Afternoon Tea at Le Bouchon Brasserie

'What's the occassion for this afternoon tea then?'

Dear mother, you must know by now that one never needs an excuse to have afternoon tea. So with no excuse needed, we kept it local and took to a hotel to consume cake and tea.

I live in Essex and the thought of braving the tube on a Saturday afternoon in the muggy heat, didn't seem that appealing. So when I saw this on Buzzfeed, not that I knew there were many places to go in Essex, I decided to take my mum out for tea.

Le Bouchon is a brasserie & hotel located in Maldon, Essex and although smal, it has a dining area, cocktail bar and obviously is a hotel. First impressions were good. It's a very intimate but modern hotel, with a great dining area and a sprawling cocktail bar. Staff were friendly on arrival and more than helpful and we were immediately seated for our tea.

The tea priced at £21.95 on a Saturday includes a glass of champagne and a cocktail list is provided with your tea, because naturally why question alcohol. Tea and coffee is offered and then comes the cake.

The tiers included savouries and sweets with prawn & cucumber sandwiches as well as cheese & chive scones. The sweets include fruit scones with jam and cream, as well as mini Eton-Mess, macarons, peaches & cream cupcakes and chocolate brownies adorned with raspberries.

As I don't drink tea, I went for a cocktail. It was well needed after I'd had a very heavy night before, so  Cosmopolitans were in order.

What I liked most about this tea is the quality of the food provided, it was all extremely fresh, as well as the drinks provided. For this price, it really is a treat. The service is stellar and the atmosphere is extremely welcoming.

Of course the location is ideal for people, like myself, who live in the county, but if in passing or fancying something different, this really is a lovely brasserie & hotel to dine at. I'm definitely thinking about staying here in the future, and thats solely down to just spending a few hours there. I wouldn't think twice about recommending this to my friends.

Till Next Time,
Ellie

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Love Your Face

I have a very frequent habit of critisizing my face. I run over the bump in my nose, try to conceal a beauty mark on my chin, mock my ridiculously thin eyebrows or try to pretend I don't have a 'chubby chin'.

Truth is...I really just don't care anymore. I'd had a habit of telling myself I wasn't up to standards of people and picking at the things that just don't matter. I wasn't prone to spots, but when I got one I might as well of stayed in and excluded myself from life. No way, no more.

Now I understand as women, we're raised to find our flaws and not consider ourselves too beautiful, because that would make us big headed right? Aren't we taught to bashfully say 'I'm really not' when someone say's you're pretty? Should I conform to standards and just go along with this? No I think I won't.

I do wear a lot of make up, but not too look my best for people. I look good for myself. I cannot count how many times I worried that my lipstick was too red or my eyebrows were barely there. I will overspend or not spend enough on make up, but if I can at least resemble Rita Hayworth, well...that's pretty okay with me.

I have bad days and good days. Days where my skin is so oily, I'm curious as to what the hell is going on under there. I also have these really good days where I think, damn if the tip of my eyeliner could kill. This is natural, and I've only just started accepting it. Pull at skin or tweeze things too much, there are more important things too do...like watching Game of Thrones.

I think it's time to start accepting things as they are and stop putting yourself down based on too much blusher, or foundation making you look pale. There should be higher priorities in life. Like your own happiness and enjoying cake, and dancing to Donna Summer more.

Love your face, the way it is.

Till The Next Time,
Ellie

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Is It April Already?

I feel like a bit of a bad blogger. 

I've had major writers block over the Easter holiday and writing seemed like something I could just jump back into. Hm...not that easy. However, I'm still amazed that it's April already. I'm not quite sure where this year is going, but here we are.

Let's recap.

March was a great month. I managed to regain my social life and something life changing happened, something that would quickly make me lose my social life once more...the US version of Netflix. I suddenly considered the Gilmore Girls to be more important that sunlight...damn you Netflix.

