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10 Things That Have Made Me Happy This Week

All I've wanted to do this week is lie in a bikini by a pool / on a beach / by any water imaginable I don't really mind. Instead, I've been working on a 10 day event and living in a house in South London with a group of students, staying with Debrett's for a summer school programme - not quite the same?! The house is, however, beautiful. Used by the White Company for filming and photo shoots, everything is big, bright, white and airy. Its a great place to stay and if it wasn't for having to work while I'm here, would definitely feel like a holiday! There have been a few things keeping me happy this week - always the little things! - and my top ten are below...

Loving Breakfast

The breakfast I ate as a child now horrifies me: white bread, or worse still nothing at all. Not for want of trying on the part of my mother but I was definitely stubborn and I have no idea how I got through the day. Now, if I don't eat within about half an hour of waking up I am nothing but grumpy, can barely function and feel pretty rubbish.

10 Things I Learnt From Goodroots London

Goodroots London is an urban wellness and food festival, which was hosted for the first time this year at the amazing MC Motors venue in Dalston. Sarah and I headed down for the day on Saturday and were more than a little bit impressed with the set-up, speakers and food offering. Full post tomorrow but here are 10 things that I learnt from Goodroots London. Here's to next year! 

Gail's

On Sunday morning I met up with Gee at Dolphin Square in Pimlico for a trial of the gym. My current gym contract comes to an end this month so I am taking the opportunity to try out some new venues. We started with an Iyengar yoga class, before heading to the mats for a quick workout and ending with an amazing swim, steam and sauna. It was such a perfect way to start a Sunday morning and so worth getting up early for. 

We finished at the gym around 12pm - otherwise known as brunch time! After a quick google in the changing rooms, we decided to head to Gail's for some food. The sun was shining and it was a gorgeous walk across Pimlico, with its stunning Regency buildings and gorgeous townhouses in varying pastels.  

The Alchemist

The Alchemist Bevis Marks is described as a 'glint of gold against the charcoal and black suits of the city' and is the perfect place for post-work tipples. Most of my friends work in and around the city and I've managed to visit twice in the last two weeks, and am sure that a third trip isn't far away! 

Located just a short stroll away from Liverpool Street Station, between Aldgate and Brick Lane, the location is one of five from the brand, with all of the other locations up North, including Manchester and Leeds. 

I love the concept for its sleek design, amazing and eccentric menu and knowledgable staff. The prices by no means match the style and service - cocktails are priced around the £8-mark. Its a little bit different to the 'usual' city offering, very relaxed in atmosphere despite being busy throughout the evening. The design work is stunning but it's the menu that truly makes the venue. 

A Little Bit of Love For... L.K. Bennett

Or their skirts to be more precise. We all know L.K. Bennett produce some of the most beaut shoes around but did you also know they have an amazing ready-to-wear collection each season? Classic and chic, with everything from dresses to tops to coats, its my go to place for browsing and outfit inspiration!

Drake & Morgan: Kings Cross

A couple of weeks ago, we finished work on a Friday night as close to 5.30pm as possible and travelled up from central to Kings Cross. We had a booking at Drake and Morgan for some birthday celebrations! 

I love Friday night dates and when there's a birthday to celebrate as well, dates are even better. The boy didn't know where we were heading and I'd planned cocktails followed by a later supper reservation and was more than a little bit excited to execute my plan! 

Studio Review: Another Space

Last Monday evening, I headed to Another Space. A brand new concept gym, with drop in classes, Another Space is the cooler younger sister of the renowned Third Space gym in Soho. Located between Leicester Square and Covent Garden, you enter to attractive gym-goers, dressed in sleek black sweats, on reception and a big white space with wooden floors. There's a small shop area retailing workout gear and a cafe with smoothies. 

I visited on launch day so was met by the Manager at the door and given a tour of the space. The concept is a simple one: three studios, three types of classes and white clean changing rooms filled with Cowshed products! The staff were attentive and somehow I don't think this will change as the gym gets busier. 

