Maintaining Motivation: When The Going Gets Tough...

Since finishing university and entering the working world I've found myself often falling into a bit of a hole. Motivation sometimes escapes the best of us and recently I've had conversations with multiple friends about how they have struggled over the past year or so. After two or three years working, it starts to feel a bit repetitive, day in, day out, tube there, tube home. I know two friends who are currently feeling this way, one is thinking about switching things up and moving abroad, the other is still trying to find her motivation and I hope that a few of my words on here will give her a little something, a hand, because we've all been there and we know that we'll be back at some point in the future. It's getting to know yourself, what keeps you happy, motivated and energised day to day for the good things to come!

Respect Your Body
This can be a number of things but taking time to respect your body is key. For me this means eating a healthy diet, heading to the gym or practicing yoga. I'm not lying - it's science! Giving yourself those happy endorphins is going to make you feel soooo much better. Also, I think its pretty obvious that you're gonna feel a lot better whipping yourself up a fresh meal rather than having a greasy takeaway. I'm not saying to not treat yourself, far from! I'm a big believer in treating yourself to a chocolate brownie or a pizza but if you're feeling rubbish, rubbish food is not gonna make you feel any better.

Take a Break
Don't overwork yourself! Learn that there's a time for 'go' and a time for 'stop'. If you don't set these boundaries your work is going to be a lot less productive and the quality of your work will slowly deteriorate, the lines will blur. Your time is vital to maintaining a happy state of mind. Whether your you time is reading a book, taking a bath or meditating, whatever your thing is make sure you're taking at least 10 minutes a day to let your mind rest and restore.

Keep the Balance
There's a reason people say balance is key. Work, play and relax! Take time for all three, you can't fully appreciate each one without the others. If you're working hard and have to stay late at work treat yourself to that glass of wine, go for cocktails with the girls but still attend that Boxercise class on Saturday morning. That said if you're knackered, sleep in! Listen to your body, there's a reason why it asks for different things.

Keep Those That Matter Close
Keep those that are positive around. You know what pushes you further when you're feeling down - bad vibes! If you're in a negative environment it's going to rub off on you. Over the past two years, I've started to recognise those friends that have a positive impact on my mental state and you know what? I spend a lot more time with them now and this makes me a hella lot happier!

Try Something New
I love trying new things. I realised a few years ago that I used to hold back from the unknown, you see I'm a fairly organised person and when I don't have order I can get stressed and anxious. Slowly, slowly I started to introduce doing new things, whether they were new activities, going to new places or even spending more time with new people and I realised that I love it! Don't get me wrong, there's always a chance that you're going to stumble across a few things that you don't like. This weekend I went to my first ever spin class and went wreath making and I bloody loved both! Trying new things gives you a chance to learn more about yourself and isn't that fun? 

Learn to Say No!
Don't want to do it? Just say no. Too tired? Say no. Too stressed? say no. We are all scared to say it but the reality is nobody really cares that much, you're allowed to say no and you won't be penalised if you say it occasionally.

Don't Let your Anxt Win!
Often when you lack motivation you don't really want to leave the house. Here's an example: It's a Saturday and you've not made any plans, so what do you do? I know I've had days sitting at home feeling sorry for myself and it can get to 7pm and you've not even left the house - but you know what, kick your ass into gear! Head out for a walk, go do your weekly shop, start your Christmas shopping or go visit a friend, because I'll tell you a secret, sitting doing nothing... does nothing. Crazy, I know right?! Even if you feel really rubbish, sometimes you've gotta force yourself, because at the end of the day YOU are the only person that can maintain your motivation!

The Best of Brunch

So, anybody who knows me is well aware of the fact that I'm a bit of a brunch enthusiast. What's not to love?! Pancakes, eggs, sourdough, corn fritters - you get the deal. It's delicious and since moving to SW London I've tried out my fair share of brunch spots. I thought I'd put together a list of a few of my favourites...