Asides from obsessing over the two Lorelai's, here a couple of things I did:

• Celebrated my best friend's birthday with him - I went to Farnham where we ate thai food and listened to vinyl and consumed alcohol - which is the responsible thing to do on birthdays.
• Saw Blade Runner : The Final Cut - interesting movie, a lot of Harrison Ford facial expressions.
• Started contributing to online magazines, including Kettle Magazine & Zusterschap Collective.
• For a while I couldn't get into reading, usually I'm a massive bookhead, but I've just finished Paula Hawkins, The Girl On The Train (an amazing read, the next gone girl for sure) and have just started scoping over Amelia Freer's, Eat Nourish Glow.
• Began learning how to cook other things - asides from chicken dippers and carrot cakes. I credit my best friend as an amazing cook, so I'm taking lessons from him - so far I cooked a carbonara and didn't kill my dad!
• I have a 9 month old niece who I spend time with, my little Emily Rabbit, who has just begun crawling and has better eyebrows than me and I simply have to write about her because she is a total babe.

Another big positive was that I firmed up my university decision. As of September I'm off to Sheffield to study Journalism Studies. Nervous is an understatement, but extremely excited to be moving away from home for pastures new... though, life without a dishwasher seems challenging. 

I'm also excited to be writing a load more for online publications. I've been writing a lot of personal pieces, as well as culture. I think this is a great way to start getting a real feel for writing, and I get super excited when I see something has been published.

I'm hoping to be a lot more active this month on my blog, get involved with more bloggers and note to self - The Gilmore Girls can wait till you get home, sunlight is important Ellie.

Till Next Time,
Ellie

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Bucket List: Skydiving

I've never been afraid of heights, never really had that going to be sick, can't feel my legs and fear that the floor will come crashing through premonition. I've always quite enjoyed being way up high and possibly putting myself in the fear of the unknown. So when me and dad holidayed in Hawaii, the idea of skydiving was a must,

Skydiving is one of those things you always really want too do but never truly know how you'll feel till you're up in the air. I didn't really consider what we were doing until we got to the skydiving center and were being informed of potential death. Lets back track.

Located in Oahu, Skydive Hawaii is found as what is described as 'The Worlds Most Beautiful Drop Zone'. You can fall from either 20,000 or 14,000 or 12,000 ft with 'altitude guaranteed'. They ensure guaranteed enjoyment in safe hands as you drop, being able to see views of Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, Kaena Point & the North Shore Coastline. Priced within the jump ranges, it varies between $150-175, but increases to a steep $998 if you want to go as high as 20,000 ft.

Me and my dad opted to go for 14,000 ft because you know we were only sacrificing our lives and jumping out of a plane, with a person on our backs of course. Before you jump, you're talked through all the musts and do not's, the true stomach churning part is when they talk about potential death, how to avoid it and what happens if you do die - ENCOURAGING.

Once 'reassured', you're strapped into harnesses, with belts fastened and buckles tightened in places I didn't know existed. You are then assigned a professional to jump with who talks you through how to land and stay relaxed, and most importantly, really enjoy it because it really is over in minutes. I rocked out my best kit for the day, a star wars shirt and red converse - which is the basis of any fashionista.

You don't truly know what nerves feel like until you are hunched back in a small plane as you go up and up with someone strapped on your back. You're given goggles to protect your eyes and advised 'to chill' - I mean can you really chill at 14,000ft? Before you know it you're plane door is opening and you're suddenly on the edge, in a matter of seconds about to drop. At this point there's no real turning back, unless you're red in the face and sweating tears from every pore and confident that you really can't jump. Within moments of sitting on the edge, before even thinking about what's about to happen, you drop.

Let me tell you, it is the best feeling. Not as nice as eating battenburg cake or just getting paid, but it's up there. You feel light as air when you drop, and it's only after you've prized you're eyes open that you see you're floating in the air. It did help that when we jumped we were in gorgeous Hawaii, but it's not at all what you expect. Everything is quiet and peaceful and before you know it you're edging near the ground to descend. Within moments all those nerves and fear of death are gone and you're on the ground, not quite believing what you've just done.

The guys at Skydive Hawaii are great, and really love what they do. They jump at all times of the day and never seem to get bored of it - why would you? I'd say the best part is later, when you're adrenaline is decreasing and it's only really just kicked in what you've done. Part of our package was that you got pictures/dvd/tshirt & a personal certificate - the real deal, because when you jump out of a plane, you sort of need to clarify you're pretty much up there with mission impossible.

