As always, I couldn’t visit Brighton and not do some serious shopping! I like to try and save up some cash just so I can have a splurge while I’m there. As well as all the usual high street shops I love browsing the various independent shops in the Lanes and North Laines and of course I always make a visit to Infinity Foods and Taj as well as Wholefoods while I was in London. Here’s what I got!

Chocolate! Moo Free Caramelised Hazelnuts Milk Chocolate, Mr Popple’s 88% Strong Raw Dark Chocolate, The Raw Chocolate Company Dark Raw Chocolate with Mint, Montezuma’s dark chocolate turtles, 75% dark chocolate buttons and 54% dark chocolate buttons

The Raw Chocolate Company raw chocolate covered raisins, mulberries and goji berries, raw cacao powder and coconut palm sugar

Cashew butter, Raw Health Cacao Brazilnut Bliss, Carley’s raw almond butter and raw dark tahini

Spiru-tein protein powders in chocolate chip cookie dough and cookies and cream flavours, chocolate almond puddings

Raw Health crisp breads in Intensely Italian and Provençale varieties, Living Food Kitchen raw apple and cinnamon granola, InSpiral Loveberry raw granola

Taj spicy roast chickpeas, organic blue corn chips, green chia tea and sweet chilli tea

Goji berries, cacao nibs, dried mango and lemon salted almonds

Kabocha Squash!

I was chuffed that I found some kabocha squash in Taj to bring home with me, its been far too long! I actually got a few boxes of those teas as they were on offer and several bags of the cacao nibs as I’m snacking on them all the time at the moment. I’m very happy with the things I picked up, pretty much everything is something I’ve had before and know I’ll enjoy eating. The only experimental things I got was the coconut palm sugar which I’ve never tried before but have heard lots about, and the chocolate almond puddings which sounded nice!

Fashion wise I was looking forward to getting a few things in a bigger size (see this post as to why I’m trying to gain some weight) to reinvigorate my wardrobe. I also needed some make up as it is quite frankly embarrassing how long I’ve had some things in my make up bag!

Accessories – star bracelet: Silverado, heart pendant, statement collar necklace and pink jersey infinity scarf all Topshop

1940’s style floral vintage dress: Beyond Retro

Simple floral dress: H&M

Blue polka dot dress: H&M

Floral patterned blouse: Oasis

Slouchy pink jumper: Topshop (sale)

Purple slouchy vest top: Topshop

Black mid calf length boots: Oasis (sale), coral satchel: H&M, Bobble water bottle (on the recommendation of Tam): England at Home, Benetint cheek and lip stain, ‘they’re real’ mascara and brow powder and wax all Benefit, Tisserand deodorant roll on, Lush ‘angels on bare skin’ scrub

I also got some plain black slim leg pants from Zara and a sports bra and workout top from Sweaty Betty. I was so happy with the things I bought, that vintage dress is amazing! I usually never find anything vintage that suits me but the dress is perfect – the length is spot on and it has the best little lace up detail on each side of the waist which cinches it in to give a more hour glass figure. I was also chuffed to find that H&M had some knock off Cambridge style satchels – I had been eying up the genuine articles of these brightly coloured bags at a much higher price so to find one at £15 was great!

Suffice to say I will not be clothes or health foods shopping for a long time while my finances recover, but it was so worth it! Do you ever treat yourself to shopping sprees? What was the last treat you bought for yourself?

Hi everyone, hope your having a great weekend! We’ve had a fantastic time in Brighton this week. We had been planning on coming home yesterday but we decided to stay another day as we were having so much fun! I haven’t enjoyed the weather very much though, I don’t think I’ve ever been so cold as I have this week!

The Royal Pavilion

We travelled the 330 miles down to the south coast on Monday night so woke up Tuesday morning feeling refreshed and ready for our holiday!

Tuesday

Me and Tam and tasty food from Aloka

I met up with the gorgeous Tam who very kindly took me to my first ever Bikram Yoga class. I absolutely loved it! I’m so sad that no where in the North East does Bikram Yoga, I would definitely be a regular if I had the opportunity. After the class we went for lunch at the wonderful Aloka. I had a big plate full of the delicious dishes available, the red lentil, tempeh and cashew cheese lasagne was incredible! We couldn’t resist the raw desserts either, and I had a tasty raw cherry and pistachio macaroon. After that I met up with James again and we hit the shops – I made a beeline for Infinity Foods of course!

We finished Tuesday by going back into Brighton for a few drinks with some of James twitter pals which was a lot of fun!

