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Life Update: New Year, New Beginnings
Happy New Year!
Can you believe we are two weeks into 2020 already? It’s been a whirlwind from christmas shopping to buzzing around running running christmas markets with Frame Your World, and taking up opportunities in London and speaking opportunities in Oxford.
LIFE UPDATE
I am still working on filling out the reflect part of my new 2020 bullet journal, and working to build in some exciting goals for me to form habits around this year. This is something I’ll share a lot more of in the future weeks and months as my new self care plan unfolds.
MY PLAN FOR THIS BLOG
I have so many platforms and channels going on at the minute that I just wanted to let this be a place where I pop in every so often, and let you know what I’m up too. If you’d like to be kept in the loop just enter your email in the newsletter and I’ll keep you posted.
Being creative and entrepreneurial means I’m always up to something so I hope if anything you find some entertainment and at times inspiration as I share some insight and real transparent thoughts around life and my journey.
LESSONS AND REFLECTIONS FROM
One of the big things I’ve discovered about myself in 2019 was how much I loved the sea. Upon landing myself the best boyfriend in the world (I know I’m bias), I got to spend a lot of time last year near or by the beautiful scenery of Dorset on the South Coast. I find it so nourishing and recommend that whether you love to get lost in a field or go hiking on the mountains, to find something this year that inspires you and allows you time to reflect and reset.
NEW YEAR 2020
This year I spent christmas with friends and family back home in Scotland, and for new year returned to spend time with Matt and recovering from the hustle and bustle that December consistently brings with it. For new year I opted to stay home and make a buffet and watch the London fireworks from the comfort of my own sofa. It was delightful but I was also still recovering from the drive and busy period that it was touch and go whether I would even stay away to see the bells or fall fast asleep as I’m in the habit of doing right now, on my couch.
Due to last year’s epic New Year that led myself and Matt pop down to the sea and stroll around his local town whilst everyone was still strolling home or fast asleep from the glitz and glamour of new years eve, I just had to long to capture that moment once again.
ROAD TRIP
We started off on a different route this year, and since we weren’t as close to the sea we drove down from Oxfordshire to the New Forest and Matt took us along some of the new villages and back roads to get a bit of something new in our new years day. It was a little rainy but in the end we had a lovely day. I stopped by a cute little cafe called the Beachcomer Cafe in Barton On Sea New Milton, and it was jam packed! It felt magical to watch the different conversations and taking in the wonder of a fresh new year and new decade. Despite tradition and plan to head home in time to make traditional Scottish steak pie, we ended up grabbing food from Turtle bay, which is one of our favourite date spots and headed home in time to watch the football. I still can’t believe how much I have grown to enjoy watching the Premier League on special occasions.
P.S. I didn’t get to make steak pie, but I did make an epic Scottish breakfast.
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Who does the best hot chocolate?
Whilst we strive to get the best value for our money, and move into a more flexible working environment. I got the idea to write about hot chocolate during one of my regular working sessions from the local coffee shop.
Living in West London we have everything from Pret, Starbucks, Costa, Cafe Nero and even a few specialist coffee shops such as Harris & Hoole, Artisan and a few others that I couldn’t mention because there are way too many for me to handle already.
I’ve reviewed a few and I thought I’d give you my recommendation by reviewing each one. Let me know if you have a favourite hot chocolate spot that hasn’t been reviewed in today’s post. I’d love to give it a go!
1. Pret
It’s ok. Powder based chocolate but for £2.40 it’s pretty sweet. They recently began stocking whipped cream as an extra at no extra cost. The only thing that bugs me is when barristers carelessly get the balance right and if you opt for cream in Pret you might find you’re cup with half a cup of hot chocolate instead of a full, or third at least.
2. Starbucks
To be honest I feel like most drinks are over priced here, and I am a loyal customer. The hot chocolate is ok, but I tend to go for a peppermint option here as I find it increases the appeal and taste of their original hot chocolate drink. I’ve also enjoyed their seasoned flavours including their Autumn Salted Carmel flavour.
3. Costa
A solid performer. Chocolate milk from what I can see, and I’m sure they use Cadbury. One of my favourite hot chocolates that I like to order with cream and fat free marshmallows. A little more expensive than Pret, but still cheaper than Starbucks.
4. Cafe Nero
These guys are not great at customer service, but their hot chocolate isn’t too bad in comparison to tasting other vendors. I like the chocolate sprinkles that appear on top of the cream.
6. Artisan
Great hot chocolate and smooth milk. No cream and no marshmallows. Portion size is considerably smaller than others and price is around £2.70 mark for a regular drink.
And my winner is… Costa coffee! It is hands down good value for money, quality hot chocolate, and even though it’s powder based chocolate, they are the only one of the 6 that offer marshmallows, which I believe makes the drink sing!