Milk (Balham) & Milk Teeth (Tooting)

Best for: Menu variety 

Whether you're after a typical Eggs Bennie or you fancy something a little more extravagant. How about a Young Betty? Or The Convict? My personal favourite has to be Sweet Maria, corn fritters with poached eggs, halloumi, avo and kasundi <3 They also have THE best chai latte at the Tooting branch, I always get sad when I can't grab it in Balham. 

Price: £7 or £9 if you add eggs or bacon

The Ivy Cafe (Wimbledon)

Best for: Special occasions

If you're looking for somewhere that is a little classier but the price isn't too bad, then The Ivy Cafe in Wimbledon Village is perfect. You can actually book here, which is uncommon with most hip and cool brunch spots nowadays, and its worth it. I've tried to get in a few times without booking but succeeded just the once. I ordered the hot buttermilk pancakes with strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, Greek yoghurt, lemon balm, and warm strawberry sauce. I also asked for additional caramelised bananas - DELISH!

Price: £8.95 or £10 with added banana 

Brickwood (Balham, Clapham or Tooting)

Best for: Your standard brunch spot

So I know my description doesn't scream and shout but Brickwood is just that, your typical brunch spot. You'll find all the usual go-tos for brunch food. I especially love their toasties. 

Price: Ranges from £6-12 

TOTA (Tooting)

Best for: Drunch

An all-time fave of mine, not only because they have some absolutely fab cocktails, but also because anywhere that has a fish finger sandwich on the menu is my kinda place! A lovely spot for brekkie, lunch and/or dinner. Here's a photo of the three buttermilk pancakes with apple and cinnamon, maple butter and an extra side of banana - cos it's me! 

Price: Usually £8.25 but an additional £1.50 for banana (criminal I know)

Saucer & Cup (Wimbledon) 

Best for: Cheap and cheerful

The cuuuutest little brunch spot, and right by my gym! This is a hidden gem perfect for a cheap and cheerful brunch without compromising any quality. I've previously had a sausage sandwich on my first trip here and most recently avo, eggs and mushrooms on sourdough. They also serve up a lush Matcha Latte!  

Price: Starting at £6 

My newest love: Mud Cafe (Tooting)

Best for: Flavours and food

First of all, they serve Ozone coffee - dare I say it THE best coffee in London sourced from NZ. Their dishes throw brunch up in the air, spin it around and come crashing back down onto the menu with some delish twists and turns. Welcome to the table Huevos Rancheros: a large taco with refried beans, avocado, pickled red onions, garlic cream, fried eggs and the option of chorizooo - YUM. A little more expensive than the other spots...

Price: This dish was £10 but so worth it! 

Foodie Fresh: How I've Changed Up My Diet

With so many of my friends changing up their eating habits and becoming Pescatarian, Vegetarian, and even Vegan, I took a step back and started to analyse my own diet. 

This started whilst I was on holiday with my family in February. My sister had previously tried out a Vegan diet around November time, but by this point had found her happy balance by becoming a Pescatarian. I decided to try it out and join in whilst I was on holiday, and traveling around Thailand and the Maldives actually made a Veggie diet fairly easy. I'd been playing with the idea for around a year as my best friend has been Vegetarian since she went traveling. I've always been aware of gross animal farming and the mass effect that it has on the earth, but let's be honest, for those of us that love the taste of meat taking that first step is bloody hard!

Now I'm nowhere near a saint for doing this, there is no way I could become vegan, I love cheese and milk too much (and wine and beer), but taking the time to observe my diet and make a few changes has for sure left me feeling fitter and more energised. 

After a few months of going full-out Veggie, I've found myself a middle ground. I realised that after a while my meals became a lot more carb-based as I was trying to fill myself up without having meat. So with a bit of trial and error, I have now decided to include fish in my diet to try and find that balance.  

I know that for sure I am a lot happier with cutting down on my beef intake and that by making these dietary changes I eat A LOT more fruit and veg a day, dare I say more than my allotted 5... and I'm feeling a lot better for it. So keep your eyes peeled for a good few recipes coming your way. I'm really into my veggie burrito bowls, baked cod, chili and prawn tagliatelle and aubergine curry!

