Breakfast In Bed

Nothing makes me happier than getting cosy with a good breakfast in bed this time of year. Curling up with a warm cuppa, a Sunday paper or magazine and a few breakfast treats is my favourite way to start a lazy Sunday (particularly if I've had one too many Espresso martinis the night before).

Dave and I take turns in making breakfast for each other when we're at each other's houses - it's become a little weekend ritual for the days we don't have anything planned. So of course, when Brioche Pasquier asked if I'd like to get involved in their #ShareAMoment campaign, I had to get involved and show you guys how I enjoy my favourite breakfast in bed moments.

My favourite way to enjoy brioche is slathered in some butter and jam, though I've made a serious dent in the pack of brioche pain au chocolat's already too! I've also been enjoying the brioche sliced loaf - something I've never actually spotted or tried before. It's a lovely sweet twist with some scrambled eggs and herbs, but really the creations with this could be endless.

Hope you enjoyed this Sunday breakfast in bed post - I'd love to hear your favourite way to enjoy brioche too!

This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Brioche Pasquier

Best Brunch Spots In New York

If there's one thing we did a lot of in NYC, it was brunch. Even before we left I'd compiled a list of best brunch spots and screen shotted countless shots of eggs benny from my favourite New Yorker's Instagram. And let's be honest, brunch in New York is something else. They go above and beyond, from unique culinary creations to all-vegan menus and slices of french toast the size of a doorstep. So naturally, I had to share with you my some of my absolute favourites that you simply have to visit if you're in New York City. And if not, here's to some mouth-wateringly good weekend brunch inspo!

1. Jacks Wife Freda (Chelsea) - 50 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014

Following a Catfish and The Bottlemen gig downtown the previous evening, we were definitely in need of some serious re-fuelling the next morning. I'd spotted Jack's Wife Freda on many a New Yorker's Insta feed and was instantly drawn to the adorable branding (this is the place with cute quotes on the sugar packets!) and colourful looking brunch dishes. Inside, it 100% lived up to my expectations and the food was delicious – you simply have to order the eggs benny with beet hollandaise!

2. The Butcher's Daughter (West Village) - 581 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014

We popped in here after walking the whole length of Highline (in 30 degree heat, might I add), and were in desperate need of a sit down and some good food. After a monstrous portion of chilli cheese fries in a diner the day before, I was more than ready for all the goodness this vegan had to offer. We both went for kale salad variations, Liz a Caesar and me a mediterranean bowl topped with the most heavenly vegan cashew ricotta. All of course, balanced with a couple of pilsners from their own brewery – the perfect brunch/lunch spot for veggies, vegans or simply anyone that enjoys some seriously amazing tasting healthy food.

3. Rin Tin Tin (Nolita) - 14 Spring St, New York, NY 10012

This spot in Nolita was recommended to us by my US blogger babe Alyssa when we met up for drinks. 3 cocktails down combined with an accent barrier, I accidentally took the name down as 'Ren Ten Ten' (doh!) and was super disappointed when I couldn't find it online. So you can imagine my joy (and of course embarrassment at my own stupidity) when we stumbled upon a glorious looking place called Rin Tin Tin durning our day in Nolita. They served a serious portion of French toast and a side (read: 10 rashers) of bacon with molten fruit and maple syrup, which was probably my most favuorite brunch of the whole trip. They do, however, also have lighter options too – Liz's avo on toast looked pretty damn delish. Extra points for the most on-point dreamy decor in this place too.

4. AlMar (Dumbo) - 111 Front St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

We hit up this spot after a cold and windy walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. I'd been dying to see Dumbo (not mainly for the hope of spotting Rufus Humphry) and the iconic cobbled streets and old converted warehouse buildings, so as chilly as the walk across from Manhattan was - they were well worth it. We'd originally been reccomended a spot called Atrium which was unfortunately closed for a private event so, we were super delighted to stumble upon this lovely spot just around the corner. Half pub, half café, this Italian trattoria was just the ticket we needed to refuel. I went for a truffled wild mushroom, egg and melted cheese concoction off the specials board which was as divine as it sounds, though I did have some food envy of the woman sat next to us who ordered their insane 'eggs on a cloud' dish! Extra points for gorgeous tasting coffee too. 

Bookmark this post for your next trip to NYC!

A Staycation at the Wilderness Reserve

It has to be said, staycations are wildly underrated. As much as I've loved chasing the sun across Europe this summer, it's been great to have the chance to discover some beautiful parts of the motherland too. There's something about the English countryside that is so peaceful and familiar, a weekend in the country has become my go-to when I need a little break from the city.

So naturally, when the lovely folks at Tenderstem invited me to a mini-break to the wonderful Wilderness Reserve last week I immediately said yes. I was joined at Kings Cross by Mel, Kristabel and Kate, where we embarked on the 3 hour drive deep into rural Suffolk. Pastel cottages and farm animals a plenty, I was instantly excited about what this little corner of the country had to offer.

Wilderness Reserve certainly didn't disappoint. We were staying in the beautiful and brand new Walled Garden part of the estate, where everyone was greeted with a delicious afternoon tea – complete with tasty Tenderstem elements of course. After settling into our rooms, each of which complete with gorgeous mix of modern decor and traditional heritage details – think free standing copper baths and cosy wool woven blankets, we had some free time to explore.

Mel, Kristabel and I grabbed our cameras and three push bikes from the main house and spent the afternoon having a nosey around the grounds. From a Georgian manor to cute cottages and the most perfectly pink farm house, the reserve has so many beautiful different locations ideal for a break with a large group of friends or family (see them all here). Cycling through the grounds was so much fun, from sheep spotting (there's lots around the estate and they're so adorable) to navigating uneven paths and stopping for several photo ops we had such a laugh exploring the estate. 

Before dinner I had some free time, so instead of catching up on some admin, I decided to treat myself and went looking for the outdoor pool. Set in the woods and deep into the ground down a spiraling path, it's a pretty surreal but beautiful setting. Add to that I headed down at dusk, it was quite a magical experience – swimming alone, in the woods, in the semi-dark, I felt very at one with nature!

Come dinner time, we were spoilt with a three course menu. To start I had Tenderstem with feta and Morroccan cous cous followed by a main course of Guniea Fowl teamed with steamed Tenderstem dauphinoise potatoes with a flourless chocolate torte for dessert. It was all as mouth-wateringly delicious as it sounds. As someone who regularly cooks with Tenderstem, it was great to get some fresh inspiration of different ways to use it in meals – we even tried it as part of an eggs benny dish in the morning!

Thanks so much to Tenderstem and the Wilderness Reserve for the lovliest little staycation.

I'm wearing: Allsaints shirt (similar), Dorothy Perkins jeans, Missoma horn necklace & mini fang necklace, Glamorous neck tie blouse & silver knit, Asos belt, Zara shoes (similar), Tularosa x Rock Barnes swimsuit, and Forever 21 bag.

Gluten Free Breakfast Club Style Pancakes

Happy Easter everyone! To celebrate the four day weekend I've decided to write my first foodie post and share with you one of my favourite recipes - gluten free Breakfast Club style pancakes. Though pancake day has been and gone, I don't think you ever need an excuse to whip up this tasty breakfast dish!  Click below for more photos and the full recipe.