Why camping is good for you! | Mindfulness and Wellbeing

Camping.

A lot of people shudder at the thought of camping as it’s not luxurious whatsoever but to me it’s a sheer treat- so much so that it has benefited my mental health and today I want to tell you why.

Being Outdoors

It’s an obvious one but a good place to start, being outdoors does wonders for your body and mind. The fresh air and being exposed to nature can do wonders for you, with studies proving that even a walk can give you lasting positive feelings for up to seven hours after* CountryLiving.com (source)

So just think about how that being in the outdoors, being at one with nature could benefit you when going for a long weekend or a weeks break in your tent.

We watch the sun go down over the horizon each night which was spectacular and I couldn’t help but say the same thing each night to Chris which was “this is what it’s all about”. But it’s true! This is what life is about. Beautiful everyday occurrences that we take for granted rather than how many likes have validated me on Instagram that day or if my outfit is new...

Natural Light

We’re all aware of how bad artificial lights can be for our bodies; in particular phones are especially bad. I found that through sleeping in a tent I was waking up a lot earlier and going to bed earlier too. The nylon semi-translucent material of the tent allowed light to flood our sleeping area from as early as 5:30am so by 6:30-7am I was wide awake and bright as a button, ready to face the day and open up the tent to let in some well deserved fresh morning air. I definitely don’t get the same effect when I’m back in my fully insulated home with heavily lined curtains and black out blinds. If anything I’m trying to shut the outside out and prolong sleep or at least I was until I’d been camping. And of course at night in the summer the sun goes down anytime between 9 and 10:30pm so my body clock was telling me it’s time to sleep, you’re tired and you’re ready to settle down for a good sleep.

Almost Living... Off the Grid?

With our tent set up we did have electricity so we weren’t entirely basic but we only used it to charge phones (which tbh we only really used for photos and map features whilst we were away), to boil a kettle because we all need a decent brew in the morning and then to cook. The rest of it was “roughing it” so to speak, not having the luxuries of a big comfy bed, sleeping instead on an air bed and with our clothes and belongings in piles around us. It made me appreciate our little space and that this was really all I needed to essentially survive with the husband and hound.

My Mental Health

Going back to my first point about being outdoors and my main point of this post- all of the above helped me to feel much more happy and content in my mind. I have a habit of getting into a bad cycle of feeling anxious of going out and in particular on my own. It might sound strange but the thought of doing a food shop on my lonesome or walking the dog without someone else can sometimes make me feel really really anxious. Even nipping across the road (and I mean literally a 2 seconds walk) to the shop can make me feel uptight so I’ll put it off. I’d rather go without that food thing I wanted or think oh well the dog can go out with Chris. So going and literally being outside for a week probably sounds like it would be hell for me..right? Well surprisingly no. It has the reverse effect and the more time I spend outside, the better it is for my well being and bizarrely the more I want to be outside and do things for myself like walk the dog on my own. I can't explain it but it feels as though my brain is at ease in nature and the outdoors once I give it the chance. It's easy to get into the comfortable trap of home, being in your own little fort where no one can get you but sometimes you're better pushing yourself and your boundaries as it will do you and your mind the world of food. So if you're anything like me and find you can anxious- give camping a try. What's the worst that can happen?

Oh Hello Yellow | An Outfit for Hot Summer Days

With the weather being exceptionally sticky for the most part this summer, I needed a dress that would just flow and fit whilst being comfy AF and I think I've found the one!

This mellow yellow mustard beauty spoke to me on the Matalan website and I just had to have it. It's shirred bardot top is perfect for securing lady lumps without the need for a clinging bra- I mean, who wants to wear a bra when its 30+ degrees outside?!

It's honestly the comfiest thing, being 100% cotton and easy just to chuck on for hot summer days. My yellow obsession is real so I paired it with my mustard yellow bag from Accessorize but it would equally look lush with a straw bag, straw hat or even some tan wedges for more of an evening look!

Dress- Matalan

Bag- Accessorize (similar here)

Earrings- Boohoo

Sandals (old)- Vivienne Westwood

Can you believe these photos were taken in the UK? I honestly don't know what is happenin with the weather lately but I can't complain and discovering this beaut of a place know as Tapeley Park with its beautiful gardens was such a treat. There's also a lake, cattle grazing in the hectares of land and a sustainable organic vegetable garden!

The house itself is also stunning and you're even able to take your own picnic! There is of course the option to have a cream tea in the cafe which is what we went for and sat on the quaint iron chairs overlooking the gardens. It was pure bliss and I'd highly recommend a visit to anyone looking for a gorgeous day out and/or stunning scenery for photographs!

What is your must have piece of clothing for this hot and sticky weather? And where are you loving go for days out this summer?