Binging at Brick & Liquor

Just over a week ago I headed over to the best new hotspot in Tooting, Brick & Liquor. A few nibbles and just one drink soon turned into trying out a few too many from their brand new cocktail menu, which was released the day we visited. 

We started off with a Clover Club, Vanilla-infused gin, lemon juice, egg white & homemade raspberry syrup, typical of my usual drink of choice, sweet and fruity. 

We then nibbled on their Carnivore Platter, all elements bursting with flavour as the next. Teriyaki Steak Skewers, Chicken Lollipops, Pincho Moruno Lamb and Rum & Coke Ribs, served with our home roasted focaccia and our Brick & Liquor dips. One word. YUM. The focaccia and rum and coke ribs where the highlights of the platter, and are making my mouth water just thinking about them.  

In celebration of their new menu, we were then asked behind the bar to make a cocktail of our choice. I went for the Deconstruct-Reconstruct, a cocktail very similar to a Bramble, A deconstructed cocktail with Beefeater gin, lemon, sugar, egg white & Crème de Mure. It was absolutely delicious, but be careful as gets stronger as you drink it, with a mini beefeater gin bottle hung upside down, slowly seeping into the drink as you slurp through. 

Finally, we saw off the night with a Ninety 9. Bring back those childhood memories with Absolut vodka, apple, vanilla liqueur,& vanilla foam. They top it off with some whipped cream and a wafer, so it looks just like a 99! 

A 10/10 experience! I'll be back, and will be the first in line to the opening of their second bar opening in Clapham this Summer!

Binging On A Budget: My Top Cheap And Cheerful London Restaurants

It's January, and lets be honest we are all trying to not even think about the hole in our pocket that December's antics has caused! But, despite having little money, January is also one of the most depressing months of the year, and for this reason I believe we should treat ourselves. So I've put together a small list of my favourite places in London to binge on a budget (with a few extras that I am dying to try out soon). Hope you guys enjoy and this helps you save an extra few dollar this Jan! 

Chicken Liquor

If you're looking for some finger lickin' chicken, then this is the place! Chicken Liquor, owned and run by the massively famous Meat Liquor, is a small restaurant in Brixton. We tried the Korean Wings and the Chicken Shop Boneless Bites, my favourites would have to have been the wings, which is probably because I prefer that type of meat. For sides, we ordered the Hippie Fries... OMG these were a party in my mouth, absolutely scrumptious. We also ordered the Hot Mess, which was a lovely spicy addition. I usually avoid blue cheese because of its pungent taste, but the dish wasn't overwhelmed by it and definitely hit the spot. 

Bang Bang Vietnamese

After much deliberation over what restaurant to try at Boxpark Croydon, we tried Bang Bang Vietnamese, and it was an absolute treat! I'm really into my Asian food, spices are my thing, so this was the perfect choice for our meal. The food was exceptional. I chose the Pho Bo Gau: A Classic Vietnamese Soup with Beef Brisket, and my friend went for the Pho Tom, which is the same but with king prawns. As you can see below each of us got plenty, and it was the perfect amount of spice for my taste buds, which is a big bonus as I usually have to add extra chili sauce. I believe both of these dishes were around the £8 mark, an absolute steal!

Milk

A cafe that I fell in love with the moment I walked in (or maybe the day before when I was looking at the menu). They have fun and exciting dishes which put a spin on old classics, with their hangover sauce, burnt butter hollandaise, and woodfired sourdough, my mouth is watering just thinking about it. It's definitely a place for those hipsters seeking the best brunch spot. I bought my food, smoothie, and coffee for a mere £12. Here's a fun fact, the most used hashtag in Balham is #brunch, so get over there and enjoy!

Franco Manca

I'm pretty sure that by now most people have heard of Franco Manca, but I was first introduced to these heavenly sourdough pizzas just over a year ago as they catered for my auntie and uncles wedding! They were absolutely delicious, no wonder sourdough brick oven pizzas are now a massive craze, and I'm pretty sure these were the guys that triggered it. They have multiple stores where you can try their classics, and guess what? All of their pizzas are under £7... BARGAIN! 