10 Things That Have Made Me Happy This Week

Oh hiiiii June. You came around quite quickly. And did you forget to bring the sunshine? I'm sure you're meant to count as summer as I sit here in long cashmere socks and a jumper...? Anyway, this week has been a good one. Its been one of those weeks that has been super busy and somewhat exhausting but the bank holiday weekend has definitely made it go quickly. Work has been satisfying, we're progressing with new house discussions and it all started with an amazing weekend at Centre Parks with my favourite girls. Its definitely been a fit (ish) week - the perfect combination of delicious food and good classes. And I definitely still fall into the category of always choosing the food option wherever there has to be a choice!! Here's the 10 things that have made me happy this week...

Oat & Berry smoothie

Mentioned in my weekly favourites a couple of weeks ago, this smoothie has fast become my go-to breakfast and I've been making it a few days a week. Great when you're running out the door to work, but still want to fit in a good breakfast, this recipe (in the loosest sense, it's very very simple) is great for on the go. 

10 Things That Have Made Me Happy This Week

The past week has been a fun one. Sociable, filled with food and busy days a work with an upcoming office move. It's been lovely to see some of my favourite faces and enjoy London in Spring by having the time to explore a little. Here's what's made me happy this week... 

Exploring East London

On Friday night, one of my oldest friends came to stay. I've know Catherine since she was 3 months old, and I was four. We've grown up pretty-much as sisters, living in each others houses and going to each others mummy's to help with the dramas! Catherine lives at home in Suffolk so when she gets the chance for a trip to London, I like to show her local life, rather than the main attractions. This weekend was no different: Street Feast at Dalston Yard, a Fat Buddha yoga class at Dalston Roof Garden and lunch at Broadway Market. So basically a weekend of my favourite things and favourite people, all revolving around good food!

Studio Review: Frame

Up next in this little series of studio reviews is the renowned Frame, and notably the new Victoria opening which launched at the start of April.

Situated a two minute stroll from Victoria station, the location couldn't be easier. Classes range from Hit to Barre to Yoga and I've been to a couple of the Monday evening Frame Yoga classes over the last few weeks. There really is nothing better than Monday evening classes after a long day of work and I like the fact that all of the Frame classes operate on a drop in basis - you don't feel like you're joining a regular group as the newbie!

Studio Review: The Detox Kitchen

Image copyright - Madeline Shaw

As promised, I wanted to take the time to offer some quick reviews on the yoga studios that I've visited to date. Each one is so different, the teachers so individual and in an increasingly growing wellness market, I think it can be hard to choose what's right for you.

Since re-starting yoga a couple of months ago, I've visited a variety of studios around London, trialing classes, teachers and styles. I'm definitely a Vinyassa girl but can take background from other practices - for examples teachers that take Vinyassa classes but have a background in Iyengar, with a specific focus on getting the posture 'just right'. So, my first studio review is the wonderful Detox Kitchen in Fitzrovia, which has been my destination of choice for the past couple of weekends.

10 Things That Have Made Me Happy This Week

I walked back from one of my meetings this week in the sunshine and it made the day a truly happy day. I had a spring in my step (see what I did there) and the idea of brown skin, picnics and long summers days are now tantalizing close. So, apart from the gorgeous weather, here's what's made me happy this week... 

Jamie's Italian

On Wednesday evening we got lucky. Pips popped down from Guildford for the evening and we headed to Jamie's in Covent Garden for supper. Pips is currently waitressing in between vet jobs so has managed to ensure a rather amazing staff discount that allowed us to truly explore the menu... 

Namaste (na-mas-tay)

The NHS describes Yoga as an ancient form of exercise that focuses on strength, flexibility and breathing to boost physical and mental wellbeing. I first got into yoga nearly 3 years ago, while I was at uni in my final year but it wasn't until a couple of months ago that I made a decision to start it again. I'm not really sure what prompted it. Work was a little bit 'meh', life was busy and I wanted to do something that was completely for me. So I started doing exercise again.

The 36 hours... of the weekend

This post was shared over on The Detox Kitchen blog last year but I only recently came across it. I love the weekends but I wouldn't say I live for them. I love quick drinks after work, weekday gym classes and cheeky midweek suppers with friends. However, the weekends truly give you time to relax, time to engage and time to explore.

