Coconut Dreams

As a part of our healthy eating journey, we have been looking at alternative solutions to sweet treats and naughty snacks and so far, this has to be the best to date! Introducing our homemade Coconut Bites. This is a super simple recipe and easily adaptable to your taste and the contents of your cupboards. I really recommend you have a go at making these delicious treats if you are looking to cut out chocolate and cake - they're a real sweet pick me up!

Ingredients

Pitted Dates

Desiccated Coconut

Ground Almonds

Ground Cacao Nibs

A little Milled Flaxseed and Gogi Berries

A little Hot Water

A drop of Vanilla Essence  

I haven't added the quantity of the ingredients, as you may want to add to the recipe depending on your requirements - you can add protein powder or even Chia seeds. Simply get your ingredients and add them to a blender, it needs to be a solid enough consistency so that you can roll it into balls and then put into the fridge to harden up. I rolled mine in extra coconut for even more flavour and a pretty finish. 

L.

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The Want Edit

1. A.P.C. - Half-moon bag

A.P.C.

2. Monica Vinader - Hammered Ring

MONICA VINADER

3. H&M - Bouclé coat 

H&M

4. WHISTLES - Excusez-moi Tee 

WHISTLES

5. WHISTLES - Panelled Jersey Joggers 

WHISTLES

6. All Black - Black Slipper Slide

ALL BLACK

L.

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Hoisin Salad

A dependable and delicious salad which is very easy to make, this Asian hoisin salad is a favourite for us. Simply chop up all of the ingredients, mix up a quick dressing and enjoy! Recipe below. 

Salad

1 Carrot
1 Baby Gem Lettuce
Small Handful of Radishes
1 Spring Onion
1/3 of a Cabbage

Sauce

1 Tbsp
1/2 Tsp Rice Wine Vinegar
1/2 Tbsp Olive Oil
A drop of toasted sesame oil

TIP: If you fancy adding some protein to bulk this salad out then add shredded chicken or grilled salmon, marinated in soy sauce and garlic.

A.

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Occupy Living Vol. 1

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Gifts for Him

For Valentine's this year my gifts from Loren were based around the theme of a New York Morning, a selection of beautiful things to make the perfect start for a day in the big city. Included was a copy of the New York Times, some smart stationary from HAY and an assortment of breakfast options, waffles, cereals and strong coffee, it was great to be reminded of our university trip to NYC over 4 years ago! 

A.

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A Valentines Breakfast

When it comes to Valentines day, for us its pretty much a normal saturday, as we usually make a nice big breakfast spread and go out for dinner, or cook something delicious at home. But, to mix it up a bit this year, we decided to give each other a theme for valentines and with my theme being a 'New York Morning', I put on an American style breakfast, much to Alex's delight. 

An American Breakfast

Espresso

Waffles

Maple Syrup

Blueberries

Crispy Pancetta

A light dusting of icing sugar 

Coldpress Apple and Passion Fruit Juice

It was absolutely delicious, although rather calorific!

L.

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Throwback Thursday

It's one of those Throwback Thursday moments, looking back at our amazing holiday last September. As the winter days and nights drag on, Alex and I have been finding ourselves longing for a bit of sun, looking forward to our next holiday and looking back on our last. Here are a few snaps from our trip to Fuerteventura, to get you into that summer spirit. 

We spent lazy days on the beach, drinking Tropical beer in the 36 degree sun, heading out to sea on a boat, seeing the dolphins and flying fish, snorkelling (well Alex did), long hikes to the mountain, eating out and enjoying late night walks in the warm evening air. I can't wait to make more memories like these and am getting excited about the prospect of booking our next holiday soon.

L.

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The Want Edit

I use Pinterest as a tool to store and curate all of the interesting things that I see across the internet, I also use it to store a visual list of all the things I want to own, which is handy when it comes to my Birthday, Christmas, Valentines or any other time for that matter. Here is a small selection of my ever expanding want list. 

1. A.P.C. x Louis W. - Suede Bomber Jacket 

MR PORTER

2. Oliver Peoples - Meier Glasses 

OLIVER PEOPLES

3. Whistles - Low Top Leather Trainers 

WHISTLES 

4. Reiss - Bless Marle T-Shirt 

REISS 

5. A.P.C. - Petit New Standard Jeans 

A.P.C.

A.

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Breakfast Smoothie

Recently we bought an Blend Active home blender, It's perfect for quick smoothies and juices, you just throw all of the ingredients in and blend, easy (the container also acts as the bottle so you can take it with you to work). After experimenting with different ingredients and trying out loads of healthy recipes we've found one which is a perfect get up and go drink, the banana and oat smoothie. We've been having this quite often and it really helps give you that needed boost of energy in the mornings. If you want to give it a go here are the ingredients.

