Balance

Today’s Stiletto – High Heels Wednesday

I love heels! They transform any outfit to sexy chic instantly

Me and one of the girls at work – Karolina – love to rep a pair of black spikes 😉

Wanna know something else – wearing heels tones your calves and your core muscles! The elegance and balance required is like having a mini legs day- all day!

The trick to walking in stilettos to avoid the “dog in socks” look is to take long strides, undulate your hips and remember to look up!

High heels Wednesday!

Like any of the shoes above?

http://www.asos.com/New-Look/New-Look-Black-Shandy-Ankle-Strap-Court-Shoes/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3160970&SearchQuery=ankle%20strap%20heel&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Black

http://www.zara.com/uk/en/woman/shoes/leather-high-heeled-court-shoe-c269191p1294765.html

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Today’s Workout – Losing Pounds and Earning ££££

Living in London, like in most big cities, the commute to work can be an absolute nightmare…

You put thousands of people who have just woken up, probably not had a morning coffee, a bit irritated and most likely didn’t get the best night sleep and you shove them on to a small metal contraption with their head under an armpit breathing in the next persons – morning breath!

I decided to start power walking to work the beginning of 2013 – and it has changed my morning routine to a positive wake up – rather than the general ballache that is the commute!

My office is 3.6 miles away. I wrap up nice and warm (its about 3c here) in my parka and headband! (I have put some links to websites for the perfect parka) It is super cold here at the moment so ear protection is a must! I also put on sunglasses as no glamour puss is complete without her morning shades – this also allows me to wake up! I would be lying if I said I was a morning person – hence why claustrophobic, sweaty and angry tube situations are not my forte 😉

http://www.bonprix.co.uk/product/winter-parka-947971/?category=360&utm_source=google&utm_medium=PLA&utm_campaign=Goolge%20PLA&OC=92547&gclid=CNvX3OaQgrsCFZLKtAodT1oAQA

http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Cocoon-Parka-With-Oversized-Fur-Trim-Hood/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2926126&cid=2641&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=9999&sort=-1&clr=Stone&affid=5571&WT.srch=1&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term={adwords_producttargetid}&utm_content=&utm_campaign=&cvosrc=ppc.google.{adwords_producttargetid}&network={network}&mobile={ifmobile:1}&search={ifsearch:1}&content={ifcontent:1}&creative={creative}&ptid={adwords_producttargetid}&adposition={adposition}&gclid=COvF3eaQgrsCFRIPtAodxDEAVQ

http://www.laredoute.co.uk/ellos-parka-with-detachable-hood/prod-324203732-660813.aspx?omniturecode=PPC0676LAREPIPBLNK&pres=20/22&prec=black&gclid=CKvz-u-QgrsCFRIPtAodxDEAVQ

I whack on my Reebok easy tones and I’m ready to hit the road!

Reebok easy tones are ever so slightly unstable which helps improve your core. They feature Moving Air Technology that helps strengthen and tone key muscles in the legs by creating micro instabilities.

Everyday I get to walk over Millennium Bridge – that has the most fantastic view of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the view up and down the Thames. I get a feeling of well being, endorphin’s and also get a couple of minutes to breath in the fresh wind along the Thames and take in the world around me.

Finally, the Cherry on my Power Walking Cake… Since January I have lost 7 pounds but save approximately £5 a day!

Gone are the days when I didn’t have enough time to get in cardio everyday! Plus making a saving of £25 a week – £100 a month!

To me – it’s a win=win situation!

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Today’s London – Flesh and Buns

Is that Iron Maiden playing in Covent Garden!? Oh yes – we just stepped into Flesh and Buns!

What a breath of rock n roll fresh air!

We were on our way to see Queen’s of the Stone Age gig at Wembley so initiating in some rock n roll Asian food was the perfect warm up to an incredible show.

When I finally finished singing along – Nicolas and I settled in to our first drinks: Me as always a prosecco and Nicolas a Raspberry and Pineapple Cobbler – which was delicious

Navigating my way through then menu which consists of small plates – both hot and cold and the namely Flesh and Buns

Our adventure began with Mixed Seafood Cerviche – this wonderful dish is becoming ever more popular and seeing it more frequently on various menu’s around London – FYI if you are looking for a low calorie but insanely tasty dish – this is your ally!

The Cerviche intertwined chilli, corn, lime and cucumber with a selection of raw seafood. It was delicious and invited you back to the point we began dipping our second small plate – Calamari – in the marinade left over. We finished our small plate selection with some soft shell crab rolls – crunchy, and flavour-some.

