My replacement pancakes to make breakfast fun whilst dieting

Pancakes have become my craving since my trip to Kaspas. For those unaware, it is a desert joint that serves anything and everything sweet. In this picture by here…

Pancakes are not all that bad, as there is no sugar in them but just a lot of carbs. They become bad when you add caramel, ice cream, Nutella and chocolate chunks… my mouth is watering but anyways.

Porridge was all I was having for breakfast and not the usual porridge you buy. I have been buying the Tesco free from gluten pure oats pack. Purely oats!!! No added sugars nor powdered milk.

I have been craving so bad for pancakes and I found a way to make my breakfast more fun in the week by having them with less wheat and more oats. Here’s the trick:

Step one! The main ingredient:

Buy plain oats, wheat free, your much better off:check out this product from Tesco that I always buy. I always measure my oats, as its good to know how much your consuming rather than guessing so I measure my oats up to 30g.

Step two:

I measure self raising flour (gluten free) by 20g which is usually two big tablespoons.

Step three:

Then add one raw egg, a teaspoon of Whole earth smooth peanut butter, 100 ml of soya milk, I buy the cashew or roasted Alpro milk its so sweet and only 21 calories. Remember this should all be in a good size mixing bowl.

Step four:

I then wisk or blend it all until the oats are broken down and the ingredients are runny and smooth. A blender is best as the oats are really hard to grind.Add a tea spoon of butter to the pan and pour the mix.

Be warned, because there isn’t much flour, the pancake will break a little as you try and get under the pancake yiu may not get it first time. You have to let the heat get to the bottom for a while and go round the edge of the pancake with a spatula and turn the pan around so the mix on top can burn on the sides. Keep repeating this a few times.

Everyone loves a perfectly round pancake.

Step five:

Then add some banana’s and dice them up thin so you have more to eat and I always add some Manuka honey for extra sweetness but not too much…

Incredibly filling! I ate this pancake at 10:00 am and didn’t eat until 2:00. For some thats fine but to me thats weird, as I always have lunch at around 12 because I’m starving by then.

I hope you guys try this out and love it as much as I do, its really great to have as a replacement but try and stay away from those sugary spreads because this oat pancake becomes useless, give it the love it deserves. Treats are for the weekend!

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The mascara I’ve used since I was 16

(Cruelty free! See link below)

Yes, Rimmel London and we have spent many happy years together, you all may see mascara as just mascara but to me its my everything. As bloggers we are always up for trying new cosmetics and my bank account is evident to that… but hell to the no on switching this baby. I CAN NOT leave the house with out it on, I guess you could say that makes me a little insecure but when you have bleach blonde eyelashes like I do, your gunna need all the help you can get.

Rimmel London Extreme black Wonder’Full mascara has been my haven. I am blessed with long lashes anyways but this baby really extends them and make my eyes look bigger. This product will in fact help you in achieving naturally long lashes because it has Argan oil ingredients, so your basically giving yourself the extra treatment of looking gorgeous. Also, when I apply, it somehow intensifies my natural eye colour, they are blue but whenever I apply, but my eyes becoming deep blue. Wonder’Full covers all the hairs and gives them great volume, others ask if am wearing fake ones! I get it alllll the time, so I’ve never switched because I’m too loyal and in love.

Do you guys have any favourite products you just can’t part with?

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Link: Animal cruelty Free

My red cardigan and gold coin necklace are personal to me

She will never stop living in memory and certainly lives in my clothes.

Today I visited my nan’s grave at the cemetery, it felt strange. Almost like I was looking at a different name and felt sad for someone else. As the day went on, she become more and more part of my day.

I was inspired to do a style post today, its gloomy, wet and dull here in Wales and so my hopes of wearing a black dotty sundress went out the door. I went hunting for my black frilled top with flared sleeves, to go with my mom jeans – but as I walked into the spare room, (the room that is now mine and my mother’s wardrobe) I saw all of my nan’s old jumpers and cardigans.

Most of them are going to a lady who makes blankets and toys out of jumpers and cardigans. I chose an elephant toy (I’ve been thinking of an elephant toy especially for when I have children). I saw this red Sheer cardigan peeping out and thought how gorgeous. THE cardigan I have been searching for, thank you nan. Lovely fit, not too loose not too tight, and I love this chenille material, its like a soft velvet. Chic and relaxed its the best combination for my preferred style. The cardigan is from Marks and Spencer’s. For anyone who lives in the UK would know this is a quality and expensive cardi. I had to feature my nan’s gold coin necklace. Yes, authentic! I don’t need to be buying any replicas.