1 Banana 

1 Tsp Honey 

1 Tbsp Milled Flax and Oatbran 

3-4 Tbsp Yoghurt (We prefer Alpro Soya) 

Almond or Soya Milk (Add as much as you want until the consistency is right for you) 

1/2 Tsp Ground Cinnamon

Optional: Add a tsp of Honey for sweetness

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Columbia Road Flower Market

Today we ventured away from West London to visit Columbia Road Flower Market. It's been quite a while since we last went East, so made the most of our day, visiting Spitalfields and stopping by at The Diner for a lovely (very calorific) brunch. At the flower market we picked up a lovely bunch of dark pink and cream long stem Roses, of which now sit pride of place on our dresser. I absolutely love having fresh flowers in our home, so this was the perfect place to stock up for the week. I'm kind of obsessed with Thistles, as well as the purple succulent plants, but we already have quite a few of those in our apartment, so had to hold off this time! 

L.

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Photoshoot

Yesterday was one of the most satisfying experiences of my professional career. Working with a fantastic photographer and a wonderful team I worked on a shoot involving some amazing designer furniture and lifestyle products. I will be posting more from this shoot shortly and will be excited to share the outcome with you all.

A.

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Smith

So right now, I am loving the Smiths in a big way. Willow and Jaden in Particular. If you do anything today, visit Willows Soundcloud - Wilough.



L.

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Post January Update

So here's a quick update on whats been happening this January and onto this February:

Alex started his new job in the first week of Jan. He is loving it and working on a photo shoot as we speak. Literally couldn't be happier for him!

I have been working out a lot this month, doing Yoga every day, up until recently as I have been unwell. On top of this, I have also been doing the 30 day shred at least 3 times a week. I am totally feeling stronger, leaner and more focused since starting on this new regime.

We have been on a healthy eating mission and loving it still. It's something we hope to continue and will start sharing some of our favourite recipes soon.

I have been reflecting on myself a lot and aim to start working on some new exciting creative projects, to get back into things.

We are also now in the process of sorting our wardrobes out and are both on a mission to get the perfect basics wardrobe between us.

February brings a more positive outlook on life, as we strive to reach our goals. This month, in order to keep motivated, we both aim to look after our mind and body as much as possible, as well as each other. 

My Yoga Block.

L.

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DR

The winter months are really taking their toll and my skin is really suffering the effects of the cold, especially my lips and hands. I have been suffering from severe Chapped lips which has been awful and prevented me from wearing any of my favourite lipsticks. I have tried everything, Vaseline, Blistex, Burts Bees - nothing was doing the trick. Until I saw an advert for Dr Paw Paw which reminded me of a balm someone from work had picked up in Australia and had showed me months back, containing a similar formula of Fermented Papaya. From this moment, I had made my mind up I needed to get hold of this supposed 'Miracle Balm'. I managed to track down that it was being stocked in Harvey Nichols, which is a convenient walk away from my house. I slapped it on and lo and behold, a couple of days later my lips were pretty much back to normal! It seems to have done exactly what I wanted - the formula is very thick, so you don't need much, but it really does feel like it is nourishing and helping as soon as you apply it. It sinks in, but stays on your lips too, leaving them feeling moisturised and also protected. 

It's also worth noting, that as well as using on your lips, you can use it on your skin, cuticles, nails and even your hair. I used this on my chapped hands too, but as it is quite thick, I personally prefer using my trusty Super Moisturising Balance Me Hand Cream. 

L.

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Pimlico Road

Just a five minute walk from our house, lies the beautiful Pimlico Road, a treasure trove of interior shops, florists and chocolatiers. I am lucky to walk by this area on a daily basis during my commute to the office. Occasionally when I'm not rushing by, I take the opportunity to photograph some of the elegantly curated window displays. The collections are an inspiration for us, an ever growing wish list of items for our own home, one day I hope that our house will look just as smart and sleek as these shops.

A.

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Aesop

Our love affair with Aesop started when we were enticed into one of the stores, excited by the wonderful minimalist in-store environments. We went on to spend a small fortune after falling for the packaging design and scents of the variety of apothecary inspired products. Slowly but surely we have built up our collection of products ever since this day.

Just before Christmas we invested in a couple of new additions to the collection. We have already tried a lot of the facial skincare, such as the Fabulous Face oil and the Fabulous Face Cleanser, which I absolutely love - they also look great in the bathroom, but having run out of a good body exfoliator, this Geranium Leaf Body Scrub was on the top of my hit list. 

I am pleased to say, it genuinely is the best body exfoliator I have tried and probably my favourite Aesop product. The consistency is amazing, very thick and grainy with the pumice and bamboo stems, which really does the trick. You have to be careful that you don't squeeze out too much though, as due to the pressure of the tube packaging as soon as you open the lid, it comes pouring out, so be aware. After use, my skin is left feeling super soft, hydrated and polished - it is the ultimate in body exfoliators for me. It also smells amazing - it reminds me of a spa experience and isn't sweet at all, which is great, as this is something that really bugs me about many exfoliators on the market. Described as an 'invigorating' scrub, I would say this is the perfect way to describe the scent - it's ideal to use in the shower when you first wake up. It really is an invigorating start to your morning! It also leaves your skin feeling cleansed - I find that many scrubs leave a coating on your skin after use, however this is not the case at all. I cannot recommend it enough and will definitely be getting more when I am done with this!

L.

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