food

Homemade protein bars with oats

How to Make: Homemade protein bars with oats and cinnamon recipe

After several posts of incredibly delicious brunch and out-of-this-world Dutch apple pie, it seemed only fair I brought you a healthy recipe. Judging by all of my food posts, you’re probably well aware that I’m a sweet tooth kind of girl. Although I’ve recently rekindled my love for pilates and improved my daily exercise routine and diet considerably, truth is I often find myself craving sweet treats after a workout. Maintaining a healthy diet can be tricky – especially when it comes to choosing snacks that will keep us both satisfied and healthy. Let me just say that the temptation is real.

Protein bars seem to do the trick and help you get through to the end of the day. However, I’ve found that store bought protein bars aren’t only pricey, but they tend to be calorific and quite surprisingly, aren’t always that nutritious. They often come packed with processed and unnatural ingredients including sugars, additives and preservatives which isn’t what your body needs to be happy. Therefore, I’ve decided to share my newfound love – these easy and healthy homemade protein bars! They’re tasty, filling and have no added sugar as their rich sweetness comes from the natural sugars found in dates. And the best bit? These are no-bake protein bars so require no baking at all! Can this get any better?

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Singl-end Garnethill interior

Singl-end Garnethill, the best brunch in Glasgow | REVIEW

I’ve said it before but when it comes to brunch, it’s absolutely no secret that I’m a pretty big fan. After doing a bit of digging for the best brunch in Glasgow (where we recently stayed for a long weekend), we came across Singl-end and what was a serious calling of delicious vegetarian and vegan meals and freshly baked loaves – all under one roof! Naturally, we wasted approximately zero minutes in heading to the Singl-end Garnethill. Before we knew it, we had a table for two ready to give us the energy we needed for our little explore around the city.

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Winkel 43 apple pie

Winkel 43, the best Dutch apple pie in Amsterdam | REVIEW

Having not visited Amsterdam in over a year (I know, what was I thinking?), I was extremely excited to go back to one of my favourite cities in Europe for a quick weekend escape, especially in prime time spring. Although our main purpose was to finally see the vivid tulip fields at Keukeunhof, we couldn’t resist revisiting some of our favourite corners in the Dutch capital.

We’d heard loads of wonderful things about Winkel 43 and its delicious Dutch apple pie (appeltaart) on our first visit and it quickly began a favourite brunch spot of ours. Naturally when good food is involved, I didn’t even need to drag Sam into starting our day with some traditional Dutch pastries. Trust me, it’s hard not to go back once you try their homemade apple pie!

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Turkey satay salad above

How to Make: Healthy satay turkey salad recipe

Contrary to popular belief, cooking restaurant-like dishes isn’t actually that difficult. A lot of brilliant recipes don’t require long hours in the kitchen and can easily be made at home with just a handful of delightful ingredients.

Fortunately, Sam and I have always been pretty good with cooking at home, no matter the season. With the bursts of sunshine that comes with spring and summer, I find myself no longer gravitating towards heavy comfort food but being more active (gym, anyone?) and choosing healthier options to incorporate into my diet. Hence why this satay turkey salad has become my go-to weeknight recipe!

Nothing screams protein and peanut butter like satay chicken, am I right? Or in this case, turkey, as it adds an even healthier and delicious kick to this traditional Indonesian dish. This easy satay turkey salad is light, crisp, really simple and uses fresh ingredients that make it perfect for warm days.

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Conservatory Archives, Hackney inside

Conservatory Archives, Hackney – A trendy plant shop with a hidden treat

If you know me well, you know I’m someone that’s pretty keen on the idea of shopping for plants, especially when this means adding personal touches to your home and making it feel more…homely. Adding a little somethin’ somethin’ to different spots of the house is always exciting and has an incredible effect on not only the decoration and feel of our little London flat, but on our everyday mood.

Our house is slowly starting to look like a jungle and most of our plants are now having little plant babies! I get a little extra excited when I notice them growing a little leaf, so imagine how happy and proud I feel when they’re creating babies of their own! Funnily enough, I feel like I’m now at a point in my life where I’m legitimately playing grown ups. Being the plant lady that I am and needing some extra pots, it was only a matter of time before Sam and I headed up to Lower Clapton, where a new Conservatory Archives plant shop had recently opened.

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Lily Vanilli Bakery miso butterscotch toasted peanut and chocolate tarts

Lily Vanilli, a dreamy bakery in London

Tucked away in a little brick courtyard on Ezra Street, just off the hustle and bustle of Columbia Road, lies Lily Vanilli, one of the daintiest little bakery gems in town. This captivating little spot could easily go unnoticed if it wasn’t for the hundreds of recommendation lists it keeps on popping up on. This, of course, was more than enough to make me stop by after a busy Sunday morning battling the crowds on Columbia Road Flower Market in search of the perfect pot plant and seasonal blooms. Any excuse for a slice of cake and a cuppa…

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Cherry blossom at Broadway Market, London

A guide to Broadway Market in Hackney, London

There are so many hidden treasures in London that I love, all of which cater to a variety of budgets, especially when the food and drink department is involved. Whether you’re after the ultimate afternoon tea room (the oh-so amazing Sketch or even classier Fortnum & Mason) or suddenly decide that you fancy waffles on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower (did anyone say Duck&Waffle?), I can guarantee you will find something in London.

Being the food market lover that I am, I tend to be drawn to foodie hideaways and pop-ups that scream local and deliciousness all over (my guide to best food markets in New York says it all). The beautiful Camden Market, Borough Market and Brick Lane Market, although a favourite pit stop to many, are some of the most publicised markets in every London guide there is which, in return, has made them incredibly touristy and busy. A much less crowded but still trendy and buzzing hot spot is Hackney’s Broadway Market. Let’s get straight to the facts – this charming and vibrant market is a tricky one to resist if you’re after some locally sourced goods, delicious food, sustainable/vintage clothing and artsy books and homeware.

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