Harrod's Shoe Heaven

Harrods' Shoe Heaven consists of 17 boutique with 50 designers such as Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik and Christian Louboutin. Two years in the making, Shoe Heaven has been created by the David Collins Studio and spills across 42,000 square feet (three times the size of Harrods' previous footwear area) on the Fifth Floor of the iconic department store in Knightsbridge. ‘From stilettos to sneakers, Harrods Shoe Heaven will be home to all the best shoes from the world’s leading and need-to-know designers,' comments Helen David, Fashion Director of Womenswear at Harrods.  

The Ultimate Packing list

As we are in the middle of the summer holidays, I thought it would be useful to compile a checklist of everything that needs to be packed before you go away. Over the years, I have learned the hard way of how easy it is to forget the simple things (from phone chargers to socks), so I have put together the ultimate packing list which I would like to share with you.

The most obvious thing to start with is clothes. Remember to pack T-shirts, smart tops, vests, dresses, skirts, shorts, jeans, cardigans, jackets, underwear, bras, socks, pyjamas and bikinis.

As for accessories, you will probably need a beach-bag, an evening handbag/clutch, jewellery, belts and of course shoes. Consider your choice of footwear carefully; will you be wearing flip-flops, sandals, heels, wedges, pumps, boots, sports trainers or all of the above?!

When it comes to toiletries, don't forget a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, conditioner, cleanser, moisturizer, exfoliator, deodorant, perfume, make-up, make-up remover, lip-balm, nail file, nail polish, cotton wool pads, insect repellant, tweezers, sun cream and a hairbrush. You may also need glasses, contact lenses and any necessary medictions such as paracetamol, antihistamine and multivitamins. 

Your hand-luggage should hold your passport, flight tickets, wallet, camera + charger, phone + charger, ipod + charger, laptop + charger, adaptor plug, sunglasses, chewing gum and at least two books. I also carry a travel journal with me whenever I go on holiday, which I write in every day and love to read back on old memories.

Packing Tips:

• Check your destination's weather forecast and pack accordingly.
• Pack in advance, never the day of the trip. Organisation is key.
• Pack shoes in shoe bags, not in pairs, and place in luggage with soles facing outwards.
• Stuff your packed handbags and boots with socks; it saves on space and helps to maintain shape.
• Lock your luggage, otherwise the contents are probably uninsured.

BROWNIE RECIPE: Gluten-, dairy- and sugar-free!

These brownies taste like heaven and have that melt-in-your-mouth texture that will satisfy any craving. They are sweet, gooey and rich, plus they're completely free from gluten, dairy and sugar, which makes them (almost) healthy! Scroll down to find out my delicious recipe.

To make 15 brownies, you will need:

175g (6oz) margerine

3 tablespoons of maple syrup or agave nectar

85g (3oz) dark chocolate chips

1 teaspoon of vanilla essence

3 eggs

85g (3oz) gluten-free self-raising flour (I use a blend of rice, potato, maize and buckwheat flour)

50g (2oz) cocoa powder

a 22 x 30 x 2.5cm (9 x 12 x 1in) rectangular tin

Heat your oven to 180°C, 350°F. 

Line the tin with greaseproof paper cover in lightly spread margarine.

Put the margarine into a saucepan and melt it on a low heat. Pour it into a large bowl, then stir in the sugar and vanilla.

Break the eggs into a small bowl and stir them with a fork. Add them to the large bowl and stir well.

Sift the flour through a sieve into the large bowl. 

Add the cocoa powder and chocolate chips and mix everything well.

Spoon the mixture into the tin and smooth the top a little. 

Bake it in the oven for about 40 minutes.

Chill in the fridge until set and then cut into 15 squares. 

How To make Fruit Parfait

My new favourite way to start the day is fast, easy, light and incredibly satisfying. Fruit parfait is a highly nutritious breakfast and versatile treat -  you can make it however you choose, mixing up a range of ingredients with different fruit and decorating it with a variety of tasty toppings. 

Ingredients:

Yoghurt (your choice of flavour), granola, muesli, strawberries, blueberries, peaches, banana, tangerine, kiwi, chia seeds, flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, sultanas, ground cinnamon, honey/agave nectar/maple syrup.

