Be:Fit London 2017 //

Dear Readers,

I am back and what a week it has been! I have finally finished my second year at university, so I am now able to get back to working my blog. I cannot wait to start posting more frequently for you all.

Trying out samples of Nutri Brex

Yesterday I attended the Be:Fit event at the Business Design Centre in Islington. The event runs over three days and aims to inspire, educate and provide women with the necessary tools, skills and accessories for a healthy lifestyle.

Myself and Hannah arrived at the venue and we were completely blown away by how many stalls there were to try out food, health and fitness products and clothing. We certainly didn't need to buy lunch whilst we were there, as there were a range of protein shakes, breakfast options and snacks to taste. I couldn't keep my hands off the Protein World salted caramel bars (OMG) and the Pip & Nut peanut butter.

There was also a face glitter stall and braid bar which meant we could get all sparkled up for our classes.

I also loved how empowering it was as an event. I will admit that I am no fitness fanatic, but I felt welcomed by everyone that was there and the atmosphere was consistently positive all day.

Glitter courtesy of @wishuponasparkle

THREE pink peas 😎 Look who Smeggles met today, @chessiekingg and @healthychefsteph being all beaut in pink! 💅💕💘🌸🌺 . . . . . . #mynutribrex #glutenfree #dairyfree #vegan #vegetarian #love #eeeeeats #healthy #nutritious #delicious #goodvibes #breakfast #cereal #pink #smeg #london #event #fitness #health

A post shared by Nutri-Brex (@nutribrex) on Apr 28, 2017 at 6:13am PDT

Chatting all things fitness and gym gear with @gracefituk

I had no excuses here

Binky and Ty talk Personal Training and living a healthy balanced lifestyle

Reebok women's ambassador and Made in Chelsea star Binky Felstead

Capturing a shot of some of the stalls whilst it was quiet

I am such a fan of all four flavours of Beauty & Go - cold pressed juices packed with energy and a great taste

Myself and Hannah posing for Protein World

Innate Essence ginger and turmeric shots

I absolutely loved these Ape coconut bites

Hannah getting her Reebok sports bra monogrammed with her initials

Be:Fit Live talks lounge

#ReebokWomen

Hanging out with @bethefittest - All my gym gear is available at Primark

I couldn't recommend the event more - you can try out new workouts, get expert advice on anything from crash diets to protecting your skin from the sun and how to execute the perfect squat. It is such good value for money and I will definitely be attending the full three days next year!

In the mean time, you can check out what Be:Fit are posting over on their Instagram

And that's a wrap! Day 2 has come to an end and what a blast we've had... ✨✨✨ sleep well #BeFitFam and see you all tomorrow 👊🏼💖

A post shared by Be:Fit London (@befitlondon_) on Apr 29, 2017 at 8:58am PDT

If you have any questions about the event then please get in contact by commenting below or messaging me over Instagram or Twitter.

Stay Strong & Stay Sweet,

Alice xx

Easter Vegan Hot Cross Buns Recipe //

Dear Readers,

I knew I wanted to post something Easter related for you guys, as it is one of my favourite times of year. Perhaps it's the warm weather, blooming landscapes and the fact that lent comes to a nice end in time for family gatherings and Sunday Roasts.

So seeing as we all have a long four day weekend, why not try your hand at baking an Easter classic, with a twist! 




Vegan Hot Cross Buns:

350g (12oz) strong plain flour
5ml (1tsp) ground mixed spice
5ml (1tsp) ground cinnamon
5ml (1tsp) grated nutmeg
1 sachet easy-blend yeast
25g (1oz) caster sugar
75g (3oz) currants
25g (1oz) mixed peel (orange, lemon, lime), chopped
Rind of one lemon, finely grated
75g (3oz) vegan margarine or coconut oil, melted
175ml/6floz (approx) soya milk, warmed

For the crosses: 75g (3oz) plain flour
Water

For the glaze: 25g (1oz) sugar
30ml water



 
Method:

♥ In a large bowl mix the flour, spices, yeast, sugar, currants, mixed peel and lemon rind.

♥ Make a well in the centre and add the melted margarine and some of the warmed milk. 

♥ Mix until a dough is formed, adding more milk if necessary.

♥ Place dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10-15 minutes.

♥ Place in an oiled bowl, cover with cling film or a damp tea towel and leave in a warm place until it has doubled in size - This usually takes about 1-2 hrs.

♥ Once the dough has doubled in size, remove from the bowl and knead for 5 minutes.

♥ Divide into 12 pieces, roll each piece into a ball and leave on a greased baking tray.

♥ Leave to rise again for 1 hour.

♥ To make the glaze heat the water and sugar in a pan until the sugar dissolves. Leave to cool.

♥ Glaze each bun with a pastry brush and top with pastry crosses.Bake at 180°C/350°F/gas 4 for about 25 minutes or until golden.

You can enjoy these hot cross buns with Vegan butter or serve hot with jam.

Now you can indulge in the Easter festivities cruelty free.

Happy Easter

Stay Sweet,

Alice xx 

My Poem is Published - Ripple Anthology 2017 //

Dear Readers,

So I have had this little piece of exciting news under my hat for a while now, but I can finally open up about a project I have been involved in. 

I have had a long-standing adoration for poetry and writing it. I would do it as a way to express myself and for many years, it was written purely for myself. 

It wasn't until I saw an advertisement for a poetry competition that I thought perhaps I could enter some of my poems. 

One of my poems was chosen and I was told it would be published amongst other writer's just like me who are looking for a lucky break into the creative industry.

Tattoos –

He was too scared to commit,

With tattoos upon his skin.

He told me nothing lasts forever,

With inscriptions etched in his pores.

He said he could not cope with pain,

With designs upon his skin.

Each pinch and sting from

needle and ink seemed somehow

worthwhile to him.

He shied away from the realities of living,

Maybe I was not a work of art

or even worth committing.

He rather liked to cover up

the fact we were a thing.

Not show off what was on his arm,

I was his momentary fling.

Perhaps I was not his forever,

But his here and now.

It seems I was not worth the affliction,

For he rubbed my tattooed kiss from his lips.

He walked away and to this day,

I see I was nothing

but a stick on,

wet down,

temporary tattoo.

Below is a short interview I did for Ripple's Podcast explaining how the piece came about:

I would also like to share the work of my friend, Synne Johnsson who has had her piece published on the Ripple website. 

❁❁❁❁❁❁ 

I would love to know what you think of my piece. Also, if you would like to purchase the anthology, it can bought in Waterstones and WHSmith stores in London.

Stay Sweet,

Alice xx