Now to the Flesh and Buns

We decided to go for the salmon teriyaki – with pickled cucumber. You have to order your buns to accompany the flesh – recommended is 2 per person to make sure all flesh and bun is combine perfectly!

(I was a newbie to this course so was given a quick lesson by Nicolas in the appropriate way to consume our dish)

In hindsight Nicolas updated that perhaps the Sirloin Steak may be the most appropriate way forward…however in the Salmon’s defense is was perfectly cooked: juicy, crispy and full of flavour!

The tunes were rolling, my singing was getting louder and after the 3rd game of name the band…we moved on to the s’more’s!

This is one of the most impressive dessert experiences I have had in London – the whole set up was brilliant – really bringing to life the campfire experience our American counterparts love!

Let’s begin…

The fire arrived to our table – followed by the Marshmallows, biscuits, green tea chocolate

Place the Marshmallow over the fire – turning appropriately – otherwise you burn it and its gross

Take both biscuit and green tea chocolate and when the Marshmallow is ready to melt – apply both sides and squeeze

Nicolas may have been the King of the Bun but I was definitely Queen of the S’more

Flesh and Bun – is the perfect place for a quick bite to eat which is full of flavour and a new experience. My only fault I would give it – the staff are rather hasty and in your face – no sooner had you rested your chopstick for a second before they were pulling out the plates before you… therefore I would recommend for couples but not for dates . This in/out mentality is kinda a buzzkill for seed of romance.

The cocktails were superb – fruity, delicious and fresh 🙂

The Prosecco was served in a wine glass 🙁

The side plates were delicious 🙂

but all served at same time so the game to eat before they got cold left us stuffed 🙁

The Flesh and Buns – totally worth it 🙂

S’more – a winner in my Book 🙂

Results: two 🙁 and four 🙂

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Today’s Workout – Victoria Secret Workout x

So who can deny the love of the Victoria Secret opening in New Bond Street, London?

Finally we have affordable, beautiful, feminine and fun underwear as well as all the accessories to go with it!

I have decided that my underwear drawer needs a re-jig so I went in for a wee peek!

One thing I must say – I love Victoria Secret Models. I love everything they stand for! They are fitness super models. These girls work hard – train mean and eat clean! You cannot achieve a body like their’s without some serious hard work. They do not starve – they squat and you can tell!

They have strong core, legs and arms. You can search various Angel’s on youtube and see their workouts.

They promote health and fitness – not starvation

I would go as far to say they are role models. They work hard with dedication, they are beautiful and they are tasteful. Inspiring women to be strong, sexy and feminine.

Now these Angels have inspired me to get my butt into order so that when I wear the underwear I too can feel like a Victoria Secret Angel (one hopes 😉 )

Here are some workouts that you can do – the countdown to Christmas begins – so lets get one step ahead! They can be done at home. I would recommend doing these before work – get up early, fasted workout, shower then have a protein filled breakfast to set you up for the day.

Make sure you try one of their sports bra’s for the high impact/cardio side of these workouts – http://www.victoriassecret.com/victorias-secret-sport/sports-bras – they are hot, sexy, fun and make you really wanna burn!

This 10 week plan is perfect for everyday conditioning workouts and daily HIIT – you don’t need a gym pass – just a bit of floor space and the great outdoor

This full body workout is perfect for splitting out over workouts in the gym!

I am doing part 1-4 of leg day and 5-7 on abs and upper body day

Lets go working angels xxx

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Freezing Fitness Friday

As a working girl it is HARD to get in a gym session every day of the week. We are supposed to walk on average 10,000 steps a day – if you have a pedometer this is actually quite a lot! (and anyone who works outside of London who is not forced to use public transport – even more so!)

I am a huge fan of incorporating exercise into your daily lifestyle and part of this I have swapped my tube ride to work – with a walk.

My commute is 4 miles (including stopping into carter lane coffee house to see my Italian friends – who make the best coffee in St.Pauls) – and that has given me a 300 calorie deficit before I have barely even switched on!

Yes it is freezing but the fresh air combined with the sunshine – it becomes a winning combination. I listen to TED radio hour (perfect timing for my walk). I make sure I have my sunnies, ear warmth and a decent pair of gloves 🙂

It saves on the money, its saves on the frustration and it also saves being stuck under someone’s armpit for the morning commute – definitely not the best way to start the day!

So go on – get up – whack on some good walking shoes/trainers and march that booty to work – get your 10,000 steps, healthy glow, peace of mind and save those pennies!

This Winter the Parka is BACK! From low price range to the highest you can find the perfect number to keep you toastie on your walk to work! Especially those neck’s and ears!