This was one of many things crossed off my bucket list, I'd like to give it a go in Las Vegas to see different kinds of scenery, but one thing is for sure. The views coming down from the plane are amazing, I saw dolphins and a taco bell - now that's amazing.

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My View On: Drunk Texting

We've all been there right? Or going to be? Or maybe you are that lucky soul who leaves their phone in their bag and doesn't wake up the next day, wondering why you expressed your love for sandwiches on instagram.

I have been, am and will be a drunk text-er forever more. I'm not a bad drunk text-er, just a flirty one. I'm the type that reads the text back like, 'carpe dayum, who do I think I am? Beyonce?'. I'm also a drunk-texter who loves to text about how amazing chips are (cos they are) and how good brownies would be right now and also can I come over? my bed has disappeared and my door keys have melted into a pile of mecury.

We can all be different when it comes to texting. We are taught to leave our phones alone, we will only end up regretting it in the morning and obviously no good will come of this. We are taught that telling somebody you love them via text is just made up due to the fact vodka entered your system and you dance like there's no tomorrow. We are taught to drink responsibly because you could send your boss a drunk text saying how much you value them - which, in the first place why do you have your bosses number, and secondly, you don't value them - none of us do.

Live with the regrets and consequences the next day, we say as we down another drink. Make subtle hints to suggest where you are, what you're doing and who you're with to spur some kind of comment from the receiver of a text, a plan which we can all vouch for. Better yet text your best friend and tell them how much you love them, they don't hear it enough we think.

Then we get a little PG, if applicable. Some people when drunk go the extra mile and remove an item of clothing or two, and this, we are also taught, is how revenge pictures come into the equation. So you sent a picture of your chesticles when tipsy and you thought the person you sent it too would never share or show. Unfortunately, the only true downside to drunk texting is this. Being careful sounds extremely grown up and only grow up if you wish, but take precaution because god knows what men can do when spurned. However if you don't care, then feel free - I respect women who have the courage and love their bodies, it's yours and you do what you want with it.

When it comes down to it, my opinion is that there is no shame in sending a drunk text. I used to think it was completely sinful, that I would lose friends and that I was idiotic, but growing up I've realised there is no shame in expressing your love for someone or telling somebody how great they are. Tell them 5 times or 50 times, you had them in your mind for a reason, despite your mind being cloudy and perhaps judgement being slightly off, there is no shame.

Now this is just my opinion, so everybody is different. It would kill us all to be the same. The only advice I would give to my younger self is, Mcdonalds nuggets at 2am aren't that good, go to Subway instead'.

Till Next Time,

Ellie

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March, Be Good To Me

'Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush.' - Doug Larson.

'Spring is the time of plans and projects.' - Leo Tolstoy.

'It's 9 months till Christmas!' - Me.

How are we already in March?! What have I been doing for the last 2 months I ask, as I sit here knowing I'll be asking the same question in a couple of months time, still overspending, listening too loads of show tunes and debating whether a 12 box of krispy kremes are a good idea. CORRECTION - always a good idea.

I'm pretty excited for this month to commence, things are happening! I'm visiting Sheffield twice within the month to visit Sheffield University & Sheffield Hallam University, which means this month is decision making time. Sheffield is about 3 hours away from where I live in Essex so I've roped my beloved mother in to driving me one day (I can drive, I'm just scared of my own car) and catching a train the next time. It only dawned on me the other day that if I choose to go to Sheffield, 3 hours is a trek of a time away from Home, so I really will be moving out - insert Billy Joel's well good song, Movin' Out - but I'm excited to get to see the campuses and see what may possibly be in store.

Another big deal is one of my best friend's birthday. I'm travelling to Farnham (not as much as a trek as Sheffield) for his 22nd birthday and of course I'll over pack, and naturally I'll overspend and yes of course, I'll drink too much beer. They're not called Birthdays for no reason, right? I wanted to say what I got him for his birthday on here, but until he gets it, I'm not going to give it away - in case he's peeking. I've been to Farnham's a couple of times and I've now nicknamed it 'The Shire', mainly because I think it resembles the town in The Lord of The Rings. 