Instructions:

1. Alternatively layer the granola, yoghurt, fruit and seeds. 
2. Repeat until you have used up all the ingredients. 
3. Serve fresh in a tall glass.

Barre Core

Barre class is a full-body workout, combining pilates, ballet and yoga in one intense hour. It consists of interval training at the barre and lifting light weights and resistance exercises on the mat that use small, controlled movements and your own body weight to lengthen and strengthen your muscles as you are burning fat. Celebrities that swear by it include Natalie Portman, Madonna, Drew Barrymore, Zooey Deschanel, Amanda Bynes and Dakota Fanning.

Make-up: my favourite products

Today I will share with you a few of the essential products that complete my make-up bag. I start off by applying Laura Mercier concealer which covers any blemishes and under-eye bags. I put MAC bronzer all over my face for a naturally sun-kissed look and then apply Bobbi Brown blusher to my cheekbones for a pinch of extra colour. For eye-shadow my favourite brand is Nars and I tend to go for neutral shades such as pale pink, nude and golden brown. I love Lancôme eye-liner and of course the volumising, lengthening and thickening mascara of Clinique. MAC lipstick offers an enormous choice of different shades and Clinique lipgloss completes any look.

Roots & Bulbs

Located in the heart of Marylebone, Roots & Bulbs is London’s first standalone, cold-pressed, juice bar. Their juice menu encompasses six different combinations of vegetables, such as beetroot, carrot, cucumber and spinach, as well as small amounts of fresh fruit to sweeten the taste. In addition, they offer a selection of nutritious smoothies made from ingredients such as banana, dates and avocado, takeaway super-food salads and organic coconut water and almond milk. 

How To Have a Healthier Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Scientific research has proven that people who eat breakfast are generally slimmer and healthier, as it revs up your metabolism, makes you feel energised and helps to reduce cravings throughout the day.

Cereal - Aim for cereals that are high in fiber and avoid those that are loaded with sugar. I love RudeHealth muesli and Nutribrex with almond milk, and I always add fruit, typically chopped banana and fresh berries.

Porridge - This is oatmeal that has been boiled and prepared slowly until a thick consistency is reached. Health benefits of porridge include appetite regulation, higher energy levels, oxygen transport, muscle recovery, strong bones and boosted immunity. I like to add a drop of Manuka honey or agave syrup, a sprinkle of cinnamon and a few walnuts which are high in fibre, protein and essential fats.

Eggs - There are so many different types - poached, scrambled, fried, boiled, omelettes… The egg-white are rich in protein, vitamin B, vitamin D and minerals such as zinc, iron and copper, whilst egg yolks are a source of cholesterol, calcium, vitamins A, D, E and K.

Smoothie - Fruit smoothies can be an easy way to nourish your body with essential nutrients. All you need is a blender, fruit and a base (water/milk/yoghurt). I don't use recipes when making smoothies; instead I just blend together a few of my favourite ingredients. I usually put one banana, a handful of blueberries and strawberries, a spoonful of chia powder and flaxseeds, a squirt of natural honey and 250ml of either almond milk or soya milk. 

Pancakes - Who said pancakes can't be healthy? A simple way to make them healthy is by adding mashed, grated or chopped fruits or vegetables to your pancake batter, enriching it with vitamins and minerals as well as flavour. Try mixing in banana, pumpkin, zucchini, pineapple, cranberries or sweet potatoes. Another trick is to swap regular wheat flour for quinoa, oats, flaxseed, rice or corn flour, which are suitable for celiacs or people following a gluten-free diet like myself! My favourite toppings include maple syrup and lemon juice, or melted dark chocolate with berries.

Baker & Spice

What better way to spend a rainy Sunday morning than enjoying a delicious brunch at Baker & Spice? Upon entering the café on Elizabeth Street, I was overcome by the inviting aroma of cinnamon buns, Danish pastries, flaky croissants and hand-crafted sourdough breads, all of which were freshly baked on the premises today. They offer a wide variety of sweet treats, such as cookies, tarts, toasted almond biscuits, shortbread brownies, decadent chocolate fudge cake and blueberry muffins. The all-day brunch ranges from French toast with caramelised apple slices and a drizzle of honey to home-made pancakes dusted with icing sugar and served with crème fraîche, fruit compote and honey, or for those searching for a healthier option, smoked Scottish salmon with scrambled eggs. The lunch menu is simple and Mediterranean-inspired, flavoured with spices and herbs. Most of the ingredients are seasonal, locally sourced, organic and Fairtrade. The three locations are Belgravia, Chelsea and Maida Vale, in addition to Selfridges Food Hall on Oxford Street.