Wednesday

Vegan scone and strawberry jam for breakfast, tasty treats from InSpiral cafe and Wholefoods

We decided to make the trip up to London on Wednesday so we got up early and I enjoyed a delicious vegan scone I’d bought from Infinity Foods the previous day, it tasted so good! We got the train to London and headed to Camden for a look around. It was so cold we didn’t do much looking around the market but thanks to a tweet from Emma I knew that InSpiral Cafe was close by. James warmed up with a latte but I couldn’t resist the opportunity to get a Green Goddess juice and a slice of the amazing chocolate peanut butter pie! I had a look at both the Camden and Soho Wholefoods as well as some of the shops on Oxford Street before came home. I got a totally lush salad bar box from Wholefoods to eat on the train which I also enjoyed with a huge vegan and gluten free peanut butter chocolate brownie that was to die for! Once we got back to Brighton we went to Fat Leos for an Italian meal and more red wine!

Thursday

Me looking half decent for once after getting my make up one at Benefit, Vanilla spice latte, chocolate chilli sorbet and a delicious Indian meal

On Wednesday we had a walk back into Brighton and had a big shopping day! I wanted to get some make up from Benefit and the staff wanted to show me some of the new products so I basically ended up having my whole face made up! We also stopped by Starbucks for about the 8th time that week to get a Vanilla Spice Soya Latte to warm up between shops. For lunch we stopped by Aloka again so I could get a take away box for lunch, but not before heading to Boho Gelato (thanks to Christina for the tip!) for a vegan sorbet. I got the Chocolate Chilli and my god that stuff had a kick, but it was very tasty! For our evening meal we came back into town and tried an Indian buffet restaurant. I had rice, tarka dahl, saag aloo, onion bhaji and naan bread, it was yummy! We also had more red wine:

We had found a bottle that we really liked in The Mesmerist so decided to go back and enjoy!

Friday

Tasty simple breakfast, Falafel sandwich from Infinity Foods Cafe, apple and maple cake and coffee from Iydea and an early valentines day gift from James

We had a nice lie in and I had a simple breakfast of banana, apple and peanut butter before we made our last trip to town. We got some gifts to bring home as well as stopping at Iydea for the most gorgeous apple and maple cake and a almond soy latte. The icing on that cake was incredible! I’d had a huge craving for falafel so we stopped by Infinity Foods Cafe and I got the Falafel sandwich with chilli hummus, tahini and red onion with salad which was lush. While looking in Montezuma’s chocolate shop James bought me an early valentines day gift of some dark chocolate hearts with cacao nibs and dates which were so delicious! Later in the day we had a walk around Hove and got some flowers for my Auntie before getting in an early night ready for our 5am alarm this morning so we could drive back and beat the traffic!

It’s lovely to be home but I am really going to miss Brighton! I feel like all I’ve done this week is drink coffee, eat vegan cake and guzzle red wine! Apart from the Bikram class I haven’t worked out at all, although we must have walked at least 4 miles a day just back and forth between Hove and Brighton! I did bring my running gear but it has been too cold to even attempt it. Overall I’ve really indulged myself this week, I’ve eaten delicious food with abandon, haven’t worried about exercise, and apart from a bit of twitter action I’ve been pretty unplugged from the internet too. I think its been just what I needed! Of course a lot of shopping has been done too, shopping haul post coming up soon! Now I’m just happy to start getting myself back into my routine again.

Hope you’ve all had a great week and are enjoying your weekend!

The best brownie I’ve ever had from Marwood Coffee Shop // autumn leaves // funky wall paper // indulgent breakfast – scone with whipped butter and jam plus smoothie // strawberry and mango froyo shake // my Aunts lemon polenta cake and Greek yoghurt // the Royal Pavilion // lunch at Iydea with the lovely Christina // big tub of Gelato

Our last few days in Brighton were just as awesome as the start of the week. I continued on the indulgent food theme enjoying lots of cake, ice cream and even another couple of pizzas! On Thursday I met up with the wonderful Christina for lunch and it was so great to finally meet her in person :-) Yesterday we drove home with my little car stuffed full of shopping bags. Here’s some of the things I bought…

Large wine glasses, microwavable soup cup, BPA free water bottle, smoothie cup, coffee spoon, round wooden chopping block, large floral print laundry bag

Coconut water, candied almonds, mint raw chocolate from Conscious, selection of raw chocolates from The Raw Chocolate Company, salted caramel spread, fig jam, chocolate covered pumpkin seeds and soy beans, honey roasted almonds

Water decaffeinated Coffee, lucuma powder, raw cheesy kale chips, Masala Chai tea, sweet chai tea,  olives, Jarrow Chocolate Brown Rice Protein Powder, Clipper Indian Chai Tea

Cassette iPad case, Rabbit night light (couldn’t resist), CD’s including First Aid Kit, Mumford and Sons, Lianne La Havas, Beth Jeans Houghton and the Hooves of Destiny

I also got some new clothes but more on that to come!

I was really chuffed as quite a lot of that stuff was on sale or on offer, what was the last bargain you picked up?

