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Today I reached over 100 blog followers! Big thanks to Sarah who has really championed the blog over on iheartcosmetics. A big welcome to my new followers, hope you enjoy the blog! I really believe that beauty starts with good nutrition and exercise so hopefully you’ll find some inspiration here. I know not everyone that reads is signed up as a follower so if your a new reader a big welcome to you too!

My day started with a lovely breakfast – 1/3 cup of Dorset Super Cranberry, Cherry and Almond Muesli, 2 tablespoons of Total Greek Yoghurt and some of my apple, berry and cinnamon compote:

Apple, Berry and Cinnamon Compote

• 3 apples that are past their best
• 1/2 cup of frozen mixed berries
• 50ml of water
• 2 tablespoons of agave syrup
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon

Core, slice and chop the apples (keeping the skin on) add to a small pan along with the berries, water and agave. Simmer for 10 minutes or until the liquid as turned syrupy and the apple has softened. Use a hand blender to blend the mixture to desired consistency – I left mine a little chunky. Allow to cool then store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

 

This tasted wonderful with the muesli and yoghurt. It would also taste great with some raisins or soaked goji berries added to it. I was also really impressed with the muesli. It contains toasted wheat, barley and oat flakes which I find lighter than muesli that is oat based. As always with Dorset Cereals there were plenty of dried fruit, seeds and nuts in the mix too.

Mid morning I snacked on a little pot of my home made hummus with carrot and sugar snaps for dipping. I used a really straightforward recipe for the hummus:

Straight forward hummus

• 1 tin of drained chickpeas
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of tahini
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 clove of garlic
• water

Add the chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, lemon juice and garlic to a food processor. Blend to a smooth consistency adding a tablespoon of water at a time if required. You may also need to scrape down the sides of the food processor too. I added a pinch of ground cumin and finished with a good grinding of oak smoked chilli paprika and pepper.

 

Mine turned out thicker than a shop bought version and with more texture which I really like.

Lunch was a bowl of my home made Roast Tomato, Pepper and Chilli soup which was perfect for this horrible wet and rainy day along with a juicy pear.

Before leaving work for the gym I had a Beet It Shot.

At the gym I started with a 5 minute warm up on the cross trainer then continued with my usual HIIT (high intensity interval training) session on the cross trainer, step machine and bike. I finished off with 5 minutes on the rowing machine and some abs exercises. I didn’t push it too much with the Great North Run coming up but I still got a good workout in.

I just wanted something quick and easy for dinner so I made a cheese omelette using 1 egg and two eggs whites filled with a little grated edam cheese and served with a huge salad of spinach, yellow pepper, carrot, cucumber and red onion – got to get those raw veggies in!

For desert I made up some mint chocolate protein ice cream by blending a scoop of chocolate whey powder with 3 ice cubes, soy milk, natural mint extract and 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum to thicken. I topped it with a few raw cacao nibs.

Yum! This was lovely and filling as always although I wasn’t very happy as while making this one of the blades in my blender broke! I can still use it but I’m going to have to invest in a new one. Any recommendations? I need something pretty hard wearing that can deal with ice and daily use. I also had an un pictured apple.

Unique fashion and home wear

Over the weekend I spent some time browsing on a few websites that specialise in offering products that are more unique, either because they are one off or because they are customisable. I love things that are a bit different – I think they can add so much individuality! My favourite websites for products like this are Not On The High Street and Etsy. Here’s some the items I spotted:

Personalised Printed Cotton Shopper Bag – Not On The High Street

 Engraved Heart Charm Necklace – Not On The High Street

 Silver Leather Hobo Bag - Etsy

 Night and Owl, Pair of pillows - Etsy

Soft Leather Ballet Flats – Etsy

Wooden Gold Gilded Letters – Graham and Green

Have you bought anything from Not On The High Street or Etsy before? What’s your favourite website for finding more unique items? I’m so in love with that heart charm necklace, I may have to leave a few hints for the hubby in time for Christmas!