Sunday 17 April 2016

Spring wardrobe detox

 


It’s that time of year when the days get lighter, the temperature warmer and floral/nude shades make an appearance on the high-street once again.

Now is the perfect time to declutter, spring clean and start the new season fresh – and where better place to start than with your wardrobe?

Here’s some tips on what to do with those winter woolly jumpers and thick tights, and a few fresh spring styles to replace them with.

1. Declutter


-First up you need to make space. Set aside a few hours to go through your wardrobe and remove any clothes which won't be required in warmer weather, e.g: thick jumpers, big coats, thermals, etc, etc...

2. Storage vs donate


-Now the tricky part: to keep or not to keep? Is the item an investment piece/timeless classic/still wearable next winter? If the answer is no then get rid! The aim is to declutter so anything that no longer serves you should be donated to charity or gifted to a lucky friend.

                            

3. Replace


-Let the fun begin! Hopefully you've cleared plenty of space in your closet so now you can rediscover last season's stored favourites and of course... hit the high-street for a few new things to reward your hard work.


Spring wardrobe


Spring/Summer 16 is all about nautical, nineties and new romantic with a touch of pretty spring florals for good measure. Here's some of this season's key pieces that guarantee to set your summer/spring style on fire... 

Bag
Top
Shorts
Wedges
Watch

Nineties


Jacket
Trainers
Cap

Nudes


Palette
Body
Skirt
Jumper
Lipstick
Shoes

New romantic




Top
Jeans
Dungarees
Shirt
Jacket
Shorts
Cap

Fringe


Top
Gilet

Monday 4 April 2016

Beautiful breakfasts



Breakfast has always been my favourite meal of the day, I've never understood people who can go without eating in the morning - I need food to function!

I always allow time to sit down and enjoy a good breakfast, even if it means getting up extra early. That quiet, blissful moment when nobody else is up yet allows me to wake up properly and prepare for the day ahead.

I've never been much of a savoury breakfast person and always opt for fruit, granola or pastries over eggs and cooked breakfasts, although this can sometimes lead to unnecessary amounts of sugar - the last thing you want to be fueling your body with in the morning.

Here's a few of my favourite healthy breakfast recipes that are both delicious and nutritious, and are a great way to begin your day.

Holly xx


Berrylicious porridge (serves 1)



A deliciously fruity take on standard porridge, this warming bowl of goodness will keep you full until lunch and satisfy your sweet tooth without adding any sugar.

Ingredients
50g rolled oats
250ml almond/coconut/oat/rice milk
1 handful raspberries
1 handful chopped strawberries
1 handful blueberries
Flaked almonds (optional)
Cinnamon (optional)

Method
-Place the oats and milk in a saucepan, bring to the boil and simmer for 4-5 minutes while stirring.
-Add the berries and simmer for a further minute.
-Mix in the almonds, a sprinkle of cinnamon and serve.


Superfood smoothie (serves 1)



You would never guess it contains half of your daily serving of greens, but this tasty antioxidant packed smoothie will fill you up, give you lots of energy and make your skin glow.

Ingredients
1 chopped banana
1 handful blueberries
1 handful spinach
1 handful kale
1 stalk chopped celery
10cm sliced cucumber
1-2 tbsp cashew/almond butter
250 ml almond/coconut/oat/rice milk
1-2 tbsp chia seeds
1-2 tbsp lemon juice

Method
-Combine ingredients in a blender.
-Mix in the chia seeds and serve.


Almond and coconut granola (serves 10)



The perfect weekend breakfast, this refined-sugar, wheat and gluten free granola is best enjoyed with fresh blueberries, a dollop of coconut yoghurt and the Sunday paper.

Ingredients
500g rolled oats
10g flaked almonds
1 handful raisins/sultanas
5 tbsp dessicated coconut
2 tbsp maple syrup/raw honey
2 tbsp melted coconut oil
100 ml almond milk
2-3 tbsp cinnamon 

Method
-Preheat oven to 180C.
-Place all ingredients except the dessicated coconut in a mixing bowl and combine well.
-Spread evenly on a greased baking tray and place in the oven for 10 minutes.
-Carefully turn over the mixture then bake for a further 15 minutes until the oats are golden and crunchy.
-If you prefer a more 'baked' taste leave for a little longer - just make sure it doesn't burn.
-Remove from oven and leave to cool.
-Once cool, transfer mixture into a bowl and add the dessicated coconut and a little more cinnamon to taste.



Berry yoghurt bowl



A quick,easy and satisfying breakfast loaded with berry goodness and the options of hundreds of different toppings.

Ingredients
1 handful raspberries
1 handful strawberries
1 handful blueberries
1/2 chopped banana (optional)
1-2 handfuls granola/rolled oats
150g coconut/soya yoghurt

Method
-Place the yoghurt and berries/banana in a bowl.
-Sprinkle with oats/granola and top with an optional dash of honey, maple syrup or cinnamon.




Friday 1 April 2016

Hello April


Well that went quick... 

Dinners, drinks, blogger events and a long Easter weekend have been the highlights of March, and I am now about to enter the final term of my second year at university! Scary.

April is set to be a busy month, with a portfolio deadline looming, various projects to organise and a fashion week to cover - it's going to be challenging but i'm so excited to get stuck in and make the most of the beautiful new season.

It's time to spring clean, start fresh and embrace spring's new awakening.

Out with the old and in with the new.

Have a great month!


Holly xx

Here's a few pics from the last month...


 Blogging for #NottmFW

 All pink errythang

 Everyday

Berrylicious breakfast

 Spring beauty

Werk werk werk #Gym

Veggie courgetti 

 Thursday night fun

Calypso nails

Saturday night

Party time

Mirror mirror on the wall


Can you guess my favourite chocolate?

Happy Easter!

For more pics follow me on Instagram @misshollyamber