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Jordan’s Cereal Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to the lovely Lily! Please send me an email to laura@keepinghealthygettingstylish.com with your address and I’ll get your granola sent out!

Hi there everyone, get ready for a monster post, I really wasn't joking when I said I'd shopped till I dropped...

I have to start by explaining that this may appear quite extravagant in these tough times, however I had saved for this trip using my over time cash and my lovely Mam gave me by Birthday money a couple of weeks early so I've able to afford to indulge my shopping addiction. I am cold turkey now and back on my Big Budget Challenge! 

Food
I was really excited to be able to visit some health food stores in Brighton and London. I visited Infinity Foods in Brighton and Whole Foods in London. I also stopped by a few other little shops for chocolate goodies and an oriental supermarket. Heres what I bought:

Montzuma Dark Chocolate with Chilli, chopsticks, Dark Chocolate Dreams Peanut Butter (Oh my God! How lush?) Green Chai Tea, Green Tea, Choccywoccydoodah Milk Chocolate Discs with fruit and nut, Spirutein Fruitein sachet protein powder, Kallo Flatbreads in Seeded and Rosemary, RAW Crispbreads, Organic Cacao Nibs, Clif Bars, Fizz Wizz Popping Candy, Apple and Banana Puree, Nakd Ginger Bread Bar, Trek Cherry Flapjack, Meridian Peanut Butter and Oat bar, Rosskillys Organic Stem Ginger Fudge.

I'm so excited about trying all of these products, I've already eaten the fudge and Choccywoccydoodah which was amazing. I really wish I had shops like these near me, although its probably better for my bank balance that I don't!

Home
I love all of the quirky bits and pieces you can pick up in Brighton. As we have been planning a bit of an overhaul of the flat I took advantage of the opportunity to get some interesting things:

Oriental Jewelry Box, Union Jack Doggy Door Stop (both England at Home) - we've called him Winston ;-), storage jars (Ikea, we picked these up yesterday as we didn't find anything in Brighton), Tahitan Vanilla and Chilli Pepper Scented Candle (Abode), Plastic cups / desert bowls, spotty mugs and Cath Kidson mugs (all Berts), reuseable muffin cases, mini plastic photoframes for fridge (all Habitat), Domino Book of Decorating (Urban Outfitters), Eliza Doolittle CD, Patterned Birdy Decorations, Cream Tin Heart Decoration (both Velvet). I've put all of this stuff away until our next week off in a few weeks when we will be sorting the flat out, I can't wait to put everything on display!

Fitness
I visited Sweaty Betty and Sheactive to see if I could pick up some bargains in their sales, as well as some other great finds:

White Nike racer back vest top, pink Nike long line racer back vest with hidden support (both Sheactive), pink bobino headphone wire organisers (England at Home), pink BPA free plastic water bottle, white sweat bands and blue head band (both Sweaty Betty)

Beauty
I have been in real need of an overhaul of my beauty products. My skin is quite good but I have a greasy t - zone, I think I'm starting to show the first signs of ageing and I would like my skin to have a better texture. I had seen a good review of the Origins Zero Oil Toner by Sarah, and my friend had recommended other Origins products so I thought I'd load up on them now while I have the money. I also got some of my favourite products from Keihls, Korres and a fab MAC lippy:

Korres Almond Shower Gel (Liberty), Creme de Corps light weight body moisturiser, Pear Tree Body Scrub, Ultra Facial Moisturiser with SPF 15 (all Kiehls), Zero Oil Toner, Starting Over Anti Ageing Moisturiser, A Perfect World eye cream, Modern Friction Dermabrasion facial scrub, Free bag with mini products (all Origins), Matte Russian Red Lipstick, Brick Red Lip Liner (both MAC)

I don't mind investing in good quality make up and skin care as, on the whole in my experience they last much longer than cheaper products and are much more effective.

Fashion

I had a wonderful time clothes shopping! I had a few things in mind that I wanted to look for - I was going for things that I can wear Autumn / Winter, which are of a decent quality and can be mixed and matched for a range of outfits suitable for work, weekends, going out etc. I wanted to focus on affordable quality rather than quanity. Most of my autumn and winter clothes don't fit any longer, so I wanted some good basic pieces. I've spent today sorting through the old stuff ready to sell on ebay! Heres what I got:

Bag for work (TK Maxx) - I need a big bag for work which will hold my net book, folder and all the other junk I carry round, this fit the bill! Grey Leather peep toe boots (Oasis) these were reduced from £60 to £15, they look a lot better on than in the pic, I love them! Make up bag (free from Origins).

Sliver Bird and Heart necklace and Angel Wing Silver pendant (both Silverado) - I visit Silverado every time I'm in Brighton and always buy something. I love these simple little necklaces.