Finally we have Mother's day. I love my mum, like literally she's a babe. I'll be taking a couple of days off work this month, one of which I'll be taking her out for Afternoon Tea at the Hamyard Hotel in Soho. A post to follow soon!

I'm hoping this is going to be a good month and to get to speak to a lot of new bloggers and get improving on my blog!

Till Next Time,

Ellie 

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A Week In Pictures

A positive and hard working week; here goes:

1. Eating healthy. Do you ever type that into google a lot of the times and try to find amended recipes of your favourite foods, but you know, healthier? I tried doing that but to be honest I'm far happier just adding a little less salt and just switching a few ingredients. I just cut out the holy god, Butter, and added a few more green things in and I've lost another 6lbs this week. Feeling quite proud...and craving cake, so not much has changed.

2. Our father who art in heaven, Barbra be thy name. I have an unholy obsession with one 'Queen B'. I received this coffee table book for Christmas and have only just finished it. I have a couple of Barbra books, but this one is called 'Streisand: In The Camera Eye' and in the camera eye she is. I look beyond her infamous nose and see her true beauty, which is on every single page.

3.  I have macaron fever. I was browsing through some old pictures and found this one from my first macaron making class. These ones are strawberry with strawberry jam buttercream. The infamous story goes, I attented my first ever class here, alone, and it turns out it was a valentines day themed class  and of course, everybody was a couple. Everybody except me. You couldn't make this stuff up.

4. I had quite a good surprise this week when I popped on a dress that was quite tight last year and found it just slipped on this week. This proved to me this whole 'cutting down' thing was working. Sure it was no bodycon/bandage dress, but it was bright and bold and made me feel great for wearing it. Even better, it was a find from Primark!

5. This week I was really trying to look for new music so I could keep up with the kids but as expected, I was drawn back to my roots for my love of Motown, Soul and Jazz music. I found this Marvin Gaye vinyl on ebay this week and it was an absolute steal. I love this album, the ranges of songs are amazing and it features the infamous track, What's Going On.

6. I've got a new found love for Caitlin Moran. I found this book a couple of days ago and I'm already halfway through. It's brilliant and honestly funny, it's embarrissingly forward and painstakingly relatable. Moran has no qualms and states whatever she thinks and says it how it should be said.

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A Week In Pictures

What a fun week it was. A lot's been happening, and here goes:

1. Who doesn't love milkshakes? Well people who are lactose intolerant, but I do. Especially this treat ar Smiths of Smithfields. This beauty is a Bourbon Biscuit & Cream milkshake and it tastes superb. They also have Strawberry, Chocolate, Banana & Banoffee, all £4. Smiths of Smithfields

2. Macarons! Someone once said they were the new cupcakes, but that person was probably mental. I recently went to Ganache Macaron, where I learnt how to conjure up these bites. These ones I made are sicilian lemon and I hopefully plan to do a post about how to make them soon, so watch out. Ganache Macaron

3. Is it just me or am I the only one who thinks its been fifty shades fever this week? I've personally never read the books but one of my favourite magazines, interviewed the two main stars this week. I've gotta admit I'm probably just going to see the film when they show in on Valentines Day in 2017, mainly because one of the lines is 'I'm fifty shades of fucked up'...really? Glamour Magazine

4. I received a satchel for Christmas last year and only used it for the first time yesterday. It's what I call an 'occasion bag', one that you only use for important things. I was going to get my initials stitched on it but then I was quick to realise if I ever get stalked, I'm an easy giveaway. Zatchels

5. BEAUTIFUL. Literally, this is the show I went to see. I've spoken (gone fan girl crazy) about this musical and it's star, Carole King, in this post, but this programme was from the show yesterday. Now showing at the Aldwych Theatre, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

6. I'm not a dieter. I'm not up for detoxing or replacing bread for supplements. I'm simply cutting down. After a weigh in today, I've lost 6 pounds. This is the first week I've been taking the cut down seriously, so I was pretty pleased. All I've done is reduce portions, cut back on the gin, bit of exercise and amped up the dancing at Zumba. I'm also following the Fit Girls Guide, it's about £16 and is a 28 day programme of simple tips, exercise help and some recipes you can follow. It's not forceful but encouraging. Fit Girls Guide

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