autumn’.
• Apples. Apples. Apples. I don’t know what it is but apples are just the best this time of year; you can make pies or crumbles with them, dip them in caramel sauce or just have them plain. When I think Autumn, I think apple crumble and custard. Yumm.
• Fireworks and Sparklers. There is nothing better than waving around sparkling sticks of light trying to write your name and standing in a field with a crowd of people saying ‘woo’ and ‘ahh’ as we watch brightly coloured sparks explode in the night sky. Get your wooly hats and blanket scarves at the ready.
• Country Walks. Going for an Autumnal walk is just perfect. Crispy leaves, changing colours. Beautiful.
• Lush’s Autumn and Winter collection. Sparkly bubble bars for all – it’s the best time of the year seriously! 
• Coffee. Hot Chocolate. All the hot beverages. Caramel mochas, Pumpkin spiced lattes, White hot chocolate melts, Toffee nut lattes and plenty more; I mean it is really Autumn if there aren’t 101 different coffee flavours for you to enjoy on a daily basis? Nope, I didn’t think so either.

Autumn is officially the season of the year! What’s not to love?

When things don't go your way

We all have those days and weeks where it feels like the walls of the world are collapsing in on you - actually I think that they might just be called Mondays. However sometimes, when these days happen, it is difficult to imagine that those things are going to turn around. But being my usual optimistic self, they will turn round eventually, it's just knowing how to deal with it. 

When thing aren’t going your way, it is obviously much easier to crack open a bottle of wine, watch Bridget Jones in your loungewear and drown your sorrows sit and just dwell on it, but that isn’t the right way forward really, is it? So how can you turn it around?

Take a breath

When things get tough, take a step back and just pause for a moment. Sometimes when you dwell on something for too long, it just becomes even more complicated and you just get even more worked up. Sometimes just stepping back, making yourself a cup of tea or going out for some fresh-air can make a lot of difference.

Start with the problem

What is the problem? Identifying what’s wrong is the first thing to do in order to be able to work out what you need to do next and how best to resolve it. 

Find your approach

When you’ve identified the problem, ask yourself ‘what am I trying to achieve?’ Take a moment to think about how you can reach the end, avoiding all the issues that you’ve addressed before.

Talk it out

Talking it out can certainly help – it certainly helps me anyway – as another person can really help to provide you with advice, solutions and motivation to move forward. 

Find something to look forward to

If things are going bad, find something to look forward to. It could be a smallest thing, like having your favourite meal for dinner or something that you’re doing at the weekend. It is important to power through and pin it on something to motivate you.

Positivity

A positive attitude goes a long way. Don’t let stress take you down. Keep your chin up. 

Ask for help

Asking for help isn't seen as weak; in fact it is one of the biggest mistakes that you’re making by not asking for help. 

Learn

Don’t waste this opportunity to take note and learn from it.

How do you take approach to a bad day?

Gooey Rolo Cookie Blondie’s

It’s that time of year again. No I’m not talking about Christmas (it’s too early for that yet). I’m talking about Great British Bake Off season. Arguably, you could say that it is a massive marketing ploy that just encourages consumers to spend more money on cute, shabby chic bake ware inspired by the super-cool Bake Off kitchens.  But how is one supposed to resist cute and themed bakeware to assist them in baking ‘tasty treats’. And of course, I tell myself ‘I need these matching spatula and cake tins’.

Still, when you do give in and purchase said matching baking sets, whatever can you use it for? Well, how about these super gooey, super tasty, just overall amazing Rolo Cookie Blondie’s? What a great idea!

Prep Time: 10 Minutes | Cooking Time: 25 – 30 Minutes | Makes: 16 Bars

INGREDIENTS

• 275g Plain Flour

• 1 tbsp. Cornflour

• 115g Unsalted Butter

• 55g Granulated Sugar

• 135g Light Brown Sugar

• 1 Egg

•  ½ tsp. Vanilla Extract

• Rolos (I used one bag)

• 100g White Chocolate Chips

• Pink and White Marshmallows (optional)