DKNY Be Delicious

I received this perfume as a birthday present two years ago, and its beautifully fresh fragrance is exactly what I love to wear during the warmer months. This perfume has a floral base with a hint of citrus.

I love how this scent is very light-hearted and feminine. I adore the cute packaging of the perfume and the way in which it is shaped like an apple.

I also love the matching body lotion I received in the pack. The body lotion smells just like the perfume and is a nice creamy formula which is easily absorbed into the skin. The scent of the body lotion lasts several hours and works well with the perfume in making the scent last longer.

Do you have a signature scent?

New Kicks

We all know that thrill when a parcel arrives in the post. Today I was lucky enough to experience that excitement as I opened my the vibrant orange box to reveal my new Nike Free Runs which are bright blue with a lime green tick. 

These lightweight trainers have deep slices throughout the sole and reverse flex grooves running both horizontally and vertically which makes them completely flexible and comfortable, so they will not inhibit your movement in any way. Nike Free shoes merge the natural, healthy motion of a bare foot with the protection of traditional footwear. Below are a few images of other styles and colours that I love!

Gluten-Free Muesli

This morning I am enjoying my delicious gluten-free muesli, containing wholegrain oats, barley flakes, sultanas, apples, almonds, pumpkin seeds, dates and cinnamon), topped with fresh blueberries, strawberries, goji berries, dried cranberries, flaxseeds and soya milk. Yum!







Health benefits of a breakfast like this include: 
* Oats may lower your blood pressure because they are high in potassium and low in sodium
* Oats help with iron deficiency 
* Oats help to lower cholesterol as they are a soluble fibre which lowers bad LDL cholesterol levels in your blood.
* Nuts and seeds offer heart healthy fats, such as omega-3s and vitamins. 
* Berries contain powerful antioxidants which can help improve your health, protect your skin and hair, and prevent certain diseases.
* Berries contain Vitamin C which boosts the immune system and is responsible for the health of collagen, which helps maintain cartilage stores and aids in joint flexibility, reducing the risk of arthritis, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
* Berries contain folate which may protect against cardiovascular disease and age-related memory loss, and since folate contributes to the production of serotonin, it may also help ward off depression and improve your mood. 
* Flaxseeds are a rich source of micronutrients, dietary fiber, manganese, vitamin B1, and the essential fatty acid omega-3. Flaxseed can also help lower the risk of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

Wish List

Today I thought I would share with you 5 items which I love at the moment. Scroll down to view my wish list!

1. Stella McCartney - Falabella backpack in baby pink

2. Kenzo - silver bracelet

3. Olivia Von Halle - silk pyjamas

4. Balenciaga - studded wallet in grey

5. All Saints - leather biker jacket

Good Life Eatery

There is no doubt that the Good Life Eatery is London's new "it" place for those seeking delicious and nutritious food and drink. Situated on Sloane Avenue, it serves an array of super-food salads such as kale and quinoa, as well as cold-pressed juices and protein shakes - try the Choc Norris, made from almond milk, banana, raw cacao, hemp protein, maca powder and raw cashew cacao nibs. I also recommend the Clean and Lean bowl and the Skinny Eggs Benedict. 

For those with a sweet tooth like myself, we can finally indulge in cupcakes, muffins, croissants, brownies and chocolate-chip cookies without feeling too guilty, as they are all gluten, dairy and sugar free!

Bikram Yoga: the benefits

Bikram Yoga consists of 26 postures and two breathing exercises, practiced in a room heated to 40 °C (104 °F). It brings endless health benefits and works every part of your body down to a cellular level flushing toxins out of your system. The top 7 benefits are explained below.

