Saturday 19 October 2013

Healthy bites- Graduation edition!

So it's official I am now a graduate! I am a fully fledge grown up, well most of the time...

Sadly my parents couldn't come over from Australia, but Dan's family were there to cheer Dan and me on and then take us out to a lovely bite to eat afterwards so as much as it sucked not having my own family there it sure made for a nice day out.

 Always manage to ruin a photo lol! That's Dan's brother by the way, he just started his first year at university that week in a funny coincidence
 My main man looking very handsome indeed.
 After the ceremony we went to Bill's for a nice lunch.
We're like two peas in a pod! hehe
 That's a bit more mature.
 This is the 'tent' we had our ceremony in. It was massive definitely not what we expected!

 My lovely graduation dress cant believe it was a size 8!

On a fitness level it was amazing to see everyone after the few months we'd all been apart and to have everyone say how great and different I looked, made all my effort over the past few months really worth it!
My two boys looking very smart! Well mostly... lol

Yes no food in this edition of healthy bites but I thought I would post it under this title because it was thanks to all those healthy nibbles along the way that helped me look and feel amazing for my graduation.

Its amazing how much my life has changed in the last 3 years, I've worked my butt off to come out of university with a 2:1 and am now using those skills in the big wide world, met an amazing person who is willing to spend his entire life with me (crazy stuff!) and I've changed my entire lifestyle on it's head in order to look and feel amazing for years to come.

 Life's great and amazing and I'm beyond excited to see what happens in the next 3 years!

Sunday 13 October 2013

Vegan Cinnamon Rolls!

Now given these aren't the prettiest of cinnamon rolls but don't be fooled these things are tasty and good for you! A win win I say!

I made a half batch which yields 6 rolls but it can easily be doubled to make more.

Recipe vegan cinnamon rolls-


Dough-
1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/8 tsp instant yeast
pinch of salt
1/2 cups warm almond milk
1 1/2 tbsp agave syrup
1 tbsp of soy butter ( I used Pure dairy free butter)

Filling-
1/2 tbsp of soy butter, melted
1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
2 tbsp granulated sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp allspice
pinch of salt

Preheat oven to 180c (350f)
In a bowl combine flour, yeast and salt. Next in a microwave safe bowl mix in the milk, syrup and butter and heat till just warm to the touch (Not boiled or you'll kill the poor little yeast!). Once warmed mix into the flour until combined and kneed till smooth  (around 5 minutes) then place in a oiled bowl to rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size. While you wait for your dough mix all the ingredients together for the filling.

Once the dough has doubled in size chuck onto a floured surface and roll out into a rectangle and evenly spread your filling on. Now with floured hands roll your dough into a log and cut into 6 circles. Place in a oils dish and leave in a warm place to prove for another 30 minutes. Once doubled in size place in the oven to cook for 13 minutes.

And there you have it yummy warm vegan cinnamon rolls perfect for a raining day!


Thursday 3 October 2013

My birthday!

Well this post is a bit late but with the week I've had I'm sure you'll forgive me! This year we played it a bit low key with a nice trip into central London followed by dinner at TGIF!

 

 

My birthday outfit, love this jumper! Got it from Pull and Bear so cosy and warm.


First stop was at Starbucks around the corner from our house where Dan surprised me with a skinny soy chai plus a little message hehe.

In the morning we stopped at one of my favourite bakeries where Dan bought me a yummy nibble for my breaky.

After a nice healthy lunch at Wholefoods we continued shopping on Oxford street as well as Soho, then in the afternoon I made a bee line for Selfridges where Dan bought me my long awaited peanut butter éclair which I've been craving for ages! For a peanut butter lover this was out of this world yummy, very naughty but so worth it.


TGIF was so much fun! I ordered a massive glass of long Island ice tea to start me off. Sadly though as an expert in long island ice teas it didn't have as much of a kick as I'm use too, but at 7 pounds for a massive glass I was happy with what I got. After my first tipple I treated myself to a classic cosmopolitan which was cute, pink and delicious! For dinner I ordered a half portion of their famous Jim Bean ribs which were so moreish I had to stop myself from licking the plate. Dan ordered a steak (of course!) with all the trimmings (including a strawberry milk shake! hehe).

Afterwards we made our way to Soho where I finished off the night with a scoop of ice cream at a cool little nook on Row street. This place has been dubbed as the best ice cream in London, they've got everything from traditional vanilla, vegan chocolate to rosemary and honey which is said to be their top flavour and is the little beauty I picked. Definitely recommend this little shop to all who visit!

 A few bits and bobs from Mac I was in desperate need of! Excited to finally be able to grab them with the help I some much appreciated birthday money.
 A quick snap of my totally cute birthday card from Dan!

What better way to count down the last few minutes of my birthday then in bed with a big old slice of birthday cake hehe.

I plan to make 22 bigger and better then 21! I've got big plans for this year, full of music (of course!), food, wedding plans, blogging and much much more.  Bring it on!