This red cardigan is not disappearing any time soon, I don’t have a choice in the rubbish weather we keep having but I love to layer my outfits, so this would be great wrapped round my waist or underneath a denim jacket and dotty sundress. Keep an eye out to see this next look! I’m very excited and feeling very emotional. I just love how she is still very much involved physically, the cardigan smells like her so much. The freaky part is as well, it was made in Thailand… coincidence. Fits like a glove and my mother is pretty jealous I found this beauty amongst the mountain of jumpers!

Angel xo

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The Mystery Blogger Award

I would like to give a massive thank you to the lovely blogger Opinionating for nominating me and your kind words. To be nominated with this one is fantastic! Opinionating feels my content motivates her and thats all I ever want my followers to feel. Some sort of passion and fire because it’s exactly how I feel when I see successful bloggers, I just want to make my way up and anything is possible if you believe and put your mind too it. I feel I have the strength as I have proven so much in my life and I’m 20!

What is Mystery Blogger Award?

“This is an award for amazing bloggers with indigenous posts. Their blog not only captivates; it inspires and motivates. They are one of the best out there, and they deserve every recognition they get. This award is also for bloggers who find fun and inspiration in blogging and they do it with so much love and passion.”

Rules

• Thank whoever nominated you and include link to their blog
• Tell your readers 3 things about yourself
• Nominate 10-20 bloggers you feel deserve the award
• Answer the questions from the person who nominated you
• Ask your nominees 5 questions of your choice with one weird or funny one
• Notify your nominees by commenting on their blog

3 Things about me:

1. I have to drink two cups, one morning one night time, of apple cider vinegar every day until Friday. This helps my metabolism and loose weight fast!
2. I have to, have to, HAVE TO have three meals a day, brunch throws me off and I just need that structure in my diet. I just feel like crap if I don’t have my set meals. God I sound like a granny.
3. I love having goals, I just love achieving! I just have to get what I want and being a perfectionist can be draining but I would never change that part of myself, its all of me really.

Questions for me:

1. What is your goal for 2018?
   – My goal is to just be happy and always put that first, always have ambitions which I won’t have problems with. I’m always finding a challenge! always trust my instincts (that are more often or not always correct) and do what I know my nan would want me to do. I am on a certain path right now to become semi successful in blogging. I love it so much and just really want to build on it more, its a fantastic place for creative thought.
2. If you could have coffee with one book character, who would it be?
   – this may seem very uneducated but hey a movie that is also in book form is good too! So definitely Bridget Jones because she is the double of me and I attract that sort of energy. My two best friends are 100% Bridget Joneses! ALSO, I would love a coffee (but perhaps she would drink something more expensive and lively like champagne) but Daisy Buchanan from The Great Gatsby, a classic. Every word she speaks is delicious and dramatic.
3. Where are you planning to travel to next?
   – Well me and my partner are thinking of going to Italy or Greece, and recently a hotel in France contacted me on Instagram and it is a Vineyard between Pisa and Florence so that seems amazing. Plus I am thinking of going to Paris with my best friend that same year, a lot is potentially on the cards for next year so I am excited.
4. What is your favourite thing about yourself?
   – I am self assured and know what I want and whats good for me. I love that.
5. What would be one piece of advice you would want to give your younger self?
   – Oh gosh there is so much, well perhaps I would give little Jess a hug and tell her how successful and amazing she is gunna be when she grows up (yes vain) but who cares what others think of me, I have worked so hard to get to where I am and little me used to be so unconfident!!!! I never believed I would amount to anything and so did a lot of people, I would dream of having the perfect man in early teens and it came true, [little Jess screams inside]. It’s not always about boys when your a teen, but now to have someone love you and need you the way you both do is a feeling that can’t be put into words, but I guess ‘He’s my family’ is a great start.
   I went through a tough time when I was in my early teens so I would just sit little Jess down and say ‘don’t sweat the small stuff, your wasting your time’ overthinking and hormones… not good …but yeah I was a worried child then, but other than that little glitch – VERY HAPPY, go lucky AND BUBBLY CHILD around friends and family.

My nominees are:
1. Melange of Words
2. Magic in Everyday
3. Diva named Dom
4. Makeup Dreamer
5. Interest In Me
6. Chetnatripathi
7. Curiosity
8. February Circus
Questions to my nominees:
1. What makes you, you!?
2. Do you have any habits, i.e bite nails, tap foot?
3. Have you accomplished dreams, you never thought were possible?
4. What do you want the most right now!?
5. How would you brand your fashion style?
Again, thank you opinionating for nominating me, such a huge honour and I feel so blessed.
Have a great Sunday everyone xo

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Where I find Zen

I don’t know if it is because I am consciously looking for any source that surrounds me with the feeling of harmony, but it has come to my attention mindfulness has certainly been found by so many. I can’t say it’s fact but it feels as though people are actively looking for mindfulness within modern day society. Most are delving into enlightened paths, not so much reaching enlightenment like the Buddha, but enlightening their senses to what makes them feel so trapped and erratic. Everyone is trying to find their place, as am I and found a little corner within my hometown that is just adorable.