Here are a few that I'm desperate to try out within the next few months...

Padella

A pasta bar serving hand-rolled pasta with sauces and fillings inspired from the owners trips to Italy, and just look at those prices! 

BAO

I think I'm one of the only bloggers left who hasn't tried out BAO. They serve up delicious BAOs, steamed buns, and a range of Taiwanese dishes. It's right up my street, and only around £4 per BAO!

 

Brother Marcus

Okay, so this one may have initially sparked because I indeed have the owners brother... Marcus on Facebook and in fact used to go to school with their other brother, but I have also looked up the reviews and this place is supposed to be the next big place for brunch... and who doesn't love brunch?!

Out On The Town: Boxpark Croydon

Last Friday I paid my first visit to the brand new Boxpark at Croydon. After previously having been to the Shoreditch site that is full of plenty of pop-up shops and restaurants I was very excited about the new 'bigger and better' Boxpark. One key difference between the sites, apart from the size, is that Boxpark Croydon is only food and drink, and will be playing host to over 200 events each year, the line-up looks like we're in for a treat! Impossible to miss, the new shopping extravaganza is on the right-hand side as you walk out of East Croydon train station- and if you do manage to miss it just look for the giant lit-up BOXPARK sign...

The list of food and drink pop-ups on the site is incredible (including one of my favourites Dum Dum Donutterie!). Unfortunately, my first visit was slightly rushed as we needed to grab dinner and head out for a friends Birthday, so we only got to visit just the one this time...

We chose the delicious Bang Bang Vietnamese for dinner, and what a great choice it was! I'm really into my asian food, spices are my thing, so this was the perfect choice for our meal. Some of the pop-up restaurants offer seats inside, to create more of a dinner-date feel, giving you the choice of sitting inside or in the Boxpark centre. We chose to eat in the restaurant which was decorated in a quirky, fun, and bright coloured manner with plenty of Film Noir memorabilia... 

Not only was the quality of the food exceptionally good, but it was also really good value for money! I chose the Pho Bo Gau: A Classic Vietnamese Soup with Beef Brisket and my friend went for the Pho Tom, which is the same but with king prawns. As you can see below each of us got plenty, and it was the perfect amount of spice for my taste buds, which is a big bonus as I usually have to add extra chilli sauce. 

We also found our new favourite beer, Lucky Buddha! I need to find out where else I can buy these as they were light and super refreshing, plus the bottles are pretty darn cool! 

I can't wait to go back to the Boxpark and try out all of the other food and drink stalls! I hope you have enjoyed this post, and it has possibly convinced you to take a trip! 

Love,

K.

Brunch At The Juice Smith

As you may have seen in my previous interview post, two weeks ago I spent brunch with the lovely Meagan Fiddes at The Juice Smith. We hadn't originally planned on going here, but I am so glad we did! The Juice Smith is known for having 100% natural resources and ingredients and a menu that caters for everyone. There is no meat served (I know this is quite a biggy for me!), but despite being a veggie cafe the food was absolutely delicious! They also offer vegan and gluten-free options, there's something for everyone. 

First, we started with some tea. In true British fashion, and I'm so glad that since moving from Toronto Meagan has definitely embraced our love of tea here in England. Meagan had a traditional breakfast tea, whilst I decided to go for the flower bomb Jasmin- I fancied something a little lighter than my usual. 

Next was the food! It was absolutely delicious. I went for the avocado & watercress on sourdough toast with Lemon, salt, pepper, garlic and olive oil, it really hit the spot! I was also drooling over Meagan's food, I could have eaten both, pan-fried mushroom, tomato & spinach on sourdough toast, drizzled with a balsamic glaze. 

Next up, the smoothies. I do wish I had chosen the chocolate, not because mine wasn't tasty, but just because I'm an absolute chocolate fiend and went with a slightly lighter option (I shouldn't have cared about the calories!). Mine was named Beauty And The Baobab, Coconut water, mango, strawberries, baobab, lime, agave, ginger. Meagan chose the best option, Choc Chip Maca Dream, Almond milk, banana, almond butter, carob powder, cacao nibs, maca, vanilla, cinnamon. 