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 190C. Grease and line a square Brownie tin with greaseproof paper ready for when the mixture is ready
2. Measure out 275g of Plain Flour and 1 tbsp. of Cornflour and mix together in a bowl and leave to one side
3. In a large pan, melt 115g of butter over a medium heat. Whilst the butter is melting, measure out 135g Light Brown Sugar and 55g Granulated Sugar. Once the butter has melted, pour the butter in with the sugars, and whisk for about 2 minutes until the sugar starts to dissolve and the mixture is smooth.
4. Once the mixture is smooth, add in one egg and ½ tsp. of Vanilla Extract, and whisk again briefly till smooth.
5. Once smooth, add in the flour, the Rolos, and the 100g of White Chocolate Chips and mix with a spatula till thick cookie dough is formed.
6. Press the mixture into the tin, so the mixture is level. This is the optional bit, you could just put it into the oven as it is or you can take some white and pink marshmallows and place them in 4 rows of 4 on top of the mixture.
7. Once you have added your marshmallows (optional), place the tin into the oven for 25 – 30 minutes until the top of the cookie bake looks ‘dry’ or all the marshmallows have melted and crisp on top.
8. Remove from the oven and leave to cool. If you have added marshmallows on top, you will need to wait until the marshmallows have got sticky.
9. Once cooled, cut the bake into square and serve with a cup of tea or coffee (Also goes well with Vanilla Ice Cream)! 

You will not be disappointed. These are a naughty treat but something you won’t regret. Enjoy!

Getting back into Fitness

Before heading to university, gymnastics used to be my primary workout mainly because I enjoyed it and it was a great way to stay fit. When I left for university, there weren't sport teams that court my eye and I fancied joining and the 'I can't be bothered' attitude started to sink in - especially if I had been out the night before. Oops.

Since I'm back and working full-time, I decided to join the gym. The gym is a perfect place to workout... There is variety, a fitness drive atmosphere and plenty of choice in exercise methods; not to mention there are personal trainer on hand to get to direction if needed. Although it costs, there are so many benefits to working out at the gym oppose to at home but I would definitely recommend working out at home, if you have any free time.

I'm not saying to go to the gym for three hours, 7 days a week, you need to go as much or as little as you would like to. It's the little changes that will help you to get into fitness mindset and live a healthy lifestyle; so if it has been a while, why not start off with these tips:

THE LITTLE THINGS IN FITNESS 

• Walk instead of drive. Unfortunately I can't walk to work, it would take me hours but I can walk everywhere else... No excuse! 
• Cut out sugar in tea and coffee. Included syrups. 
• No more snacking (unless you are packing up the healthier option - an apple) 
• Planning your meals
• Motivate yourself with treats and new workout gear. 
• Take the stairs - a classic but it works! 
• Opt for the healthier option.
• Have a killer workout playlist that motivates you. 
• Build up your workouts slowly. 
• If you're to nervous for the gym or if it isn't for you; try home workouts first.
• Think of it as getting healthy appose to getting fit.

Until the next time I report on how well my fitness is going, Au Revoir! 

Love,

Lauren xo 

24 Thoughts Every Girl Has When Packing For A Holiday

Being the top procrastinator and highly organised individual I am, I rather enjoy packing (especially when it comes to a holiday); I start by making lists, organising holiday documents, gathering together holiday must-haves and essentials and there is definitely nothing better than finally packing your suitcase; however I do tend to have one major issue when it comes to packing, I can never seem to decide on what clothes and shoes I should take. 

Don't get me wrong, I plan that I am going to take four pairs of shorts or whatever it might be; however I just can seem to decide which four pairs of shorts that will be. Honestly, its a sickness. When packing, I tend to suffer from the 'what ifs' - What if I don't get a chance to wear this outfit in England; what if I spill something down this outfit then I'll need a spare outfit; what if I don't want to wear this outfit on that day. The list goes on. So, I've listed all the thoughts that every girls seems to have whilst packing; instead of actually, y'know, packing... 