1. Weight loss

Bikram Yoga is excellent for weight loss, burning 500 to 1000 calories a session. Your digestive system and metabolism will improve, normalizing your appetite and diminishing unhealthy cravings. Your fat will turn into muscle as you develop muscle tone and strength. Warm muscles burn fat more easily as the heat flushes and detoxifies the body. Your cardiovascular system is also worked and strengthened.

2. Blood Pressure & Cholesterol

Unstable high blood pressure can respond very quickly to a regular Bikram Yoga practice. Many students who maintain a regular practice are able to stop taking blood pressure medication and it can often help keep diabetic symptoms in check. Your circulation increases allowing blood to flow throughout your body cleansing and clearing your arteries and lowering cholesterol levels.

3. Joints and Back Pain

A combination of the heat and the moving, twisting, extending and compressing of every joint can alleviate arthritis. Bikram Yoga has helped countless numbers of people with back pain, stiff necks, headaches, scoliosis, herniated disks and many other back problems.  It works the spine in every direction with many beneficial backbends, creating a healthy spine and thus a healthy nervous system and leading to enhanced flexibility and successful recovery from injury (due to deep stretching).

4. Skin and Beauty

As you sweat, your pores are opened and cleaned allowing natural lanolin to release through the pores, softening and preserving your skin’s elasticity and leaving you with "the Bikram glow".

5. Stress, Anxiety & Emotions

When performing the 26 postures and two breathing exercises, the fight-or-flight response is turned off and a feeling of balanced well-being is replaced. A regular practice can lower cortisol levels, calm the mind, increase mental clarity and release and reduce stress and tension. Bikram Yoga harmonizes the nervous and endocrine systems and cultivates the mental faculties of faith, self-control, concentration, determination, and patience. As we become more aware of our inner life, we notice how events, interactions, and even the atmospheric pressure can affect us. 

6. Breathing problems

The heat promotes relaxation of the muscles and nerves, and you can work with as much intensity as appropriate for your needs. Bikram Yoga will relax your mind and help let go of tensions, toxins and negativity. It strengthens your heart and lungs, improving your lung function and helping with Asthma, Allergies, Respiratory Problems.

7. Thyroid regulation

Many of the postures in Bikram Yoga compress and work the thyroid thus helping to regulate the gland balancing thyroid levels, bringing increased energy, weight loss and better metabolism.

L. K. Bennett

My elegant new high heels are the Sledge Patent Leather Platform Court from the  L. K. Bennett signature collection. A favourite of some of the most glamorous women including Kate Middleton, these shoes are one of the most chic and classic pairs I own. The vast array of colours on offer range from a simple grey to a lemon yellow, but I settled for the taupe as it is by far the most sophisticated colour.

Click here to read an article about Kate wearing these gorgeous and versatile shoes.

Lancôme Juicy Tubes

When it comes to lip-gloss, Lancôme Juicy Tubes has got to be my all-time favourite. It gives shimmering finish to on top of any lipstick, or can be used alone to provide transparent shine in a wide range of deliciously fruity flavours.

My favourite fashion labels

Some of my favourite fashion designers of all time include Ralph Lauren, Stella McCartney, Oscar de La Renta, Isabel Marant, Marc Jacobs, Manolo Blahnik, Balenciaga, Mulberry and of course Coco Chanel, who is probably the most significant designer of timeless womenswear in the twentieth century. All of these labels are associated with luxury, femininity, grace, elegance and sophistication.

However, I am aware that the clothing lines produced by these talented designers are often pricey, so my basic wardrobe consists of mostly Topshop, Zara, Zadig & Voltaire, The Kooples, Sandro and Maje.

New Shoes

If you don't already own a pair of black heels - or even if you would like to invest in your 10th pair - they are an absolute must-have for any girl's wardrobe to be complete as they are so versatile and can be worn with an outfit of pretty much any colour. I bought this suede pair from Carvela by Kurt Geiger and I'm crazy about the snakeskin print on the stilettos. 

Scoop International Fashion Show

I spent last Sunday at Scoop, an international fashion trade-show taking place at the Saatchi Gallery on King's Road, which showcases emerging and established fashion designers. As you can see from the pictures, I had a lot of fun playing dress-up in Cashmere by Tania's new collection for Autumn-Winter 2014, including the luxurious fur-trimmed cardigans, and the stylish backless pink top.