Head to Zara, ASOS and Uniqlo – who have some perfect styles for this season.

http://www.asos.com/Parka-London/Parka-London-Issy-Parka-with-Detachable-Faux-Fur-Trim/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3183763&SearchQuery=Parka&Rf-700=1000&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Black

http://www.asos.com/Warehouse/Warehouse-Faux-Fur-Trim-Parka/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3151174&SearchQuery=parka&Rf-700=1000&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Black

http://www.zara.com/uk/en/woman/coats/coats/combination-parka-with-fur-c499001p1388505.html

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Today’s London – Coal Vaults Soho

Last night was date night and Nicolas and I headed out to explore Coal Vaults on Wardour Street. Set in an old coal vault – it was romantically lit, underground and had that industrial vibe often found in the streets of Shoreditch.

As we entered we were taken to our table. The atmosphere is relaxed – lit by old school light bulbs and candles. Your senses were immediately heightened due to sight not being the first used sense and the feeling of ease descends.

We started off with a few cocktails and some deviled popcorn.

Nicolas started with a domestic bliss (middle) and I had Marano. Nicolas is the cocktail lover out of the two of us – so he was a happy bunny…however when mine arrived and I had two! Well the cat definitely got her cream

We then went on to select our supper. Coal Vaults’ menu is made up of small plates taking you through from starter to cheese. They are ideal sharers and really encourage people to share and dine together – making it the ideal place for a date 🙂

We choose:

potted crab with home baked brown soda bread

wild mushroom ragu w/homemade pasta, pecorino and chestnuts

‘pulled’ rabbit with smoked black beans, sweetcorn & pineapple relish, avocado, sour cream & flatbread

venison burgers: w/quince & beenleigh blue cheese, rosehip & port jam served with shallot rings.

The venison burgers were to die for – perfectly cooked and juicy. The pulled rabbit was an innovative dish that I had never come across before and it really was delicious. All the flavours complimented each other beautifully. The wild mushroom was good – but you must eat it as soon as it comes out – as cold mushrooms are no mans delicacy! The potted crab was ok – the soda bread was dry and there wasn’t quite enough moisture in the crab to infuse them both together – having said that the crab itself was delicious.

We continued with our exploration of the cocktail menu and moved on to:

Rodeo Drive – bourbon, toasted macadamia liqueur, lemon and egg white, with a fresh cherry

The Marwar Pony – pretty much straight up infused whiskey with a side of smoked almonds – Nicolas wasn’t too impressed with this as he felt the description had mis-lead him into a shot of whiskey…

Now there was a whisper of words about a cocktail called the Dot Cotton – lavender and honey infused gin, blackberries, lemon, egg white. When we were told we would have to wait 35 minutes for this cocktail as the alcohol needed to infuse – well that just made me want it more!

While we waited we finished off our meal with a selection of Neal’s yard cheeses with bread and chutney. Again the bread was dry but the cheeses were fantastic and went really well with the chutney provided…

Finally the Dot Cotton arrived. It looked beautiful and you could really taste/ smell the lavendar…was it worth the wait – probably not – Is Coal Vaults worth a visit – Definitely!

Balance/ Stress Free Style

Today’s London – Lest we forget x

Across the world people will be paying their respect to the men and women have have throughout history protected and fought for our freedom.

I have known many wonderful people who have served for Great Britain including My Grandfather – who was taken prisoner of war in Japan. He was a true hero as he was beaten, starved and mis-treated but 50 years later welcomed with open arms my Japanese Exchange Student.

Today is about respecting those who risk their lives but also respecting the hard work that men and women do across the globe to keep peace in our world.

Today is not about Us Vs Them but uniting to respect the lives of those who will put our lives before our own

Lest we forget x

I am wearing my poppy with pride today and to make sure that this day keeps being remembered year after year – I am finding new ways to style it up.

Red earrings, moisturised lips, Chanel rouge all centering around my Poppy

Friends of mine Claire and Henry bought me some amazing Papaw to protect my lips in these cold, windy and wintery months.

If you know anyone heading to the land down under! Stock up – its a little pot of moisturising gold.

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Balance/ Stress Free Style

Today’s Style – Anna Sui at ASOS

Look what has arrived at ASOS!

Anna Sui has created these exclusive make-up sets for ASOS. Minnie Mouse make-up and lipstick palettes! A must have Christmas present!