For anyone visiting Wales and fancy taking some time out within their day to relax and get back in touch with yourself, WaterStone book shop in Cardiff should be on the top of your list. This is my 2nd best spot… the beach is first of course!

But I guess the beach doesn’t have this charming feel. When you walk in it’s so sweet and the quaint stairs lead you up to my favourite part of the shop, which is the spiritual writing and self help section. I took another detour in search of a mindfulness book and ended up with something more adventurous. I do tend to go for more thoughtful books nowadays, but like the buddha teaches about the ‘middle way’ and how too much of something can be bad – I agree and went for a fiction. Im already set for a more holistic book ready for the beaches in Thailand, a book by the monk and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh.

I sat down with all these books until I made a decision and the staff in their are so helpful and its great to see the place so busy and receiving lots of business. It really deserves it as it has a warm welcoming feel, with it’s own cafe… how can it not attract people. Sat there with a coffee and cake reading your books. I would be typing away in their cafe if I had the choice but my unfortunately my Mac was not with me.

But as I’m home and looking at my new displayed night stand, the showcase of books make me feel happier because books are so fulfilling and make me very sleepy. I don’t sleep that well so this is very therapeutic! Stacked up nicely with the help of my two marble horses passed down from my nan. She always makes a mark in my life. It’s been a great day! Oh, and this gorgeous brown leather book and pen from Waterstones is my trusty blogging book. Packed full of ideas and notes. Thanks Waterstones 🖤

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Sunshine Blog Award

The fact my blog/ content has made some sort of impact is an incredible feeling. Thank you ~Curiosity~ We have only just come across each other’s blog’s in a short amount of time, and for you to have nominated me, despite the amount of blogs you read on the daily is so kind! A real confidence boost! For sure, this blogger does share quality content, I always find their posts relatable, from light to real life stories and some colourful and calming quotes, its totally my kind of zen zone, where I often go over too and you should get following also!

An award given by a blogger to a fellow blogger that is considered to share positive and creative content. Most importantly, it helps bring bloggers together and shine a light on the ones who work so hard to give their readers/ audience what they like to see. So, again Thank you ~Curiosity~

So here are the Rules:

• Thank the blogger who nominated you in a blog post and link back to their blog.
• Answer the 11 questions the blogger asked you.
• Nominate 11 new blogs to receive the award and write them 11 new questions.
• List the rules and display the sunshine blogger award logo in your post/or on your blog.

Here are my 11 questions asked of me by ~Curiosity~ :

1. What do you like most about you?

I have to be honest, I could go on about my appearance because I think its always important to love the way you were born but what I’ve noticed over the years is inner beauty. Happiness is beautiful and I love how happy and content I am in myself, my friend told me the other day “I am a pretty self assured person” and really, I think that’s a great compliment.

2. What is the one country/state/city you want to visit this year?

Well the one place I do want to go is Thailand and I get to go this summer in fact with my partner. I still can’t grasp that I am ticking this off my bucket list. We all have a bucket list and to be fair it takes a while for us to tick off some of the list but I have to say I am doing pretty well because last year was Rome… check!

3. What is the one book you recommend everyone read?

Well I used to read adventure books, but I changed my love of adventure books to more profound adventures such as buddhism. I am always down for a good humanism book, that focuses on the rational outlooks we should all obtain because life can get crazy man.

4. What is your favorite Disney Movie? and Why?

I am not a huge fan of Disney, if I had to pick, perhaps it would be Snow White in 1938. The grainy animation and colour fascinates me of that time fascinates me, her blocked coloured puffy sleeve dress makes me chuckle? The vulnerable elegant voice is warming and hey, those 7 dudes are funny!

5. What is your favorite Marvel Movie? and Why?

It is now Black Panther, the story was as predictable as any other Marvel but the way in which they gave the actresses a very strong and empowering roles was a breathe of fresh air. I am so sick of seeing lady hero’s in tight skimpy outfits. Wonder Woman was a no go from me. This is a jump from Snow White but I appreciate all types of women. DO NOT SEXUALISE WOMEN WHEN SHE IS SUPPOSED TO BE A STRONG HEROINE… HER BODY SHOULD NOT BE USED TO SELL FILMS. It’s 2019. I’m cool…

6. What would you do for free?

Money I definitely the source of all evil. It’s great having it if you earned it but sometimes money is not the source of all happiness, I would always help out people less fortunate for free because thats the biggest gift you can give and to yourself. To be a good person is to show compassion for others.