1. I'm going away for 10 days; so I need one outfit per day and per night. That's right isn't it? 
2. Maybe I should pack some back-up outfits; just in case, y'know I spill something. 
3. I think I've emptied my entire wardrobe onto my floor; yet there are still no clothes in my suitcase.
4. Okay, I have 23kg to play with - surely all this doesn't weigh 23kg? 
5. Oh man, it does! Okay maybe six playsuits is a little excessive. 
6. Maybe can I put that in my hand luggage instead?
7. I might not be able to wear this in England, surely one more outfit isn't going to harm.
8. Okay, lets start with picking four bikinis and deal with outfits later - thirty minutes later; no bikinis have yet been chosen!
9. What am I going to wear on the plane? I don't want to wear anything to warm, incase it's warm when I land but then it's cold in Britain. Ahhh! 
10. Wait, I think I've packed my airport outfit? 
11. Oh bugger! I've forgotten to pack shoes. 
12. Do I really need to pack that? No, I have enough clothes... Although, I might need it. I'll put it in the 'maybe' pile. 
13. Is it bad that I've having to sit on my suitcase to zip it up? Nah... 
14. I MUST NOT FORGET MY TOOTHBRUSH AND TOOTHPASTE! 
15. My suitcase is filling up rather quickly and I've still got another pile of clothes to go. Maybe I've packed wrong? Is there a wrong way to pack? 
16. Oh god! I have to try and pack my cosmetics into this almost-full yet slightly overflowing suitcase still. 
17. It's time for the final result; will my suitcase pass the weigh-in test? 
18. Oh no! I think I've broken the scales. Damn! 
19. I think I need to take a break; this packing malarkey is hard work. 
20. Wait! Do I need to take a towel? Or two? 
21. I'm so glad that this suitcase has wheels; I'm struggling to carry this down two steps. 
22. Wow! This suitcase feels super-heavy, but then again, I am extremely weak. It can't weight 23kg - not yet surely!
23. Okay, I've packed, unpacked and repacked three times, I definitely have everything... I'll go through it tomorrow again no doubt; just to double check. 
24. Uhhh, wait! Where's my passport? 

Surely when I pack to fly home it will get easier, right? Unless I buy presents. Until the return journey dramas, Au Revoir! 

Love,

Lauren xo 

How to spend Valentine's Day alone?

Valentine's Day. Known as day for every couple to celebrate their love, whilst us singletons usually get left out of all the fun. Well, not this year. I'm using this years Valentine's Day to spend sometime on my own (hold all sympathy and ahhh's until the end) but life lately has been pretty hectic, and I just haven't had anytime to do anything for myself. I don't remember the last time that I put on a face mask or spend an entire day unwinding and having a pampering "me" day. 

Whether you're a single girl hanging out with your friends today or spending this day alone, don't turn into someone who extremely stalks their Facebook feed for twenty-four hours because you keep seeing Facebook friends post pictures of romantic meals or engagement rings because you've got the green-eyed monster within you, just embrace the love. So, here is a single girl's guide to Valentines, if you're a single girl like me:

1.Take yourself on a movie date 
Today is the day that you stick on your favourite movie, cry if necessary, and have a mega-bowl of Popcorn all to yourself because after all who doesn't love popcorn. 

Today's Movie of Choice: That Awkward Moment 
(hello! Zac Efron can make anyone feel better, no matter what mood you might be in this Valentine's Day) 

2. Unwind and Pamper
No excuses this is something that every girl needs to do on Valentines Day. So put up your feet, paint your nails, put on a face mask; whatever you need to do to make yourself feel relaxed and unwind, this is your chance to do it. 

3. Read a classic novel - Romance if your feeling up to it. 
If you need to escape your lifeless love life thoughts, then there is nothing better than an inspirational book; however I am kind of loving my romance novel at the moment - Jojo Moyes: Me Before You - sorry but it's  good book. 

4. Give yourself an at-home mani and pedi
Pastels are my go-to colours.

5. Chocolate. Chocolate. Chocolate. 
Lindt Excellence White Vanilla Chocolate. Heaven in bar-form. Bliss. 

6. Treat yourself with something you've wanted for ages... 
Whether it's a new dress, top or handbag (or holiday in my case), your allowed to treat yourself every once in a while; you don't have to wait for someone else to treat you because your the one who works hard after all. 

7. Light some candles
Yankee Candle Bundled Up. Cosy. 

8. Get on your comfiest clothes 
Joggers and fluffy socks; the best way to spend a Sunday. 

9. Buy yourself some flowers 
My choice of flower is an Orchid - beautiful. 

10. Friend-Dates 
There is nothing better than friend-dates, I mean spent the whole of yesterday, watching Disney movies, painting my nails, drinking coffee and gossiping with a good friend - we are like to twenty-something grannies, who love cofee and going to bed at 9pm. No biggie. 

11. Family time
If anyone can make you feel better about being single, other than your friends, it's your mum. 

12. Turn off social media
Getting a little jealous from time to time is natural, so turn off your social media and focus on yourself for a change; however if you don't want to turn off your social media for Valentine's day, I don't recommend putting on statuses such as: "I hate Valentine's Day and being single. Uhhhh." - Seriously I've seen five of those already today. Just turn it off. 
Until the next socially awkward day event in our annual calendar, Au Revoir!
Love,
Lauren xo