Launched in the late ‘90s, American designer Anna Sui’scosmetics line is as coveted for its luminous light-reflecting shades as it is for its collectable packaging. With a nod to the fantasy world, her recent Minnie Mouse collection of lipsticks, mascaras and nail polish is designed to give a grown-up reboot to the Disney icon.

http://www.asos.com/Anna-Sui/Anna-Sui-ASOS-Exclusive-Minnie-Mouse-Make-Up-Set–1/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3464100&SearchQuery=anna%20sui&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Multi

Go get yours today! Love it and love Disney xx

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Today’s London – Bonfire Night 2013

Bonfire Night in the UK is one of the most exciting gatherings of the year. People wrap up in their warmest knits, comfiest wellies, scarves, gloves and the piece de resistance a woolly hat! I have celebrated it since a child where families would congregate in fields where their local councils put on a visual delight for all the family. Lambeth Council put on a treat in Brockwell Park last night!

Bonfire night in the UK celebrates the foiling of Guy Fawkes gun powder plot to blow up the houses of parliament. Usually it involves fireworks and a bonfire where children create a guy to go on top of the fire (a bit barbaric) but a family fun night.

The atmosphere in Brixton/Herne hill was intense with more people in view than a festival. Laughter, shouting, moving and dancing.

As we arrived at the entrance – the crowds were squeezed into the beautiful park which was lit up with fair ground rides and sounds of classic tunes. A sea of heads were in front of me but by the looks of it the park was full of English revelers celebrating the Historic Guy Fawkes Night.

The countdown began 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 BOOM!

There were two sets of fireworks firing, banging, swirling and glittering in the air

Heart shapes, smiley faces and all kinds of shapes

ooohhhhs….aaahhhhhss….wwwooooowwwww filled the air

Bangs, pops and whizzes tripped over each other to reach bigger and brighter results

Everyone was filled with a warmth that kept this exceedingly cool night worth the trip

Thank you Lambeth Council! Till next year xxx

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Social Eating House Review

Social Eating House

Take the stress out of dining in London.

Social Eating House opened in Poland Street earlier this year and is regularly getting at least 4/5 star reviews – so thought it was about time we checked it out.

I booked no.58 for a 7 pm sitting (they were fully booked around this time for about a week!).

We were greeted at the door by a very welcoming gentleman who took us to our seats.

We sat down and within minutes were sipping into our first drinks: Nicolas a cocktail and myself a Prosecco

Nicolas chooses a Wi’ Jam In -(Appleton V/X rum, apricot jam, mint, fresh lemon juice, pimento dram, crushed ice) it was a little heavy on the Ice but none the less a beautifully crafted cocktail.

I had a Prosecco “Argeo”, Ruggeri, Italy – it was bubbly and dry and left a wonderful finish – one of the nicest Prosecco’s I have had in London.

For Starter

We then decided to their Jars. These are pots of a pate type mixture served with slices of bread or poppadoms to be shared…

We choose:

Confit duck rillet, spiced mango, chicory jar – it was deliciously full of flavour – definitely, recommend!

Smoked mackerel pate, horseradish cream – in comparison to the Duck – this lacked a little something but nevertheless well crafted.

The Main Event

I choose Jerusalem artichoke, roast cep, Scottish scallop, pork skin, marsh samphire and Nicolas went for the Roasted monkfish loin, St. Austell mussels, courgettes, bok choi, roasted chicken juice.

My soup was beyond delicious – it was light almost like it had bubbles in it, the scallop was cooked to perfection – all the flavours complemented each other perfectly and the presentation was impeccable. Nicolas enjoyed his monkfish but commented that the jus it was served took away from the flavour of the fish – however very enjoyable.

I think he may have suffered a little food jealousy as the ladies next to us ordered the Duck “smoked ham, egg and chips” which looked divine.

Dessert

With giggles, satiated bellies and bubbly heads we finished off our meal with a Social Eating House style “Wagon Wheel” toasted meringue, salted caramel, raspberry sorbet.

A fun twist on a time old classic – it had great flavours, which were really finished off by the dark chocolate wheel!

All in all, we had a great date night.

The service was quick and conscientious. The wine waiter was knowledgeable and helpful. To top it off the food was crafted with skill and flavour.

We left wanting to come back for more and try other dishes on the menu!

Social Eating House

58 Poland Street, Soho, London W1F 7NR

Tel: 020 7993 3251

For More On Stress-Free Eating Guides to London Click Here: UK

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Stress-Free Halloween Workout

HiiT Workout for Halloween

1 minute fast as you can – 30 seconds break – NON STOP

Repeat as necessary!!

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Balance

The key to life is Balance

Social Eating House

For Starter

We choose:

The Main Event

Dessert

HiiT Workout for Halloween

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