We'd definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a cute brunch spot! It ticks all the boxes for me, the only critique that I could make would be that the cafe itself should have a slightly different layout- more tables and comfy chairs, fewer breakfast bars and stools. All-in-all The Juice Smith was an absolute treat! 

For more info and details about The Juice Smith click HERE

Love, 
K.

Super Smoothies

Now i'm not one for smoothie diets and food replacement meals, but I can't deny that I love a good cup of blended goodness to start off my day! It's one of the easiest ways to make sure you're getting at least five fruit and veg in your diet. As I love smoothies so much I thought i'd share my simple format for juicing along with my current favourite combo. You simply chose one or two ingredients from each section to create your own healthy snack...

Base: Milk, soy milk, almond milk,coconut milk, coconut water, water, ice

Second Base: Orange juice, tropical juice, apple juice, pineapple juice

Thickeners: Banana, greek yoghurt, natural yoghurt(flavoured if you wish)

Main fruit: Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, grapes etc.

energy-kick: Spinach, Kale, raisins, goji berries, chia seeds, mara powder

Sweetner: Honey, cocoa powder, nut butter(peanut,cashew,almond), coconut flakes, cinnamon, chai latte powder

My Current favourite: Banana, raspberries, natural yoghurt, honey and pineapple juice

K. 

TMI tag

1: What are you wearing?
S - Miss Selfridge jeans and a Warehouse T-Shirt, nothing too exciting for a lazy Sunday
K - What I wore to work today. My ripped River Island jeans, a white blouse and my mango sunset Roshe Runs

2: Ever been in love?
S - Yes.
K - Yeah

3: Ever had a terrible breakup?
S - Yes definitely a few of those under my belt.
K- When I was 13 I got broken up with via email! That was pretty embarrassing

4: How tall are you?
S -5'8
K- 5'7

5: How much do you weigh?
K- Lets be honest, even if we answered this we would lie!
S- Have to agree with K on this one!

6: Any tattoos?
S- Yes I have 4 at at the moment; a wolf on my ribs, Norwegian writing on my hip and and owl and a christmas tree on my ankles. 
K- Not yet, maybe one day

7: Any piercings?
S- I think at last count I had 10.
K- yeah, currently on 5

8: OTP?
S- I dont really know what this means but if its people you think should be together (I think thats what it is) then I would have to go with.... Me and Joe Dempsie!!
K- So my dream couple was Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, but thats kinda happened now sooooo Ryan Gosling and Natalie Portman.

9: Favorite show?
S- Im a game of thrones gal, but I will always love Secret Diary of a Call Girl.
K- This is so hard! I also love Game of Thrones, Sex And The City and Modern Family.
  10: Favorite bands?
S- I adore Bastille with all of my heart!
K- Currently listening to a lot of Chvrches and MS MR

11: Something you miss? 
S- Living on my own, i've had to move back home recently and i'm missing my independence.
K- My Friends from Uni

12: Favorite song?
S- Weird one but I have always loved Apres Moi by Eartha Kitt.
K- Currently Ed Sheeran's Thinking Out Loud, but this often changes on a daily basis.

13: How old are you?
S- 19
K- 19

14: Zodiac sign?
S- Sagittarius 
K- Gemini

15: Quality you look for in a partner?
S- I look for (probably because I need it more than I like it) someone who will be assertive and won't let me walk all over them.
K- Someone who shares my sense of humour and also has similar interests.

16: Favorite Quote?
S- Make the decision to be who you want to be - My Grandmother (and probably someone else first)
K- I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will - Charlotte Bronte

17: Favorite actor?
S- Stephen Fry or Jim Sturgess 
K- Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson

18: Favorite color?
S- I love Red but I also love muted neon greens 
K- Either a duck egg blue or bright orange

19: Loud music or soft?
S- Mostly loud.
K- Entirely depends on my mood

20: Where do you go when you’re sad?
S- I tend to drive when i'm sad... although mostly to Brighton if I can. 
K- I don't really have a specific place where I go.