Sweet potato hash

The perfect kitchen supper; sweet potatoes, spinach, smoked salmon and poached eggs. This recipe is quick, fuss free and delicious and I may have eaten it for the last two nights in a row for supper! Serve with a crisp glass of white wine - Picpoul is my current favourite - and devour on a cosy night at home. Best of all, this recipe is healthy too and completely adaptable. Serve with or without salmon, add other veggies if they're in the fridge and season to your liking with chilli, sea salt and black pepper. Read on and get creating!

10 Things That Have Made Me Happy This Week

I’m so ready for this weekend. Bank holiday and three days to potter. Mummy is heading to London for the day, I've got a yoga class and a haircut booked, and a date day to explore the city with the boy on Monday. I’m keeping my fingers crossed we have lovely weather after the last week of not knowing how to get dressed in the morning (and snow, I mean how is it okay for there to be snow in London in April?!) and am looking forward to a chilled out couple of days in the city. Here’s to a happy weekend! And here’s what’s made me happy this week…

26 Grains

The 26 Grains formula is to bring customers delicious wholesome grain based dishes or Bowls of Hygee as its termed. Hygge is a fundamental concept in Scandinavia with no direct English translation implying the notions of "coziness" or relaxing with friends and loved ones.

I've seen so many pictures of bowls of porridge over the last few months so after a Lulu Lemon yoga class one Sunday I decided to join Sarah for a visit (apparently this is termed 'basic' by Generation-Y and is a super trendy combo for a Sunday morning!!). I may or may not (definitely may) have already had breakfast so was really only accompanying but ended up persuing the menu and I was more than a little bit tempted!

Sketch

A couple of weeks ago, something fun happened: Sarah came back from 6 months in Hong Kong. We've been at school together since we were 16, traveled India together for 6 weeks and have spent the last year and a half sharing a flat in London. So, the news that she was coming back was very exciting indeed! 

The first weekend that she was home and in the city, we planned a little trip to the stylish Sketch, for brunch, located just of Regent Street on Conduit Street in central London.

10 Things That Have Made Me Happy This Week

The past week seems to have flown by... Two after work events, a million meetings, a couple of gym classes and trying to fit in time to be in bed before 11 wherever possible (I'm an absolute 8 hour girl). It's felt like a positive week though. The flat has been full of flowers, I've woken up to sun shining through the blinds at least twice and May is a month of fun, with some great plans in place already. Here are the things that have made this last week great... 

Sunny London

I've been dreaming of beaches and bikinis, of blue skies and blue sea for a while now. But London just looks better when the sun shines and the weather is definitely helping my cravings for some travel. 

London playtime

Pizza, prosecco, cocktails and my favourite people all in one place (Sarah you were truly missed!). 

The Norfolk Roadtrip

This weekend, we set off on a little road trip to celebrate our anniversary. We felt a trip out of London was a little overdue so decided to head to Norfolk for some beaches, sunshine and a visit to a rather charming boutique hotel. 

4 years

4 years. 4 years of being with a boy who is also my best friend and definitely keeps me sane. Being told when I'm wrong, when i'm being ridiculous and when a dress doesn't look quite right. Someone who knows when I need a pick-me-up, have had a bad day without being told or just need a compliment as a little confidence boost before a big day. Being able to bicker, argue and defend our values and ideals, and yet still feel totally confident in what we've got.

Kesgrave Hall

At the beginning of February, I made the journey home to Suffolk for a very special evening. The Fresh Starts, New Beginnings ball, hosted at Kesgrave Hall.

House of St Barnabas

Let me introduce you to the House of St Barnabus... 

A Chelsea Chocolate Tasting Tour

One of my genius Christmas presents from the boy this year was a Chocolate Ecstasy Tour which we booked for today. Based in Chelsea and Belgravia, the tour takes you to four artisanal shops and makers in the area, giving you the chance to learn more about the chocolate making process, and most importantly, to try everything in sight!

Florals

There is just something about having flowers in the house. Something that makes me feel a little bit happier, like Spring is that little bit closer and that the crazy busy day I've just come home from doesn't matter quite so much. 

10 Things That Have Made Me Happy This Week

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