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!