Drink Too Much Coffee and Think of You Often

I can’t even deal with how glorious the weather has been this summer. It feels almost daft posting these pictures now with my pasty skin as now I feel like a golden goddess but sod it- I love the outfit!

 

It’s also pretty mega for those days when you just want to cover up a bit because maybe you’re sunburnt or you’re just sick of having to worry about whether your ass is on show (or is that just me?)

 
This maxi is actually from the tall section of Boohoo- something I didn’t realise until it turned up in the post. I toyed with sending it back but after looking up alternatives, I realised this was an absolute steal for the price and went about taking it up. Some wonderweb and a few stitches later, I have a floaty white maxi of dreams for this English summer weather.

I’ve been reminiscing a lot recently and thinking of the decisions I’ve made over the past few years. I’m starting to question everything and wonder: did I make the right choice? Am I being too safe in life? I’m having cravings for excitement and exploring something new which is probably due to visiting some totally gorgeous places such as The Lake District and north Devon in the past few months. Have any of you ever relocated and was it a massive ballache? It’s something my husband has wanted to do for the longest time and although America is his goal, he’d settle for a different part of the UK. 

The problem with me is I’m a worrier. I worry about everything to the point that my worries disturb my sleep on a regular basis but I can’t help thinking of The Lake District and a life up here; romanticising about taking stunning photographs of the landscape, dog walks and hearty roast dinners on a Sunday. 

The reality is my life is currently here and unless the stars align and both Chris and I find our dream jobs up north we’re kinda stuck here. Maybe I’m just suffering with post-holibob blues or maybe this is a sign I need to be brave and take control of my destiny. What do you think? 

Do you ever feel like this? Does it pass like some kind of phase or is it a thing? 

Dress- Boohoo

Boots- New Look

Belt- Boohoo

Hat- eBay

These photos were taken by my very talented photographer friend who is also my festival fairy godmother Sian’s Photography- that girl can party!

Life is Golden | Slow living

The weather recently has been blooming gorgeous and it's about bloody time! I've been dreaming for weeks of skipping gaily through the fields with a straw bag and finally I got my opportunity.

As much as I admit city life looks very stylish and chic, for me, fields of bright yellow and countryside fill my heart with joy. The country life is where my heart lies- especially when the weather is so glorious. Picnics, cycling and dog walks are what it's all about and trying my best to perfect the art of slow living in this crazy paced digital world we now live in.

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When's the last time you looked and actually saw what's in front of you and took in your surroundings? The birds chirping, the breeze rustling through the trees and your hair, the smells of outdoors. These are all the things I feel a lot of us can easily missed now that we're glued to our phones. Ironically for me my phone is on its way out- the battery is fried but the upshot of that is I'm actually enjoying myself so much more! I'm less addicted to social media, I feel more content and I've actually found time to sit and enjoy simple pleasures like reading a book or taking a long bath with no electronic distractions. Again this weather is another great way to get away from digital life. For me its been way too warm to sit inside on a laptop and when my phone decides to work, looking at a screen in bright sunlight? It's just not the one.

What I'm trying to say is life is golden. It's precious and it's wonderful so lets embrace the right now and the reality. I'd never have even noticed the little guy above. Lets call him Fred. Fred the lady bug is loving his life and I wouldn't have even seen him if I were glued to my pissing phone. Lets appreciate the little things instead of worrying over trivial things.

Weirdly this is another post that has just flown out of brain, through my finger tips and onto the screen. I actually just wanted to write about a pretty outfit but feeling bunged down with online life has got to me a bit today and realising whats important and sharing it with you guys has taken priority.

Top- New Look

Trousers- New Look

Bag- Cath Kidston (old)

Shoes-Boohoo

Earrings- Boohoo

What do you find golden in your life? I'd love to know how you learn to enjoy the simple things and how you don't just look but also see. So much of the time we're not truly in the moment and I think it's something that needs to change! I'd also love to know your thoughts. Over and out peeps, I'm off to stride in a co-ord in a field!

The Snug Summer Menu

The Snug at the Grafton is a much-loved bar and restaurant of mine. Recently they launched a new menu for summer which got my ears pricked and my taste buds awake so I had to go investigate! The new lunch menu and mains include superfood leaves to Flat Iron Steak, juicy homemade burgers, new sharing platters and more. The Snug's fabulous cocktail menu also had some fabulous summer drinks on offer and with over ten years of experience, they know what they're talking about! Chris and I opted for the Hendrick's Summer Garden to kick things off with. I've become a true gin drinker since attending a gin masterclass at the snug last year (which you can read here) and this cocktail certainly didn't disappoint. The refreshing flavours of elderflower, cucumber, cranberry, mint and apple tasted like summer in a glass.