7. What three words would your best friend use to describe you?

‘bitch’ but not in a nasty way as in like ‘biiiiiiitch…’ like slaaayy girl. HAHA! We always say this. ‘funny’ always cracking others up with my words, cruel/ dry (tough love) or light. ‘crazy’ I tend to go on a mad one every once in… well all the time. I have a lot of energy!

8. Where would you rather be right now?

In Thailand! Italy! Greece! Bora Bora…

9. What is your favorite drink?

Alcoholic would be Pina Colada. Then ordinary would be squash or coffee with soya milk!

10. What is your favorite country/state/city that you visited and why?

I have been to so many wonderful places, I truly have been blessed. It be hard to choose from, NYC, Florida, Miami, Barcelona, Rome, Italy skiing, and then the regular Spain holiday’s to Salou. (And so much moooore) I can’t choose I mean look at all those amazing trips I listed. I have to say though the trips have been were made extra special because of the people I experienced them with. Got to love family.

What inspired you to start a blog?

Well, I always wanted one. I saw some girl in uni had one and I wanted one. Just for the fun of it, I thought fashion and beauty would be an easy one – I alway liked fashion anyways but never took as seriously as I do now. Turns out it’s one of the hardest things to blog about, trying to come up with more fun innovative content that keeps my readers interested and finding new products/ brands to try out in order to explore and learn more beyond my horizons in the fashion world. My fashion sense has really matured and fashion is not just the clothes you wear, your making statements beyond the wardrobe. I have since come across amazing experience in fashion journalism and love how this area of the internet REALLY keeps me on my toes.

(So sorry for the long winded answers, I talk too much)

Here are my questions to the ones I nominated:

1. How and why did you become a blogger?
2. What is the most important and favourite thing about being a blogger?
3. What do you care about the most?
4. Where do you see yourself in the next few years? Do you have any goals?
5. Where do you want to be right now on this earth? Name a place?
6. Say 3x things you love about yourself
7. Describe yourself in one word
8. Are you religious or are you a humanist, (more mind, body and soul)
9. What’s your fashion style?
10. Whats your go too outfit stable, nice bag or jewellery? Good jeans or skirt??
11. Do you want to become a professional blogger

MY NOMINATIONS:

Rohan Gandhe Your posts are so inspiring to me because of how raw and in depth they go, about really fun topics.

ELLEGUYENCE Really unique style of blogging, I’ve never encountered before but it works so well, your so engaging and it’s always great to click onto your blog.

Irowen really helpful when it comes to sharing posts, I learn so much from little things and your so interactive with your audience I just think its so important.

Chomeuse with a Chou This blogger has been so kind and supportive and every blogger needs a fellow blogger like Chomeuse with a Chou! if you want to read a bit of everything this blog is your go too! I love reading different things one after the other.

Crystalsandcurls I love the gorgeous images, the tone of the blog. Really transcends some light topics into must reads! Her words don’t stop carrying you through until the end.

Those are my nominees, again thanks to ~Curiosity~ because doing this makes me feel closer again to my reader now that they know more about me. I always love sharing personal notes about myself, so a huge honour.

May you all be safe, happy and healthy! (the three keys in life)

Love Jess xox

Hitch hiker

Wearing all your clothes on your back. It occurred to me, once I had set my duffle bag on the platform concrete, gazed upon the end of the track to find my train and saw myself replicating some really cheesy film, when the teen runs away from home, seen wearing any old clothes and their best gear which in my case my boyfriends shirt and my faux fur coat.

Yep, that was me yesterday. A good old fashioned hot mess, as I hitch hiked my way down to my friends with a bottle of prosecco instead of food essentials, ready to hit the night life in our local town. I think I pulled off the glam look during the night, I certainly jumped from one end of the style scale.

I’m sorry for the very blurry picture that seems to appear on wordpress? But, yes I felt this outfit. Especially because I had to pin the skirt because it was too big for me! Still can’t believe I’ve lost a stone!

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Don’t wait for something to make a comeback

Make it your own… I’ve learnt over the course of time that fashion always has a throwback but style endures. I kinda stole that from madam moiselle herself. Anyways. It’s true.

Also, flickering through old pictures of my nan, it REALLY stands out how much the style in her time as prevalence in today’s fashion.