Patterned Shift Dress - Topshop

Grey Jersey Dress - Velvet

Red Floral Dress - Urban Outfitters

Stripey Tshirt Blouse - Zara, Skinny 'Baxter' Jeans - Topshop

Grey cotton hoody - H&M, Floral PJ Bottoms - Topshop

Floral Bra and Undies set - Topshop

Basic Tees - Topshop

Skinny Black Trousers - Gap, Tapered High Waisted Trousers - Zara

I was quite suprised how much I ended up buying from Topshop, I had looked in other stores like Gap and American Apparel for the jeans and tshirts but I prefered the Topshop options! Along with a couple of accessories I already have like belts and shoes I think I can pull these together into some nice outfits. I might even try and do a couple of Outfit Of The Day posts!

Hope you've enjoyed the post, I'm off to continue to sort out my stuff for Ebay!

Hi Everyone! Hope you are all having a good week. I'm now home from Brighton and can finish the post I started yesterday on my eats!
As we had been staying with my Aunt and Uncle we have had a few meals with them and my parents such as pasta and salad, tomato and olive bread, M&S cheesecake and strawberries etc. Breakfast has been ok, the only breakfast options at my Aunts were a 'diet' style cereal or white toast so I scoured the cupboards and made up my own muesli with porridge oats, mixed dried fruit, chopped nuts, chopped apple, a little apple and mango juice and milk.

Yesterday we decided to head to a local cafe called Cafe One Ten for breakfast. I started with a chai tea and a slice of the most delicious sticky oat, date, seed and spice slice.

I also had a smoothie made with berries and banana.

While we've been here we have hit the coffee shops hard, I rarely get to coffee shops usually so I've really enjoyed this! We tried a little independent coffee shop in Brighton called the Tic - Toc Cafe. I loved the decor! I had a Chai Latte and a little summer fruit pudding.

We've also had a few iced coffee's and frappes, I love these! Especially with extra cream and a muffin on the side ;-)

On Monday I decided to try something from Infinity Foods in Brighton which is a brilliant health food and organic produce store (big thanks to those that recommended I visit!) I bought a couple of boxes of food to takeaway and eat in the Pavillion Park since the weather was so beautiful.

Lemon and Green Tea Drink

Mixed vegetable salad - this was really tasty!

Falafel, Salad, Chilli Hummus and Tahini on Tapioca and Rice Flour Bread - oh this was so good, the bread was so filling I had to leave some!

Raw Chocolate and Almond Slice - totally amazing, so rich I had to share it with the hubby.

All of this was amazing, so flavourful and healthy. I wish I had a place like Infinity near to were I live!

In London on Tuesday we visited Leon. I have the cook book at home and was really excited to give the place a try. It was expensive but didn't disapoint. I had the Leon Gobi -

Orange and Carrot Juice -

Chocolate Brownie -

All of which were amazing! I will definitely be trying out the Gobi recipe from the Leon cookbook.

On Tuesday evening seeing as I have been dragging the hubby out to eat healthy, and to him, quite unusual foods I agreed to go for an Italian (he didn't exactly have to twist my arm!). We went to Fat Leos in Brighton. I started with the Aubergine, Tomato and Mozzerella Bake -

My main was the Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni -

Delicious!

In London I also paid the Hummingbird Bakery a visit. I got these two cupcakes - a red velvet and a rose flavour.

Both were amazing but the Rose was really special and tasted like Turkish Delight!

One of my favourite places in Brighton was Lick. I went three times for my frozen yoghurt! I did see a few frozen yoghurt places in London but as I was having cupcakes I didn't want to be a total glutton!

I'm really going to miss this! (Sorry that last pic looks really rude to me, or is it just my dirty mind?)

So thats my eating highlights from my holiday! Yesterday I didn't eat that well, we went out for a carvery for lunch which included a large desert and I did go and get a bar of chocolate after we left the bar so today I've been trying to eat better. I won't add anymore more pics but breakfast was full fat greek yoghurt with honey, blueberries and oats, I snacked on an apple, a slice of apple and sultana loaf and an orange and carrot juice on the way home. Before I did my Davina workout (I did kick fit as I felt like I really needed some good cardio) I snacked on a Natures Valley Oat and Honey Granola Bar. Post workout I made a Green Monster with a scoop of Nutty Berry Spirutein, I was really craving a GM! I've just been out to Marks and Spencer and had a snack pot of cashews with raisins and a Super Wholefood salad shaker pot (quinoa, puy lentils, butternut squash, wild rice, lemon and basil dressing) - this was wonderful, so glad M&S are doing stuff like this! I've also just had a big plate of strawberries, chopped apple and raspberries.

Well I won't prattle on any longer, hope you've enjoyed the post! I'll be back tomorrow with a post on my purchases of which there is a lot ;-) Catch you later! x