So onto the food...This season the team at The Snug have pulled together a new range of dishes which take inspiration from across the Atlantic with American style dishes, as well as a range of more unique offerings. Chris and I went for dinner and were soon swooning over the six different signature burgers to choose from. The new Devil Burger features Bloody Mary Salsa, Red Chillis, Jalapenos, Red Onion and chilli sauce. Meanwhile the Texan Ranger features BBQ sauce, Monterey Jack Cheese, Black Bean and Onion Rings and these were the two we picked.

Meanwhile we were enjoying our cocktails which are 2 for 1 during happy hour - result! Our next round had to be another gin cocktail and our waiter recommended the Cucumber & Elderflower Gin-Jito...

This cocktail was awesome! I mean firstly the glass is just awesome but more importantly it was incredibly refreshing and delicious to drink - perfect for a summers day. Whilst we waited for our food to be prepared we had a chance to relax and take in our surroundings.

The vibe of The Snug at the Grafton is similar to that of the Lensfield Road venue with its stylish eclectic decor and calming blue tones that make you feel right at home. It's a great venue for a date night, girls night, drinks with friends or a spot of lunch when you're mid shopping spree or in between lectures. It caters for everyone from the student, to businessman, office workers to busy mums.

Not all the cocktails are alcoholic too. You can indulge in a mocktail which I can assure you are just as much of a treat and you won't feel like you're missing out whatsoever! 

Anyway back to the summer menu. When our burgers arrived, they were huge! Each burger was packed to the brim with ingredients to give you a taste sensation.

Chris chose the Devil Burger, being a huge lover of hot food. The bloody Mary salsa knocked his socks off, it really is a scorcher but equally was delicious too.

My Texan Ranger burger was missing the black bean element as they'd run out but was substituted with pulled pork which certainly wasn't a disappointment. The burger had a real texan flavour and tasted just like it had been barbecued to perfection. For a side I went for the triple cooked chips and they were so naughty but sooo nice! I loved the presentation too with the cup to serve my chips. Yum yum!

After feeling thoroughly stuffed and satisfied, we decided on another round of cocktails because - why not? It's date night after all! Plus we needed something to wash down our incredibly filling food.

To our delight we realised we'd come on quiz night and decided to stay on and take part, even calling a couple of friends to join us. Named Lets Get Quizzical, we really got into it and actually ended up winning! We were all so shocked but equally delighted and have put a date in the diary to return and spend our winnings on many a cocktail. Yippee!!

I really enjoyed reviewing The Snug's summer menu and would definitely recommend checking it out before it changes. We would have tried dessert as they sounded heavenly but we were just so full! I can see us conquering those on our next visit.

Have you been to The Snug?

Splendid Summer Drinks

Without jinxing things, it feels like summer may actually be here (at long last!) And with warmer weather, its good to sip refreshing drinks and treat ourselves to a cocktail or two.

My three summer essential drinks are the Monty Don Cocktail, Rose Bubbly and the classic that is Pimms but did you know that only one of these is alcoholic...?

First up on my list is Rose Bubbly and in particular this one from Luscombe. Made on a farm in deep Devon, the flavour of this is incredible, it just screams rose. It's an organic drink and also non-alcoholic but I can assure you that you won't feel like you're missing out whilst you sup on this. It's beautifully refreshing and a really elegant flavour, making it a perfect alternative to champagne or prosecco.

Next up I have the "Monty Don" cocktail. This is again is non-alcoholic but just as luxurious as an alcoholic cocktail I can assure you, being the perfect summer refresher. Think juicy strawberry coulis swirled into Qcumber water (dubbed the most fun you can have with a cucumber—with bubbles); a swipe of torn mint leaves, and a sprinkle of Wormersley Strawberry and Mint vinegar for zing.

So, if you're tempted by this delightful drink the recipe is as follows:

The Monty Don 

·         50ml Strawberry Coulis 
·         1 tsp of Womersley Strawberry & mint vinegar 
·         25ml sugar syrup 
·         6 large mint leaves 
·         100ml of Qcumber mint water 

I couldn't find strawberry coulis so I opted for forest fruits which has strawberry in and was a great alternative!

When you make this cocktail, gently jostle your mint leaves in a glass then drizzle the strawberry coulis, vinegar and sugar syrup over crushed ice. Stir, serve and relax!

And finally we have the last but least non-alcoholic drink of them all - Pimms. For me, this is the summer in a cup and  I love to make up for friends and family coming for a BBQ. This amazing drinks dispenser from Tesco is perfect for serving and is plastic which is great for clumsy me!

I love to add strawberries (British of course), cucumber, fresh mint, apple and orange to my recipe with one part Pimms to two parts lemonade. Grab a cute straw and it's good to serve!

Have you tried any of these drinks? I guarantee they'll give you summer vibes and are the perfect accompaniment to the sunshine.