Blogging for Branch309 | My Debut

Many of you will know that I'm a photographer over at schuh and Branch309, what you may not know is that I'm one on the dream team that run the Branch309 blog too. I've been pestering folk at head office to be blog stars for years now and the powers that be have finally convinced to show my face and join in. 

Not only did I have to get my photo taken (come on a might enjoy a selfie or two on Instagram but that's totally different right?)

To even out the awkward with some cute, I managed to sneak in some photos of Thor 

And no blog about me would be complete without showing off Cupcake's good looks too

But if you fancy reading the whole post you can do here.

Have a beautiful weekend everyone!

Painting, a creepy kitten and new friends...

This weekend, although totally loaded with the cold *sniff* has been full to the brim of DIY. Now that my flatmate has moved up the road (actually just up the road) I have absolutely no excuses for putting off the painting any more! NEVER make the mistake I did this week, I thought I could just gloss over the last two doors in my hallway and boom, pretty, white hallway. No, that didn't work. Now I'm looking at fresh white gloss next to three year old gloss and although they are both meant to be white they just aren't. It's disastrous, but it will keep me out of trouble for the next few weekends.

Luckily I had this little creep to keep me entertained while I made a start on all the painting.

I'm in love with my new lampshade in my bedroom, that's three coloured domes in my flat now - obsessed.

I popped into Love Salvage for a quick rummage, obviously because I don't really need anything I found EVERYTHING that I've ever wanted. Just look at that white and blue cabinet.

I also cracked out the woolly hat for the first time this autumn and made a new friend at the Barras whilst trying to find my favourite but hard to find second hand furniture shop. I will call my new friend Mindy, I miss Mindy already.

I suppose I should really get back to tidying the mess I've made in my flat... Happy Sunday!

Recipe: detox water

I saw this on Pinterest about a year ago and I've sworn by it ever since. I always thought detox water was a myth, or a buzz word but I tried this and I honestly don't know if it really helps to detox you but I do know it's really tasty and that it makes my skin look brighter when I drink it regularly.

What you'll need:

• 1 litre jug
• half a cucumber
• 1 lemon
• a handful of fresh mint
• water

All you need to do it chop the cucumber into chunks, slice the lemons into wedges and stick them all in the jug. Add the mint leaves and fill with water. Leave it in the fridge for a few hours to let the water become infused and enjoy the refreshing water. It's perfect for the summer, even this unreliable Scottish one!

A week in the life...

Last week I was lucky enough to take the week off to visit my parents with my man friend and although it's not home (because I'm a bit of a gypsy) it's always so lovely to breathe some country air even if it does rain for the first few days! Here's what I got up to.

I wore a chav level gold

Took the city cat out in the garden (she didn't like it one bit)

Fed some ducks

Found a Hawaiian cafe in Cleethorpes

And brought a bit of Cleethorpes home for the fridge

Recipe: Blueberry Smoothie

In my post earlier today about Genius I said I'd give you the recipe for a delicious blueberry and banana smoothie. It's crazy simple and super tasty this is all you need:

• 1/2 cup of blueberries (I keep a stash of blueberries in the freezer)
• 1 banana
• 1 cup of hazelnut milk (or any other milk)

All you need to do is bung it all in a blender and blend until it's smooth. It turns this gorgeous purple colour and like I said in my previous post, a joy especially for breakfast. 

How cute are my new strawberry glasses and milk jug? I may well have gone on a little spree in ASDA last week...

 

 What's your perfect smoothie?

Review: Genius pains au chocolat

One of the things I miss most since going completely wheat free is pastry! Yes, yes, I know that pastries are full of fat but it's good to have a sweet treat every now and again. I've tried a lot of gluten free foods and Genius are certainly my go to brand for a gluten free staples when there's just no time to bake anything. I rely on Genius bread to feed my sandwich habit but now I can pretend that I am indulging in some pastry like I used to.

These pains au chocolats are to die for! The pastry is buttery and flaky, just like a pastry should be and if you warm them up in the grill they are the perfect weekend breakfast with a home made smoothie, I'll post the recipe for the blueberry smoothie later today.

What's your favourite sweet treat or Genius product?

New Addition!

You'll all know that I'm a HUGE fan of animals, be they whales (I've adopted two), llamas, screaming goats, rabbits or kittens, I LOVE THEM ALL. You all know my little rabbit Cupcake (If you don't she often makes an appearance on social media) this is her when I first brought her home:

Since I got her, I've been collecting a small zoo. I now have a fish called Willam and now I have a new addition to the family, a KITTEN! They are all so adorable, especially when Thor the kitty follows Cupcake around the flat or just chilling on the sofa.

Thor is now 11 weeks old and a total terror! But she is now the star of a schuh YouTube video with her big sister Boo, I know I'm biased but aren't they adorable?

If you want to watch Nadia's handiwork over and over and over, hop over to the schuh YouTube.