21: How long does it take you to shower?
S- On average 20 mins if i'm rushing.
K- Usually around 15 minutes

22: How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?
S- I wake up about an hour and a half before work to get ready without being too stressed.
K- 45 minutes if it's just work, up to an hour if I'm off out for the day.

23: Ever been in a physical fight?
S- Yes, but looking back on it, it was kind of pathetic fighting.
K- No , but is it weird that I kinda want to be?

24: Turn on?
S- A guy who is ambitious and wears suits..... and has tattoos.
K- A guy that isn't afraid to dance, i'm definitely one for having a boogie on a night out

25: Turn off?
S- I agree with K here but also someone too soppy, i'm not into that at all.
K- A guy that eats too little, I don't want him ordering the salad whilst I'm having a steak

26: The reason I started blogging?
S- I love reading blogs and I started thinking 'that would be a great blog post' about twice a day so I thought I probably should!
K- Been wanting to for ages and thought why not do it with my best friend.

27: Fears?
S- I'm terrified of cows. I also hate them. 
K- I'm pretty scared of Snakes 

28: Last thing that made you cry?
S- Blackfish the documentary - watch it!
K- Sheer tiredness

29: Last time you said you loved someone?
S- To my friend Kimi just now on the phone.
K- To My boyfriend 

30: Meaning behind your Blog Name?
S- I feel like this is quite self-explanatory. Its our initials.  
K- ^

31: Last book you read?
S- Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr (amazing by the way).
K- Wuthering Heights

32: The book you’re currently reading?
S- Magician by Raymond E. Feist (you may have noticed i'm partial to a bit of fantasy).
K- Woman In Black, I loved the stage show and was told the book was even better.

33: Last show you watched?
S- Hannibal 
K- American Horror Story

34: Last person you talked to?
S- My grandparents.
K- My Dad 

35: The relationship between you and the person you last texted?
S- It was actually a really old friend who I haven't spoken to in a while.
K- My sister 

36: Favorite food?
S- Probably sweet potato. Or any carb.
K- hmmmm Tzatsiki 

37: Place you want to visit?
S- New York, but I think I'm going soon!
K- Thailand

38: Last place you were?
S- Work in Wimbledon.
K- My Kitchen

39: Do you have a crush?
S- No, nothing exciting like that going on.
K- My boyfriend if that counts.

40: Last time you kissed someone?
S- I'm not really sure what kind of kiss this question is referring to but non-romantically it was probably my little cousin who came over for a visit.
K- Saying goodbye to my dad with a kiss on the cheek

41: Last time you were insulted?
S- Im thinking this is a good thing but I actually cant remember!
K- I'm not entirely sure , although I joke with my friends all the time.

42: Favorite flavor of sweet?
S- I love rhubarb and custards, but not the boiled kind.
K- Drumsticks

43: What instruments do you play??
S- I sing! But no instruments unless you count my rusty recorder skills.
K- I used to play the drums... not very well I must add

44: Favorite piece of jewellery?
S- My ring which I got for my 16th birthday and has not come off since, I don't think it actually does come off anymore. 
K- My Pandora earrings which I got for my birthday

45: Last sport you played?
S- Wow, probably years ago when I was still doing PE, I have a gym at my house so not really a sport kind of gal.
K- I threw a Rugby ball around on Sunday, does that count?

46: Last song you sang?
S- Daydreamer by Adele 
K- Somewhere Over The Rainbow 

47: Favorite chat up line?
S- Something genuine.
K- I'm not the best one with chat up lines

48: Have you ever used it?
S- Hmm well this doesn't really apply to my boring answer.
K- Agreed

49: Last time you hung out with anyone?
S- My friend lives with me so all the time really.
K- Last night I went with S to an exhibition then to the pub

50: Who should answer these questions next?
S- Anyone and Everyone! But a special shout out to Emilie at Someone in the Corner.