If you see the feature image, her oversize blouse, big buttons and high collar. To die for! So vintage but maybe to some the collar is a miss because, ya know, Dracula. But I say whatever. I need it and it would be fab with corduroy trousers. Another one that was considered old man’s pants and a disgusting material let’s not forget people’s marmite love for velvet. Now it’s probably the most favoured material.

Not long ago, denim on denim was yuk, and then all of a sudden the haters are lovers… I bet people reading are thinking “that was never the case” but it for sure was. I remember I tried to pull off denim on denim on holiday years ago and my girlfriend said “no. Just no.”

I’m mature enough to know now that anything goes, when ever!

Just love your fashion confidence! I know I certainly am.

I was once thinking about how when I was younger I used to put a waisted belt on everything and 14 year old me was like “thats so lame.” But it’s so ANY TIME!

Like… it is an amazing staple for your outfits. I can find maxi dresses look boxy on me somehow, so for something to cinch my waist… I’m going to find me a nice waisted belt to go with everything in my wardrobe!

Any features/statements from the past are welcome!

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My new lifestyle

It’s been a long journey and the longest I have ever gone on a health plan, I am the best I have ever felt.

I started at the beginning of the year during a time where it was so hectic but I thought if I don’t do this now I never will. Over the course of time from then and now I have lost nearly a stone!

I first weighed in at 9 stone 4 and now I am 8 stone 8! I need to get to 8 stone 6 and I would of hit my target.

The thing is though as soon as I hit target I can’t stop there, no I don’t mean in a dangerous way. But it’s become my lifestyle now.

I’ve cut out bad lunches which seemed to be the main problem. I have become more aware of calories which is not a bad thing at all and portion sizes are crucial. I have really become educated and feel so motivated all the time. I feel more in control of what I put into my body. I really have proven to myself that I can do it.

It does amaze me how people on slimming world loose so much weight so quickly because I certainly haven’t. But I have to say my way of doing things has been my preferred way.

I’ve learnt over the years, where I had lost weight quickly, I took advantage and ate bad and thought “awh well I’ll just loose it again another time”. Health and fitness is a lifestyle change and there is no quick fix. I do tend to see many on slimming world fall back into bad habits after such a quick weight loss.

Lifestyle changes and routines really help you make those big important steps.

Sometimes if I found an upcoming week where I had free time I would go very intense with my diet and do 800 calories a day and then burn 600 of it off everyday!

This seems dangerous and it could be if you don’t educate yourself enough and get information via doctor. But this is great to loose a few pounds within a week. (I started off small first like 1,000 and then dropped it down more)

The things I was eating were already low in calories anyways. Such as spinage and kale and vegetables. I stuck to quorn meat instead of real meat.

I prefer it now anyways.

It really does involve discipline and it can be very draining so that’s why I always made sure that it was during weeks where I was free.

This can’t be a regular thing though. If you want to do this continuously which I did for 6 weeks. That is plenty! Otherwise you can become dizzy, have nausea, thin hair and constipation.

Any other time just reduce the calorie in take to 1,100/200. And DRINK 2 LITRES OF WATER. This will for sure fill you up and give you all the goodness. Detox is the key to a good health and fitness journey.

Cheat weekends are also very important. Friday and Saturday are my days to eat bad and not feel guilty. This actually helps your body guess itself and your metabolism goes into beast mode. I found I was loosing an extra pound by Sunday!

It’s all about discipline. And I always felt with diets you were missing out and “life’s too short”. That old chest nut. But if you have cheat days you are bound to stick to your diet more and feel you have something to work towards in the week.

A great way to speed up your mstobilmsim is Apple cider vinegar! Two tablespoons in your drink and knock it back 2x a day.

I am now on a 900/1,000 cal a day for a week or 2 and see if I can drop some of those stubborn pounds. I can’t wait to hit target but that doesn’t mean it’s game over.

You always have to maintain to look and feel your best.

I feel so energetic and motivated. So happy I have found a health path that works for me.

Remember always consult your doctor because they can give you the best tips and assure you what’s good for your BMI.

6 short tips

– find someone or something thst influences you. My inspiration was Kourtney Kardashian! Her legs! This can help give you an image in your head. (Bare in mind we are all different but it’s always nice to have something to aspire too)

– try out loads of different health foods to see which ones work for you. I love avocados now.

– research!!!!!

– download apps that help you keep track of your meals/ calories

– make a food diary via app or notepad!!! Hang on your wall as a reminder every time you pass it.

– always wake up a little earlier than before to make healthy breakfast and a good lunch. In time you will become much quicker at preparing foods! I’m so quick now!

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